EVANSTON, Ill. – It had been more than 1,000 days since Northwestern played at Ryan Field in front of its home fans.
Ij the opening of new Ryan Field, it felt like Northwestern ran for more than 1,000 yards against a Penn State rush defense that entered the night allowing 113.3 yards per game.
Penn State gave up 415 to Northwestern, including 237 in the first half in a 34-13 loss Friday night.
Northwestern running backs Caleb Komolafe (188) and Joseph Himon II (155) each had more than 100 rushing yards, becoming the first duo to get 100 or more against a Penn State defense since Donovan Edwards (173) and Blake Corum (166) did for Michigan in 2022.
Northwestern struck first on its opening possession, after kicker Jackson Kleather connected on a 50-yard field goal to give the Wildcats a 3-0 lead.
After the defense forced Penn State to punt on each of its first two possessions, Northwestern marched 88 yards for the game’s first touchdown. Himon broke loose for a 47-yard run to the Penn State 4, and quarterback Aidan Chiles scored on a 2-yard keeper two plays later to make it 10-0 with 5:07 left in the first quarter.
Penn State found its first scoring opportunity early in the second quarter when running back Gavin Sawchuk fumbled and cornerback Josiah Zayas recovered at the Northwestern 34. The Nittany Lions capitalized with a six-play drive, converting twice on third down before running back Carson Hansen rushed 8 yards for a touchdown. Ryan Barker’s extra point cut Northwestern’s advantage to 10-7 with 10:39 remaining in the half.
The Wildcats answered in just three plays. Himon opened the possession with a 36-yard run and, after a short completion, burst through the middle for a 38-yard touchdown that restored Northwestern’s 10-point lead. Northwestern’s defense then forced consecutive Penn State punts, keeping the Nittany Lions from building on the momentum created by their takeaway.
Northwestern added to its lead late in the half after taking possession at its own 35. Komolafe ripped off a 24-yard run to the Penn State 11, and Himon scored on the next play for his second touchdown of the quarter and a 24-7 advantage.
Late in the first half Penn State found some momentum and drove into Northwestern territory, but Barker missed a 45-yard field-goal wide right with 12 seconds remaining.
In the third quarter, Northwestern continued their superiority on the ground.
On the Wildcats first second half possession, Himon sparked the Wildcats with an impact play of 32-yard run that looked that Northwestern was going to make it a four-possession game. The Nittany Lions stiffened to force a fourth down play that the Wildcats opted for a pass play but Chiles pass fell incomplete.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.On the ensuing possession Penn State started to build off the defensive stop reaching the Northwestern 43-yard line. Like the Nittany Lions, Northwestern defense stiffened forcing the punt where Penn State had another mental miscue with kick catch interference.
It looked the Nittany Lions defense had another stop near midfield but on a key third down Chiles scrambled for 15-yards that moved the chains. On the next play, Chiles connected with Griffin Wilde on a 31-yard reception that set a first-and-goal for Northwestern. Two plays later, Komolafe appeared to extend the Northwestern lead but was overturned with his elbow down within the one-yard line. Komolafe got another crack, this time crossed the goal line to go up 31-7.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Penn State desperate to make something happen offensively, quarterback Rocco Becht threw a desperation heave to wide receiver Chase Sowell that fell short into the arms of Northwestern safety Braydon Brus.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Penn State was able to put a drive together marching 10 plays for 68 yards where Becht connected with Sowell for a 16-yard touchdown reception. Sowell finished with 68 receiving yards and a touchdown. Penn State attempted a two-point conversion that fell incomplete to shrink the deficit to 18 points.
Late in the fourth quarter, Northwestern on a clock killing drive hit
For Penn State defense the 415 rushing yards surrendered were the most given up since the 2022 Michigan game when the Wolverines gashed the Nittany Lions for 418 yards.
It marks the first time since 2014-15 where Northwestern had consecutive wins against Penn State.
Penn State drops to 3-2 on the season and winless in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions have now dropped eight of their last 11 conference games.
Next week, Penn State will host USC in the annual White Out in Beaver Stadium. Kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (Eastern) on NBC.
