Northwestern
3-3 , 1-2
Rutgers (HOMECOMING)
3-4 , 0-4
'Cats Trample Rutgers in 21-7 Homecoming Win
10/16/2021 3:01:00 PM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. – Buoyed by the strong Homecoming crowd, Northwestern earned its first Big Ten win over Rutgers, 21-7.
The victory moved the 'Cats up to 3-3 on the season.
Quarterback Ryan Hilinski led the 'Cats with poise, throwing for 267 of Northwestern's 402 yards. He recorded 231 of those yards in the first half, the most in a half by a Wildcat quarterback since 2018. He also tossed two touchdowns, including the first score of the game: a 64-yard touchdown from wide receiver Malik Washington, marking the longest play of his career. Washington ended the game with a career-high 84 yards.
However, wide receiver Stephon Robinson was Hilinski's favorite target, leading the 'Cats with five completions for 115 yards and recording his second game in a row with over 100 yards. The last Wildcat to post back-to-back 100+ receiving yards and multiple games with 100+ yards in a single season was Flynn Nagel in 2018.
In addition to a great passing game, Northwestern outran Rutgers, posting 135 rushing yards to just 63 from the Scarlet Knights. Running back Andrew Clair led the 'Cats with a 63 yard performance, including the third touchdown of the game and his first touchdown as a Wildcat.
On the defensive end, Adetomiwa Adebawore was the star for the Wildcats. He recorded four tackles for loss, becoming the ninth player in the FBS with a four-TFL game this season. Adebawore also recorded seven solo tackles, two quarterback hurries and a sack. Linebacker Bryce Gallagher also turned in a solid performance with 10 tackles, 2.5 TFLs and his first career sack.
The 'Cats will hit the road and head to Ann Arbor for another Big Ten matchup against Michigan. Kick-off is set for 11 a.m. next Saturday and will be televised on Fox.
Team Stats
RU 0, NU 7
NU - Washington,Malik 64 yd pass from Hilinski,Ryan (Kuhbander,Charlie kick) 5 plays, 98 yards, TOP 02:19
RU 7, NU 7
RU - Melton,Bo 18 yd pass from Vedral,Noah (Ambrosio,Valentino kick) 7 plays, 97 yards, TOP 02:48
RU 7, NU 14
NU - Lang,Marshall 2 yd pass from Hilinski,Ryan (Kuhbander,Charlie kick) 12 plays, 86 yards, TOP 05:29
RU 7, NU 21
NU - Clair,Andrew 3 yd run (Kuhbander,Charlie kick), 9 plays, 71 yards, TOP 03:54
