Ryan Field is home to its first game under the lights this season, as Northwestern will host the Akron Zips from the land of MACtion. This is the first meeting between these two teams in the programs’ histories.

Coming off of a forgettable loss last week against Duke, this is a big game for the Wildcats. It establishes an opportunity to figure out how to play a four quarter game, something NU hasn’t quite been able to pull off so far. It also provides the offense with a great chance to find a rhythm before hosting Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan team in two weeks. With all that said, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming contest.

Preview links

-Pat Fitzgerald was joined by some players for an eventful Monday press conference

-Here are some things to know about Akron

-The injury report

-A look at where Northwestern stands heading into the third week of the season, and why the loss against Duke is mostly harmless in the scheme of the season

-Why Northwestern will/won’t beat Akron

-Uniforms!

-None of our staffers are pegging Northwestern to fully cover the spread this week, though some have a much closer final than others

Broadcast Information

Game Time: 6:30 p.m. CT

TV: Big Ten Network (maybe an overflow channel depending on where you are)

Radio: WGN Radio AM-720

Online: BTN2Go

Mobile: BTN2Go app

Betting Line: Northwestern -21, over/under 45