If last week’s focus was on the ground game, then this week Northwestern decided to air things out.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles powered the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 B1G) offense, going 17-of-23 for 272 yards and three touchdowns, as Northwestern cruised past Ball State, 45-14, at New Ryan Field. He also carried the ball eight times for 32 yards and a score.
Chiles found himself leaving the pocket at times and having to throw on the run, but he was sacked just once as the transfer from Michigan State continues his hot start to the season. He joked that he played “a lot of sharks and minnows growing up” which prepared him to scramble.
“Just being able to get away from people and just staying on your feet and being able to make a play,” he said.
Spreading the love
Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles scrambles against Ball State on Saturday at New Ryan Field. (Damien Dennis/TPM)
Six different Wildcats hauled in receptions, led by Griffin Wilde with eight for 144 yards and a 19-yard score in the first. Drew Wagner caught four passes for 61 yards and a 12-yard touchdown in the third while tight end Alex Honig caught a pair for 48 yards and a 32-yard score.
Hayden Eligon II, Ricky Ahumaraeze and Gavin Sawchuk all caught a pass.
“It’s an equal opportunity offense,” said Chiles. “And the guys that are open are going to get the ball. … It’s as simple as that.”
Wilde spoke about his unique connection with Chiles.
“I’d say just as a quarterback, the ability that he has to scramble and create plays when they’re not there,” said Wilde. “I mean, you saw him, a snap that was a fumble … and he picks it up and then runs for 15 yards and the first down.”
Chiles ability to extend plays was showcased on Honig’s touchdown, as the quarterback was forced out of the pocket and tossed the ball 32 yards for Honig to grab it out of the air while defended.
“I think we ran the same play back-to-back times, and I mean, I’m always going to trust in myself knowing that I can beat any one-on-one matchup, and I was happy that Aidan came to me, obviously,” said Honig. “You want to get these opportunities, you want to get the ball in the end zone, and I didn’t realize during the play, but looking back afterwards, I saw on the big screen that Aidan made a heck of a play coming out of the pocket, creating time and seeing me down the field.”
Run game
Unlike last week where the Northwestern ground game was the star of the show, this week the running backs played the part of supporting cast.
Caleb Komolafe led eight ball carriers with 44 yards off eight attempts and a 14-yard rush up the middle for a score in the second quarter.
This week, the group split time between running the ball and protecting Chiles and the receivers.
“The running backs, they open it up for us,” said Chiles. “So the whole line’s protected. Everybody’s doing their job. And when that happens, it’s easy for guys to get up and start.”
Play-by-play
The Wildcats scored on twice in the first quarter.
Chiles rushed up the middle for the 1-yard score just over three minutes into the game, and then he connected with Wilde with 3:07 remaining in the first.
Northwestern went up 21-0 when Komolafe scored with 10:52 left in the half, but the Wildcats allowed Ball State to cut into the deficit. The Wildcats responded when Jackson Kleather kicked a 52-yard field goal, followed by a Robert Fitzgerald pick-six with 3:01 remaining.
With 12 seconds left in the half, the Cardinals scored again to make it 31-14.
Chiles connected with Wagner and Honig in the third for the final, 45-14.
Looking ahead, Northwestern travels to East Lansing, Mich., next week for a reunion of sorts with former coach Pat Fitzgerald and his Michigan State Spartans.
