CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Wenkers Wright showcased an impressive performance, rushing for 109 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the second half, leading Illinois State to a decisive 31-9 victory over Northern Iowa in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup on Saturday.

The Redbirds exhibited a commanding offense, amassing over 500 total yards and dominating possession, which left the Panthers still searching for their first win in conference play.

Early in the second quarter, Tommy Rittenhouse completed a rigorous 16-play, 78-yard drive, finishing it off with a 1-yard touchdown run around the right end. This gave Illinois State a 10-3 advantage at halftime. The team continued its momentum into the second half, as Wright capitalized on a lengthy 21-play, 86-yard drive, scoring on a 3-yard run to extend the lead to 17-3. Freshman Matt Lawson then added to the score in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run before Wright sealed the game with a 14-yard touchdown with just over eight minutes left on the clock.

Rittenhouse demonstrated accuracy by completing 22 of 29 passes for 251 yards, with standout receiver Daniel Sobkowicz catching seven passes for 136 yards. Wright was a heavy contributor, carrying the ball 21 times, while Lawson complemented him with 84 yards on 16 attempts.

For Northern Iowa, Matthew Schecklman struggled, finishing the game with 15 completions on 29 attempts for a total of 172 yards. The loss leaves Northern Iowa with a season record of 2-8 and an ongoing conference record of 0-6.