Game Coverage

Penn State-Northwestern highlights, lowlights

Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State's 34-13 loss to Northwestern on Friday night at Ryan Field:

Play of the game: If not the opening kickoff, we'll go with Joseph Himon II busting a 47-yard run up the middle to set up the Wildcats' first touchdown and a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter. It was a sign of things to come.

Offensive player of the game: Himon gained 162 yards on just 10 carries and two touchdowns.

Defensive player of the game: Northwestern linebacker Brayden Brus made nine tackles, one sack, an interception and broke up a pass.

Most telling statistic: The Lions were outrushed 237-26 — in the first half.

Most deceiving statistic: Penn State passed for 243 yards.

Hidden statistic: Northwestern's first-half rush total was its most in a single half in 10 years.

Best run: See play of the game.

Best pass: Aiden Chiles floated a pretty 31-yard reception to Griffin Wilde late in the third quarter, setting up yet another touchdown and a 31-7 NW lead.

Worst pass: Rocco Becht provided a smorgasbord of choices, but let's pick his misfire of an open Zay Robinson in the third quarter.

Best catch: Northwestern's Robert Fitzgerald made a leaping interception late in the game.

Catch it, will ya: The Nits didn't have any obvious drops.

Hold it, won't ya: Penn State didn't fumble.

Best tackle: With NW up 17-7, Cael Brezina stopped Wilde a yard short of a first down late in the second quarter.

Best hit: Northwestern safety Jon Jon Stephens jarred James Peoples after a 2-yard gain in the first quarter.

Best kick: Northwestern's Jackson Kleather booted a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter to open the scoring.

Worst kick: Down 24-7, with the Nits on life support, Ryan Barker missed a 45-yard field goal to close the first half.

Worst penalty: PSU was called for sideline interference twice in the first half.

Best call: Northwestern hiring offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

Worst call: Down 24-7 in the third quarter, State punted from the Northwestern 43. So what that it was fourth-and-10.

Best effort: The Wildcats' offensive line.

Best moment: Northwestern's honorary captains were members of the Ryan family, lead benefactors in Northwestern's new $850 million Ryan Field.

Unsung hero: Wildcats' tailback Caleb Komolafe rushed 25 times for 188 yards and a TD.