BTN.com staff, October 19, 2012

It didn't take long for Northwestern to fill an opening in the 2013 football schedule after Vanderbilt bailed on two future games against the Wildcats. Northwestern will play Western Michigan on Sept. 14, 2013 in what will be the seventh home game for Northwestern next season. Read more at NUsports,.com.

Earlier today, BTN.com's Tom Dienhart explained how this happens:

"All contracts for non-conference games include buyout options, which range in cost depending on the negotiation and length of the series-among other factors. Schools priorities may change over time. If an institution finds itself in a rebuilding mode, it may want a non-conference schedule that is less challenging. And that may mean opting out of games against better programs."

Read more from Dienhart here.

Western Michigan played Illinois and Minnesota earlier this season, Illinois beat the Broncos 24-7 and Minnsota beat them 28-23. Learn more about Western Michigan on BTN.com's Western Michigan team report page.