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Illinois' Big Ten schools are clashing to close their regular season schedule. The Northwestern Wildcats (6-5; 7-4-0 ATS) are venturing to Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL) where the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-6; 3-8-0 ATS) eagerly await. Illinois won the past two years, but Northwestern took the six battles before that. Another chapter is ready to be written at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Northwestern can spoil Illinois' bowl dreams on the road. Will the Fighting Illini let it happen?
Last Saturday's eight-point win over Purdue was Northwestern's sixth of the season. Forcing four turnovers was the key to the game. The Wildcats have only allowed 35 points over their past three games, so they're clicking at the right time. For the season, they've allowed 22.1 points per contest. Most of the damage has come on the ground, where Northwestern gives up 164.3 yards per game (last in the Big Ten) on 4.3 yards per carry. They've also surrendered 19 rushing touchdowns. Against the pass, Northwestern is much sturdier. The Wildcats have nine interceptions against 11 touchdowns allowed, while only giving up 177.9 yards per game. Add 23 sacks to that total. If Northwestern can hold firm in the trenches, they'll survive again.
Offensively, Northwestern has scored 23 or more points in three of their past four games. Still, their offensive numbers for the season are ugly. They average the second-fewest total yards (298.4) and rushing yards (101.4) in the Big Ten. It leads to only 20.7 points per game. The passing game, led by Ben Bryant, only gains 197.0 yards per contest. Northwestern has been better lately, but this offense has been ugly for most of the season.
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