Pat Fitzgerald, a former All‑America linebacker and 17‑year head coach at Northwestern, was dismissed in 2023 amid hazing allegations and later sued the school for $130 million. He hired David Braun as defensive coordinator six months before his firing; Braun then served as interim coach and is now the Wildcats’ full‑time head coach. Northwestern enters its fourth season under Braun as a road favorite, largely thanks to quarterback Aidan Chiles, who transferred from Michigan State after losing his starting job. The Wildcats sit inside the top‑25, while Michigan State showed resilience last week, rallying from a 23‑7 deficit to force overtime against Illinois before falling 38‑37.
Notre Dame travels to Provo for a top‑10 clash with BYU, bringing the nation’s No. 1 defense in several efficiency metrics, including net EPA per play and turnover margin. BYU, known for its defensive toughness, will face a tougher offensive test as running back LJ Martin is expected to miss his second straight game. The matchup is projected to be slower‑paced, with Notre Dame ranked No. 120 in tempo and BYU No. 131.
UCLA, led by coach Bob Chesney, sits 5‑0 and near the top‑10, ranked No. 12 nationally after upsetting Oregon at Autzen Stadium. The Bruins now face a manageable schedule without Ohio State or Indiana, keeping the College Football Playoff within reach. Injured quarterback Nico Iamaleava is likely out for the season, and backup Ty Dieffenbach, a Cal Poly transfer, is set to start after a mixed record of nine touchdowns and nine interceptions at his former school.
Wisconsin, at 4‑1, has emerged as a pleasant Big Ten surprise under Luke Fickell, who entered the season on a hot seat after consecutive losing campaigns. The Badgers have boosted their scoring from under 13 points per game last season to 31.6 points per game this year, with transfer quarterback Colton Joseph contributing key plays.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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