With the exception of a blowout last year, the Northwestern-Nebraska series has been pretty outstanding ever since the Huskers joined the Big Ten. Northwestern upset Nebraska in Lincoln in 2011, while the Wildcats lost on a late missed field goal against the Huskers in 2012. The 2013 game had fewer implications, but it might be the most memorable, as Nebraska won on a last-second Hail Mary from backup quarterback Ron Kellogg III.
How to watch Northwestern vs. Nebraska on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
This may not be a big game nationally, but it is for these two teams.
So what’s in store this year in Lincoln? Just two weeks ago, Northwestern was 5-0 and ranked No. 13 in the country, with wins over Duke and Stanford. But after blowout losses at the hands of Michigan and Iowa, the Wildcats are reeling, struggling with an absolutely brutal offense and a defense that has broken under so much pressure.
In Nebraska, things aren’t great either, but they’re certainly better after the 3-4 Huskers finally blew out a power conference team, with a 48-25 win over Minnesota to take home the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy.
This is a huge game for both teams. Northwestern needs to get back on track, while Nebraska needs to show that it’s on the right path toward at least bowl eligibility.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2
Radio: Northwestern, Nebraska
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Nebraska is favored by 6.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Inside NU for Northwestern fans and Corn Nation for Nebraska fans.
Three big things to know
1. Northwestern’s offense has been very, very bad. The Wildcats aren’t in the top 100 nationally in any of Bill Connelly’s five factors. Meanwhile, Nebraska has a terrible pass defense. Can Northwestern take advantage of that? One of these much-maligned units will have to step up.
2. Mike Riley is already under fire big-time in Lincoln for his 3-4 start. What happens if he loses to Northwestern? With games still to play against Michigan State and Iowa, this is a must-win for the Huskers to ensure they don’t have their backs against the wall when it comes to bowl eligibility.
3. Will there be another crazy ending? This series, and Nebraska’s 2015 team, have produced plenty of them.
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