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Top 50 College Football Teams of 2016: No. 46, Northwestern

Related Topics: Pat Fitzgerald

Coach: Pat Fitzgerald

2015 Record: 10-3

Projected 2016 record: 8-4

Circle the date: Oct. 15 at Michigan State

Bowl trip: Quick Lane

Why No. 46: It sure isn’t because of the number of returning starters. Fitzgerald has just 11 back, among the lowest total in the FBS. But one of those returnees is hotshot running back Justin Jackson, who has gained more than 2,600 yards in his first two seasons. He will get more help from quarterback Clayton Thorson, who enters his second season as starter.