In front of a Ryan Field full of homecoming fans, the Wildcats started their Week 7 contest out strong.

Northwestern wide receiver Malik Washington put the Wildcats on the board against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, catching a 64-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Ryan Hilinski at the NU 47 and dodging defenders to run it in for a touchdown. The first-quarter score is the Wildcats’ first touchdown of the game and the wide receiver’s second touchdown of the season.

The Wildcats were set up to score by productive plays from wide receiver Stephon Robinson Jr., who caught a 22-yard pass from Hilinski and advanced it 4 yards, and running back Andrew Clair, who logged 8 rushing yards on the drive.

Click for more info on this week's game:

LIVE GAME FEED: Northwestern vs. Rutgers

Scouting the Wildcats' Week 7 Opponent: The Rutgers University Scarlet Knights

Northwestern vs Rutgers Analysis, Odds, Spread, Date & Start Time for College Football Week 7 Game

Northwestern Defense's Upcoming Target: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Big Ten Breakdown: Your Complete Guide to Every Big Ten Game in Week 7 

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter and Instagram:

Facebook - @SIWildcatsDaily

Twitter - @SIWildcats Daily and Alyssa Haduck at @Alyssa_Haduck

Instagram - @SIWildcatsDaily

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Anthony Edwards backs up talk to keep Timberwolves alive in WCF
Championship-winning NASCAR team to shut down after 2024 season
Three takeaways as Panthers tie Eastern Conference Final vs. Rangers
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Aaron Boone comes to the defense of retired umpire Angel Hernandez
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Several key players withdraw from NBA Draft
Tyrese Haliburton ready to take active role in retaining Pascal Siakam
Mets stars reportedly had emotional reaction to firing of Buck Showalter
NHL announces 2024 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner
Cardinals sign first-round DL
Rams sign first-round DE, complete draft class
Steelers QB Justin Fields focusing on 'little things' amid battle with Russell Wilson
Pistons confirm that key RFA forward underwent toe surgery
Pirates place left-hander, catcher on injured list
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.