Evanston, IL (Sports Network) - Behind a school-record five field goals from
Jeff Budzien, the Northwestern Wildcats held on to defeat the Boston College
Eagles, 22-13, in a non-conference bout at Ryan Field.
Mike Trumpy carried the ball 16 times for 106 yards, including the only
touchdown for the Wildcats, (3-0). Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian split time
under center, throwing for 144 and 123 yards, respectively.
For Boston College (1-2), Chase Rettig completed 24-of-44 passes for 291 yards
and a touchdown. Alex Amidon was busy in the receiving game, catching nine
balls for 118 yards to lead all players.
Northwestern opened the game with a 12-play drive, resulting in a 42-yard
field goal from Budzien to go up 3-0.
The teams then exchanged chip-shot field goals and the first quarter ended
with the Wildcats holding to a 6-3 lead.
The Wildcats continued to rack up yards to start the second half but still
could not find the end zone. Another stalled drive led to a 29-yard field goal
from Budzien to give them a 9-3 lead.
Boston College scored the first touchdown with less than two minutes left in
the first half when Rettig completed a 31-yard strike to Johnathan Coleman
to give the Eagles a 10-9 lead.
Another Budzien field goal (41 yards) allowed Northwestern to regain the lead,
12-10, just before halftime.
The Wildcats again drove deep into Eagles' territory late in the third quarter
and again they stalled, having to settle for yet another Budzien field goal
(19 yards).
A 34-yard field goal from Nate Freese brought Boston College to within two,
15-13, early in the fourth quarter.
Northwestern finally found the end zone with less than two minutes left in the
game when Mike Trumpy scored on a 27-yard run to seal the victory.
The Wildcats gained 293 yards rushing, while the Eagles netted just 25.
Northwestern has now started off 3-0 three times in the last five years.
GAME NOTES:
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