Late Field Goal Downs Wildcats, 24-22

Saturday, November 9

Evanston, Ill.

11 a.m.

Northwestern

1-8 , 0-7

Purdue

4-6 , 3-4

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Purdue

Northwestern

11/9/2019 2:11:00 PM | Football

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EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern traded blows with Purdue on Saturday at Ryan Field, but special teams made the difference late as Purdue came away with a 24-22 win.

Junior Kyric McGowan led the rushing attack with 146 yards on the ground, including a 79-yard touchdown rush in the first quarter. It was the longest play from scrimmage and longest touchdown of the season for Northwestern.

Junior quarterback Aidan Smith threw for a career-high two touchdowns, one to Jace James and one to Riley Lees. James hauled in the first touchdown reception of his career.

The defense also registered two interceptions on the day for the first time since the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 31, 2018, with takeaways coming from Blake Gallagher and Cam Ruiz. Eku Leota also forced a fumble with his first career solo sack.

After Northwestern took a 14-0 lead with McGowan and James' touchdowns, Purdue got on the board to make it 14-7. The Wildcat defense registered its first safety since 2012 on a sack from Joe Gaziano, which left just 0.5 sacks off of the career program record at NU, set by Casey Dailley from 1994-97.

Purdue responded with two touchdowns to make it 21-16, but Northwestern rallied back with a crucial drive in the fourth quarter. Keyed by a career-long 33-yard reception by Berkeley Holman, the Wildcat offense found the endzone on Lees' grab. The two point conversion was unsuccessful and Northwestern led 22-21.

After a defensive stop, the offense reeled off a drive that lasted over six minutes to try and put the game away. A field goal would have given the 'Cats a four point lead, but Charlie Kuhbander's attempt clanked off the upright. Purdue drove back down the field and kicked a game-winning 39-yard field goal with three seconds left on the clock.

The Wildcats are back in action next week against UMass. Kickoff time will be determined later this weekend.

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