Indiana (4-3) at Northwestern (4-3)
When: 11 a.m.Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, Ill.
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WGN-720 AM
Web: WGNRadio.com
What you need to know: What to think of this game? Both teams are in pretty similar boats in the Big Ten. Northwestern has won three nonconference games and beaten Purdue. Indiana has won three nonconference games and beaten Illinois. Not that Northwestern is an intimidating place to play, but the fact the Wildcats are home may give them the edge here. The Wildcats' offense will need to get going. They haven't scored more than 16 points in the past two weeks.
Scott Powers' prediction: Northwestern 24, Indiana 20
Illinois (1-5) at Purdue (2-5)
When: 11 a.m.Where: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Ind.
TV: ESPN2
Radio: WIND-560 AM
Web: ESPN360.com
What you need to know: Illinois' chances of turning around its season seem doubtful at this point. The Illini do have six games remaining, but with the way they have played up to now, there is a chance they don't win another game the rest of the season. Fresno State and Northwestern do travel to Champaign later in the year, so those games could hold some hope. This week's game could also sway in their favor if they get out and score some points early. Purdue is coming off a win over Ohio State, but this is also the same Purdue team that lost to Northern Illinois in West Lafayette.
Scott Powers' prediction: Purdue 27, Illinois 17
Northern Illinois (3-3) at Miami of Ohio (0-7)
When: 12 p.m.Where: Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio
TV: None
Radio: WSCR-670 AM
Web: NIUHuskies.com/gameday
What you need to know: All three of the state's Football Bowl Subdivision teams lost a week ago, but none of them were as disappointing as Northern Illinois' 20-19 loss to Toledo. Northern Illinois had defeated Western Michigan 38-3 three weeks ago. Two weeks ago, Western Michigan had defeated Toledo 58-26. Then, Northern Illinois lost to Toledo. The MAC, huh? Well, Miami of Ohio is worse than Toledo, and it's unlikely the Huskies will blow this one.
Scott Powers' prediction: Northern Illinois 31, Miami of Ohio 10
Youngstown State (4-2) at Southern Illinois (5-1)
When: 3 p.m. Where: McAndrew Stadium, Carbondale, Ill. TV: None Web: SIUSalukis.com What you need to know: Southern Illinois pulled off up the upset over Northern Iowa last week and has moved into the No. 3 position in the Football Championship Subdivision poll. The Salukis received one first-place vote as well. They must now protect themselves against a letdown versus an above-average Youngstown State team. Deji Karim could become the fastest Southern Illinois player to 1,000 rushing yards in a season as he enters the game needing just 41 more.Scott Powers' prediction: Southern Illinois 40, Youngstown State 20
Eastern Illinois (5-2) at Jacksonville State (5-2)
When: 1 p.m.Where: Paul Snow Stadium, Jacksonville, Ala.
TV: None
Web: OVCSports.tv
What you need to know: Eastern Illinois' schedule hasn't been kind this season. This will be another tough one for the Panthers as Jacksonville State enters the game ranked No. 12 in the FCS poll. Eastern Illinois did snap its two-game losing streak last week with a 23-15 win over Tennessee Tech. In the win, kicker Austin Signor made three field goals, including 46- and 48-yarders. The Panthers will need a better game from quarterback Jack Christensen as he threw two interceptions and just one touchdown last week.
Scott Powers' prediction: Jacksonville State 28, Eastern Illinois 27
Western Illinois (1-5) at Indiana State (0-7)
When: 2 p.m.Where: Memorial Stadium, Terre Haute, Ind.
TV: None
Web: GoLeathernecks.com
What you need to know: Western Illinois is having a difficult season, but Indiana State is having an even worse one. Indiana State hasn't won a game since 2006 and likely won't break that streak here. The Leathernecks are coming off of a heartbreaking, 17-16 loss to Missouri State. Western Illinois was up 16-0, but blew the lead and lost the game on a last-minute field goal. It will look to put Indiana State away early and keep it there on Saturday.
Scott Powers' prediction: Western Illinois 31, Indiana State 13
Scott Powers covers high school and college sports for ESPNChicago.com and can be reached at spowers@espnchicago.com.
