PISCATAWAY, N.J. (September 3, 2023) - Bryce Gallagher racked up a career-high 19 tackles in Northwestern's 24-7 loss to Rutgers on Sunday afternoon in the regular season opener for both teams at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.
Ben Bryant saw the lion's share of action under center, putting up 169 yards on 20-of-35 passing in his first outing as a Wildcat. Brendan Sullivan piloted Northwestern on its final drive of the afternoon, finishing 3-of-4 for 13 yards with a passing touchdown.
The pairing of Cam Johnson and A.J. Henning, both of whom made their respective Northwestern debuts, established themselves as threats in the passing game. Johnson hauled in four passes for a team-best 45 yards, while Henning totaled 42 yards on four receptions of his own. Henning's 26-yard catch from Bryant in the first quarter was Northwestern's longest passing play of the afternoon.
Gallagher was a force on the defensive side of the ball, leading Northwestern with his aforementioned 19 tackles, four of which solo stops. Kenny Soares Jr. added three tackles and one recovered fumble.
Northwestern cashed in on Rutgers lone turnover of the afternoon in the fourth quarter. Following Soares Jr.'s recovery of a muffed punt, Sullivan led the 'Cats on a 45-yard drive that elapsed 2:26, culminating with a one-yard pass to Caleb Komolafe that put Northwestern on the board with 19 seconds remaining in regulation.
Game Notes
» Rutgers outgained Northwestern 285-201 in the contest. Northwestern owned a 189-163 edge in the passing game.
» The 'Cats limited Rutgers to 3.9 yards per play and 2.8 yards per rush.
» 13 different Wildcats tallied a reception.
» Northwestern converted 4-of-14 third downs while Rutgers was successful on eight of its 18 tries.
» Gavin Wimsatt led the Rutgers passing attack, completing 17 of his 29 attempts for 163 yards and one touchdown.
» Kyle Monangai paced the Scarlet Knights' rushing attack with 49 yards and one touchdown.
Up Next
Northwestern raises the curtain on its home schedule on Saturday, September 9 when it entertains UTEP in a 2:30 p.m. matchup at Ryan Field that will be televised on Big Ten Network.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.