They faced a Miami University (Ohio) team that won the MAC in 2023. The Wildcats came out on top with a final score of 13-6.
Northwestern will play most of their home games for the next few years at Northwestern Medicine Field while Ryan Field is being rebuilt nearby.
The stadium's official name is Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. At 15,000 seats, it's a smaller footprint than Ryan Field, which will have a capacity of 35,000 seats.
Earlier this month, Football coach David Braun said he pushed for keeping a stadium on campus rather than using an off-site facility, although two of the season's seven home games will take place at Wrigley Field.
"I think it's a mix of Big 10 football, Friday night lights, a little bit of high school feel to it," Braun said at the time.
There are a lot of high school stadiums with greater seating capacity than what the Wildcats had Saturday, but the university has put a lot of effort into creating a big-time college football experience there. On Saturday, those efforts were put to the test.
The crowd might be a little smaller, and it may not be quite as loud, but the dimensions on the field are the same, and Northwestern was ready to play some football again.
"It's gonna be really hopefully loud," Northwestern alum Marilyn Zylka said. "A lot of purple out there for sure."
With Ryan Field basically a pile of rubble at the moment as the university repairs to build a new stadium, games for the next two years will be on campus on the lakefront. For longtime fans, it's a little bit of a change in routine.
"I have been a long-time season-ticket holder now living in San Diego, so I hauled myself in on Amtrak just to make it to this game, this event," Northwestern alum Roger Fong said.
Zilka and her friends have been season-ticket holders for more than four decades. Most longtime fans at the game said they are happy to go to games at the temporary stadium for now.
"Lot of buzz from the student athletes and the community, just to come see a football game by the lakeside," Northwestern assistant basketball coach Chris Lowery said.
Tailgating was pretty much the same as it would be anywhere in the parking lot, and Northwestern fans know how to set up a tailgate.
"We're excited. We can't wait to watch our guys play on the lake," Northwestern parent Eileen McGuire said.
The temporary stands hold just a fraction of the crowd that will fit into the new stadium. Miami of Ohio alum, and former football player, Mark Mather played at the old stadium.
"I think it takes away the home field advantage from a matter of noise and fan engagement," Mather said.
Northwestern fans are confident the Wildcats will continue to play well at the temporary stadium.
"Even though it may be a little smaller, downsized from the previous stadium, the support is here and what the university did in such a short time to build this, there's no other atmosphere like it in the country," Northwestern assistant basketball coach John Martinez said.
Northwestern is scheduled to play their first five home games on the field. After that, they'll play two more at Wrigley Field.
Still reeling from a hazing and abuse scandal that engulfed the athletic department, Northwestern was probably college football's biggest surprise last season.
The Wildcats went 8-5 and won a bowl game in coach Braun's first year after going a combined 4-20 the previous two seasons. They finished 1-11 in 2022.
Miami is coming off one of its best years, going 11-3 and winning the MAC championship despite losing quarterback Brett Gabbert to a season-ending leg injury.
Northwestern is starting Mike Wright at quarterback Saturday against Miami , making it the third power conference program where he has been a starter.
Wright played at Mississippi State in 2023 and Vanderbilt from 2020 to 2022 prior to arriving at Northwestern. He had been engaged in a close competition with redshirt sophomore Jack Lausch during training camp.
Wright's experience and versatility were attractive to Northwestern coaches. Coach David Braun brought in a new offensive coordinator this year, Zach Lujan, and Northwestern will have a new look on offense. Wright's experience, versatility and ability to run the ball loomed as factors in the decision.
Wright has 14 starts over his career and played in 39 total games. He started three games at Mississippi State last year and 11 during his time at Vanderbilt.
In his career, Wright has thrown for 2,520 yards and 24 touchdowns. He's also rushed for 1,229 yards and 10 touchdowns.
ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this report.