* It doesn't matter that Northwestern is playing a night game Saturday at Ryan Field, a 6:30 p.m. contest against Purdue. Coach Pat Fitzgerald said it would only make a difference if it was the Wildcats' first night game of the year, but it's not, it's their third. "We've got a pretty good routine," Fitzgerald said. "I'm happy to have a night game at home because those night games on the road are tough." NU opened the season with a night game at Vanderbilt and then travelled to Rice two weeks later.

* NU coaches chose their players of the week Monday. Offense: receiver Jeremy Ebert; offensive big playmaker: quarterback Dan Persa; defense: Vince Browne; defensive big playmaker: Ben Johnson.

* Even though Purdue has been riddled with injuries to key skill players -- quarterback Robert Marve (torn ACL), receiver Keith Smith (knee), running back Ralph Bolden (knee injury in the spring that is keeping him out of this season) and backs Dan Dierking, Jared Crank, Al-Terek McBurse and Keith Carlos have all been banged up -- Fitz isn't taking the Boilermakers lightly. Not only are they a formidable Big Ten opponent, but they had a bye week last week which makes them a bit more well-rested than the 'Cats.

* Tuesday is the 75^th anniversary of the first Big Ten night game involving  Northwestern and Purdue at then-named Dyche Stadium.