BM: MSU started the season 7-0, as you said, but had a tough time defending teams which utilized spread offenses (Troy, Tennessee, etc.). Other teams took notice. Even teams not known as spread teams, implemented aspects of the offense and some of the hurry-up to confuse the Bulldogs, who have not done well communicating in the secondary against pass-happy teams. The defense just has not lived up to the hype this season and they’re capable of so much more.

BM: Dan Mullen is never going to focus on the negatives. He just doesn’t. That’s his style. But the fan base has done so of late and there’s no doubt that a 1-4 finish to the season has chipped away some of the mystique of the season. There’s an undercurrent is negative, but a win against nationally-ranked Northwestern, I think, would wash that away. Facing three top 10 teams in consecutive weeks was tough, and at times I thought the Bulldogs had a chance to knock off LSU before they made some mistakes.

BM: Tyler is very good at staying in the pocket, absorbing hits and allowing his receivers’ routes to develop. Sometimes that helps him and other times it hurts. He’s held onto the ball too long at times, and while it hasn’t necessarily led to sacks, it’s led to some big plays being missed down field. With that said, Tyler Russell is the best quarterback in MSU history after only one year as a starter. His completion percentage should be higher, but he’s pretty consistent and he doesn’t make mistakes (22 TDs, 6 INTs). He could have a special senior season in 2013.

BM: Keep your eyes on tight ends Marcus Green and Malcolm Johnson. They may be the best pass-catchers on the team, though they have been lost in the mix of late. Green was leading the SEC in TD receptions a few weeks into the season. They’re legit threats.

Oh, and backup QB Dak Prescott is a bruiser. He comes into the game in red-zone and short-yardage situations much like Dan Mullen utilized Tim Tebow in his freshman season.

BM: As bad as the communication has been at times in the secondary, that whole group is very talented. The lack of the pass rush has forced the defensive backs to cover receivers much longer than they should and it’s led to some big pass plays. Senior CB Darius Slay’s five interceptions is tied for the SEC lead, so keep an eye on him. Safety/cornerback Corey Broomfield led MSU in interceptions as a freshman and is now a senior. Broomfield and Slay grew up within a couple hours of Jacksonville (Slay in Brunswick, Ga., and Broomfield in Palm Bay, Fla.) and will have plenty of friendly eyes in the stands. They could have a big game.

BM: I just think Mullen has them believing in themselves again. Some of it has to do with matchups. Let’s face it: Michigan completely gave up in the Gator Bowl two years ago, but a lot of that had to do with the pounding MSU gave the Wolverines in the trenches. They broke the Wolverines’ backs and they gave up with a lame duck coach on the sideline. The win against Wake Forest last year was tough and, again, was won because of the Bulldogs being physical up front. I think that’s what has been the common theme in those bowl wins: MSU was just more physical and bigger. Now, the criticism facing this MSU team is that they’re not physical enough. That will be tested Tuesday. I’ve had several players tell me that they need to get back to running the ball effectively, which means they’re ready to get their hands dirty and their noses bloody.

BM: MSU’s passing game is the strength on offense, though LaDarius Perkins can break one loose at any time. WR Chad Bumphis has really done an incredible job this season and will go down as fan favorite once he leaves here in January. The defense is strong in the secondary, as mentioned above. Johnthan Banks won the Thorpe Award with four picks. Slay has five picks.

Prediction (with score)?

BM: I can see Northwestern getting out to an early lead, perhaps by double digits, before MSU catches back up in the passing game and by not abandoning the run game. I think MSU has what it takes to wear Northwestern down in the trenches if it keeps the run game going late. The Wildcats’ run defense is VERY good, as we know, but MSU may be a bit stronger in the trenches and I think it will show late. I’ll take MSU 31, Northwestern 27.