Preston Stone passed for 245 yards and three touchdowns and Cam Porter rushed for 91 yards and a score as host Northwestern thumped Western Illinois 42-7 on Friday in Evanston, Ill.

Northwestern (1-1) outgained Western Illinois 526-181. Carmine Bastone collected 1 1/2 sacks for the Wildcats.

Northwestern visited the end zone on its first two possessions in a much-needed fast start. The Wildcats rolled to 15 points in the first 15 minutes against the Leathernecks.

Both drives saw Northwestern work quickly and capitalize on explosive plays. Porter starred on the opening possession, carrying four times for 52 yards while adding a 4-yard reception. His 43-yard scoring run capped a six-play, 75-yard drive that took just 3:02.

The Wildcats were equally efficient after getting the ball back f

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