Northwestern defeats Ball State 45-14 in Homecoming win

Northwestern University defeated Ball State University 45-14 in a non-conference football matchup held at Ryan Field during Homecoming weekend. The victory allowed the Wildcats to finish their non-conference slate undefeated for the first time since 2015.

Quarterback Aidan Chiles led the offense, completing 17 of 23 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Griffin Wilde recorded a season-high 144 receiving yards and a touchdown. Other notable contributors included Caleb Komolafe, who scored on a 14-yard run, and Robert Fitzgerald, who returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown.

Ball State's scoring was led by Keldric Luster, who threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jamarion McDougle. Despite the loss, Ball State's offense managed 360 total yards, which was more than Northwestern's 164 rushing yards, though the Wildcats dominated the overall scoreboard.