Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

I live out in the Chicago area and need to advise you of a few things. CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION. The two major highways that go to Chicago 1-90 (Skyway) and to the south I80-I94 are both under Construction. Both Interstates have about 15 miles of continuous construction 24hrs a day, each Interstate is reduced from 6-8 lanes to one lane each way. It is a mess. On a Sunday morning this week, at 7:00am, it took me 3 hours to go 15 miles. Last Friday took me 4 hours to go 15 miles. Plan plenty of time for your trip. The normal 4 1/2 hours to get to Chicago could take you up to 8 hours. There are no shortcuts. Believe me I tried them all. You either have to take I-90 (Skyway) into Chicago or go to the southside I-80 and both are torn up. My advise, leave really late Thursday night, like around 9pm Ohio time. Hit Chicago traffic after midnight and should be okay.

As far as Hotels: You can stay in Chicago, or you can take I-290 to I-88 West towards Dekalb and stay in a town called Aurora. Aurora has several hotels off of I-88 and lots or restaraunts and shopping within 10 minutes of any exit. Just built a new shopping outlet mall, new hotels (Hampton Inn) and built a new casino 5 min away from any Aurora Exit. The drive from Aurora to Nothern Illinois will be less than 30 minutes. I would suggest staying in Aurora. Plus I live in the town. Anyone else need directions or help or info let me know. Just plan plenty of time for your traveling. DO NOT leave Friday at noon and expect to make it to the game. YOU WILL NOT!!!!

Price for Hotels on a Thursday night will be around $75.00. Lots of restaraunts and lots of shopping. Northern is a college town. Besides your typical fast food, not too many nice restaraunts or hotels. Stay in the burbs or in downtown Chicago. However, if you stay in downtown Chicago, on a Friday afternoon it will take you about 2 1/2 hrs to go 15 miles on the Eisenhower ExpryWay (1-290). I would not stay in the city if I were you. But that's just my opinion and also from Experience. If you want to enjoy the city life, stay in Aurora, get your hotel, and then take the train to and from Chicago (5.00 ride). Parking in Chicago is $18.00 for 3 hours.

Very good advice.
But with regards to a hotel...
Why not find out where the team HQ is and stay there?
Maryland stayed in a hotel in Lisle IL I think.
For the game at BGSU last year, we stayed at the NIU team hotel in Toledo.
It's great to meet player parents and athletic admin staff.
I found it added to the whole game day experience.
It will also provide you with a group of drinking buddies while you are lamenting a BGSU loss!
All kidding aside, good luck against OU.
It thrills me to see you all will have TV coverage to watch the game.