LIVE GAME THREAD: Northwestern vs. Indiana State
Northwestern Wildcats (0-1) vs. Indiana State Sycamores (1-0)
Where: Ryan Field in Evanston, IL
Time: 11:00 am CST
Watch: Big Ten Network
Listen: WGN Radio 720
The Wildcats look to rebound from their Week One loss against Michigan State by hosting the Indiana State Sycamores in a few short minutes. Northwestern was run over by the Spartans to the tune of 326 rushing yards, including 264 by Kenneth Walker III. Despite the loss, the Wildcat passing game showed signs of life, as Northwestern QB Hunter Johnson completed 30 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns.
The Sycamores come into this game having defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers 26-21. This was their first game since 2019, as they didn't play at all in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sycamores ran for 158 yards, boosted by QB Michael Haupert's 44-yard scamper in the third quarter. The Sycamores also forced three turnovers, including a pick-six by Sycamore safety Michael Thomas.
The Wildcats should win this game handily, but Indiana State will provide the Wildcats with the opportunity to get back on track against concepts that Northwestern will see later on in the season.
The road to a home win begins now!
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LIVE GAME THREAD:
Northwestern will receive the opening kickoff
1Q: Evan Hull runs for a three-yard TD, Charlie Kuhbander XP is good. 7-0 Northwestern.
1Q: Indiana State goes for it on fourth down, converts with TE Zach Larkin running for five yards.
1Q: Anthony Thompson is sacked by Adetomiwa Adebawore, Indiana State punts. 7-0 Northwestern.
1Q: Hunter Johnson pass complete to Malik Washington for a 25-yard TOUCHDOWN. Charlie Kuhbander XP is good. 14-0 Wildcats.
END OF QUARTER: Northwestern-14, Indiana State-0. Northwestern is out gaining Indiana State 172-53
Q2: Indiana State goes three and out on a quick catch and tackle made by Cam Mitchell. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: Northwestern calls timeout before a 4th and 10 for the Sycamores. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: Indiana State punts, fair caught by Bryce Kirtz at the Northwestern 8 yard line. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: ISU's Michael Haupert muffs the punt and recovered by Xander Mueller at the Sycamore 30. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: Hunter Johnson and Evan Hull botch the exchange, Indiana State recovers the fumble. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: Cade Chambers punts for the Sycamores, fair caught by Bryce Kirtz at the Northwestern 20 yard line. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: Hunter Johnson is sacked by Heath Stephen II. Derek Adams punts and the Sycamores start on their own 30 yard line. 14-0 Wildcats.
Q2: Sycamores punt is downed at the Northwestern 27. 14-0 Wildcats.
END OF HALF: Northwestern 14, Indiana State 0
Indiana State receives the second half kickoff
Q3: Brandon Joseph takes the Indiana State for 46 yards
Q3: Charlie Kuhbander drills the 47-yard field goal to put the Wildcats up 17-0 here in the third.
Q3: Stop us if you've heard this one before, Brandon Joseph breaks off a huge punt return, taking this one for 65 yards.
Q3: The Wildcats' offense stalls following the punt return from Joseph, failing to convert a 4th and 23, turning the ball over on downs.
Q3: Adebawore gets home for a huge sack on Thompson
Q3: Johnson throws it straight to a Sycamore defender for one of the easier interceptions you'll see.
END OF THIRD QUARTER, WILDCATS LEAD 17-0
Q4: The Wildcats defense starts the final quarter strong with another three and out
Q4: Niro takes the Indiana State punt 28 yards to get inside the 30
Q4: After starting with great position, the Wildcats offense has nothing to show it as they go backwards and are forced to punt yet again
Q4: Evan Hull goes up the middle for a 13-yard touchdown run to put the Wildcats up 24-0.
Q4: Thompson finds Larkin in the end zone for a Sycamore touchdown, however the two point conversion attempt is no good. Wildcats lead 24-6.
FINAL: THE WILDCATS WIN 24-6 TO IMPROVE TO 1-1 ON THE SEASON