Defense Flexes Muscle in Season-Opening WinDefense Flexes Muscle in Season-Opening Win
Football

Defense Flexes Muscle in Season-Opening Win

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STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — No. 25 Stanford turned in an impressive defensive performance in its season opener, defeating Northwestern, 17-7, on Saturday at Stanford Stadium to win its 12th straight opener.

K.J. Costello completed 16 of 20 passes for 152 yards and the touchdown pass to Michael Wilson that capped a 90-yard drive in the second quarter for the Cardinal (1-0). Costello took a forearm to the facemask while sliding on a scramble by Earnest Brown IV with just two seconds remaining in the first half.

Brown was called for a late hit that set up Jet Toner's 51-yard field goal. Costello did not return to the game.

Northwestern also lost a quarterback with TJ Green leaving with an injury in the third quarter after being sacked and losing a fumble on a play in the red zone. Green had replaced the ineffective former Clemson five-star recruit Hunter Johnson late in the first half.

Johnson came back in to finish and went 6-for-17 for 55 yards and two interceptions. He also lost a fumble that Stanford's Jordan Fox recovered in the end zone for a touchdown that sealed the game with 20 seconds remaining.

The Wildcats failed to score after Stanford backup quarterback Davis Mills lost a fumble that Greg Newsome II returned to the 21. Northwestern gained one yard on three plays before Charlie Kuhbander missed wide right on a 38-yard field goal try.

The Wildcats got on the board on a 1-yard run by John Moten IV midway through the fourth quarter.

The Cardinal has won 22 consecutive home nonconference games under David Shaw.

Stanford next travels to USC on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.