Northwestern Dominates Penn State in Historic Ryan Field Opener

A Historic Night at Ryan Field

Northwestern opened their brand new 875 million dollar Ryan Field in style. The Wildcats secured an easy 34-13 win over Penn State on Friday night. Fans in the 35,000 seat stadium enjoyed a pregame show with fireworks, flames, and lights before watching their team dominate.

The win helped Northwestern bounce back from a tough 29-23 loss against Indiana last week. The Wildcats are now 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten.

Ground Game Dominance

The Wildcats offense relied heavily on their run game to overpower Penn State. Northwestern finished with 413 rushing yards and 506 total yards, both season highs.

Caleb Komolafe led the charge with a career high 188 rushing yards and a touchdown. Joseph Himon II also had a career night, rushing for 162 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.

"All the credit to our players," Northwestern coach David Braun said. He added that the community and the student section made the atmosphere electric.

Penn State Struggles Continue

Penn State fell to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten. It was the second straight loss for the team under coach Matt Campbell.

Rocco Becht completed 26 of 41 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown for the Nittany Lions, but he also threw two interceptions. Carson Hansen scored Penn State's only touchdown on an 8-yard run in the second quarter.

Campbell expressed disappointment after the game. He said that his team lacked the standard of what the program plays football with, including the attitude, effort, and toughness.

What it means for the next game

Ball State Cardinals at Northwestern Wildcats (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Northwestern Wildcats win 91%, Ball State Cardinals win 9%; projected score Northwestern Wildcats 36, Ball State Cardinals 13. Our safest pick: Ball State +33.5.

USC Trojans at Penn State Nittany Lions (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Penn State Nittany Lions win 49%, USC Trojans win 51%; projected score Penn State Nittany Lions 30, USC Trojans 28. Our safest pick: Penn State +8.5.