Sun Oct 05 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Northwestern Dominates Louisiana-Monroe in 42-7 Victory

**EVANSTON, Ill. —** Northwestern delivered a decisive 42-7 victory over Louisiana-Monroe Saturday at Martin Stadium, showcasing a potent offense led by quarterback Preston Stone and running back Caleb Komolafe. The Wildcats (3-2) completed their nonconference schedule in style, building on their recent success.

Stone threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Hayden Eligon II, Griffin Wilde, and Drew Wagner. Komolafe added two rushing touchdowns, continuing his impressive run in the absence of injured teammate Cam Porter.

“I think you’re seeing a young man that’s starting to find his rhythm,” Northwestern coach David Braun said of Stone.

While Louisiana-Monroe (3-2) struck first with a touchdown pass from Aidan Armenta to Nic Trujillo, the Northwestern defense quickly adjusted, shutting down the Warhawks’ offense for the remainder of the game. Key defensive plays, including a sack by Anto Saka and crucial pass breakups by Ore Adeyi and Fred Davis II, stifled Louisiana-Monroe’s attempts to rally.

Northwestern scored on their first three possessions for the second straight week. The Wildcats tied it 7-all when Komolafe capped a 13-play, 61-yard drive. Northwestern then took the lead when Stone lofted a 37-yard throw to Eligon.

Komolafe’s second score, on the opening drive of the second half, upped it to 25-7. Then Stone connected with Wilde and Wagner in the final 5:12 of the third quarter to turn it into a rout.

Coach Braun praised his team’s ability to maintain momentum after last week’s close win against UCLA. “We challenged out team earlier this week,” Braun said. “We got a team on the ropes. You’ve got to learn how to put them away.”

The Wildcats’ balanced offensive attack, combined with a stifling defense, proved too much for the Warhawks, who fell to 0-6 against Big Ten opponents.

Looking ahead, Louisiana-Monroe will resume Sun Belt Conference play at Coastal Carolina, while Northwestern prepares for a tough road test against No. 7 Penn State.

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