Final Score: Northwestern 30 UNLV 14

Brief Recap: Northwestern didn’t win in a necessarily pretty way. But, the Wildcats did win their first game of the season. UNLV only trailed by two at halftime (16-14), but Northwestern shutout the Rebels in the second half for the 16-point victory. Redshirt freshman running back Drake Anderson got an opportunity to showcase his abilities due to usual starter Isaiah Bowser being out with an injury and Anderson showed up to play.

Key Moment: In the third quarter, Wildcats quarterback Hunter Johnson — who transferred from Clemson — threw a 50-yard bomb to J.J. Jefferson for the first score of the second half. This kept UNLV at a two-score difference, which led to Anderson being able to control the game on the ground for Northwestern.

Key Stat: Anderson ran it 26 times for 141 yards and a TD, maintaining a 5.4 yards per carry average. Again, he was able to control the game in the second half thanks to a nine-point lead that only grew as the contest went on. He showed that he can handle the load in case Bowser misses more time or ever needs a breather.

Key Player: You guessed it, Northwestern’s tailback, Anderson. Prior to this game, he registered 14 carries for 41 yards. He obviously broke out against UNLV.

What it Means: Through the first three weeks of the season, Northwestern has had to deal with injury issues, but the team’s key contributors come away healthy in this one. The Wildcats found a capable back in Anderson in the team’s first win, which can only help Johnson and the team going forward. Northwestern is 1-1 now and gets to host Michigan State next. Expect that one to be a defensive battle.