CFB
Where they rank
Team-advanced percentile vs. the FBS field · descriptive only, not a prediction of Saturday.
Northwestern
Offensive efficiency (PPA)93th pct.
Offensive success rate91th pct.
Explosiveness81th pct.
Defensive efficiency (PPA)52th pct.
Defensive success rate allowed27th pct.
Havoc rate52th pct.
Michigan State
Offensive efficiency (PPA)14th pct.
Offensive success rate54th pct.
Explosiveness4th pct.
Defensive efficiency (PPA)17th pct.
Defensive success rate allowed30th pct.
Havoc rate23th pct.
Northwestern · Returning production
Overall (PPA)88.5%
Passing93.9%
Rushing88.0%
Receiving86.3%
Against the spread, last 3 seasons
ATS 10-11-2 · O/U 12-11 · avg. margin -5.0
Michigan State · Returning production
Overall (PPA)20.9%
Passing16.2%
Rushing18.5%
Receiving24.4%
Against the spread, last 3 seasons
ATS 11-10 · O/U 11-10 · avg. margin -7.6
Head-to-head
Last 6 meetings2026Northwestern 24–21 Michigan State
2021Michigan State 38–21 Northwestern
2020Northwestern 20–29 Michigan State
2019Michigan State 31–10 Northwestern
2018Northwestern 29–19 Michigan State
2017Michigan State 31–39 Northwestern
Venue & conditions
Spartan Stadium · East Lansing, MI
52°F · 11.7 mph wind · 0% precip. chance