A big win over Iowa put Northwestern over .500 for the first time since Week 3. On Saturday, the Wildcats host Michigan State at Ryan Field in what is likely Northwestern’s toughest matchup for the rest of the season. After a disastrous season in 2016, the Spartans (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) are already bowl-eligible, and are looking to join Penn State and Ohio State in the conversation for Big Ten East contenders. Here are three things to know about Michigan State:

Michigan State has one of the best defenses in the nation

After giving up 38 points to Notre Dame in their lone loss of the season, Michigan State has held opponents to 10 points or less in three of their past four games.