The Syracuse Orange football program opens its 2012-13 season Saturday, as it host the Northwestern Wildcats in a non-conference contest at the Carrier Dome (12 p.m. ET on ESPN2). The Big East/Big Ten Conference showdown is the third meeting in the last five seasons between the two programs.

All-time, Syracuse is 78-40-4 in season openers including a last year's 36-29 victory over Wake Forrest. However, against Big Ten opponents the Orange are 1-6-1. Under head coach Doug Marrone, SU is 2-1 in Week 1 contests.

The Wildcats are led by head coach Pat Fitzgearld, who's entering his seventh season. Last season, the purple and white finished the season 6-7 with a loss in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

[Rutgers Faces Tulane | Remaining Big East Schedule]

Location: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY.

Game Time: 12 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Announcers: Beth Mownins (play-by-play), Joey Galloway (color commentary), Jenn Browns (sidelines).

For more on Syracuse football, visit the SB Nation blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. Meanwhile, Sippin' On Purple has the most complete coverage of the Northwestern football.