Northwestern vs. Nebraska Gamethread

It's homecoming weekend at Northwestern and the Wildcats will play host to Ameer Abdullah and the No. 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers. This is the biggest game to date in the Big Ten's West division as both teams have suffered just one Big Ten loss.

Following Minnesota's narrow win over Purdue and Iowa's loss to Maryland earlier today, it's the Gophers who have taken control of the division. But whichever team wins tonight will have the inside track to win the West.

Including Nebraska's stunning victory over Northwestern last season (WARNING: link contains graphic images), this three-year series has been decided by a combined seven points and could be the most underrated "rivalry" in the nation. And there's no reason to think tonight's contest will be any different.

On offense, both teams rely on their running backs. For Nebraska, Abdullah is one of the best backs in the nation. He's one of those players that a defense won't be able to stop. If Northwestern is able to just slow him down or contain him, they have a shot at solving Nebraska's offense.

On the flipside, Northwestern leans heavily on freshman tailback Justin Jackson who has emerged as one of the Big Ten's breakout players. But if the Wildcats are going to pull off the upset, quarterback Trevor Siemian will have to produce some big plays through the air and go out and win the game. Playing conservatively will not get it done.

If you're not at Ryan Field tonight, that won't be a problem. Grab a cold beverage, pop on the T.V. and join us below for some thrilling in-game analysis.