Northwestern entered the 2023 season on the heels of a combined 4-20 record across 2021-22. David Braun has surpassed that win total in his first season, and he’s now the full-time coach for the Wildcats.

After the offseason firing of Pat Fitzgerald on the heels of a hazing scandal, Braun assumed the post of interim head coach. The Wildcats responded with a strong showing this season, including a wild comeback over Minnesota, an impressive showing against Maryland and a road victory over Wisconsin.

That all led to Saturday’s game against Purdue where RB Cam Porter and QB Ben Bryant engineered a 23-15 win over the Boilermakers to get to 6-5 overall. It is the most wins in a full season for the program since 2018 (not counting the shortened 2020 season), and the 4 conference wins are also the most since 2018.

In Saturday’s win, Bryant led the passing attack by going 13-for-24 throwing the ball with 230 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Porter was impressive carrying the ball with 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Wildcats stormed into the postseason.

Now, Northwestern will turn its attention to the season-ending rivalry against Illinois with a shot to get to 7 regular-season wins. Beyond that, Braun will get the added benefit of bowl practices as he heads into his first full offseason leading the program.