Jan. 5, 2010
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern has finalized its 2010 football schedule after adding Mid-American Conference champion Central Michigan to its upcoming home fall slate. The Chippewas, who have won the MAC crown three of the last four years, will visit Ryan Field on Saturday, Sept. 25 to close out the Wildcats' nonconference portion of the season.
The Wildcats also play FCS foe Illinois State on Sept. 11, NU's home opener. Northwestern visits SEC foe Vanderbilt on Sept. 4 to open the season and Rice on Sept. 18. Northwestern will play the same eight Big Ten teams that it played in 2009, beginning with Minnesota on Oct. 2 in Minneapolis. The Wildcats also play league road games at Indiana (Oct. 30), Penn State (Nov. 6) and Wisconsin (Nov. 27).
Northwestern's four Big Ten home contests include Purdue (Oct. 9), Michigan State (Oct. 23, homecoming), Iowa (Nov. 13) and Illinois (Nov. 20).
Six of next seasons's 11 FBS opponents played in bowl games this year. Northwestern will announce season ticket plans in the coming weeks.
2010 NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
September
4 -- at Vanderbilt
11 -- vs. Illinois State
18 -- at Rice
25 -- vs. Central Michigan
October
2 -- at Minnesota
9 -- vs. Purdue
16 -- Open
23 -- vs. Michigan State (HC)
30 -- at Indiana
November
6 -- at Penn State
13 -- vs. Iowa
20 -- vs. Illinois
27 -- at Wisconsin