Once again, the Northwestern Wildcats are a win away from bowl eligibility. NU has faltered in its last three opportunities to reach the postseason — losing to Nebraska, USC and Michigan — and with a match against Illinois awaiting in the finale, Saturday's bout with Minnesota may be Northwestern's best chance to earn that crucial sixth win.

Here's how our staff predicted the game, which could be Northwestern's last at Wrigley Field, will go:

Gavin Dorsey: Northwestern 23, Minnesota 21

I haven't picked the Wildcats to win since they played Purdue, but count me in as a believer this week. Northwestern hasn't won in the modern era at Wrigley Field — 0-6 after last week's 24-22 loss to Michigan — and the 'Cats will get their first (and potentially last) victory at The Friendly Confines today against the Golden Gophers.

Minnesota is more than a formidable opponent, although the results on the field have been mixed. A win over Nebraska is the headliner of the Gophers' 6-4 record, but they barely snuck by Rutgers, Purdue and Michigan State, and were blown out by Ohio State, Iowa and Oregon.

I don't think Northwestern is in the same tier of teams that have dominated Minnesota this season, but the Wildcats are better than their 5-5 record indicates. I'm expecting the 'Cats to come out angry after letting an upset victory over Michigan slip through their fingers, and even though they've had trouble managing a lead this season, David Braun's squad will put the Gophers away to clinch bowl eligibility.

Ryan Cole: Northwestern 21, Minnesota 17

The ‘Cats need this win for bowl eligibility, and I have a hard time believing they won’t get it. Count on Caleb Komolafe and the offensive line returning to form in the running game after an uncharacteristic performance against Michigan. The Golden Gophers are mediocre in run defense, and their rushing attack is last in the Big Ten. In my view, Northwestern is a good 5-5 team, and Minnesota is a bad 6-4 team. That’s not to say it can’t go the Gophers' way — at a certain point, you are what your record says you are. But give me the ‘Cats to pull this one out at Wrigley and clinch postseason competition.

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