Three weeks ago, NIU football coach Joe Novak didn’t think Garrett Wolfe could carry the ball 30 times a game.

After Wolfe’s 29 carries and 142 yards Oct. 16 against Central Florida and 37 carries for 226 yards Saturday in NIU’s 42-10 win over Central Michigan, Novak has changed his mind.

Wolfe had a career-high four touchdowns, giving him a total of 14 on the year, which leads the nation.

“Garrett Wolfe had a great game,” Novak said. “He has great vision, especially for a guy who has sat out two years. He has good acceleration. He’s not real big, but he plays physical, and he has all these little moves. You give him a crack and he’s through it.”

The Huskies began the scoring late in the first half on a 7-yard run by Wolfe, continuing his streak as the only NIU player with a touchdown in every game.

CMU (2-4 overall, 1-2 MAC) responded with a field goal before the half ended, keeping the score close at 7-3 to begin the third quarter.

The Huskies (5-2, 4-0) scored quickly on their first drive on a 60-yard pass from NIU quarterback Josh Haldi to Dan Sheldon, strengthening their lead, and for the rest of the half, the Homecoming crowd of 27,385 watched Wolfe add to his touchdown total.

“He’s a heck of a back, but I’ve got to tell you, that offensive line is outstanding,” CMU coach Brian Kelly said. “The scheme is outstanding and they do a great job with the offensive line.”

Wolfe also attributed his performance to the offensive line, who knew the strong, gusty winds would be a factor.

“When I got to the stadium, I knew there would be a lot more running the ball,” offensive tackle Jake VerStraete said. “You get a little more worried, but you just have to tough it out.”

Haldi, who threw 7-of-13 passes for 117 yards, knew the wind wouldn’t make the game a passing one. Reports had the winds at nearly 40 miles-per-hour at game time.

“That was rough,” Haldi said. “Since I’ve been here, that’s the nastiest it’s been, but we did a real good job running the football.”

Running back A.J. Harris made one carry but reinjured his ankle on that run and did not return.

Linebacker Javan Lee also had to leave the game early in the second half with a sprained knee.

“I’d like to think he’ll be okay,” Novak said. “This is as healthy as we’ve been this time of year, so let’s knock on wood.”

With the win, the Huskies remain tied for first place in the MAC West Division with Toledo. The Rockets beat Ohio 31-13 on Saturday.