DEKALB, Ill. (AP) _ Kent Baker kicked three field goals and Northern Illinois' defense scored two touchdowns Saturday as the Huskies routed Ball State 37-17.

NIU (2-4 and 2-1 in the Mid-American Conference) led 9-3 in the second quarter after Baker hit from 35, 38 and 38 yards. Donnavan Carter's 15-yard fumble return for a touchdown gave Northern a 16-3 halftime lead.

Jermaine Hampton later returned an interception 44 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown against winless Ball State (0-6, 0-3).

William Andrews rushed for 117 yards on 12 carries, including a 79-yard run, and Chris Finlen completed 13-of-24 passes for 193 yards to lead the Northern offense.

Nick Dunbar carried 22 times for 92 yards to lead Ball State, which scored both of its touchdowns in the final 3:20.