The freshman Clayton Thorson ran 42 yards for a touchdown Saturday and quarterback Justin Jackson added 134 yards rushing to lead host Northwestern past No. 21 Stanford, 16-6, in a season-opening game.
Anthony Walker broke up two passes and had a fumble recovery, and Kyle Queiro intercepted Kevin Hogan’s pass in the end zone with about a minute left to seal the win.
Thorson scored the game’s only touchdown in the second quarter. He also threw for 105 yards, completing 12 of 24 passes.
Jackson carried 28 times. Jack Mitchell kicked three field goals, including a 49-yarder that made the score 16-6 with 3 minutes 38 seconds left in the game.