Northwestern Football Eyes Bowl Eligibility with Key Games Against Nebraska, Minnesota

Northwestern's football team, currently 5-2 and exceeding expectations, is aiming for bowl eligibility with a strong chance to finish at least 6-6, largely due to their academic progress rate as a backup route. They have won four straight games, including impressive victories over ranked teams, and emphasize a ground-and-pound style that controls possession, which has troubled Nebraska this season. Nebraska, also 5-2, faces challenges including a struggling offensive line and recent poor performances, especially a 24-6 loss to Minnesota, with coach Matt Rhule calling the upcoming game against Northwestern a must-win to regain momentum. Quarterback dynamics show Northwestern's Preston Stone improving, while Nebraska's Dylan Raiola has seen a decline in performance amid tough defenses. Nebraska's offensive line issues, particularly at left tackle, and the need to limit turnovers against Northwestern's strong defense, are critical concerns heading into the matchup. Both teams have a history of close contests, making Saturday's game a pivotal and tightly contested battle for bowl eligibility in the Big Ten.