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

GAME NOTES: The Northwestern Wildcats will attempt to keep the good times rolling when they host the Eastern Michigan Eagles this Saturday at Ryan Field.

The Eagles soared into the new campaign with a new head coach in Ron English, but unfortunately that did not change the team's inability to win games, as EMU was defeated by Army, 27-14 in the opener last week. It was the fourth season-opening setback for EMU in the last six years. Collecting a victory this weekend could be tough for the Eagles, who are winless in 24 matchups against current Big Ten teams, and are winless in their last 10 road openers.

As for the Wildcats, they had little trouble in their opener, as they pounded Towson, 47-14. The 47 points by Northwestern were the most in an opener in 65 years. The Wildcats have had some problems against teams in the MAC over the years and are just 13-9-1 against squads currently in that conference.

This will be the third-ever matchups between the Eagles and Wildcats on the gridiron. Northwestern has won the previous two meetings, including a 26-14 decision over EMU back in 2007.

Even though EMU won just three games in 2008, the team was surprisingly effective on the offensive side of the football, averaging 418.0 total ypg. Unfortunately that success did not carry over, as the Eagles were held to just 223 yards in the loss to Army. The Eagles did very little on the ground against the Black Knights, rushing for just 40 yards on 1.4 ypc. Dwayne Priest, who rushed for 474 yards and five scores last year, led the way on the ground with 83 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Andy Schmitt struggled in the setback, throwing for just 183 yards and one score on 18-of-31 attempts. Schmitt also tossed two interceptions and was sacked six times. It was surely a tough opener for the senior signal-caller, who completed 62.6 percent of his passes last year, with 15 touchdowns.

Throughout the past few seasons the Eagles' main problem has been stopping the run, and that was the issue for EMU against Army, as the Black Knights abused the Eagles' defense for 300 yards and four rushing TDs on 6.1 ypc. In defense of EMU, the Black Knights possess one of the nation's most prolific ground games. Eastern Michigan was able to force a turnover in the contest and held Army to just 2-of-11 on third downs, but allowed the Black Knights to convert on 4-of-5 red zone chances. Brandon Downs was outstanding in the setback, leading the Eagles with 10 tackles and two sacks.

The Wildcats pounced on Towson early in their opener, scoring 21 first quarter points en route to a 33-point victory. Northwestern was impressive with its run and passing game, as the team churned out 221 yards on 4.1 ypc, while also torching Towson for 264 yards through the air. Stephen Simmons, who had just 62 carries in 2008, showed he is capable of being the starting back, rushing for 77 yards on 18 carries. Arby Fields added 48 rushing yards in the win and also found the end zone twice. Scott Concannon and Jacob Schmidt combined for 49 yards and three scores on the day. Mike Kafka was not dominant in the opener, but the senior signal caller managed the game well, completing 15- of-20 passes for 192 yards. Dan Persa also saw limited time in the contest, and threw just two passes; one being an interception, while the other was a 72-yard TD pass to Andrew Brewer, who finished the game with six receptions for 145 yards and one touchdown. Brewer only hauled in 18 passes in 2008, but at this moment he looks to be the best option for Northwestern downfield.

In 2008 the Wildcats held opponents to just 20.1 ppg, while surrendering 341 yards per matchup. The Wildcats were even better in their season-opener, and although it was against Towson, it was still an impressive showing. The Wildcats held the Tigers to just 205 total yards, including a mere 65 rushing yards on 2.2 yards per carry. Northwestern also collected two turnovers in the contest, while recording two sacks and one safety. Quentin Davie led the defense with nine tackles, including 1.5 TFLs, while Nate Williams also tallied 1.5 TFLs as part of his seven stops.

The Wildcats seemed to be in mid-season form in their opener, and should have no trouble against Eastern Michigan, which was less than spectacular in its loss to Army.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Northwestern 35, Eastern Michigan 17