CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Looking for some excitement this weekend? Why not watch the Michigan State (0-0, 0-0) vs. Northwestern (0-0, 0-0) game on Friday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m.?
'Chez Big Ten' offered up a savory amuse-bouche last Saturday, with Illinois' win over Nebraska. And Ohio State-Minnesota worked as a whet-your-whistle appetizer Thursday night. Now, comes tasty morsel number three...the season opener for the defending Big Ten West champion Wildcats. Sweet, not savory, in the form of 'turnovers'. Roster turnovers, that is.
Northwestern lost talented players like cornerback Greg Newsome, linebacker Paddy Fisher, and quarterback Peyton Ramsey from last year's squad. Hunter Johnson takes over behind center - he's been with the 'Cats for a few seasons and was the starter in 2019, but poor performance and an injury sent him to the sidelines; and Ramsey beat him out for the spot last year. Pat Fitzgerald said this Johnson is more confident and productive than earlier editions.
Michigan State was the only team that beat Northwestern in the regular season last year, but it seems like only two things remain from that group: head coach Mel Tucker and Sparty the mascot. Twenty-seven Spartans transferred out after a 2-win season, and 18 new ones transferred in. A new recipe - and Fitzgerald said his advanced scouting group has done a fine job mining video from all over the country to precisely identify the Spartans' new ingredients.
Tables and bleacher seats are ready as Ryan Field welcomes patrons back for the first time since before the pandemic, and the menu appears to be enticing. College football returns to Evanston. Bon Appetit!
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