Northwestern presents Rutgers a chance to end its ranked-opponent skid

Rutgers takes a 45-game losing streak against ranked opponents into its Oct. 24 visit to No. 24 Northwestern, with kickoff at noon on Peacock. Northwestern is 5–1 and has won three straight; reporting lists Dehnicke and Fussell out and Fitzgerald and Flakes doubtful, pending final designations. A newly read preview repeats existing analysis and gives an injury claim contradicted by current reporting, so it adds no verified update.