Northwestern
1-1
UNLV
1-2
Wildcats Cruise In Home Opener vs UNLV
9/14/2019 6:55:00 PM | Football
In his first start at Ryan Field, redshirt sophomore Hunter Johnson combined for over 200 yards of total offense and two touchdowns, including 165 yards through the air.
Redshirt first-year Drake Anderson had a career day, rushing for 141 yards on 26 carries, including a seven-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Additionally, junior Jesse Brown ran for a career-high 79 yards on nine attempts in the first half.
Junior Chris Bergin led the 'Cats defense with 10 total tackles, while senior Joe Gaziano chipped in with nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Wildcats' offense set the tone early, as Johnson executed a stellar opening touchdown drive for Northwestern, capping it off with his first-career rushing touchdown on a 1-yard keeper to put the 'Cats on top, 7-0.
Following a UNLV score, the Wildcats reclaimed the lead midway through the first quarter after junior Charlie Kuhbander kicked his first field goal of the 2019 season from 33 yards out to give Northwestern a 10-7 lead.
Late in the first quarter, junior Travis Whillock forced his first-career fumble to end a UNLV drive in Wildcat territory. Gaziano recovered the fumble, marking the sixth recovery of his career, tied for second all-time in program history.
Kuhbander converted on two more field goals from 30 and 44 yards, respectively, to give Northwestern a 16-14 lead heading into halftime. This marks the third time of Kuhbander's career in which he has finished with three field goals.
Junior linebacker Paddy Fisher came up with his third-career interception in Wildcat territory to halt the Rebels' first drive of the second half. Fisher finished the day with a career-high three pass breakups.
On the ensuing drive, Johnson completed his first touchdown pass as a Wildcat on a 50-yard heave to sophomore J.J. Jeferson. The touchdown grab was the third touchdown of Jefferson's career, and his longest touchdown reception, surpassing his 34-yard catch against Michigan State on Oct. 6, 2018.
The Wildcat defense forced its third turnover of the day later in the third quarter on a forced fumble by junior defensive end Earnest Brown IV, the second of his career. The fumble was recovered by Travis Whillock.
Gaziano took over in the fourth quarter, recording a 1.5 sacks along with a forced fumble. The senior defensive end now has 22 career sacks, putting him in sole possession of third place in Northwestern history, surpassing Steve Shine (1990-93). Gaziano is just the fourth NU player since 2000 to have a sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in a game.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will be back in action at Ryan Field next weekend as they open conference play against Michigan State. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Team Stats
UNLV 0, NU 7
NU - Johnson, Hunter 1 yd run (Kuhbander, C kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:28
UNLV 7, NU 7
UNLV - WILLIAMS, C. 65 yd run (GUTIERREZ, D. kick), 3 plays, 74 yards, TOP 1:11
UNLV 7, NU 10
NU - Kuhbander, C 33 yd field goal 11 plays, 60 yards, TOP 4:53
UNLV 14, NU 10
UNLV - WILLIAMS, C. 37 yd run (GUTIERREZ, D. kick), 10 plays, 80 yards, TOP 5:35
UNLV 14, NU 13
NU - Kuhbander, C 30 yd field goal 10 plays, 55 yards, TOP 4:48
UNLV 14, NU 16
NU - Kuhbander, C 44 yd field goal 9 plays, 60 yards, TOP 2:26
UNLV 14, NU 23
NU - Jefferson, JJ 50 yd pass from Johnson, Hunter (Kuhbander, C kick) 2 plays, 60 yards, TOP 0:38
UNLV 14, NU 30
NU - Anderson, Drake 7 yd run (Kuhbander, C kick), 1 plays, 7 yards, TOP 0:06
