EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern wanted to prove a point against No. 21 Stanford, and drove it home with a strong running game and solid defense that produced a season-opening surprise.
Freshman Clayton Thorson ran for a 42-yard touchdown while playing turnover-free ball at quarterback and star tailback Justin Jackson added 134 yards rushing as the Wildcats upset the Cardinal 16-6 on Saturday.
Anthony Walker broke up two passes and had a fumble recovery, and Kyle Queiro intercepted Kevin Hogan in the end zone with about a minute left to seal the win.
Thorson scored the game's only touchdown during the second quarter.