Northwestern football kicked off the 2024 season Saturday in its new, temporary home on the lakefront — Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Wildcats will play the majority of their home games the next two seasons at Martin while their new stadium is built.
“It’s not a game day without a hot dog!” a woman dressed in red yelled as I approached the stadium. On the walk over, I encountered fans of the Wildcats and their opponent Miami (OH) discussing their surprise at how the temporary stadium turned out. Like me, they expected a more sterile environment, more similar to a construction zone. Instead, we were welcomed to one of the more unique environments in college football.
A sellout of 12,023 fans — considerably smaller capacity than Ryan Field (47,130) — showed up on an absolute stunner of a day to watch Week 1 action. Mississippi State transfer Mike Wright completed 18 of 30 passes for 178 yards and ran for 65 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) marked their new program era with a 13-6 victory over the RedHawks (0-1, 0-0 MAC).
The scene was picturesque — sailboats in the distance, shades of blue from the lake and the sky stretched as far as the eye could see, the sun beat down on fans as the occasional breeze brought in comfort. Some boats merely bobbed past, while others appeared to enjoy a floating tailgate.
Without the typical stadium walls, there was nothing to contain the sound. The only disruptions were cheering fans and the sounds of the band.
“I don’t know if there’s anything to compare it to. I mean, it’s just so unique,” Northwestern head coach David Braun said postgame. “But it was awesome. The stands were packed. We had a sellout. It was primarily purple in the stands. I think the exciting part is we set the tone this week, and we have an opportunity to only build off of it even more moving forward.”
Photos: Northwestern wins opener at its temporary stadium on the lakefront in Evanston
Big Ten snapshot
All 18 Big Ten teams were in action for Week 1, each coming away with a victory except Minnesota. While many of the wins were blowouts, there were still a few things to note for the season ahead.
Illinois 45, Eastern Illinois 0
Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 213 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in the win. Pat Bryant had two touchdown catches while Malik Elzy and Tanner Arkin had one each. Illinois scored on all five of its trips to the red zone. The 45-point margin was the Illinois’ largest shutout win since 1973 and the Illini are now 4-0 in season openers under Bret Bielema.
Up next: vs. No. 22 Kansas on Sept. 7.
Indiana 31, Florida International 7
The Hoosiers outgained the Panthers 414-182 and 234-53 on the ground and quarterback Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Ohio, completed 15 of 24 passes for 180 yards in his debut. Running back Ty Son Lawton, who came to Bloomington from James Madison with coach Curt Cignetti, carried 16 times for 74 yards and rushed for two touchdowns. Indiana’s victory in the first week makes Cignetti the first Indiana coach to win his debut since 2007.
Up next: vs. Western Illinois on Sept. 6.
No. 25 Iowa 40, Illinois State 0
Assistant head coach Seth Wallace led Iowa this weekend while Kirk Ferentz served a one-game suspension imposed by the university for a recruiting contact violation which is under investigation by the NCAA. In Ferentz’s absence, the Hawkeyes pounded Illinois State and scored more than 25 points for the first time since Sept. 30, 2023.
Cade McNamara went 21-31 including three second-half touchdowns. Kaleb Johnson rushed for 119 yards including two touchdown runs. Iowa’s 462 yards were the most by a Hawkeye offense in a game in five years. Just one year ago they averaged 234 yards per game.
Up Next: vs. Iowa State on Sept. 7
No. 9 Michigan 30, Fresno State 10
Midway through the fourth quarter, Fresno State trailed Michigan by four points before the Wolverines pulled away. In the first game of their title defense, Michigan looked sluggish and the game was tense as it looked as if Fresno State could get the upset.
Michigan quarterbacks Davis Warren and Alex Orji each threw for one touchdown and cornerback Will Johnson returned an interception for a score. Head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines will need to start strong in next week’s highly anticipated matchup.
Up next: vs. No. 4 Texas on Sept. 7
