Final
October 2, 2026 β’ Ryan Field, Evanston
NCAAF PREVIEW β’ October 2, 2026
Featured Matchup
Gridiron Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions (3-2) takes on Northwestern Wildcats (3-1) at Ryan Field, Evanston.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Visiting Side
Record
3-2
Northwestern Wildcats
Home Side
Record
3-1
Scoring
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PEN
|
0 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 13 |
|
NOR
|
10 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
Scoring Play Timeline Play-By-Play
Score
10:09
Jackson Kleather 50 Yd Field Goal
Score
5:07
Aidan Chiles 2 Yd Run (Jackson Kleather Kick)
Score
10:39
Carson Hansen 8 Yd Run (Jackson Kleather Kick)
Score
9:21
Joseph Himon II 38 Yd Run (Jackson Kleather Kick)
Score
1:55
Joseph Himon II 11 Yd Run (Jackson Kleather Kick)
Score
1:13
Caleb Komolafe 1 Yd Run (Jackson Kleather Kick)
Score
7:53
Chase Sowell 16 Yd pass from Rocco Becht (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
Score
2:17
Jackson Kleather 37 Yd Field Goal
Team Matchup Analysis Tale of the Tape
Circled Game Matchup Projection
32%
Penn State Nittany Lions
VS
π 68%
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Score
PEN 32
-
NOR 33
Data Confidence
High
Data Used
5 of 5 categories
- Northwestern Wildcats scoring offense aligns well against Penn State Nittany Lions defense.
- Northwestern Wildcats offense moves the ball more consistently.
- Penn State Nittany Lions aerial attack exposes Northwestern Wildcats secondary.
- Northwestern Wildcats rushing attack has the advantage.
Penn State Nittany Lions
STAT
Northwestern Wildcats
Situational Context Environment
Venue Advantage
Host Northwestern Wildcats plays on familiar turf at Ryan Field, Evanston.
Conditions
Conditions: Dome/Indoor
π―
Circled Game Analytical Outlook
Circled Game Takeaway
Why Penn State Nittany Lions Could Win
Penn State Nittany Lions will need to win the turnover battle and sustain long drives.
Why Northwestern Wildcats Could Win
Northwestern Wildcats scoring offense aligns well against Penn State Nittany Lions defense.
Deciding Factor
Northwestern Wildcats offense moves the ball more consistently.
Game Details
Ryan Field, Evanston
Dome/Indoor
Attendance
35,000
Closing Odds
Line: PSU -3 | O/U: 46.5
Team Leaders
Penn State Nittany Lions Leaders
Connor Barry
Passing Ldr β’ QB
Amar'e Glover
Rushing Ldr β’ RB
Ethan Black
Receiving Ldr β’ WR
Northwestern Wildcats Leaders
Ryan Boe
Passing Ldr β’ QB
Daniel Anderson
Rushing Ldr β’ RB
Ricky Ahumaraeze
Receiving Ldr β’ WR
Consensus Pool
Closed Poll
Circle Crowd Pick Meter
Penn State Nittany Lions (50.2%)
Northwestern Wildcats (49.8%)
Total Submissions: 88 circles
Arena Chat
Live Fan Arena
Guest Allowed
π₯
No messages yet in this arena.
Be the first to drop some hype!
Be the first to drop some hype!
β‘ Powered by GIPHY Developers
Join the Circle to drop hype and talk trash.
Join Now
Social & News Hub
Sports Wire
Recent
Betting buzz: Alabama quickly shifts from home underdog to favorite against Georgia β
Click to view coverage
Read Full Story →
Sports Wire
Recent
Connelly: Week 5 brought clarity, confusion to conference races β
Click to view coverage
Read Full Story →
Sports Wire
Recent
No. 1 Texas plays Oklahoma in Dallas, Texas β
Click to view coverage
Read Full Story →
Sports Wire
Recent
Washington and No. 20 Iowa meet in Big Ten play β
Click to view coverage
Read Full Story →
π
Official Game Discussion
Live
Join thousands of fans tweeting highlights, stats, and real-time reactions for #PennStateNittanyLions vs #NorthwesternWildcats.
Open Stream β
πΈ
Instagram Gameday Highlights
Stories
Catch warmups, sideline photos, and fan celebrations in the stadium.
View Photos β