The Wildcats are just one win away from clinching the Big Ten West for the second time in three years.

After last year’s 3-9 slide, it’s hard to believe how quickly this team has flipped the script as it commands the national spotlight and enters the discussion for the College Football Playoff, but for those dreams to become a reality, NU will have to defeat a few other manageable opponents first, including the Michigan State Spartans this Saturday.

The Spartans are amidst a rebuilding year with a new coach and new quarterback. While they defeated rival Michigan, they’ve struggled against a number of other teams like Indiana, Iowa and Rutgers. However, NU cannot get too confident and must take care of business because one loss would end their playoff hopes as quickly as they began.

Broadcast Information

Location: Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, Michigan)

Game Time: 2:30 p.m. CT

TV: ESPN

Radio: WGN Radio AM-720, WNUR Sports 89.3 FM

Online: BTN+

Betting line: Northwestern -13, O/U 41.5 (SportsLine)

SP+ Projection: 24-14 Northwestern (72% chance of a Northwestern win)