Northwestern Defeats Penn State in Inaugural Game at New Ryan Field

EVANSTON, Ill. — Caleb Komolafe rushed for a career-high 188 yards and a touchdown, leading Northwestern to a 34-13 victory over Penn State on Friday night in the first game at the new Ryan Field. Northwestern set season highs with 413 yards rushing and 506 yards overall, with Joseph Himon II contributing a career-high 162 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. The Wildcats (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) led throughout the game, recovering from a previous 29-23 loss to No. 6 Indiana. Penn State (3-2, 0-2), under first-year coach Matt Campbell, suffered its second consecutive loss after previously blowing a 17-point lead in a 24-20 defeat to Wisconsin. Rocco Becht completed 26 of 41 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown for Penn State, but he also threw two interceptions. The Nittany Lions recorded 20 first downs and totaled 291 yards, an improvement from their previous game against Wisconsin where they had 12 first downs and 233 yards. Northwestern took an early 10-0 lead with Aidan Chiles’ 2-yard keeper with 5:07 remaining in the first quarter, following a 47-yard run by Himon. Carson Hansen scored an 8-yard touchdown run for Penn State in the second quarter, but Himon responded with rushing touchdowns of 38 and 11 yards. Penn State had an opportunity to narrow the gap just before halftime, but Ryan Barker missed a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Wildcats extended their lead to 31-7 with Komolafe’s 1-yard touchdown run with 1:13 left in the third quarter, aided by a 15-yard run and a 31-yard pass to Griffin Wilde on consecutive plays during the drive. Northwestern will next host Ball State on October 10.