Northwestern defeats South Dakota State 34-18 in season opener

Northwestern opened its season with a 34-18 victory over South Dakota State on Saturday night at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Quarterback Aidan Chiles threw for 273 yards and one touchdown while adding a rushing score in his debut for the Wildcats. The offense totaled 497 yards, aided by a late 80-yard rushing touchdown from Joseph Himon II that secured the result. South Dakota State managed three field goals from Ryan Harrington and a fourth-quarter touchdown from Josiah Johnson but struggled to keep pace with the Northwestern rushing attack. The game was marked by a medical delay during the third quarter when center Jackson Carsello was stretchered off the field. This victory marks the first win for Northwestern under the direction of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

• 4:16 AMYahoo Sports — Northwestern’s Late Offensive Push Helps Defeat South Dakota State