EVANSTON, Ill - Northwestern used an outstanding rushing performance from Evan Hull along with a stifling defensive effort to cruise to a 45-6 victory over Massachuesets on Saturday afternoon at Ryan Field.
Hull, a first-year making his first-career start, had a breakout performance, rushing for 220 yards and tied the single-game program record with four touchdowns. It marked the first time a Wildcat running back has rushed for four touchdowns and over 200 yards since 2005.
Junior wide receiver Riley Lees also had himself a career day, catching seven passes for 76 yards, eclipsing his previous career-high of 62 yards set last week against Purdue.
The Wildcats initially got on the board with a big play from the special teams unit. Joe Gaziano blocked a 30-yard field goal attempt and Chris Bergin scooped up the loose ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. It was Northwestern's second blocked field goal of the season and Bergin's first career score.
The offense started to click in the second quarter, thanks to a series of big runs by Hull. The first-year started things off with a six-yard touchdown run, the first of his career, to put the 'Cats up 14-6. The scoring drive included three Riley Lees catches and 32 yards on the ground for quarterback Aidan Smith.
The following possession, Hull broke free for a career-long 48-yard scamper, before running in his second score of the game from 38 yards out. He accounted for 90 of the 95 yards picked up by the offense on the drive.
Junior linebacker Blake Gallagher sparked the Wildcat defense in the third quarter with an interception and 40-yard return to set up an NU field goal. It was his second-consecutive week with an interception, making him the first Wildcat player to record an interception in back-to-back games since 2015.
Evan Hull resumed his dominance in the fourth quarter, tiptoeing down the sideline for another lengthy touchdown from 46 yards out. On the ensuing drive, he galloped straight up the middle for a 31-yard score to extend the Wildcat lead to 38-6. With the touchdown, Hull became only the second first-year in the FBS this season to rush for four touchdowns this season.
Northwestern's special teams unit continued to shine by recovering a squib kick late in the fourth quarter. Chris Bergin jumped on the loose ball, marking his second big recovery of the day. Redshirt first-year Raymond Niro III took advantage of the great field position with his first-career touchdown via an 11-yard rush.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will be back in action next Saturday as they host Minnesota at Ryan Field. Kickoff time will be announced later this weekend.
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Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Hull, a first-year making his first-career start, had a breakout performance, rushing for 220 yards and tied the single-game program record with four touchdowns. It marked the first time a Wildcat running back has rushed for four touchdowns and over 200 yards since 2005.
Junior wide receiver Riley Lees also had himself a career day, catching seven passes for 76 yards, eclipsing his previous career-high of 62 yards set last week against Purdue.
The Wildcats initially got on the board with a big play from the special teams unit. Joe Gaziano blocked a 30-yard field goal attempt and Chris Bergin scooped up the loose ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. It was Northwestern's second blocked field goal of the season and Bergin's first career score.
The offense started to click in the second quarter, thanks to a series of big runs by Hull. The first-year started things off with a six-yard touchdown run, the first of his career, to put the 'Cats up 14-6. The scoring drive included three Riley Lees catches and 32 yards on the ground for quarterback Aidan Smith.
The following possession, Hull broke free for a career-long 48-yard scamper, before running in his second score of the game from 38 yards out. He accounted for 90 of the 95 yards picked up by the offense on the drive.
Junior linebacker Blake Gallagher sparked the Wildcat defense in the third quarter with an interception and 40-yard return to set up an NU field goal. It was his second-consecutive week with an interception, making him the first Wildcat player to record an interception in back-to-back games since 2015.
Evan Hull resumed his dominance in the fourth quarter, tiptoeing down the sideline for another lengthy touchdown from 46 yards out. On the ensuing drive, he galloped straight up the middle for a 31-yard score to extend the Wildcat lead to 38-6. With the touchdown, Hull became only the second first-year in the FBS this season to rush for four touchdowns this season.
Northwestern's special teams unit continued to shine by recovering a squib kick late in the fourth quarter. Chris Bergin jumped on the loose ball, marking his second big recovery of the day. Redshirt first-year Raymond Niro III took advantage of the great field position with his first-career touchdown via an 11-yard rush.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will be back in action next Saturday as they host Minnesota at Ryan Field. Kickoff time will be announced later this weekend.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!