It feels kind of odd to play Northwestern again. Every year between 1967 and 2010 the Boilermakers and Wildcats faced each other, as Northwestern was a protected opponent even in the post-Penn State Big Ten. Once the divisions split, however, the Wildcats spent 4 years off the schedule. Now that the divisions re-aligned after the addition of Rutgers and Maryland Northwestern is once again a permanent opponent.
Still, it has been five years since Purdue has visited Evanston. That game was Purdue's last road win over a ranked team to date, as the Boilers won 20-17 in a night game before losing the final six games of the season.