EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) - It has been more than six decades since Northwestern won a bowl game, and the current players were in elementary school when the 2000 team captured a share of the Big Ten title, the most recent one for the program.

That's something the Wildcats hope to change this year behind quarterback Kain Colter.

They're coming in with a big chip on their shoulder after a disappointing 6-7 season that began with a Heisman Trophy campaign for former quarterback Dan Persa and ended with their fourth bowl loss in as many seasons. That put Northwestern's postseason record at 1-9, the lone win coming when the 1948 team beat California in the Rose Bowl.

The season opener is Sept. 1 against Syracuse.