DEKALB, Ill.(AP) Chad Spann rushed for three touchdowns while quarterback Chandler Harnish threw for another on Saturday as Northern Illinois opened its Mid-American Conference season with a 38-3 victory over Western Michigan.

The Huskies (3-2, 1-0) never trailed after opening the game with a 74-yard scoring drive. Harnish and wide receiver Nate Palmer combined on a 33-yard touchdown play.

Spann, who rushed for 132 yards on 22 carries, scored on runs of 1 and 20 yards in the second quarter.

On the opening play of the third quarter, strong safety Patrick George intercepted Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller and returned the ball 32 yards to the Bronco 12. Two plays later, Spann scored his third TD and 10th of the season on a 5-yard run.

Western Michigan (2-3, 1-1) was limited to a 40-yard John Potter field goal in the second quarter.