FOR NORTHWESTERN

On offense - QB Kain Colter and RB Venric Mark have been one of the most dynamic rushing tandems in the nation and generate the bulk of the 'Cats offense. If they have big days, expect NU to snap its long postseason drought.

On defense --- S Ibraheim Campbell is the leader and best player in the Northwestern secondary and will need to play the game of his life against an MSU passing attack that is as good as any that the Wildcats have faced this season.

FOR MISSISSIPPI STATE

On offense - WR Chad Bumphis is an All-SEC performer who owns MSU school records for touchdowns (24), receiving yards (2,252) and consecutive games with a reception (29). He needs seven catches to break the school record of 162 career catches. If the Wildcats can contain Bumphis they will erase Tyler Russell's best weapon.

On defense --- LB Cameron Lawrence had double-digit tackles in seven of his last eight conference games and was an all-SEC performer. He also had 8.5 tackles for loss in the Bulldogs last six games. He will need to continue those trends if MSU hopes to contain Northwestern's running game.