Northwestern’s game Saturday at Michigan State features the Big Ten’s leaders in total offense. Wildcats quarterback Brett Basanez is averaging 350.2 yards per game, second in the nation. MSU quarterback Drew Stanton is next at 322.2, which ranks 10th in the country. “[Stanton’s] going to take some shots,” NU coach Randy Walker said. “We don’t want him taking off and making plays with his feet.” . . .
Middle linebacker Tim McGarigle was held out of contact work Tuesday to rest a strained groin, which he injured last week. The injury isn’t considered serious, and Walker said of his leading tackler, “We need him on Saturday.” . . .
Their 4-2 start did not land the Wildcats in the Top 25 of the Bowl Championship Series standings, but they can’t blame the computer ratings. The Wildcats’ average computer ranking was No. 23, but they were 31st in the coaches’ voting and 32nd in the Harris Interactive poll.