On the offensive:
The Wildcats rushed it 67 times — most since 2003 — to chew up 320 yards. Kain Colter ran for three highlight-quality scores and completed 10 of 13 passes.
Getting defensive:
Linebacker Bryce McNaul dropped into coverage for an interception, and Vince Browne used his left arm to shove away a 296-pound left tackle en route to a sack. But the Wildcats gave up a 72-yard touchdown pass and 76-yard rush in garbage time.
The number:
21:37. The Wildcats possessed the ball for all but 8:23 of the second half.
They’re still talking about:
The erratic special-teams play. Venric Mark had kickoff returns of 63 and 49 yards, but Brandon Williams shanked a punt and Jeff Budzien was nowhere close on a 45-yard field goal attempt.
Head count:
The fan-friendly 2:30 p.m. kickoff helped draw a crowd of 28,042 to Ryan Field. Still modest, but it’s up from last year’s home opener (25,471 vs. Illinois State). NU’s fall classes begin Sept. 20.
Looking ahead:
Northwestern travels to West Point, N.Y., to take on 0-2 Army, which rushed for 403 yards Saturday in its 23-20 home loss to San Diego State.
