Memebers of the Northwestern Wildcats celebrate the win with their fans after the game against the Boston College Eagles on September 3, 2011 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.The Northwestern Wildcats defeated the Boston College Eagles 24-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Don't Miss This
BOSTON (AP) - Backup Kain Colter threw for 197 yards and ran for 71 more with a touchdown on Saturday to lead Northwestern to a 24-17 victory over Boston College in the season opener.
Colter completed 17 of 24 passes and Northwestern won for the first time since Dan Persa ruptured his Achilles tendon last Nov. 13. Persa, who had been touted as a Heisman Trophy contender by the school, was a late scratch.
Andre Williams, who replaced the injured Montel Harris, ran 22 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Luke Kuechly had 19 tackles, two for a loss, and an interception for BC.
BC brought the ball to the Northwestern 19 with 18 seconds left before a false start moved them back and took 10 seconds off the clock. Chase Rettig was sacked by Vince Browne on the final play and remained on the field for several minutes.
© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
