The Northwestern Wildcats head into their road visit to the DePaul Blue Demons looking to extend their fast start to the season. DePaul is at home with an opportunity to make a statement early in the year that they are to be taken seriously this year. Who will win this Big Ten vs Big East matchup? Continue reading to find who I like as I make my Northwestern vs DePaul prediction.
Our Northwestern vs DePaul Pick
Pick: Northwestern -6.5
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ DePaul Blue Demons
- Date & Time: Friday, November 14, 2025, 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois
- Broadcast: truTV
Key Storylines
- The Wildcats are 3-0 so far this season and average 85.3 points per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. They also commit only about 8 turnovers per game and defend at an elite level, allowing just 54.0 points per contest so far. This will be their toughest game early in the season but they appear equipped to handle the challenge.
- DePaul enters at 2-1 this season, averaging 72.3 points per game. They are coming off a lopsided loss to the Buffalo Bulls out of the MAC. The Blue Demons’ roster is in transition under second‐year head coach Chris Holtmann and they’re still building an identity while attempting to make up the roster talent gap they face in most games.
- Northwestern’s senior forward Nick Martinelli is averaging 19.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He anchors the offense and gives them a dependable go-to player. DePaul’s best contributors include guard CJ Gunn (15.7 PPG) and forward N.J. Benson (14.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG). Both are solid, but their supporting cast is still developing.
- This is the first road game of the season for Northwestern. It will be interesting to see how the Wildcats handle that, even if this is a crosstown rivalry matchup between schools in the Chicago area. DePaul is 2-1 at home this season, with their loss to Buffalo in their last game coming on their home floor.
Betting Trends
- DePaul is 1-2 against the spread through three games.
- Northwestern has covered the spread in two of its first three games.
- Both of these teams have gone under the total twice in three games.
Northwestern vs DePaul Model Projection
Score Projection: Northwestern 78 – DePaul 66
Win Probability: Northwestern 72%, DePaul 28%
Final Thoughts
Northwestern is going to prove in this game that it can handle playing on the road. DePaul’s performance against Buffalo was legitimately concerning, as they were held to just 53 points against a school from the MAC. I’ll go with the Wildcats to win and cover the spread as a favorite away from home as they should stifle DePaul’s inconsistent offense.
