Northwestern took a 14-0 lead after the first quarter, capitalizing on two key Eastern Illinois mistakes.

            Wildcat linebacker Bryce McNaul's interception at 13:17 set up NU's first touchdown. Quarterback Kain Colter ran in from six yards out at the 11:52 mark to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.

            NU took a 14-0 lead on Jacob Schmidt's one-yard run with 6:03 to play in the first quarter, after linebacker David Nwabuisi recovered EIU quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's fumble from center.