SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It wasn't the start to the season SU fans were hoping for as the Orange lost a heartbreaker against Northwestern Saturday afternoon.

SU made a big comeback late in the game after trailing 22 points in the third quarter, but a defensive penalty late in the fourth helped the Wildcats score their final touchdown. The Orange were unable to rally with just 44 seconds left, losing their first game of the season 42 to 41.

Quarterback Ryan Nassib finished 44 for 65, with 470 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. The completions and yards are both single-game records for SU.