AMHERST, Mass. — Jalen Macon accounted for four touchdowns in his first start for Northern Illinois since transferring in, and the Huskies rolled past Massachusetts 45-3 on Wednesday.

Macon, a transfer from FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff, became the first NIU quarterback to win his debut start with the program since Rocky Lombardi led a 22-21 upset of Georgia Tech in 2021.

Macon ran for three scores and threw for another, steering an NIU offense that piled up 318 rushing yards while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He finished with 98 yards on 12 attempts, including a 36-yard touchdown burst early in the third quarter that pushed the lead to 38-0.

He also hit Elijah Porter for a 67-yard touchdown in the second quarter for the Huskies (3-7, 2-4 MAC).

Chavon Wright added 86 rushing yards and a 1-

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