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Overall, both teams play disciplined football on special teams, but the difference has been NU's virtual lack of a return game. But if the 'Cats can continue making plays happen on coverage (two recovered fumbles against Purdue), they can get plenty of momentum (although NU would benefit from a long return at some point). Miscellaneous Notes: Third Down Conversions: NU ranks 11th nationally in third down conversion rate (51 percent) and has more total conversions (51) than any other team in the nation. MSU, meanwhile, is 80th in third down conversion defense, allowing over a 40 percent conversion percentage. The NU defense is allowing a 36 percent rate, while the Spartans' offense is converting 43 percent of their chances. It will be interesting to see if the NU offense can extend and complete drives after a poor showing against Miami (Ohio). Non-QB Throwers: Both teams have receivers who have completed their only pass attempt of the season for a touchdown (NU's Andrew Brewer and MSU's Keshawn Martin).Second Quarter Scoring: Something has to give in this game; NU has outscored its opponents by 40 in the second period while MSU has outscored its competition by 25 in the same quarter. NU has a -17 point differential in the final period while MSU has a -14 scoring margin in the fourth.

Although NU has seen multiple defensive contributors get dinged up over the past few weeks (Smith, DiNardo, McNaul, Vaughn, and Johnson), they have seen others step up (Brian Peters, Kevin Watt, and David Arnold). Smith and Wootton will be aiming to get back on the field, and the depth chart makes it look hopeful for Vaughn and Johnson, who are listed as "or" in their respective backup positions. One nice note is that RB Stephen Simmons did not appear on last week's injury report and is listed as the first string running back going into this game, which should be a nice boost for the running game. Michigan State: RB Glenn Winston (knee, out for season), RB Larry Caper (knee, probable), QB Kirk Cousins (ankle, probable), QB Keith Nichol (elbow, questionable),S Roderick Jenrette (foot, out), S Kendall Davis-Clark (leg, questionable). MSU is now suffering through their share of injuries, specifically in the offensive backfield with Winston going down for the year and both QBs suffering minor dings. It will be interesting to see who steps up for the Spartans in those key spots as they look to stay in stride.Prediction: Northwestern 13-Michigan State 21 While NU has the ability to win this game with a "complete" performance, they haven't been able to put together such a game so far this year, even while facing very weak opponents through the first half of the season (teams NU have beat are just 3-19, and that's including FCS Towson who is 2-3).

Expect NU's defense to keep this game within reach, although the inconsistent offense just hasn't shown enough finishing power to close the deal against a Big Ten caliber defense. As usual, hopefully the 'Cats will prove me wrong on this prediction and continue their Big Ten road successes, but until they do prove me wrong it is difficult to pick them to do something they haven't come close to doing this season.Go 'Cats!!!. 26 /PRNewswire/ Cruise , one of theinternet's largest cruise sellers, announced today the launch of a newprogram, the Virtual Cruise Lecture Series The first consumer seminarlaunches on February 12, 2009. The program is designed to provide consumerswith a unique venue to learn about the cruise experience from the comfort oftheir own home. A number of cruise destinations and topics will be covered.Some of the upcoming virtual presentations will include cruising in Alaska andEurope, Family Cruising, River Cruising and Luxury Cruising presentations.Cruise 's Virtual Cruise Lecture Series will allow consumers, whether afirst time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, to take a virtual tour of almostevery aspect of the cruise experience.

"The cruise experience differs widelyfrom cruise line to cruise line and from ship to ship. Our virtualpresentation series will allow customers to learn about the different cruiseopportunities from the comfort of their own home Registration is free and avariety of topics are covered. We hope to give consumers a much betterunderstanding of cruising and what the different options are to choose from,"said Jeanne Wyndrum, Senior Vice-president, Cruise .Consumers can view the presentation schedule and register for thecomplimentary seminars at Cruise :Established in 1998, Cruise has become one of the internet's largestcruise specialists. Cruise was recently named Travel Agency of the Year byVacation . Cruise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Omega World Travel,Inc.This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease .For furtherinformation, visit http:// Wyndrum of Cruise , 1-954-763-6828, ext. 297, fax, 1-954-763-1902,.