Northwestern at Michigan State College Football: Everything You Need To Know

EAST LANSING, MI - A season that started so poorly for Northwestern has a chance to even out in surprising fashion if the Wildcats can pull off the upset in East Lansing, Michigan.

Traditionally, the chances of Northwestern prevailing on the road against Michigan State are slim, but this year’s incarnation of the Spartans is sputtering and the Wildcats have gained a smidge of momentum after beating Iowa on the road 38-31 on Oct. 1. Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson was efficient against the Hawkeyes, completing 18 of 30 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions while running back. Justin Jackson gained 171 rushing yards on 26 carries. He also added a touchdown.

If the Wildcats can continue their offensive surge, the Spartans may struggle to keep up. Michigan State has lost its last three games by a combined score of 85-41, including a 31-14 home loss to BYU last weekend. The Spartans are in danger of losing four in a row for the first time since 2006, which was the year before coach Mark Dantonio joined the program. Against the Cougars, Michigan State only managed 121 yards in the air as Dantonio replaced an ineffective Tyler O’Connor (7 of 11, 58 yards) with Damion Terry (6 of 10, 63 yards) at quarterback, but neither was able to produce much. At press time, it was unclear which quarterback was going to take the reigns against the Wildcats.

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Kickoff time: 2:30 p.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, WGN Radio AM-720
Point spread: Michigan State is favored by 4.5 points, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Michigan State football website.