Northwestern @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2011 ) Minnesota 13, Northwestern 28

Northwestern will try to get over the disappointment of its first loss when it visits Minnesota on Saturday. The Wildcats, who were bidding for their first 6-0 start since 1962, blew a 11-point lead with less than 10 minutes remaining last week en route to a 39-28 loss at Penn State. Minnesota had a week off to recover from its first setback of 2012 - a 31-13 loss at Iowa on Sept. 29. Northwestern and its spread offense will face a stiff challenge for the second straight week in the Gophers' defense, which is 23rd in the nation at 320.8 yards allowed. Minnesota's offense, though, has scored only 30 points in its last two games.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Northwestern -3

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten Legends): The Wildcats appeared on their way to victory when Venric Mark returned a punt 75 yards to give them a 28-17 lead with 50 seconds left in the third quarter before Penn State scored the final 22 points. Mark, who added 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground, is one of three FBS players with two or more punt returns this season. Northwestern gained only 247 yards against Penn State, one week after recording a school-record 704 against Indiana. The Wildcats are 26-for-28 in the red zone this season, including 16 touchdowns. Northwestern has won four of the last five meetings, while the road team has won three of the last four in the series.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten Legends): The Gophers can avoid starting 0-2 in the Big Ten for the third straight year if they contain Northwestern's Kain Colter, who has accounted for nine touchdowns (seven rushing) this season while playing quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Minnesota may also receive a boost from the return of quarterback MarQueis Gray, who missed the last two games with a sprained ankle. Coach Jerry Kill said Gray, who would offer a different challenge for the Wildcats' defense with his ability to run, could play in certain situations. Backup quarterback Max Shortell has played in Gray's absence and was 20-for-33 for 197 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions against the Hawkeyes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. With a victory, Northwestern will become bowl-eligible for the fifth straight season and the sixth time in seven years under coach Pat Fitzgerald.

2. The Golden Gophers have scored 132 points. They didn't reach that number until their eighth game last season.

3. Minnesota leads the series 50-32-5, including 28-13-3 at home.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 27, Minnesota 20