# MSU vs. Northwestern: Fitzgerald's First Shot at Alma Mater

> Pat Fitzgerald faces his alma mater in a Big Ten clash after Northwestern's rise.
- Title: MSU vs. Northwestern: Fitzgerald's First Shot at Alma Mater
- Summary: Pat Fitzgerald faces his alma mater in a Big Ten clash after Northwestern's rise. Michigan State's defense struggles against Northwestern's offensive threats…
- Keywords: michigan state, northwestern, pat fitzgerald, big ten, michigan state spartans, northwestern wildcats, aidean chiles, michigan state defense, northwestern offense, college football, spartans, wildcats
- Source: Michigan State Spartans On SI — https://si.com/college/michiganstate/spartans-full-preview-prediction-long-awaited-game-northwestern
- Published: 2026-10-16T12:00:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michigan state, northwestern, pat fitzgerald, big ten, michigan state spartans, northwestern wildcats, aidean chiles, michigan state defense, northwestern offense, college football, spartans, wildcats
## Game Preview
Michigan State (2-4 overall, 0-3 Big Ten) faces No. 25 Northwestern (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) in East Lansing.
## Fitzgerald's Return
Pat Fitzgerald, who coached Northwestern for 17 seasons, returns to play his alma mater.
## Chiles' Return
Aidan Chiles returns to East Lansing after being benched for Alessio Milivojevic.
## MSU's Offense
MSU scored 26 points against Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Wisconsin combined last week.
## MSU's Defense
MSU's defense ranks 14th in the Big Ten at 25.7 points allowed per game.
## Northwestern's Defense
Northwestern ranks sixth in the Big Ten scoring defense at 16.2 points allowed per game.
## Northwestern's Offense
Northwestern's offense ranks seventh in the Big Ten with 35.4 points per game.
## Chiles' Stats
Chiles has thrown for 1,172 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
## Northwestern's Formation
Northwestern uses wing-T formation, a 1970s-style offense that Penn State couldn't stop.
## MSU's Early Drives
MSU's opening drives have ended with a touchdown, three punts, and a turnover on downs.
## MSU's First Quarter
MSU has been outscored 41-3 in the first quarter against P4 teams.
## Northwestern's Strategy
Northwestern lines up receivers 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
## Chiles' Rushing
Chiles has rushed for six touchdowns this season.
## Spartans' Short-Handed Defense
MSU's defense is missing its top four corners.
## Final Prediction
Northwestern is expected to win 34-17 against Michigan State.
## Key takeaway

Michigan State's defense struggles against Northwestern's offensive threats in a likely 34-17 loss.