GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Quarterback play will be a huge factor in Saturday’s game, with two vastly different styles on display. Northwestern senior Clayton Thorson is the winningest quarterback in school history, but has been inconsistent of late, while Notre Dame junior Ian Book has been dynamic in his five starts this season, leading an explosive offense that averages 34 points per game. Whichever quarterback can minimize mistakes and capitalize on turnovers the most will likely walk away the victor.
DRAFT SLANT
–CB Montre Hartage had a big game against Wisconsin, recording five total tackles and recovering one of Jonathon Taylor’s two fumbles. Hartage’s ball-hawking abilities were on full display against the Badgers, and likely caught the attention of NFL scouts given the magnitude and implications of the upset.
ROSTER REPORT
–K Drew Luckenbaugh suffered an undisclosed injury during pregame warm-ups before last Saturday’s 31-17 win against Wisconsin, and did not participate in the game, but is listed as the starter for Saturday’s showdown against Notre Dame.
–K Charlie Kuhbander has been nursing a muscle-related injury in his kicking leg for several weeks but was called upon against Wisconsin in lieu of the last-minute injury to Luckenbaugh.
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