Northwestern christened its new $875 million Ryan Field with a dominant 34-13 victory over Penn State on Friday night, exactly 100 years after the original stadium first hosted a Wildcats game.
The Wildcats announced their arrival in the state-of-the-art facility with a performance that impressed across the Big Ten. Northwestern amassed 506 total yards of offense, including 413 rushing yards, in the decisive victory.
"This is what we built for," Northwestern head coach David Braun said after the game.
Kicker Jackson Kleather scored the first points ever at the new stadium with a 50-yard field goal on Northwestern's opening drive. Quarterback Aidan Chiles added a 1-yard rushing touchdown after running back Joseph Himon II broke free for a 47-yard run that set up the score.
Himon II scored twice as Northwestern rushed for more than 400 yards against Penn State's defense. By the end of the first quarter, the Wildcats had compiled 144 yards of total offense, with 109 coming on the ground.
Penn State, which arrived with a 2-1 record, managed only one touchdown in the first half. Running back Carson Hansen scored on an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht threw an interception on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Penn State kicker Ryan Barker missed a 45-yard field goal attempt late in the second quarter.
By halftime, Northwestern had accumulated 278 yards of offense to Penn State's minimal output. The Wildcats extended their lead to 24-7 before Penn State added late scores.
With the win, Northwestern improved to 3-0 at home to start the season. Penn State dropped to 2-2.
The Nittany Lions host USC next weekend. Northwestern visits Ball State next week.
