2008 Week 1

EVANSTON, Illinois - Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher threw for 207 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Wildcats to a 38-17 win over the Howell Highlanders.

Bacher engineered five touchdown drives while going 13 of 21 in the game.

The Highlanders, on the other hand, were outmatched on both sides of the ball.

"We couldn't get any offense going the whole game," said freshman quarterback Nick Barnowski. "They played great defense against us. I know I have to step up my game next week against Michigan."

The stud QB completed nine of his 17 pass attempts for 211 yards with a touchdown and an interception. A big part of those 211 yards came on a 51-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Kyle Tokan in the fourth quarter.

"It was one of the only times I was able to get open all day," Tokan said.

Tokan caught four passes for 129 yards.

Barnowski and running back TJ Walker were unable to move the ball on the ground against the stingy Wildcats (1-0) defense, gaining a total of zero yards on 18 attempts.

Leading the way for Northwestern was LE #95, who had five tackles, four resulting in a loss on the play, a sack, and an interception.

"We need to do a better job protecting Nick back there," guard Don Oglesby stated.

The Highlanders play the Michigan Wolverines next Saturday at the Warrior Zone.