Western Michigan @ Northwestern preview

No. 16 Northwestern goes for its 15th straight non-conference home win when it hosts Western Michigan on Saturday in the teams’ first-ever meeting. The Wildcats averaged 46 points and 544.5 total yards in beating California and Syracuse with quarterbacks Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian both playing at a high level. Kolter, who suffered a concussion in the opener, is listed as questionable but expected to suit up again like he did last week.

The Broncos are staggering after a 27-23 home loss to FCS opponent Nicholls State. First-year coach P.J. Fleck knew he was in for a rebuilding job as the team returned just 10 starters, two on offense. Senior quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen has thrown four interceptions without a touchdown pass.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Northwestern -30.5.

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (0-2): The Broncos are averaging 18 points and just 3.4 yards per carry. But diminutive senior running back Brian Fields provided some hope last week when he ran for 103 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. Freshman Corey Davis is the top receiving threat - he’s made eight catches in each game for a total of 212 yards and a touchdown.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (2-0): Now 2-0 for the seventh straight year, Northwestern has won nine straight against MAC foes and is 16-8-1 all-time against the conference. Top running back Venric Mark is questionable with a lower-body injury. In the absence of the senior, junior Treyvon Green has run 29 times for 195 yards and three scores.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Northwestern hasn't lost a home non-conference game since a 20-14 defeat to Duke in 2007.

2. Western Michigan ran for just 11 yards in its opening loss to Michigan State.

3. Northwestern has 16 interceptions in its last five games dating to last season.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 48, Western Michigan 20