Northwestern crushes Penn State in grand opening of New Ryan Field
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 4:48 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
Northwestern defeated Penn State 34-13 on October 2 at the grand opening of New Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. The Wildcats dominated throughout the game, taking a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime and finishing with over 500 total yards. The loss raises concerns for first-year Penn State coach Matt Campbell as his team struggles on offense. Northwestern's strong rushing attack, led by Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II, was pivotal in the victory.
- •Northwestern scored 24 points by halftime, leading 34-13 overall.
- •The Wildcats rushed for over 350 yards against a struggling Penn State defense.
- •Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II combined for 334 rushing yards.
- •Penn State's offense struggled, failing to sustain drives throughout the game.
- •The game marked the opening of Northwestern's New Ryan Field.
- 5:42 AMESPN NCAAF — Northwestern opens 'electric' Ryan Field with upset of Penn State
- 4:00 AMYahoo Sports — Penn State exposed? Winners and losers from Northwestern's stunning rout
"Northwestern fans, who eagerly awaited Ryan Field's opening, were rewarded with not only an easy win over a preseason Top 25 team, but a light show in the stands and waves of fireworks and flames before kickoff of the Wildcats' 34-13 win over Penn State.
"Northwestern's New Ryan Field opened in style as the Wildcats crushed Penn State, exposing major concerns for Matt Campbell's team.
Sources
External links- ESPN NCAAFOct 3, 2026, 5:42 AMNorthwestern opens 'electric' Ryan Field with upset of Penn State
Northwestern fans, who eagerly awaited Ryan Field's opening, were rewarded with not only an easy win over a preseason Top 25 team, but a light show in the stands and waves of fireworks and flames before kickoff of the Wildcats' 34-13 win over Penn State.
- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 4:00 AMPenn State exposed? Winners and losers from Northwestern's stunning rout
Northwestern's New Ryan Field opened in style as the Wildcats crushed Penn State, exposing major concerns for Matt Campbell's team.
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