Michigan State at Northwestern

Saturday, November 20, 1971 Share

Northwestern beat No. 19 Michigan State 28–⁠7. It was their 16th meeting; after it, Michigan State led the series 11–⁠5 as played.

Away19Michigan State6–⁠5 in 1971

HomeNorthwestern7–⁠4 in 1971

FinalHigh 50°F, low 33°FAttendance 30,012

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Northwestern 54% to win. Northwestern pulled the upset. Elo’s favorite won.

Officially, Michigan State leads 40–⁠21; as played, 41–⁠20 in 61 meetings, counting the 45 since this game.

Recent meetings
2026	Northwestern 24, Michigan State 21
2021	Michigan State 38, Northwestern 21
2020	Michigan State 29, Northwestern 20
2019	Michigan State 31, Northwestern 10
2018	Northwestern 29, Michigan State 19
2017	Northwestern 39, Michigan State 31