Northwestern University Athletics
Football Images of the Year
2016 Outback Bowl Tickets Available Now!
The #B1GCats are celebrating the third 10-win regular season in program history. Vote in our Plays of the Year contest at the link below, then scroll down to see the top photos of 2015. A new game will be added each day leading up to Bowl Week!
Northwestern 16, #21 Stanford 6
Redshirt freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) races down the field 42 yards for the Wildcats first touchdown of the season. Thorson finished with 173 yards of total offense in his first career start under center.
The sideline celebrates in the fourth quarter following a 25-yard completion from redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson to senior wide receiver Miles Shuler (5).
Sophomore safety Kyle Queiro (21) intercepts a pass in the end zone late in the fourth quarter to seal the Wildcats' 16-6 victory over No. 21 Stanford. Chicago's Big Ten Team limited the Cardinal to a season-low six points and 240 yards of total offense in the game.
Junior linebacker Tom Hruby (35) carries the flag out of the tunnel and onto the field on Heroes Day. Hruby, a 34-year old walk on and former NAVY SEAL, later carried the ball five times for 25 yards.
Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald leans down and kisses the Stanley Cup Trophy prior to kickoff against Eastern Illinois. Northwestern hosted the Chicago Blackhawks and their 2015 Stanley Cup Trophy prior to defeating the Panthers, 41-0.
Junior running back Warren Long (13) hurdles a pair of Eastern Illinois defenders. Long finished the game with a career-high 12 carries and 72 rushing yards, including his first career touchdown.
Sophomore running back and kick return specialist Solomon Vault (4) returns the opening kickoff of the second half to give the Wildcats the lead.
Junior running back Warren Long (13) runs away from the defense while redshirt freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) celebrates knowing that Long is on his way to the game-clinching touchdown.
Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates on the field with his son following the Wildcats' 19-9 win over Duke.
The Wildcats take the field in their black matte helmets under the lights on September 26 against the Ball State Cardinals.
Sophomore running back Justin Jackson (21) runs away from the defense for a game-high 62-yard run. Jackson finished the game with 184 rushing yards.
The Northwestern offense lines up with redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson (18) at quarterback and sophomore Justin Jackson (21) at running back under the picturesque lights and Ryan Field sign.
Junior cornerback Matthew Harris (27) makes a diving interception as a part of the Wildcats' first shutout against a Big Ten opponent in 20 years.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) celebrates following a five-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Thorson had a pair of scores on the ground in the win.
Sophomore middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (18) and senior safety Traveon Henry (2) share a celebration following Walker's 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that sealed the Wildcats' first shutout of a Big Ten foe since 1995.
Senior cornernback Nick VanHoose (23) races down the sideline en route a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown. The touchdown was the first of his career.
Junior wide receiver Austin Carr (80) makes a leaping catch to convert a key third down late in the game vs. Nebraska.
Senior superback Dan Vitale (40) hauls in a 37-yard pass for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in the Wildcats' 30-28 win over Nebraska.
Senior defensive end Dean Lowry (94) lifts Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg during the Wildcats' game versus the Nittany Lions.
Northwestern alumni (B.S., Journalism, 1970; M.S. 1971) and author of A Song of Ice and Fire, which HBO later adapted for its dramatic series entitled Game of Thrones, was recognized during the game with Willie the Wildcats and Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips.
Senior wide receiver/holder Christian Salem (2) celebrates following Jack Mitchell's game-winning 37-yard field goal versus Penn State. Salem handled a low snap and was able to place the ball before Mitchell nailed the attempt for a 23-21 win over the Nittany Lions.
Sophomore middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (18) looks into the Purdue backfield.
Senior wide receiver Mike McHugh (6) hurdles a defender on the Northwestern sideline in the third quarter of the Wildcats' victory over Purdue.
Senior members of the Northwestern football program took a photo with their the Class of 2016 on Ryan Field following the Wildcats' victory over Purdue.
Sophomore running back Justin Jackson (21) celebrates a touchdown versus Wisconsin with his teammates Dan Vitale (40) and Blake Hance (72).
Senior defensive end Deonte Gibson (13) flexes towards the Northwestern sideline following one of his career-high three sacks versus Wisconsin.
Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald raises his arms in celebration following the Wildcats' defensive stand to secure their 13-7 win over Wisconsin.
