JN: Even considering Michigan and Notre Dame, you could argue this series has been the most exciting in MSU football recent history. This is the year that comes to an end. The Spartans are rolling and Northwestern is its usual deceivingly average self. It’s a perfect game for MSU quarterbacks and running backs to get their collective groove back before a huge matchup against the Hawkeyes under the lights. Let’s just hope the Spartans don’t get caught looking ahead to next week.

MSU 31, Northwestern 13

MB: I’ve been a student here a long time and I’ve never seen the home team win a game in this series. MSU’s games against Northwestern always are wild and this one should be no different. MSU’s quarterbacks are banged up, but they have to be at their best and the defense absolutely has to play at peak form. The improved defensive line play is crucial for MSU. Larry Caper needs to be able to handle the load at running back. The home team finally wins one here.

MSU 27, Northwestern 23

CV: The key to the Spartans bouncing back to .500 has been pressure on opposing quarterbacks. MSU can not overlook Northwestern, because quarterback Mike Kafka can take over a game in the air and on the ground. The Spartans’ defense has improved against spread teams this year but if MSU is unable to get subs in on long Northwestern drives, it could mean trouble. Northwestern has a history of upsetting the Spartans in East Lansing, but I think the Spartans finally are gelling and will roll over the Wildcats.

MSU 35, NU 17

JK: Although this series has brought the unexpected in the past, expect a cool Spartan whooping Saturday. MSU’s skill players should have a marked advantage in this matchup even without running back Glenn Winston. Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka is a playmaker, but the Spartans’ defense should get a chance to build on back to back impressive performances against U-M and Illinois.

MSU 28, Northwestern 10

Oklahoma vs. Texas

Noon, ABC

JN: Selfishly, Sam Bradford needs this game more than Oklahoma. If he wants any shot at a back-to-back Heisman Trophy, he needs this game. But, of course, he’s not thinking about that. He’s thinking about how the Sooners are going to storm into the Longhorns’ home state, knock Texas off its Big 12 top spot and simultaneously remove Colt McCoy from the Heisman race, leaving room for Bradford to move back in. Um, no.

Texas 41, Oklahoma 24

MB: I haven’t heard that much about Texas this season. Is Colt McCoy even around? Oh, wait, he is, because a fellow progger who will remain nameless was looking up his girlfriend earlier this week here at the State News compound. About this game … well, Sam Bradford appears to be healthy, but it’s too late for the Sooners in their hunt for a national title. Texas, though, has a great shot at going to the national title game. The Horns will hook ’em. Take it to the bank.

Texas 35, Oklahoma 21

CV: In theory, this game doesn’t matter. Just see who won this game last year and who played in the national championship. The Longhorns will have revenge on their minds and more to play for than the Sooners, who already have two losses. Bradford might be back, but the Sooners lost too many weapons from last season. Texas, which is surprisingly flying under the radar, will march all over the Sooners and turn their focus to a national championship. That is, unless a new tiebreaker rule is discovered.

UT 42, OU 14

JK: Oklahoma used to easily win these games with the help of defensive touchdowns, but this is a different era and Texas is boasting the mean defense. Despite Oklahoma’s struggles, this game will live up to its billing. Sam Bradford’s return was great news for Oklahoma, and although Texas should automatically be a BCS favorite, Oklahoma will show it still has its defensive prowess of the past.

Oklahoma 24, Texas 19

Southern Cal vs. Notre Dame

3:30 p.m., NBC

JN: Dear Jimmy: I’ve spent my entire broadcasting career promoting your program and now, you. I’ve spit all over Mark May’s face screaming my brains out about how you’re the front-runner for the Heisman. Sure, you took a serious hit against a pathetic U-M team earlier this year and should have lost to MSU, but I really, really need you to pull this one out. Not for you or for Coach Weis or the Irish, Jimmy. For me. Sincerely, Lou Holtz.

USC 38, Notre Dame 17

MB: This is not going to end well for Notre Dame. USC has shown it has the ability to handle tough atmospheres (Ohio Stadium) and Notre Dame Stadium isn’t going to be anywhere near as tough as the Horseshoe was. And Ohio State is better than Notre Dame. This is an easy one. Trojans roll.

USC 41, Notre Dame 14

CV: Notre Dame seems to finally have the talent to compete with the Trojans. There is a fever in South Bend that hasn’t been around in a while and Jimmy Clausen is getting Heisman Trophy talk. The Irish have won a handful of close games, some against so-so teams. But the Trojans always show up for big games and I am expecting them to rout the Irish, putting head coach Charlie Weis back on the hot seat.

USC 35, ND 10

JK: If only Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd could come back a couple weeks sooner. The Trojans have more depth at the skill positions than you can find in most conferences and should be able to throw the ball against Notre Dame’s secondary. However, this is Notre Dame’s best chance against USC in years, and it has the dynamic playmakers to give USC a battle.

USC 24, Notre Dame 23