 The Wildcats prevailed 31–27 over the Boilermakers.However the next three weeks were challenging for the Wildcats.After dropping a 21–7 loss to Duke (who would win 8 games on the season and their bowl game), the Cats built a 21–3 halftime lead against Akron at home the following week in a game that saw Clayton Thorson become NU's all-time leader in passing touchdowns.