Northwestern head coach David Braun praised Ohio State's football team, particularly their wide receiving corps, as one of the best he has ever seen. Despite Northwestern's early lead, Ohio State dominated the game, winning 31-7. The Buckeyes showcased a strong rushing attack, with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge, and a formidable defense that pressured Northwestern's offense. Braun acknowledged the challenge posed by Ohio State's explosive passing and rushing capabilities.
Northwestern becomes bowl-eligible with a 23-15 win over Purdue, securing their first postseason berth since 2020. After a tumultuous season that included a hazing scandal and the firing of longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald, interim head coach David Braun led the Wildcats to victory in his first game as head coach. Cam Porter scored two rushing touchdowns, while Ben Bryant threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Cam Johnson. Northwestern's defense came up big, stopping fourth-down attempts and recording takeaways. The win sets up a matchup against in-state rival Illinois next week.
Northwestern is expected to promote interim football coach David Braun to the permanent head-coaching role, making him the first FBS school to hire a new head coach this season. Braun, who was hired as defensive coordinator in January, has led Northwestern to five wins, surpassing the team's combined win total from the past two seasons. The decision comes after the search committee was impressed with Braun's on-field performance, his approach with the players, and his handling of news conferences. An official announcement is expected soon.
Northwestern interim head coach David Braun failed to address the hazing scandal during a press conference, showing a lack of compassion towards former players who made allegations of sexualized hazing. Instead, Braun focused on motivating his players to overcome "adversity" and have a successful season. Critics argue that he should have acknowledged the harm caused by hazing and shown empathy towards those affected. The hazing scandal continues to overshadow the football program, regardless of on-field performance.
