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Northwestern · Week 6 · 2026 · Big Ten

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The Saturday readNorthwestern · Week 6 · 2026

Northwestern vs Ball State

Oct 10 · 11:30 a.m. CT · BTN

Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

The lineMake it repeatable.

01 / The plan

What matters Saturday

  1. 01

    Blocking angles

    Move the point of attack

  2. 02

    Ball security

    Finish the exchange

  3. 03

    Early-down defense

    Earn the long conversion

02 / Desk read

The read

Move the defense with motion, finish the block and protect the handoff. Keep the energy without giving away field position.

Blocking angles

In the field

AP Top 25 · Week 6

Unranked

4 of 12 opponents ranked.

Upcoming3

  1. 5at Ohio StateNov 14
  2. 13at OregonOct 31
  3. 20vs IowaNov 7

Played · AP at kickoff1

  1. 5at IndianaLoss: 23–29Sep 25

Upcoming opponents use this AP poll. Played opponents use their AP rank at kickoff. Poll published Oct 4. Checked Oct 7. Results checked Oct 7.

Postseason

Rankings start Nov 3

3-1

Playoff raceUnranked in the AP poll, one loss. In the picture. The committee's first rankings come out Tue, Nov 3.

Three more wins to reach six, with eight games left.

This week

Updated Oct 7

Keep the ground game varied against Ball State, protect the exchange and make the opponent earn its way out of long yardage. The next useful test is repeatable execution after an emotional home opener.

  1. 01

    Inside NU breaks down Kelly’s Wing-T successOpens in a new tab

    The film review highlights motion and pulling linemen against Penn State. Watch how those movements change the defender responsible for the ball.

    Inside NU · Oct 4

  2. 02

    Ball State’s coach wants to avoid Northwestern’s third-down blitzesOpens in a new tab

    Uremovich’s Monday plan puts early-down gains first. Watch whether Northwestern can force a long conversion before showing pressure.

    Ball State Athletics · Oct 5

  3. 03

    Komolafe and Himon each topped 150 rushing yards against Penn StateOpens in a new tab

    Their contrasting running styles give the offense different ways to attack. Watch the opening block and which back finds room through it.

    Northwestern Athletics · Oct 3

  4. 04

    Northwestern’s win still included seven penalties and a lost exchangeOpens in a new tab

    The mistakes gave Penn State help it had not earned. Watch for a clean handoff and controlled contact after the whistle.

    Inside NU · Oct 3

  5. 05

    Ball State visits at 11:30 a.m. CT Saturday on BTNOpens in a new tab

    The October 10 game is back at Ryan Field. Plan for the early start and watch whether the offense settles in from its first possession.

    Ball State Athletics · Sep 28

03 / Road ahead

Next three

  1. vs Ball State · Next

    11:30 a.m. CTBTN

  2. at Michigan State

    11:00 a.m. CTPeacock

  3. vs Rutgers

    TBDTV TBD