Northwestern’s Top PFF Grades Highlight Dominant Win Over Penn State

Northwestern had players making an impact all over the field in its dominant 34-13 win over Penn State, and the latest Pro Football Focus grades show just how complete the performance was.

From Joseph Himon II and Caleb Komolafe dominating on the ground to several defenders putting together impressive performances, the Wildcats received strong grades on both sides of the football.

It starts with the running backs.

Himon earned Northwestern’s highest offensive grade at 81.3, including an impressive 78.4 rushing grade. Komolafe followed closely behind with an 80.7 overall grade and 77.8 rushing grade.

Those grades should not come as much of a surprise after what the two accomplished Friday night.

Komolafe rushed 25 times for 188 yards and a touchdown, while Himon exploded for 162 yards and two touchdowns on only 10 carries. Together, the duo combined for 350 yards as Northwestern finished with 413 rushing yards, its most in a game since 2003. 

Both backs were effective throughout the night and made Penn State’s defense work on nearly every possession.

The offensive line also deserves plenty of credit.

Center Jackson Carsello earned a 71.6 overall grade and an 81.0 pass-blocking grade, while left tackle Dennis Rhauski earned an 82.0 pass-blocking grade. Grant Seagren also received an 80.6 pass-blocking grade, and Deuce McGuire led the group with an 83.3 pass-blocking grade.

That group helped create the openings that allowed Himon and Komolafe to take over the game.

Northwestern did not need Aidan Chiles to throw the ball all over the field because the rushing attack was so effective. Chiles still played his role, earning a 69.0 overall grade and 72.9 rushing grade while adding a rushing touchdown.

The impressive grades were not limited to the offense.

Brendan Flakes earned Northwestern’s highest defensive grade at an outstanding 87.5, including a 90.3 pass-rushing grade.

Dylan Roberts was not far behind with an 81.1 overall defensive grade, while Robert Fitzgerald earned a 77.9.

Fitzgerald’s performance included one of Northwestern’s two interceptions. Braydon Brus recorded the other while adding nine tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. 

The defensive grades help highlight how effective Northwestern was as a complete unit.

Penn State finished with only 48 rushing yards and 291 total yards. Northwestern forced two interceptions and held the Nittany Lions to 13 points despite Penn State playing from behind for most of the night. 

There was pressure up front, plays being made in the secondary and very few opportunities for Penn State to establish its rushing attack.

That is exactly what Northwestern needed.

The Wildcats entered the game dealing with injuries on both sides of the football, but different players continued to step up. Friday’s performance was another example of the next-man-up mentality David Braun has built within the program.

One dominant performance does not define a season, but Northwestern has plenty to build on.

The Wildcats are now 3-1 after nearly upsetting No. 5 Indiana before responding with a 21-point victory over Penn State. The combination of strong individual grades and an impressive team performance shows just how well Northwestern played in the first game at New Ryan Field.

Now comes the challenge of doing it again. Northwestern hosts Ball State on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:30 a.m. CT for Homecoming. 

Himon, Komolafe and the offensive line will look to keep the rushing attack rolling, while Northwestern’s defense will try to build off one of its strongest performances of the season.

Friday night showed what this team can look like when everything clicks. Now, the Wildcats have to carry that momentum into the rest of the season.