College football: Northwestern at MSU

When: 11 a.m. at Spartan Stadium

TV: ESPN2; Radio: WGN 720-AM, WNUR 89.1-FM

Series: Michigan State leads 33-16.

Coaches: Pat Fitzgerald (23-20, fourth year at NU); Mark Dantonio (19-13, third year at MSU; 37-30 overall)

Players to watch: Senior QB Mike Kafka ranks second in the Big Ten in total offense (260.5 ypg), but the Wildcats are winning with defense. Junior LB Quentin Davie leads in tackles (48), tackles for loss (6), sacks (4), quarterback hurries (4) and forced fumbles (3). CB Sherrick McManis warrants all-Big Ten attention, in part due to his interception in each of the last three games.

MSU sophomore QB Kirk Cousins ranks second in the Big Ten in passer efficiency (141.8 rating), but the Spartans have won lately with defense. MLB Greg Jones, who ranks third in the nation with 71 tackles, received the "I like to watch him play" seal of approval from NU coach Pat Fitzgerald. Freshman DE Jerel Worthy has sacks in four of his last five games.

The skinny: Northwestern hasn't faced a team as good as Michigan State this season. The Spartans aren't allowing rushing yardage (just 102. ypg) and the Wildcats aren't earning rushing yardage (just 122.8 ypg). In short, the oddsmakers' decision to make NU a 14-point underdog makes sense. But the Wildcats have had a way of overturning the odds when on the Big Ten road. The defense and special teams, which have teamed up for 11 sacks and 10 turnovers the last two weeks, need to stay at that level to get the victory.