“He did a good job of staying poised throughout, being a good communicator, did a good job protecting the football and was sound in his decision-making,” Braun said. “Aidan and that offense got off to a good start. We’ll look back, look at the tape and know that there’s plenty of work ahead.”
Griffin Wilde recorded three receptions for a team-high 104 yards. He tied his career's longest reception (71 yards) on his first catch of the night.
The ‘Cats deployed a balanced rushing attack, with Joseph Himon II taking four carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Gavin Sawchuk accumulated 69 yards on eight carries, while Caleb Komolafe logged 83 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown.
“We take pride in running the football,” Himon said. “We believe we have the best running backs in the country.”
Defensively, Robert Fitzgerald tallied a game-high 14 total tackles. Kobie McKinzie posted nine tackles in his first game as a Wildcat. Fellow linebacker Braydon Brus added seven tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. Josh Fussell and Braden Turner each recorded three pass breakups.
Back to full health, Damon Walters demonstrated a return to his All-Big Ten form from the 2024 season. The safety registered nine stops, a pass breakup and an interception.
“Really grateful to be playing with my guys and be healthy,” Walters said. “Last year was a hard time for me, just really happy to be back.”
Northwestern’s opening drive marked an emphatic start to Chip Kelly’s tenure as playcaller, with Chiles leading a two-play, 82-yard touchdown drive. Chiles first connected with Wilde for 71 yards before tossing an 11-yard touchdown to fellow transfer Alex Honig to give the ‘Cats a 7-0 lead.
