No. 20 ’Cats Clipped at Oregon, 34-26

EUGENE, Ore. — No. 20 Northwestern football fell 34-26 at Oregon on Saturday in Autzen Stadium, ending a four-game winning streak. 

“[It was] a battle for four quarters,” Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun said. “Ultimately, they played a better game today and earned a win. Lots of lessons here for our football team.”

The Wildcats (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) led by as many as 14 points but could not close out a road result against the Ducks (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten).

Senior quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 22-of-38 passes for 281 yards and one touchdown; he also rushed for 93 yards and a score. 

Senior wide receiver Griffin Wilde led the ‘Cats with 146 receiving yards and one touchdown on five receptions. Redshirt junior running back Caleb Komolafe racked up 97 scrimmage yards on 20 touches.

Sophomore safety Alijah Jones recorded a team-high eight total tackles. Graduate student linebacker Braydon Brus continued his standout stretch, accumulating six tackles, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Northwestern’s offense had a hot start, producing points on its first four possessions as Chiles showcased his dual-threat ability. Chiles threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns, setting a career high in first-half passing yards.

“We don’t necessarily control when we’re going to start fast, but what we can control is our urgency,” Braun said.

After Jackson Kleather opened the scoring on a 37-yard field goal, the ‘Cats’ defense forced a three-and-out to bring the offense back out. Chiles found a wide-open Wilde for a 64-yard touchdown to give the ’Cats a 10-0 lead.

The hosts hit a pair of field goals — with Kleather converting his second 37-yarder in between the two scores — keeping the game within seven points.

With less than two minutes remaining in the first half, Chiles rushed for a five-yard touchdown, extending the NU advantage to 20-6. On Oregon’s ensuing drive, Dylan Raiola hit Dakorien Moore for a 10-yard passing touchdown to make the halftime margin 20-13.

Following the break, Brus halted the Ducks’ opening possession with a forced fumble. Kleather capitalized on the takeaway, drilling a 49-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 23-13 with 12:22 remaining in the third quarter. 

Three minutes later, Raiola completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jamar Johnson to cut the lead to 23-20. Oregon then took a 27-23 lead on Brandon Smith’s two-yard rushing touchdown with 14:19 to play in the fourth quarter. Kleather connected on his second 49-yard field goal on Northwestern’s ensuing drive, slicing the deficit to 27-26 with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Raiola and Moore responded with a 75-yard passing touchdown, pushing the home edge to 34-26. While the ’Cats got possession with a chance to tie late in the game, the Ducks forced the visitors to punt. Oregon ultimately ended the game on Raiola’s earlier crucial third-down conversion.

“This one is going to sting,” Braun said. “But we better show up Monday and get to work.”

The Wildcats return home to face Iowa on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Ryan Field. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX.