By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, September 5, 2015

Since Stanford was ranked No. 21 going into Saturday’s game at Northwestern, the Cardinal’s 16-6 loss could be considered an upset. Unless the victorious Wildcats are asked.

Northwestern (1-0) turned in a dominant performance, controlling the line of scrimmage while playing a physical, Big 10 brand of football in the non-conference win at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.

After Stanford (0-1) took an early 3-0 lead on the first of two field goals by Conrad Ukropina. But Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson scampered through the Cardinal defense for a 42-yard touchdown run, giving Northwestern a 10-3 lead at halftime.

Kicker Jack Mitchell provided the rest of Northwestern’s offense with three field goals, including a 49-yarder after the Cardinal pulled to within one score in the fourth quarter.

Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan completed 20 of 34 passes for 155 yards and an interception. Northwestern defensive back Kyle Queiro made the pick in the fourth quarter when Stanford was threatening to score late in the game.

The Cardinal return home next weekend to host Central Florida (0-1), which is coming off an upset loss to Florida International on Thursday. It will be the first meeting ever between the two schools. Kickoff at Stanford Stadium is at 7:30 p.m.