Chip Kelly Era Begins
Northwestern Launches Chip Kelly Era With 34-18 Season-Opening Victory Over South Dakota State
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Key Points
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Northwestern’s defense forced an early turnover when safety Damon Walters intercepted South Dakota State quarterback Chase Mason after linebacker Braydon Brus recorded a sack on the Jackrabbits’ opening drive.
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Walters, returning to full health after a difficult 2025 season, finished with nine tackles, a pass breakup and the interception. Robert Fitzgerald led Northwestern with 14 tackles, while Brus added seven tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.
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Northwestern head coach David Braun praised Chiles’ composure and ball security but acknowledged that the offense still has significant room to improve: “We’ll look back, look at the tape and know that there’s plenty of work ahead.”
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Chiles arrived at Northwestern after making 20 starts for Michigan State, and the Wildcats have only one more game to fine-tune the offense before traveling on Sept. 25 to face reigning national champion Indiana.
Northwestern opened its 2026 season with a 34-18 victory over South Dakota State, marking the start of the Chip Kelly era with an explosive offensive showing WTOP. Quarterback Aidan Chiles threw for 273 yards and a touchdown in his Wildcats debut while adding a rushing score, and the defense forced an early turnover to set the tone IJR.
Northwestern dominated the final four possessions, scoring 24 straight points to pull away. Wide receiver Griffin Wilde caught three passes for 104 yards, including a 71-yard reception on the team's opening play. Running back Joseph Himon II added an 80-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter WTOP.
Chiles Steps In Smoothly Despite Offensive Rough Edges
Chiles, who made 20 starts at Michigan State before transferring, looked composed managing the Wildcats offense in his debut. He completed passes to multiple targets and avoided turnovers, though the drive chart showed uneven execution at times. Head coach David Braun noted there is "plenty of work ahead" despite the victory IJR.
Northwestern's Ground Game Powers Late Rally
The Wildcats rushed for 224 yards, with Himon II's explosive 80-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter effectively sealing the win. Northwestern's offense found rhythm in the second half, scoring multiple times as South Dakota State tired. The rushing attack proved far more efficient than the passing game early WTOP.
Defense Stiffens When It Matters Most in Red Zone
Northwestern's defense allowed 438 total yards but made critical plays in the red zone, holding South Dakota State to just one touchdown on seven trips inside the 25-yard line. Safety Damon Walters recorded nine tackles, a pass breakup and an interception after missing significant time in 2025. Linebacker Robert Fitzgerald led the team with 14 tackles WTOP.
Indiana Looms as Steep Challenge in Week Two
Northwestern has only one more game to refine its offense before traveling to face reigning national champion Indiana on September 25. The quick turnaround gives the Wildcats limited time to correct the uneven execution shown against South Dakota State. Braun and his staff will lean heavily on film study to improve before the matchup with a defending champion IJR.
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