EVANSTON, Ill. — Behind a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Aidan Chiles, Northwestern raced out to a 41-7 victory over Colorado in its final game at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Saturday night.
The Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) built a 21-0 first-half lead to set the stage for a decisive result against the Buffaloes (2-1, 0-0 Big 12). Northwestern outgained Colorado 423 yards to 348 in the win.
“Proud of our guys, proud of our program — our guys did a really good job tonight of focusing on our team,” Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun said. “I was pleased with the way we were able to deal with the ups and downs of the first quarter. The desire and effort to finish the football game was really good to see.”
With the victory, Northwestern began a season 2-0 for the first time under Braun.
Chiles completed 17-of-22 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, also tallying two rushing touchdowns. Chiles is the first Wildcat quarterback to record at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a single game since at least 1995.
“I was proud of his poise throughout the game, his playmaking ability, his athleticism and his ability to keep his eyes downfield,” Braun said of Chiles. “That’s really hard to defend. I’m just really excited for him to continue to grow in this offense.”
In a performance for the record books, Joseph Himon II hauled in three touchdown catches. Himon accumulated 74 yards from scrimmage on seven touches and added 54 kick return yards. He is the first Big Ten running back to record at least 100 all-purpose yards and three receiving touchdowns in a single game since at least 1995.
“Joe’s special,” Braun said. “He’s always been a leader, but he’s such an extraordinary captain. That captain role has really pushed him to another level in being an active leader. And, he’s so competitive.”
Griffin Wilde racked up a team-high 85 receiving yards on five receptions. He caught each of his five targets.
Caleb Komolafe rushed for a team-high 49 yards on 11 carries, while Gavin Sawchuk added 48 yards on 12 rushes. As a team, Northwestern combined for 182 rushing yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry.
The Wildcat defense wreaked havoc throughout the primetime game, posting four takeaways. Braden Turner and Ore Adeyi snared interceptions, while Robert Fitzgerald and Braydon Brus recovered fumbles. Fitzgerald led Northwestern’s tackling effort, posting 11 stops.
With just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Michael Kilbane forced a fumble, which Fitzgerald pounced on to set up the ’Cats' offense in plus-territory. Chiles capitalized on the takeaway, punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Northwestern a 7-0 lead.
The Wildcats wrapped up a second consecutive Colorado drive on a fumble recovery, with Brus recovering possession. NU nabbed its third-straight takeaway on the next Buffaloes possession as Turner picked off Julian Lewis, returning the ball to the CU 18-yard-line.
Two plays after Turner’s third career interception, Chiles connected with Himon for an 18-yard receiving touchdown, extending the Northwestern lead to 14-0 with 7:59 remaining in the first half.
In the final minute of the half, Chiles recorded a three-yard rushing touchdown to stretch the advantage to 21-0. NU’s 21 first-half points marked its most against a power conference opponent since scoring 21 at Illinois on Nov. 25, 2023.
After the break, Lewis hit Joseph Williams on a screen pass for Colorado’s first points of the game.
The ’Cats provided a swift response on the ensuing drive as Chiles tossed a 25-yard touchdown to Himon, making the score 28-7 with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter. Just three minutes later, the duo connected for a third touchdown through the air.
With 13:12 remaining in the game, Jackson Kleather kicked a 38-yard field goal to give Northwestern a 38-7 lead. Late in the fourth quarter, Kleather connected on a second field goal to score the hosts’ 20th unanswered points of the night.
“We can play with anybody,” Braun said. “We’re built for the schedule that’s in front of us. As long as we take it one day at a time and don’t get ahead of ourselves, you can sense some things starting to come together. I’m excited for the test that’s ahead.”
The Wildcats will open Big Ten play against No. 4 Indiana in Bloomington on Friday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on FOX.