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Northwestern Drops Season-Opener to Stanford

Northwestern had plenty of drama at the quarterback position going into Saturday’s game against Stanford, but the Wildcats are still left with uncertainty after a 17-7 loss to the Cardinal in the season opener.

TJ Green threw for 62 yards on 10 attempts in the game, while Hunter Johnson threw for 46 yards and was intercepted twice in the losing effort.

As a whole, the Wildcats’ offense barely eclipsed the 200 yard mark, with John Moten IV scoring the lone Northwestern touchdown of the game on a 4-yard touchdown run.

The two sides engaged in a hard-fought defensive battle through the first 30 minutes of the contest, but Stanford finally broke through late in the half as K.J. Costello hit Michael Wilson for a 2-yard touchdown pass to cap off a 15-play, 90 yard drive that put Stanford ahead 7-0. Jet Toner added a late field goal just before the half, giving the Cardinal a 10-point lead at the break.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Wildcats got the ball in good field position at the 50-yard line and ground out a 12-play scoring drive. Moten capped off the drive with a 1-yard plunge into the end zone, bringing the Wildcats within a field goal with 7:49 remaining in the game.

The Wildcats’ attempt at a comeback was thwarted in the closing seconds however, as Johnson was sacked by Casey Toohill and the Cardinal recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, giving Stanford a 10-point lead.

Northwestern will have to wait a week for its home opener in Evanston, where they will welcome UNLV on Sept. 14.

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