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Pitch Perfect, Week 11: Reflections
Northwestern women’s soccer reflects on a tumultuous season that began with a hopeful 1‑0 win over Virginia on Aug. 12 but has slipped to a 5‑10‑3 record, the worst since 2019. Injuries to key players like Keira Kemmerley, Kennedy Roesch and Ava Goodin, plus suspensions for Nyamma Nelson and Megan Norkett, forced coach Michael Moynihan into constant lineup shuffles, resulting in a six‑game losing streak after defeats to Illinois and Purdue. Despite the setbacks, freshmen Elle Phillips, Gwen Zimmerman, Naomi Lofthouse and Camryn Freeman contributed five goals, and returnees Alex Fallon and Holland Carey made strong comebacks. The column argues the adversity has forged flexibility and depth that could pay off in future recruiting and seasons.
Field Hockey: NU beats Rutgers and clinches share of Big Ten title
Northwestern clinches a share of the Big Ten field‑hockey title with a 2‑1 victory over Rutgers at Lakeside Stadium, securing the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament. After a narrow 8‑minute lead by senior Talia Schenk, freshman Kiera Sacks equalizes in the second quarter, and senior Ashley Sessa converts a penalty corner in the fourth to give the ‘Cats the decisive goal in the 57th minute. The win caps a 16‑1 season (undefeated in conference) after a massive upset of No. 1 Maryland and sets up a final regular‑season matchup against Penn State.
Three takeaways from Northwestern’s 42-14 squashing of Rutgers
Northwestern blasted Rutgers 42-14 on October 24, marking the Wildcats’ first 28‑point win of the season and their first bowl‑eligible record since 2015. Quarterback Aidan Chiles became the first NU QB this century to throw three TDs and rush for two against a Big Ten foe, while the offense exploded for a 21‑point first quarter – the most by a Big Ten opponent since 2011. Coach David Braun’s turnaround continues, supported by a deep staff featuring Chip Kelly as OC, Tim McGarigle’s No. 8 Big Ten scoring defense, and strong position coaches. The victory solidifies NU’s postseason hopes.
Collins’ squad is still figuring it out
Northwestern men’s basketball suffers a 94-59 defeat to No. 18 Iowa State, prompting coach Chris Collins to stress the need to "get better" repeatedly. The Cyclones outshot the Wildcats 53%‑33%, dominated the boards 44‑31 and limited them to just 23% from three. After two early exhibition losses and a turbulent offseason that left the roster thin, NU faces a clear talent and athletic gap against Power‑Five opponents. Yet players like Jake West (21 points) and Angelo Ciaravino (13) view the loss as a learning opportunity, while Collins hopes the early games will help shape an effective offensive and defensive system for the remainder of the season.
Rapid Reaction: Northwestern gets dominated by No. 18 Iowa State in final exhibition game, loses 94-59
No. 18 Iowa State thumps Northwestern 94-59 in the Cyclones' final preseason exhibition on Oct. 25, 2026. Iowa State shoots 53% overall and 50% from three, led by Ryan Prather Jr. (25 points, six threes) and Tamin Lipsey (14). Northwestern struggles, shooting just 32.8% and trailing by as many as 32 points, with Jake West the lone bright spot (21 points). The Cyclones dominate every stat line, outrebounding 26-18 and forcing 15 turnovers, while Northwestern’s defense fails to contain ISU’s aggressive rotations. The loss follows a previous preseason defeat to Illinois State.
Northwestern Women’s Basketball Player Previews: The returners
Northwestern women’s basketball faces a rebuilding year under coach Carla Berube, with only one returning starter among eight returners. Senior guard Casey Harter, now a team captain, has doubled her scoring to 10 PPG and increased her blocks, showing the leadership the Wildcats need. Junior guard Xamiya Walton, the team’s top three‑point shooter at 38.7%, must step into a bigger ball‑handling role after the departure of Caroline Lau. The article also profiles bench hopefuls Kat Righeimer, who posted 18 points in limited minutes, and injured reserve Claire Keswick, whose range could be vital if she returns. The piece previews who might fill the assist and scoring gaps as the Wildcats aim to improve in the Big Ten.
Gamethread/How to watch Northwestern vs. Iowa State: TV, radio, streaming, betting line, injury report
Northwestern faces Iowa State in its final exhibition at Welsh‑Ryan Arena on Sunday, Nov. 10, kicking off the 2026‑27 season at 12:30 p.m. CDT. The game streams on no TV platform, but fans can listen via WGN Radio 720 AM. FanDuel lists Northwestern as a 15.5‑point favorite with an over/under of 58.5. Northwestern is missing forward Jayden Hodge (knee), while Iowa State sits Killyan Toure (shoulder) and Christian Wiggins (Achilles) on the bench, with Tamin Lipsey listed as questionable for eligibility.
The season has just begun
Northwestern Wildcats improve to 6‑1 and become bowl‑eligible after a dominant 38‑14 win over Rutgers at Ryan Field on Oct. 24, 2026. Quarterback transfer Aidan Chiles throws for five touchdowns, while Caleb Komolafe rushes for 150 yards and Griffin Wilde adds 133 receiving yards. Defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle’s unit forces three turnovers and sacks four times despite injuries, holding KJ Duff to just three catches for 33 yards. Coach David Braun stresses that the team’s focus remains on the upcoming stretch against Oregon, Iowa, Ohio State and Minnesota, where a 3‑1 record could put the Wildcats in playoff contention. The win underscores Northwestern’s elevated expectations under Braun’s leadership.
Stock up, stock down from Northwestern’s explosive 42-14 defeat of Rutgers
Northwestern storms to a 42-14 win over Rutgers, vaulting its CFP odds. The Wildcats jump to a 21-3 lead early and never look back, finishing with 283 rushing yards and nine explosive runs, including Caleb Komolafe’s 56-yard burst and Aidan Chiles’ career‑high 83 yards and a 37‑yard TD run. Pass rush shines as Michael Kilbane and Kobie McKinzie combine for four sacks and five tackles for loss, the team’s best effort of the season. Senior wideout Griffin Wilde adds 133 yards and a touchdown on nine catches, cementing his status as a top Big Ten route runner. Rutgers’ run defense collapses late, but the ‘Cats’ dominance on both sides of the ball secures a decisive Big Ten victory.
Rapid Reaction: No. 24 Northwestern trounces Rutgers in a 42-14 home win.
No. 24 Northwestern defeats Rutgers 42‑14 at home on Oct. 24, 2026, improving to 6‑1 (3‑1 Big Ten). quarterback Aidan Chiles throws for 219 yards and three TDs while rushing for a career‑high 83 yards and two scores. Caleb Komolafe rushes for 150 yards and a 33‑yard TD; Griffin Wilde catches nine passes for 133 yards and a score. Rutgers’ QB rotation struggles, and the Scarlet Knights manage only 14 points despite strong runs from Antwan Raymond (150 yards) and Clay Thevenin (116 yards). The win cements Northwestern’s AP top‑25 standing.
Men’s Soccer: Northwestern draws out against two of the top-10 teams in the nation
Northwestern held its own against two top‑10 foes, earning a 0‑0 draw with No. 10 UCLA on Monday and a 0‑0 stalemate at No. 4 Indiana on Friday. Sophomore keeper Dominic Pereira made the lone save against UCLA’s 16 attempts, while the defense limited Indiana to four shots. The Wildcats improve to 5‑5‑3 overall (8 points in seven Big Ten games) but must win the final two conference matches at Ohio State (Oct 30) and Wisconsin to stay alive for the tournament, hoping UCLA and Maryland slip up.
Northwestern Men’s Basketball Player Previews: The transfers
Northwestern men’s basketball rebuilds for 2026‑27 with eight transfers after returning only three players from a disappointing 2025‑26 season. Coach Chris Collins (14th year) targets size, experience and mystery to regain Big Ten relevance. The most notable addition is 6‑ft‑7 forward Jack Karasinski, who averaged 21.7 points, 56.1% shooting and set Bellarmine’s scoring record, aiming to fill the void left by former star Nick Martinelli. Graduate guards LA Pratt and Aleksej Kostic bring tempo and perimeter shooting, while forward Luke McEldon adds interior efficiency (64.5% FG) and Finnish big man Okku Federiko bolsters shot‑blocking. The influx of proven scorers and defenders signals a shift from isolation play to a balanced, fundamentals‑driven offense.
Swim and Dive: Northwestern’s men and women sweep Notre Dame
Northwestern’s men and women swimming and diving teams rebound with dominant dual‑meet victories over Notre Dame on Oct. 24, 2026. The men win 186‑114, powered by Joshua Staples’ three individual titles (100‑y breaststroke, 200‑y breaststroke, 200‑y IM) and strong relay splits, while Adam Cohen tops the diving. The women also post a 186‑114 win, with senior Chloe Sharp sweeping diving and first‑year Flawia Kamzol earning multiple individual wins and a high‑point podium finish. Notre Dame’s Hollie Widdows claims the women’s high‑point crown. These wins cap NU’s home meet slate before the team heads to the Short Course World Championship Trials (Oct. 28‑31) in Westmont.
Gamethread/How to watch Northwestern vs Rutgers: TV, radio, streaming, betting line, injury report
Northwestern hosts Rutgers at Ryan Field on Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. CT, streaming on Peacock and airing on NBCSN Extra with WGN Radio 720 AM. The Wildcats aim for bowl eligibility as they enter as 15.5‑point favorites (FanDuel O/U 58.5). Northwestern lists 12 players out, including DB Robert Fitzgerald and RB Daniel Anderson, while Rutgers is missing three DBs and has several game‑time decisions. The matchup offers a prime early‑morning showdown for Big Ten fans.
ROUNDTABLE: Rutgers vs. No. 24 Northwestern predictions
Inside NU’s roundtable predicts Northwestern will cruise past Rutgers this weekend. The Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) bounce back from a three‑point win over Michigan State and stay unbeaten at Ryan Field (4-0 overall). Rutgers (2-4, 1-2 Big Ten) shows flashes with KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond, but its secondary is shaky and Raymond is questionable. Analysts stress that a healthier Northwestern secondary, a strong ground game from Caleb Komolafe, and forcing turnovers will secure a bowl‑eligibility win and keep the Wildcats in the Big Ten title conversation. The game is framed as a must‑win for Northwestern ahead of a tough four‑game stretch.
If you want to beat the champs, you better knock them out
Northwestern Wildcats rallied from a 0‑2 halftime deficit to defeat No. 1 Maryland Terrapins 2‑1 in a high‑stakes regular‑season clash on Oct. 23, 2026. Maryland’s early lead came from two penalty‑corner conversions, but the Wildcats tightened defense, increased pressure, and forced Maryland’s second‑half corners to miss. A relentless press paid off when Ashley Sessa’s interception led to Olivia Bent‑Cole’s go‑ahead goal in the first minute of the fourth quarter. Coach Tracy Fuchs credited aggressive right‑side adjustments and the team’s work rate for the comeback, keeping Northwestern atop the NFCHA poll.
Northwestern women’s soccer falls to Illinois in its fifth straight loss
Northwestern women's soccer fell 3-2 to Illinois on Oct. 22, extending its losing streak to five games and jeopardizing its Big Ten Tournament hopes. sophomore Alex Fallon netted her first career goal to give the ‘Cats an early 1-0 lead, but Illinois answered with two second‑half goals—Kylie Marschall’s header in the 70th and Gabriella Garcia‑Terrell’s chip in the 72nd. Northwestern rallied late with goals from senior Hedda Ornberg and freshman Camryn Freeman, the latter marking a record fourth conference goal for a Freshman in the Big Ten. The loss leaves Northwestern (5-8-3, 3-6-1) facing Purdue next on Oct. 25.
The Northwestern Field Hockey Notebook: Redemption time
Northwestern field hockey rebounds from a recent loss with a dominant 4‑1 road win over No. 11 Indiana on Oct. 16, 2026. The Wildcats control the midfield, force 90% of Indiana’s possessions, and cash in on four of seven shots, highlighted by Ilse Tromp’s 10th season goal on a penalty corner and Raquel Hofmeister’s third. Senior defender Juliana Boon and goalie Ilse Tromp earn Player‑of‑Week honors as the defense surrenders only one shot on goal. Coach Tracey Fuchs praises the fast‑paced offense and disciplined set pieces, calling it the team’s “get‑right game” as they eye a tough upcoming schedule.
Too close for comfort — Charlie’s Film Room Week 7
Northwestern survived a nail‑biting trip to East Lansing on Oct. 17, 2026, edging Michigan State 23‑21 after a blocked field goal and a clutch drive with no timeouts. Quarterback Aidan Chiles sparked the comeback with several designed runs, a sideline pass to Griffin Wilde and a go‑ahead TD scramble, while Jackson Kleather sealed the win with a 39‑yard field goal. Despite giving up big completions, special‑team miscues and red‑zone stalls, the Wildcats’ “Wing‑T” attack showed resilience, highlighted by Chiles’ reading of defenses and his gunslinging style throughout the game.
Northwestern Women’s Basketball Player Previews: The transfers
Northwestern women’s basketball welcomes four key transfers for coach Carla Berube’s inaugural season. Sophomore guard Camdyn Nelson and forward Jasmyn Cooper‑Derba arrive from Syracuse, hoping for more playing time after modest freshman stats. Junior guard Lily Carmody joins from Boston College after leading the Eagles with 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and top steals per game despite a 5‑26 season. Junior guard Lexi Blue comes from Kentucky’s Sweet Sixteen squad, bringing experience from the SEC though limited scoring numbers. The article breaks down each player’s background, college performance and potential impact as the Wildcats aim to reshape their identity.
Three keys to Northwestern vs. Rutgers
Northwestern, fresh from a 3‑point win over Michigan State, aims to stay 6‑1 and become bowl‑eligible by Week 8 when it hosts Rutgers Saturday at 11 a.m. on a revamped Ryan Field. The Wildcats, now sixth in the Big Ten and ranked No. 24, are 16.5‑point favorites, but they must contain Rutgers’ star receiver KJ Duff—who ranks sixth nationally in yards and ties for third in TDs—and let dual‑threat quarterback Aidan Chiles, who’s 70.5% efficient with 16 total TDs and no interceptions, find his rhythm. A loud home crowd, especially during Family Weekend, is also a key factor.
Rutgers game week: David Braun presser notes
Northwestern head coach David Braun previewed the upcoming Rutgers matchup in a Monday press conference, reflecting on the Wildcats' thrilling road win over Michigan State. He emphasized honesty, improvement, and staying aggressive as the team hits the season’s midpoint. Braun praised Rutgers' coaching, top receiver KJ Duff, and quarterback play, while urging fans to create a noisy, fast‑paced environment to disrupt the opponent’s tempo. He highlighted the importance of communication, leverage, and a calm kicker for late‑game situations, and discussed protecting quarterback Aidan Chiles and special‑teams challenges. The notes reveal Braun’s confidence tempered by humility as Northwestern aims to remain on the attack.
Set Point #9: A Big Ten gauntlet
Northwestern women's volleyball sits at 7-12 overall and 0-8 in the Big Ten, coming off loss‑streaks to No. 1 Nebraska and No. 22 Michigan State. Against Nebraska, the Wildcats were shut out 75-46 with a .030 hitting percentage, while versus Michigan State they took a set but fell 25-21 after fading in the later points. Standout performers Bella Bullington (13 kills) and Mara Štiglic (12 kills) kept the team competitive, but block coordination and middle‑court defense remain critical weaknesses. The next match is a Thursday night showdown with Michigan, offering a potential turning point.
The Low Block, Week 9: Confusion and frustration
Northwestern’s Week 9 loss to Penn State left the Wildcats scrambling for a Big Ten tournament spot. After two weeks without a win, the senior‑night showdown was a must‑win, yet a controversial red card for veteran Fritz Volmar in the 12th minute forced NU to play with ten men. Despite a solid first‑half defense and a key save by Dominic Pereira, the team faded, conceding a late goal from Joe Sheridan that sealed the defeat. The defeat drops NU to one point and one spot outside the newly expanded six‑team tournament field, a slight reprieve after the format change. Coach Russell Payne’s discipline plea and lineup uncertainties, including Baraka Tarleton’s benching, add to the frustration.
Golf: Women shine out west, men stumble down the stretch in Georgia
Northwestern’s golf teams had mixed fortunes this week. The women surged to a fourth‑place finish at the Stanford Intercollegiate (Oct. 16‑18), posting a 10‑over total behind Stanford’s 28‑under win and outpacing ranked foes such as UCLA and Iowa State. Freshman Rebecca Wang shone with a 4‑under 209 (71‑67‑71) and a tournament‑low 67, while Emilie Knai tied for 13th. Meanwhile, the men slipped to a tie for 10th at the Georgia Collegiate Invitational, finishing 4‑under after a strong 278 opening round but faltering with 292 and 298 in the final two days. Freshman Kuan Zhou led Northwestern with a 1‑over 217, and Carter Gaede’s final‑round 80 dropped him from T‑10 to T‑46. Both squads head to the Preserve Golf Club in California on Oct. 26‑27.
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