Northwestern faces Western Illinois, looks to rebound from opening loss

Northwestern coach David Braun lauded his team's resolve, if not the result, after the Wildcats' season-opening, 23-3 loss at Tulane.

"We talked about how adversity's going to hit," Braun said. "Well, adversity punched us in the mouth on Saturday. Here it is. How are we going to respond? So far, I've been really impressed with our leadership."

Northwestern will look to translate intangibles into intensity -- and, ideally, touchdowns -- during Friday night's home opener against FBS foe Western Illinois.

Struggles on the line of scrimmage must subside for the Wildcats to earn a victory and mount momentum ahead of a visit from powerhouse Oregon next week.

The Wildcats allowed 269 rushing yards at Tulane. Meanwhile, the Green Wave defense sacked Wildcats quarterback Preston Stone three times while forcing two fumbles, including one that was lost.

Stone, an SMU transfer, was 19-for-36 passing for 161 yards and a career-high four interceptions.

"He knows he needs to play better," Braun said. "You know, it was our first time in the arena with him in a game-day arena to recognize the way that he sees the game in a competitive, live format. And maybe we need to rein things in here a little bit or clarify. Like, ‘Preston, you know you don't have to do it all for us, right? Just play your game and just be you.'"

Northwestern hopes to get healthier in the secondary. Ore Adeyi practiced Monday while Braun said Damon Walters remains "week to week." Both missed the Tulane game.

Western Illinois (0-1) is out to improve in the second leg of a season-opening road trip against in-state Big Ten foes. The Leathernecks absorbed a 52-3 drubbing at then-No. 12 Illinois on Aug. 29, getting outgained 440-163.

Illinois scored the first 38 points before Antonio Chadha connected on a 20-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, allowing the Leathernecks to avoid a shutout.

Those points marked the first by an Illinois FCS school against the Fighting Illini since 2018, and Western Illinois quarterback Chris Irvin knows they were well-earned.

"They were pretty physical up front and got to me quickly," Irvin said. "I had to get the ball out of my hands."

Protecting Irvin, who made his first start after serving as backup in 2024, will be key against the Wildcats. Western Illinois allowed four sacks and four quarterback hurries.

--Field Level Media