Overview
- The Wildcats outgained Western Illinois 526-181 with a balanced attack that topped 200 yards rushing and passing.
- Stone went 21 of 29 for 245 yards with touchdown passes to Hayden Eligon II, Hunter Welcing and Drew Wagner.
- Porter ran for 91 yards and a 43-yard score before leaving in the third quarter, and he was later seen on crutches as Coach David Braun offered no update.
- Northwestern's defense held WIU scoreless until the final minutes, posting eight pass breakups and a Mac Uihlein interception before a late Leathernecks touchdown.
- Backup quarterback Ryan Boe broke free for a 58-yard rushing touchdown and Luke Akers added two field goals as Northwestern moved to 1-1 ahead of its Sept. 13 Big Ten opener against No. 6 Oregon.