IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kamari Moulton rushed for a career-high 183 yards and scored two touchdowns as No. 22 Iowa dominated Northern Illinois 40-0 in the season opener for both teams on Saturday.

Moulton, who led Iowa in rushing last year, surpassed his previous best of 114 yards in the first quarter alone, compiling 132 yards that included touchdown runs of 50 and 37 yards. His performance helped set the tone early as Iowa’s offense quickly established control.

The game also provided the first significant look at the Hawkeyes’ quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, who entered the contest sharing the starting spot on the depth chart. Head coach Kirk Ferentz had indicated that both quarterbacks would see action.

Brown, who started the game, completed 12 of 20 passes for 129 yards and threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Tony Diaz on Iowa’s opening series. Hecklinski appeared later, going 7 of 16 for 76 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown throw to Xavier Williams in the second quarter, though he also threw an interception.

Special teams contributed with Caden Buhr adding two field goals, while Evan James returned a punt 77 yards for a score in the second half.

Iowa’s defense was dominant throughout, limiting Northern Illinois to just 120 total yards and 14 yards in the first half. The Huskies did not record their first first down until the third quarter, gaining it via a pass-interference penalty called against Iowa.

The Hawkeyes amassed 507 yards on offense, demonstrating a marked advantage in all facets of the game en route to a shutout victory in their first outing of the season.