Michigan State returns to Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, as coach Pat Fitzgerald takes on his former school and the Spartans look to snap a four-game losing streak as they host No. 25 Northwestern.
The Spartans (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) are coming off a heartbreaking 38-37 overtime loss to Illinois last week. Michigan State rallied from a 17-point deficit and scored a touchdown in overtime, but Fitzgerald chose to go for a two-point conversion and the win. The attempt failed on an incomplete pass.
Northwestern (4-1, 1-1) enters Saturday ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press poll after defeating Ball State, 45-14, last week. The Wildcats have won two straight games, with their only loss coming against defending national champion Indiana.
As noted, Saturday's matchup carries added significance for Fitzgerald, who spent 17 seasons as Northwestern's head coach before being fired in 2023. Fitzgerald is the winningest coach in Wildcats history and will face his former program for the first time since taking over at Michigan State.
More: MSU-Northwestern is a revenge game for Fitzgerald, Chiles
The game also marks the return of former Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles, who transferred to Northwestern. Chiles has completed 71.4% of his passes for 1,172 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception this season.
More: MSU injury report: Spartans to play without 8 starters vs. Northwestern
Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has thrown for 1,047 yards and five touchdowns this season. Running back Jaziun Patterson scored four touchdowns against Illinois, including three rushing scores.
Here's how to watch Northwestern vs. Michigan State in Week 7 of the college football season:
What TV channel is Northwestern vs. Michigan State on today?
- TV: NBC Sports Network (NBCSN)
- Streaming: Peacock
- Radio: WJR 760 AM in Detroit; Spartan Media Network
Paul Burmeister will handle play-by-play, with Yogi Roth as analyst and Caroline Pineda reporting from the sidelines.
George Blaha will have the Michigan State radio call alongside analyst Jehuu Caulcrick and sideline reporter Tre Mosley.
Northwestern vs. Michigan State start time today
- Kickoff: Noon Saturday
- Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing
- Records: Northwestern 4-1, Michigan State 2-4
- Series: Michigan State leads, 40-20
Saturday marks the 61st meeting between Michigan State and Northwestern. The Spartans have won three consecutive games against the Wildcats, including a 38-21 victory in their most recent meeting in 2021.
Michigan State holds a 19-9 advantage in games played in East Lansing. The teams last met at Spartan Stadium in 2020, when the Spartans defeated No. 11 Northwestern, 29-20.
Northwestern vs. Michigan State football odds
- Line: Northwestern by 7½
- Over/under: 48½
- Moneyline: Northwestern -285, Michigan State +230
Northwestern was a 7½-point favorite entering the weekend, according to FanDuel. Odds are subject to change.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: What channel is Michigan State vs Northwestern on today? Time, TV