Western Illinois vs Northwestern Picks and Prediction for Friday September 5 2025

By: Eddie Kline Published 09/01/2025, 09:54 PM ET

In Friday night college football action, the Western Illinois Leathernecks will travel to Martin Stadium to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. Make sure you are ready for all the football action with our college football picks. The FCS Leathernecks (0-1) were gashed on the ground on their way to an eight-loss season in 2024. On Saturday, Western Illinois surrendered 210 rushing yards during a 52-3 road loss against 12th ranked Illinois.

Western Illinois Preview

Western Illinois senior QB Chris Irvin completed 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards. Senior wide receiver flashed on offense with four catches for 65 yards. The Leathernecks converted 5 of 14 third down attempts and finished with 163 total yards.

Northwestern Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are looking to rebound in 2025 after dropping seven of nine Big Ten Conference games a season ago. The Wildcats (1-0) were one of the least efficient passing offenses in the country and scored 14 points or less in half of their games. On Saturday, Northwestern was outgained by nearly 200 yards on the ground during a 23-3 road loss against Tulane.

SMU transfer QB Preston Stone was picked off four times and finished with a game-high 161 passing yards. Northwestern junior WR Griffin Wilde had six receptions for 64 yards. The Wildcats did not force a turnover and allowed the Green Wave to possess the ball for 33 plus minutes.

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Western Illinois vs Northwestern Pick

Western Illinois was destroyed in their season opener and now will be on a short week to face an angry Big Ten squad. Northwestern has an experienced roster that could surprise as the season rolls along, but turnovers were their downfall against Tulane. Take the Wildcats to bounce back with a home victory on Friday. Final Score Prediction, Northwestern Wildcats win 41-10.

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