Northwestern at Minnesota College Football: Everything You Need To Know

Northwestern continued its late-season resurgence with a 45-17 victory over Purdue on Saturday. After starting the year 1-3, the Wildcats have improved their play so dramatically that the oddsmakers have the Wildcats favored on the road against a team that is 7-3.

Perhaps the Las Vegas insiders were impressed with Northwestern’s efforts in tight losses against national powerhouses Ohio State and Wisconsin, followed by its resounding triumph over the Boilermakers. In that game, Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson enjoyed a strong effort as he threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns, with two of those scoring plays going to wide receiver Austin Carr (5 receptions, 92 yards, 2 touchdowns).

Minnesota’s stellar season hit a speed bump last week when the Golden Gophers fell to No 19 Nebraska 24-17, snapping their four-game winning streak. Minnesota led 17-10 at halftime but its offense bogged down in the second half as the Cornhuskers held the Gophers scoreless. Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner was somewhat ineffective as he completed 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards, but didn’t throw any touchdowns and tossed an interception. The Gophers also struggled on the ground, carrying the ball 35 times for only 85 yards.

Kickoff time: 2:30 p.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, WGN Radio 720 AM
Point spread: Northwestern is favored by 1 point, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Minnesota football website.

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