Tyler Hughes runs for four touchdowns as Wyoming beats Northern Illinois 41-23

Tyler Hughes scored a rushing touchdown in every quarter Saturday, giving Wyoming a reliable answer each time Northern Illinois tried to work its way back into the game.

Hughes ran for 183 yards and four touchdowns and passed for another 196 yards as the Cowboys beat the Huskies 41-23 in Laramie. He completed 16 of 19 passes without an interception, directing a Wyoming offense that gained 510 yards and did not turn the ball over.

Wyoming improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the Mountain West. Northern Illinois remained winless at 0-6 and 0-2 in conference play.

Big runs build Wyoming's lead

After Erik Sandvik opened the scoring with a 37-yard field goal, Hughes broke a 53-yard touchdown run to put Wyoming ahead 10-0 in the first quarter. Northern Illinois responded with the first of JJ Schlenhardt's three field goals, but Hughes answered with a 24-yard scoring run.

The Huskies moved deep into Wyoming territory again, only to settle for Schlenhardt's 22-yard field goal. Sandvik then made a 24-yarder as the half expired, giving the Cowboys a 20-6 lead.

Hughes had already rushed for 157 yards by halftime. Wyoming kept using his legs after the break while adding larger gains through the air. Completions of 40 yards to Eric Richardson and 27 yards to Kyle Frendt helped set up Hughes' 6-yard touchdown run on the Cowboys' first possession of the third quarter.

That score answered another Schlenhardt field goal and extended Wyoming's lead to 27-9. Northern Illinois kept the ball for a 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped by Telly Johnson Jr.'s 13-yard run and a successful two-point conversion, but could not make the next defensive stop.

CW Sports’ highlights include Hughes’ long touchdown runs and the plays that kept Wyoming ahead.

A fourth touchdown closes the opening

Hughes finished Wyoming's ensuing 75-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. The score restored a 17-point margin after Northern Illinois had pulled within 10.

There was a concern later in the half: Wyoming's official recap reported that Hughes was shaken up after an awkward hit. It did not provide a diagnosis or a timetable. Backup Landon Sims entered and scored on an 11-yard run to make it 41-17 with 6:48 remaining. Mason Drube also took late snaps.

Markell Holman added 80 rushing yards on 14 carries while starting in place of the unavailable Samuel Harris. Richardson caught five passes for 77 yards, and Frendt had three catches for 61. Wyoming finished with 314 rushing yards and converted all five of its red-zone visits into points.

Johnson led Northern Illinois with 139 rushing yards and a touchdown. Taron Dickens threw for 216 yards, including a late 34-yard touchdown to La'Don Bryant, while DeAree Rogers caught 11 passes for 89 yards.

Wyoming stays home to face Air Force on Friday. Northern Illinois hosts Hawaii next Saturday, still looking for its first victory.