Nebraska @ Northwestern preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 5, 2011 ) Northwestern 28, Nebraska 25

A potential spot in the Big Ten championship game will be on the line when Nebraska visits Northwestern on Saturday. The winner will remain in contention in the Legends Division race while the loser's chances will be all but gone. The Wildcats trail first-place Michigan and Iowa by a half-game while the Cornhuskers are a game behind. Northwestern became the first conference team to become bowl-eligible with last week's 21-13 victory at Minnesota. Nebraska had a week off to regroup after an early lead turned into a 63-38 loss at Ohio State on Oct. 6. The outcome could come down to how the Wildcats' run defense, which is No. 2 in the conference, handles the Cornhuskers' rushing game, which leads the Big Ten.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN2. LINE: Nebraska -4.5

ABOUT NEBRASKA (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten): It had to be a long week in Lincoln after the Cornhuskers were embarrassed against Ohio State. Nebraska allowed 498 yards, including 371 on the ground. Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, but was intercepted three times and lost a fumble. Taking care of the ball has been a season-long problem for Nebraska, which has 15 turnovers through six games. Running back Rex Burkhead, who averages 9.1 yards per carry, is expected to play despite having a knee injury.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (6-1, 2-1): The defense will have its hands full in this one against Nebraska's offense, which averages 43.7 points and 507.3 yards, including 292 on the ground. A high-scoring game won't be anything new to the Wildcats, who are averaging 31.1 points. Tailback Venric Mark and quarterback Kain Colter are the keys to the offense. Mark leads the Big Ten and ranks fourth nationally in all-purpose yards a game with 184.6. Colter, who has rushed for 421 yards, is known more for his running than his throwing, but was 10 of 10 passing against Minnesota.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Northwestern defeated Nebraska 28-25 in Lincoln last season, a game in which the Wildcats led most of the way.

2. The Wildcats are 10-2 in their last 12 regular season games dating to Oct. 29, 2011.

3. Nebraska receiver Tim Marlowe is expected to return after sustaining a broken collarbone in the season opener against Southern Mississippi.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 35, Nebraska 31