{
  "id": 5898831,
  "title": "Aidan Chiles throws for TD in debut as Northwestern rallies past FCS South Dakota State 34-18",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/aidan-chiles-throws-for-td-in-debut-as-northwestern-rallies-past-fcs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T03:38:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/aidan-chiles-throws-td-debut-033815425.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aidan Chiles, the new quarterback for Northwestern, had an impressive debut on Saturday night as he led his team to a 34-18 victory over FCS South Dakota State. In his first start, Chiles completed 20 passes for 273 yards and threw one touchdown. He extended the game's lead in the closing moments with a 14-yard touchdown run, solidifying Northwestern's dominance. South Dakota State's quarterback, Josiah Johnson, scored a touchdown for the Jackrabbits with just 8:16 left in the game, narrowing the gap to 20-18. However, a failed two-point conversion attempt sealed the Eagles' win. Joseph Himon II contributed significantly with an 80-yard touchdown run for Northwestern late in the game, bolstering their 34-18 lead. Northwestern's defense also played a crucial role, keeping South Dakota State's offense off the scoreboard six out of seven times. Chiles showcased his offensive prowess early in the game by scoring on his first play from scrimmage with a 71-yard touchdown pass to Griffin Wilde. The Wildcats have a strong offensive lineup, with Chase Mason contributing 285 passing yards and an interception. South Dakota State's field goals, coming from Tristan Alvano, accounted for most of their points, despite their struggles in deep drives into Northwestern territory. This victory puts Northwestern at 1-0 overall, while South Dakota State remains 2-12 against FBS opponents. The Wildcats will continue to fine-tune their offense under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly before their upcoming road game against reigning national champion Indiana on September 25. Northwestern will host New Haven on September 12, and they will welcome Colorado on September 19.",
  "summary": "Aidan Chiles threw for 273 yards and a touchdown in his debut, and Northwestern pulled away late to top FCS South Dakota State 34-18 on Saturday night. Chiles, who made 20 starts for Michigan State before joining the Wildcats during the offseason, made it a two-possession game with a 14-yard draw-play touchdown with 4:34 to go. The Wildcats’ defense gave up 438 yards but kept the Jackrabbits out…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Hauss Hejny tosses 5 TDs as Colorado State beats Wyoming 35-13 in Rams debut for coach Jim Mora",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/hauss-hejny-tosses-5-tds-as-colorado-state-beats-wyoming-35-13-in",
        "published": "2026-09-06T01:35:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}