EVANSTON, IL — Aidan Chiles threw three touchdown passes, Joseph Simon II rushed for two scores and Northwestern survived a furious late rally by Rutgers for a 36-24 victory at Ryan Field to remain undefeated.

The matchup featured two unbeaten teams, each carrying a 3-0 conference record, but Northwestern controlled much of the afternoon and took a 21-10 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Simon opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Chiles then delivered the game’s biggest play with 6:57 remaining in the second, connecting with Hayden Eligon II for an 80-yard touchdown that stretched the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0.

Rutgers answered with 2:24 left in the half when quarterback AJ Surace found Antwan Raymond for a 10-yard touchdown. Northwestern responded before halftime as Chiles connected with Alex Honig for a 19-yard score and a 21-7 advantage.

Rutgers added a 54-yard field goal as time expired to cut the deficit to 21-10 at halftime.

Neither team scored in the third quarter, but the offenses came alive in the fourth.

Simon scored his second rushing touchdown to extend Northwestern’s lead to 27-10, though the Wildcats failed on the two-point conversion. Rutgers answered with a touchdown before Jackson Kleather connected on a 44-yard field goal to make it 30-17.

Chiles’ third touchdown pass appeared to put the game away, but another failed two-point conversion left the door open.

With 45 seconds remaining, Surace connected with Markus Hopkins for a 36-yard touchdown to cut Northwestern’s lead to 36-24. Rutgers then recovered the ensuing onside kick, giving the Scarlet Knights one final opportunity to make things interesting.

Northwestern’s defense slammed the door.

Junior Josh Fussell intercepted Surace in the end zone, ending Rutgers’ comeback bid and preserving the Wildcats’ undefeated season.

Big 12 standings