In an exciting home opener, Northwestern secured a 31-21 victory over Stanford, showcasing a strong defensive performance. Despite Stanford amassing 418 total offensive yards compared to Northwestern's 288, the Wildcats' defense was the star of the game, forcing three turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Quarterback Mike Wright played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing significantly with his legs and arm. He finished the game with seven carries for 47 yards and an impressive three rushing touchdowns. Running back Cam Porter also shined, carrying the ball 18 times for 106 yards, providing a solid ground game that complemented Wright's efforts. This win sets a positive tone for Northwestern as they look to build on this momentum in the season ahead.