Wildcats Fall at Nebraska on Final Play

10/5/2019 6:42:00 PM | Football

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Postgame Notes

LINCOLN, Neb. – Northwestern battled with Nebraska for 60 minutes, but ultimately could not capitalize on a stellar defensive effort in a 13-10 setback at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After two early scores, the Wildcats held the Cornhuskers in check for over 38 minutes before surrendering a 24-yard field goal as time expired.

Redshirt junior quarterback Aidan Smith made his first career start and compiled 200 yards of total offense, including 64 yards on 16 carries and a rushing touchdown.

Junior linebacker Paddy Fisher led the way for the Wildcats' defense, recording a season-high 10 total tackles. Additionally, sophomore defensive back Cameron Ruiz finished with a career-high eight total tackles, along with two tackles for loss.

Also chipping in on the defensive end was senior defensive lineman Joe Gaziano, who recorded three tackles for loss, including a sack, to continue his ascent up the Wildcat record books. Gaziano now owns sole possession of second place among the all-time sack list (24.5), passing Ifeadi Odenigbo. He also moved into a tie for fourth place with Anthony Walker Jr. and Corey Wootton for career tackles for loss (38.0). The Scituate, Mass. native now needs 4.0 sacks to pass Casey Dailey for Northwestern's all-time sack record of 28.0.

Junior linebacker Chris Bergin also notched 2.0 tackles for loss on the afternoon. Today's game marked the first time Northwestern has had three players record at least 2.0 tackles for loss in a game since October 3, 2015 vs. Minnesota.

After falling behind 10, the 'Cats responded in the second quarter with a 40-yard field goal by junior kicker Charlie Kuhbander to cut the deficit to one score. The field goal was set up by a career-long 50-yard kickoff return from junior wide receiver Riley Lees, marking the longest kickoff return by a Wildcat since Solomon Vault in 2016.

The Wildcats' evened the game up on their first offensive drive of the second half, going six plays in 58 yards and capping it off with the first-career touchdown run by Smith on a two-yard quarterback keeper.

Lees turned in another exceptional day on the receiving end as he hauled in a career-high seven receptions, which eclipsed his previous high of five that he set in each of the 'Cats' last two games.

Chicago's Big Ten Team is on a bye next week, but will be back in action under the lights at Ryan Field on Friday, October 18, when it welcomes Ohio State to town. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.