ONE GAME AT A TIME

Aug. 30 at Purdue: Loss. A primetime ESPN game at Ross-Ade Stadium? The locals won’t know what to do with themselves.

Sept. 8 vs. Duke: Win. Payback for the Cats, who were embarrassed 41-17 last season in the Blue Devils’ backyard.

Sept. 15 vs. Akron: Win. Maybe the only stress-free three hours NU will have all season.

Sept. 29 vs. Michigan: Loss. NU falls to 0-6 against the Wolverines since its last victory in 2008.

Oct. 6 at Michigan State: Loss. Not only that, but it probably won’t be nearly as entertaining as the triple-overtime classic the Cats won last season.

Oct. 13 vs. Nebraska: Win. In regard to the bowl picture, this might end up being a must-win.

Oct. 20 at Rutgers: Win. A nice tuneup for the team’s game — make that games — of the year.

Oct. 27 vs. Wisconsin: Loss. The Badgers’ rushing offense controls the fourth quarter.

Nov. 3 vs. Notre Dame: Loss. The Irish have more playmakers. So much for those games of the year.

Nov. 10 at Iowa: Win. A beacon in a storm, as the Cats get back to .500.

Nov. 17 at Minnesota: Win. It’s better to peak late than it is to peak early.

Nov. 24 vs. Illinois: Win. A 7-5 regular season might feel like a step back to some, but what do they know?