FACTS & STATS: Site: Ryan Field (47,130) -- Evanston, Illinois. Television: Big Ten Network: Home Record: Ohio U. 0-2, Northwestern 2-0. Away Record: Ohio U. 0-1, Northwestern 1-0. Neutral Record: Ohio U. 0-0, Northwestern 0-0. Conference Record: Ohio U. 0-1, Northwestern 0-0. Series Record: Northwestern leads, 2-1.

GAME NOTES: The Ohio University Bobcats and the Northwestern Wildcats meet for the first time since 2005 when the two hook up at Ryan Field this Saturday. The Wildcats defeated the Bobcats, 38-14, in that contest, which also took place in Evanston. Ohio is looking for its first win of the season and coach Frank Solich's club is winless to this point, all three losses have come by a combined 16 points. Included in those setbacks is one to nationally-ranked Ohio State in which the Bobcats led going into the fourth quarter. Last week, Ohio led Central Michigan 14-0 before falling behind and rallying in the fourth quarter only to come up short in the final three minutes following a gut-wrenching fumble at the goal line. As for Northwestern, it is 3-0 for the first time in seven years and the Wildcats are hoping to go undefeated in non- conference action for the first time since 1963. After beginning the 2008 campaign with a decisive 20-point victory over Syracuse, they struggled to a 24-20 victory against the Duke Blue Devils. In that game, the Wildcats were outgained on the ground and in the air but had two huge stops on fourth down in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. In their most recent outing, the 'Cats blew out FCS powerhouse Southern Illinois, 33-7. Following this contest, the Wildcats will start Big Ten Conference action when they visit the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Bobcats play host to VMI next week before jumping full swing into Mid-American Conference play.

Ohio compiled over 500 yards of total offense against the Chippewas last week, which marked the program's 10th-best single-game performance. Junior Boo Jackson, a juco transfer, led the Bobcat offense by throwing for 365 yards and accounting for 413 yards of total offense. The Bobcats accumulated 145 yards on the ground, averaging 4.2 ypc, with Jackson leading the way with 55 yards on only nine carries. Chris Garrett accounted for the Bobcats' lone score on the ground with a 12-yard run. Jackson was clearly the star of the game in his first FBS contest with three touchdown passes, however, he did fumble the ball twice, both coming in the game's final three minutes. Chris Garrett was very busy as he led the Bobcats in receiving with 124 yards on only three receptions, two of which went for touchdowns. Garrett scored three touchdowns total in the loss.

As impressive as the Ohio offense was, the defense had a Jekyll and Hyde-like performance. The Bobcats held the Chippewas to only 70 yards rushing on 33 carries for an average of just 2.1 ypc, however, they allowed three rushing touchdowns. The Bobcats, in stark contrast to their rush defense, allowed over 360 yards through the air, but they did not allow a touchdown. The Ohio defense struggled again to create turnovers as the unit had zero against Central Michigan and has caused only one through its first three games. Another problem area for the Bobcats is their special teams which have been anything but special. For the second straight week they allowed a touchdown on a punt return.

Northwestern put forth a balanced offensive attack with 148 yards on the ground and 185 more through the air in its last outing against Southern Illinois. Quarterback C.J. Bacher was not flashy but was highly efficient in completing almost 73 percent of his passes. He did not throw a touchdown pass but he also did not throw an interception nor was he sacked. The player of the game was senior running back Tyrell Sutton who carried the ball 17 times for 101 yards and three touchdowns. Sutton now has five touchdowns on the young season with back-to-back games of at least two scores. Sutton is just three touchdowns shy of tying Damian Anderson's school record of 38 career touchdowns. Senior placekicker Amado Villarreal accounted for over half of the Wildcats' scoring, kicking four field goals and converting all three PAT attempts against the Salukis. For the second straight game, the Wildcats' offense played mistake-free football by committing zero turnovers.

Northwestern's defense was very impressive against the Salukis. After allowing a touchdown on the last play of the first quarter to give SIU a 7-6 lead, the Wildcats turned in a stellar performance the rest of the way. Southern Illinois gained only 11 yards on 12 plays in the third quarter as the Wildcats logged six sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. Junior defensive end Corey Wooten had two sacks and as part of his three tackles for a loss. The six sacks were the most by the Wildcats since they had seven against Michigan State in 2001. Northwestern's special teams also contributed to the victory, blocking a punt in the third quarter which led to a field goal.

Neither Ohio nor Northwestern are expected to challenge for their respective conference championships this season, however, both are looking to improve on identical 6-6 records from a year ago. Expect this game to be close into the third quarter with Northwestern pulling away late for the victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Northwestern 31, Ohio University 16

Saturday, September 20th, 12:00 p.m. (et).