EVANSTON, Ill. – Freshman running back Evan Hull, a three-star recruit from Maple Grove High School, rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns Saturday in his first career start at Northwestern.
In the Wildcats' 45-6 victory over UMass, Hull averaged 9.2 yards on 24 carries and scored on TD runs of 6, 38, 46 and 31 yards.
Hull had a total of 15 yards and eight carries before moving into the starting lineup because of injuries.
"I put a lot of work into this, so to have this happen for me was a very good feeling," he said.
Hull's rushing total was the 13th-highest in Wildcats history and the second-highest by a first-year player.
"I'm ecstatic for him," coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "He's a great young man. He's got a bright future. Obviously, we're depleted at that position, and I'm really proud of him playing the way he did."
Northwestern (2-8) ended a seven-game losing streak and won for the first time since Sept. 14 against UNLV.
"A great team win," said Fitzgerald, whose team returns to Big Ten next weekend against the Gophers. "I'm really happy for our guys. It's been a long time in the making for a win."
