Saturday, September 30
Evanston, Ill.
11 a.m. CT

Northwestern

vs

#6 Penn State

HenningKirtz_Minnesota

Gameday Central: Football Set to Host No. 6 Penn State

9/27/2023 11:46:00 AM | Football

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern (2-2, 1-1 B1G) looks to continue its momentum from a 21-point comeback win against Minnesota last week as it hosts Big Ten powerhouse No. 6 Penn State (4-0, 2-0 B1G) at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, September 30.
 
How to Follow
 
Watch on Big Ten Network: Action will be televised on BTN, with Mark Followill (play-by-play) and Jake Butt (analyst) in the booth, joined by Brooke Fletcher on the sideline.
Direct Link to Watch Online (Sign-In with TV Provider)
 
Listen on AM 720 WGN: The Voice of the Wildcats, Dave Eanet, returns for his 34th season calling Northwestern Football. Eanet will be joined on the call by 30th-year analyst Ted Albrecht, along with Lauren Withrow on the sideline.
Direct Link to Listen Online
 
Follow In-Game Updates (NUFBFamily): Stay tuned to Northwestern Football's Twitter and Instagram channels for live highlights, photos and reactions surrounding Sunday's game. 
 
Digital Program: Can't wait for Saturday's game? Catch up on all the latest with the Wildcats prior to kickoff with this week's gameday program! View the Week 5 Digital Program HERE

Promotions
Together We Win - 'Together We Win' is a mantra that represents Northwestern's commitment to the department inclusion statement. Together we will strive to build an inclusive environment, together we will actively and intentionally engage with difference, together will educate, advocate, and challenge… together we will win. 

Five Things to Know
  1. Northwestern stormed back from a 21-point deficit last Saturday to defeat Minnesota 37-34 in overtime. The Wildcats outscored Minnesota 24-7 in the second half before Ben Bryant connected with Charlie Mangieri for a 25-yard, walk-off touchdown in the only overtime period. It was Northwestern's largest comeback victory since a 25-point comeback against Indiana in 2009, and the first walk-off win since Oct. 13 2018, when Drew Luckenbaugh connected on a 37-yard field goal to beat Nebraska in overtime, 34-31, on Homecoming. Northwestern has now won six-straight overtime games, tied for the second-longest active streak in the country and tied for the longest streak in the Big Ten.

  2. Ben Bryant completed 33-of-49 passes for a career-high 396 yards against Minnesota, and tied his career-high with four touchdown tosses. His four touchdown passes are tied for second-most in a single game in school history, marking the first time a NU quarterback has accomplished the feat since Trevor Siemian in a 37-34 win against Illinois on Nov. 30, 2013. Bryant threw a 80-yard strike to WR Bryce Kirtz in the second quarter, the longest completion of his career and sixth-longest passing play in school history.

  3. Bryce Kirtz was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after tallying 10 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns, the first two offensive scores of his career, against Minnesota. His 215 receiving yards are the fourth-most in a game in school history. Kirtz is the first Wildcat receiver to earn Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week since Flynn Nagel in 2018. He recorded a catch on all three plays of a drive covering 69 yards in the fourth quarter, ending with a 17-yard touchdown reception.

  4. The win against Minnesota moves David Braun to 2-0 at Ryan Field as Interim Head Coach. Braun is the first Northwestern head coach to win their first two home games since Dick Hanley in 1927 (47-2 vs. South Dakota, 13-6 vs. Utah). 
     
  5. Saturday's game will be the 21st matchup between Northwestern and Penn State, with the Nittany Lions leading the all-time series 15-5. The two programs are meeting in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014-15. The 'Cats won both games in that span, claiming a 29-6 win in State College on Sept. 27, 2014 and a 23-21 triumph at Ryan Field on Nov. 7, 2015. NU has won three of the last 10 meetings in Evanston.
Up Next: Northwestern wraps up its homestand with against Howard on Homecoming Weekend at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 7. Get your tickets through NUSports.com.

Players Mentioned

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