Michigan State at Northwestern

Saturday, October 18, 1997 Share

Northwestern beat No. 12 Michigan State 19–⁠17. It was their 40th meeting; after it, Michigan State led the series 29–⁠11 as played.

Away12Michigan State7–⁠5 in 1997

HomeNorthwestern5–⁠7 in 1997

FinalHigh 55°F, low 33°FAttendance 47,129

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Michigan State 58% to win. Northwestern pulled the upset.

Officially, Michigan State leads 40–⁠21; as played, 41–⁠20 in 61 meetings, counting the 21 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