Northwestern Advances to 8-1 After 42-28 Victory Over Purdue
Northwestern surged to an impressive 8-1 record this past weekend, securing a decisive 42-28 win against Purdue. Quarterback Mike Wright delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns with a remarkable 12 completions out of 16 attempts. Wright also showcased his mobility, rushing for 57 yards and 2 touchdowns on 7 carries.
In the absence of star running back Cam Porter, Joseph Himon stepped up in a big way, rushing for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries. Himon also contributed in the passing game, adding 53 receiving yards and a touchdown on 3 catches. Wide receiver Bryce Kirtz had a memorable game as well, recording 50 receiving yards and his first career touchdown.
The Northwestern defense was a force to be reckoned with, dominating the turnover battle by forcing a fumble and intercepting Purdue's quarterback 5 times. Safety Coco Azema had a standout performance, recording 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 interceptions. Cornerback Theran Johnson also had a stellar game, registering 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. D Turner, D Walters, and M Smith each added interceptions of their own, contributing to the dominant defensive effort.
Looking ahead, Northwestern faces a challenging schedule with a home game against Ohio State followed by a road trip to Michigan over the next two weeks. The Wildcats will need to maintain their high level of play to continue their successful season.