The opponent

Northwestern took its lumps early, losing by 24 points at Duke and dropping its first two Big Ten games. But back-to-back-to-back overtime wins over Iowa, Michigan State and Nebraska showed the Wildcats' resolve, and last week's 23-13 victory over Purdue ran their winning streak to five games.

Player to watch

For the Wildcats, Old Reliable is running back Justin Jackson. The senior is closing in on the fourth 1,000-yard rushing season of his productive career – he needs 156 to reach a grand – and is 27 yards away from 5,000.

Gophers offense vs. Wildcats defense

The Gophers overwhelmed a fragile Nebraska defense with a punishing running game. It won't be as easy vs. Northwestern. Still, an improving Demry Croft and the 1-2 punch of Rodney Smith and Kobe McCrary makes this a fair fight. Advantage: Even

Gophers defense vs. Wildcats offense

Clayton Thorson's stats aren't eye-popping – 11 TD passes, 11 interceptions – but he makes up for it with a knack of making key plays and rushing TDs. Advantage: Northwestern

Special teams

Smith showed how valuable a kick returner can be with his 100-yard TD runback against Nebraska. In Ryan Santo, the Gophers have the top punter in the Big Ten, while Emmit Carpenter is tied for the conference lead with 14 field goals. Advantage: Gophers

Intangibles

Sure, Northwestern is home and is on a roll, but the Wildcats aren't playing for much more than bowl positioning. Minnesota is seeking bowl eligibility and brings with it some sudden confidence from the Nebraska win. Call it a slight edge. Advantage: Gophers

RJ'S PREDICTION

GOPHERS: 23

NORTHWESTERN: 21

Chalk this one up to upsets happening. Gophers get that sixth win and extend their late-season mini-surge.