No. 4 Oregon easily handles lakefront environment at Northwestern

EVANSTON, Ill. — The smallest venue in major college football, though temporary, made a novel setting for an otherwise forgettable game.

No. 4 Oregon cruised past host Northwestern 34-14 in front of a sellout crowd of 12,023 Saturday afternoon at Martin Stadium.

From the thunderstorm bringing a deluge and blackening out much of Lake Michigan two hours before kickoff, to the soggy turf it left behind for what turned into a sunny but windy day, the temporary home of the Wildcats certainly was unique for the Ducks.

“It was a cool venue, cool scenery,” linebacker Bryce Boettcher said. “It’s a little different than Autzen Stadium when you’re on defense. It’s a lot louder at Autzen, so you definitely have to bring your own juice when you’re on the field. It’s easier to communicate, which is n