Northwestern Running Game Explodes for 413 Yards Against Penn State

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Northwestern’s running game went to another level Friday night.

In the first game at New Ryan Field, the Wildcats rushed for 413 yards and four touchdowns on 55 carries, averaging eight yards per attempt in a dominant 34-13 win over Penn State.

Caleb Komolafe, Joseph Himon II and Gavin Sawchuk gave Northwestern a dangerous trio out of the backfield, while Chip Kelly continued to show just how difficult this offense can be to prepare for.

The dominance started early.

Northwestern rushed for 237 yards in the first half alone, its most in the opening half of a game since 2015. Instead of relying heavily on Aidan Chiles and the passing attack, the Wildcats consistently found openings on the ground and punished Penn State’s defense.

Komolafe finally had the breakout performance Northwestern had been waiting for this season.

After a relatively quiet first three games, Komolafe finished with 25 carries for 188 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. His longest run went for 32 yards.

It was much more like the Komolafe Northwestern fans became accustomed to seeing during his breakout 2025 season.

But he was far from alone.

Himon was even more explosive with his opportunities, rushing 10 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged an incredible 16.2 yards per carry and broke off a 47-yard run.

Together, Komolafe and Himon became the first Northwestern duo to each rush for more than 150 yards in the same game since 2012.

Sawchuk added another element to the backfield, carrying eight times for 27 yards. His numbers may not jump off the page like Komolafe and Himon’s, but his involvement showed the depth Kelly has available at the position.

Three different running backs receiving meaningful carries makes Northwestern even harder to figure out.

Defenses already have to worry about Chiles and a passing attack that has shown significant potential through the opening weeks. Now, Kelly has Komolafe, Himon and Sawchuk available to rotate through the backfield.

And Chiles remains another threat with his legs.

The quarterback added 21 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries, while Drew Wagner contributed 15 yards on two attempts.

By the end of the night, Northwestern had piled up 415 rushing yards, with five different players recording a carry. That balance could become a major problem for opposing defenses.

Kelly has already shown he is willing to put the ball in Chiles’ hands and let him attack defenses through the air. Against Penn State, however, Northwestern did not need to rely on that approach.

The Wildcats found something that worked on the ground and continued attacking it.

Credit also has to go to Northwestern’s offensive line. The Wildcats consistently created running lanes against Penn State and gave their backs opportunities to get into the second level. Komolafe and Himon took advantage, running hard and creating explosive plays throughout the night.

It was a complete rushing performance. And it came on one of the biggest nights in Northwestern football history.

With a packed crowd watching the first game at New Ryan Field, Northwestern did not just come away with a win. The Wildcats controlled the game and rushed for more than 400 yards in a 34-13 victory over a Big Ten opponent.

For Komolafe, it was the breakout performance he had been waiting for.

For Himon, it was another reminder of how explosive he can be whenever the football is in his hands.

And with Sawchuk also involved, Northwestern suddenly has a three-headed backfield that gives Kelly plenty of options moving forward.

The Wildcats have shown they can throw the football. Friday night showed they can dominate on the ground, too.

That combination could make this Northwestern offense extremely difficult to prepare for as the season continues.

The Wildcats will now shift their focus to Ball State, looking to build off a historic rushing performance and a 34-13 victory in the first game at New Ryan Field.

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