PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Dexter Williams has been terrific since taking on a bigger load in the backfield. He has averaged 6.9 yards per carry and has seven touchdowns, and his big-play ability will challenge Northwestern.
–DE Julian Okwara seems to be getting stronger as the season goes along. That could be a bad sign for the Wildcats. Okwara has 14 quarterback hurries and a career-high 26 tackles this season, including six tackles for loss.
–WR Miles Boykin has proved to be the Fighting Irish’s top pass-catching target this season. The Wildcats will have to watch out for Boykin, who has 36 catches for 570 yards and six touchdowns.
SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads northwestern 37-9.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “This group knows that if they stay committed to it, they’ll have success. I think it’s just that second year with everybody fully committed to it that drives this a little bit differently.” — Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly
