EVANSTON, Illinois – After winning its home opener for the second consecutive season by beating Miami (Ohio) 13-6 on Saturday, Northwestern (1-0) hosts Duke (1-0) in a Friday night clash under the lights at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 6, and the game will be televised on FS1 and WGN Radio 720.

WATCH: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium A to Z Guide

Since last season, Northwestern has won five straight games (t-3rd longest active streak in FBS), its longest winning streak since winning six straight games in the 2019-20 season. After beating the RedHawks last week, the Wildcats have won three straight non-conference home games for the first time since 2016-17.

How to follow



Watch on FS1: The action will be broadcast on FS1 with Connor Onion (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst) in the booth. Direct link to watch online (log in with TV provider)



Listen on AM 720 WGN: The voice of the Wildcats, Dave Eanet, returns for his 35th season as Northwestern Football commentator. Eanet will be joined on the call by 31st-year analyst Ted Albrecht, along with Lauren Withrow on the sidelines.
Direct link to listen online

Follow in-game updates (NUFBFamily): Stay up to date with Northwestern Football’s Twitter and Instagram channels for live highlights, photos and reactions surrounding Saturday’s match.



Five things to know

1. Northwestern defeated reigning Mid-American Conference champion Miami (Ohio) 13-6, with head coach David Braun recorded its second home opener victory in as many seasons on the brand new Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Braun became the first Northwestern head coach to win their first two home openers since Pappy Waldorf in 1935 (14-0 vs. DePaul) and 1936 (18-7 vs. Iowa).

What a day at the lake?? photo.twitter.com/0dwBO38Ytx

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) September 1, 2024

2. Northwestern’s defense was the story, as it limited the RedHawks to just two field goals, marking the first time the Wildcats’ defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown since the 2020 season opener, a 43-3 win over Maryland. The defense allowed just 267 yards and just 40 (1.7 ypr) on the ground, the fewest it allowed since 2021 against Indiana State (31) and the fewest against an FBS team since 2020 against Purdue (2). Miami produced its lowest single-game rushing output since 2021 against Army (28). The Wildcats’ defense recorded 6.0 tackles for loss with 4.0 sacks, their most in a season opener since 2013 against Cal (4.0). LB Mac Uihlein recorded career highs of 5 total tackles and 2.0 sacks. DL Najee story registered 1.0 sack and LB Kenny Soares Jr. and DL Anto Saka each 0.5 bag.

3. Northwestern had its fifth different quarterback earn the starting position for the season opener in as many seasons, as the graduate transfer from Mississippi State/Vanderbilt Mike Wright won the job in fall camp. He led the ‘Cats to a season-opening victory over Miami (OH) by completing 18 of 30 passes for 178 yards while rushing nine times for a game-high 65 yards and the game’s lone touchdown.

Welcome to Evanston, @mike5wright ?? photo.twitter.com/98ZzlKlf1x

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) September 1, 2024

4. Graduated RB Cam porter had a career season last year by leading the team with 651 rushing yards (3.9 ypc) and four rushing touchdowns. He also hauled in 21 catches for 121 yards and a score. Porter ranked seventh in the Big Ten in plays from scrimmage and 13th in rushing yards. Porter rushed for 50+ yards six times last season as the ‘Cats went 6-0 in those games. He ran for 63 yards on 13 carries in the season-opening win over Miami (Ohio) and improved the team’s record to 7-0 in the last two seasons when he has rushed for 50+ yards.

5. Northwestern will face Duke for the 24th time, with the Blue Devils leading the series 13-10. The Wildcats are 4-7 against Duke at home and 6-6 away in Durham. The teams will meet for the fourth straight season and the seventh time in the last nine seasons. The Blue Devils have won the last five games of the series, after Northwestern won eight of nine games from 1999-2016.

Next: Northwestern concludes its three-game non-conference home slate by hosting Eastern Illinois at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, September 14. The game will be televised on BTN and WGN Radio 720. Tickets are available HERE.