Story perspectives

Northwestern rallies past Michigan State 24-21 for first win

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 2:37 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Northwestern defeated Michigan State 24-21 in a comeback win.
Aidan Chiles completed 18 of 27 passes for 226 yards and a 1-yard rushing TD.
Matthew Smith blocked Liam Boyd’s 33-yard field-goal attempt with one minute left.
Jackson Kleather kicked a 34-yard field goal with two seconds left to give Northwestern the lead.
The win moved Northwestern to 5-1 overall and was its first victory over Michigan State since 2019.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Gary Barnett guided Northwestern to an 8-0 Big Ten run, its first conference title since 1936 and a 10-win season—the program’s best since 1903. The Wildcats’ 2024 upset of Michigan State, sparked by Aidan Chiles’ 226 passing yards and a blocked field goal, revives that underdog legacy and could reshape Big Ten recruiting.

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Story summary

Northwestern defeated Michigan State 24-21 in a comeback win.
Aidan Chiles completed 18 of 27 passes for 226 yards and a 1-yard rushing TD.
Matthew Smith blocked Liam Boyd’s 33-yard field-goal attempt with one minute left.
Jackson Kleather kicked a 34-yard field goal with two seconds left to give Northwestern the lead.
The win moved Northwestern to 5-1 overall and was its first victory over Michigan State since 2019.

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