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
57%
Penn State Nittany Lions
VS
43%
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Score
PEN 37
-
NOR 33
Data Confidence
High
Data Used
5 of 5 categories
- Penn State Nittany Lions scoring offense has an edge over Northwestern Wildcats defense.
- Northwestern Wildcats passing game has a favorable matchup.
- Penn State Nittany Lions controls the trenches in the run game.
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
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Circled Game Analytical Outlook
Circled Game Takeaway
Why Penn State Nittany Lions Could Win
Penn State Nittany Lions scoring offense has an edge over Northwestern Wildcats defense.
Why Northwestern Wildcats Could Win
Northwestern Wildcats will need to rely on their defense to create opportunities.
Deciding Factor
Northwestern Wildcats passing game has a favorable matchup.
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 (72.4%)
Northwestern Wildcats (27.6%)
Total Submissions: 88 circles
Arena Chat
Live Fan Arena
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