Northwestern vs. Minnesota preview: Wildcats look to put tough loss behind them

The Northwestern Wildcats will look to dust themselves off after a disappointing loss to Penn State when they travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten Legends division clash. Northwestern started the year 5-0 and was ranked, but a fourth quarter collapse prevented it from keeping its early season run going. Minnesota also started the season quickly, going 4-0, but lost 31-13 to Iowa two weeks ago, and stewed over the loss during its bye week last week.

The game is a matchup of strength against strength. Northwestern's offense, behind quarterback Kain Colter, is capable of racking up yards and is averaging over 30 points per game. Minnesota's defense, however, is ranked in the top 30 in both scoring and total defense, so the Wildcats will have to work hard for what they can get. The weakness Northwestern may be able to exploit is Minnesota's run defense, which gives up nearly 140 yards per game. Colter and speedy running back Venric Mark, like most weeks, will hold the key to the win.

Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minn.

When: 11 a.m. CT

TV: ESPN2

Odds: Northwestern is favored by three.