MADISON, Wis. -- Saturday's matchup between No. 20 Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1) and Northwestern (4-3, 3-1) could be a big factor in who wins the Big Ten West Division.

According to Vegas Insider, the Badgers will open as a six-point favorite.

UW owns a 59-35-5 record in the all-time series. However, things have been fairly tight over the last two decades. Wisconsin and Northwestern have split the last 12 meetings, with the Badgers taking the last two.

Last season, UW claimed a 33-24 win at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin got out to a 31-10 lead and managed to hold off a late charge thanks to a safety by D'Cota Dixon in the fourth quarter.

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Alex Hornibrook threw for 197 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice. The Badgers allowed just 244 yards of total offense, including 25 rushing yards.

Games played in Evanston have been rather unpredictable.

Wisconsin has lost four of its last five trips to Ryan Field, but got over the hump in 2016 with a 21-7 victory. The last five games between these two teams in Evanston have been decided by nine points or less.

"They always seem to play us tough," Hornibrook said after Saturday's win over Illinois.

Saturday's kick off is set for 11 a.m.