Northwestern will be shorthanded when they take on the Oregon Ducks as star player suffers season ending injury
Northwestern’s running back Cam Porter will miss the Oregon game with a season ending injury.
When No. 4 Oregon takes the field on Saturday against Northwestern, the Wildcats will be without their most proven offensive weapon. Head coach David Braun confirmed Monday that senior running back Cam Porter suffered a season-ending leg injury in last week’s win over Western Illinois.
Porter has been a staple of Northwestern’s offense for years, tallying 2,333 total yards and 19 touchdowns in his career, including 1,908 rushing yards and 18 scores on the ground. His physical presence and leadership will be difficult for the Wildcats to replace as they prepare for one of the most formidable defenses they’ll face all season.
Replacing Porter
In Porter’s absence, Northwestern will lean on Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II. Komolafe, a third-year back, set career highs last week with 11 carries for 63 yards. Himon, a redshirt junior, has quietly earned more opportunities over the past two seasons. He’s logged 16 carries for 78 yards and five receptions for 39 yards so far this fall, and he’s coming off back-to-back games with eight carries. His best rushing performance came against Purdue last year, where he gained 78 yards on the ground.
Northwestern’s ground game has long been an area of concern. Last year, the Wildcats ranked 123rd nationally in rushing yards per game (98.5) and were held under 100 yards in six contests. However, through two weeks this year, they’ve shown signs of improvement, racking up 367 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including 281 yards against Western Illinois.
Oregon’s defense will pose a much stiffer challenge. The Ducks have been dominant up front through two games, allowing just 190 rushing yards total at 2.75 yards per carry. In Week One, they smothered a Montana State team known for its running attack, limiting the Bobcats to 46 yards on 27 attempts.
With Porter sidelined, Northwestern faces the difficult task of establishing balance against a defense that’s already proven itself against the run. For Oregon, it’s another chance to show off its physicality and depth in the trenches, this time on a national stage with FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff spotlight.
