Similar to the season opener, the Northwestern University Wildcats needed more than one quarterback to help lead them to another thrilling victory.

The rain fell exponentially during the Northwestern home opener at Ryan Field, 1501 Central Street, as the Wildcats finally began to make offensive plays late in the fourth quarter that helped seal a 23-13 win over the Vanderbilt University Commodores.

Although Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald continues to stand firmly behind his starting quarterback Kain Colter, he did not hesitate to substitute sophomore Trevor Siemian in place of his starter with the game still up for grabs in the final quarter.

“I think we have two very good quarterbacks,” Fitzgerald said. “Both guys want to win and want to help us in any way shape or form that they can. I think we got a really good situation there.”

Siemian lead the Wildcats in two scoring drives during the fourth quarter, most notably the drive that gave his team the lead for good with just above two minutes remaining in the game. Kicker Jeff Budzien finished the drive with his third field goal from 18-yards out.

With less than two minutes remaining, Vanderbilt had one final shot to make a comeback. Trailing 16-13, Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers fumbled after being sacked on the opening play of the drive, giving the ball right back to the Wildcats.

On the following drive, Colter scored a 29-yard-rushing touchdown, putting an exclamation on the victory. Although the Wildcats were attempting to run out the clock, Fitzgerald was happy with the “perfectly designed” play.

“They over played it, and that’s a football player making a football play,” Fitzgerald said.

A week after allowing 41 points in their season opener, the Wildcats’ defense kept their team in the game by forcing two turnovers and only allowing their opponent to score three second half points.

The Wildcats’ next game is Sept. 15 against Boston College at Ryan Field at 2:30 pm.