Kain Colter could be sparking a quarterback controversy after another stellar effort for Northwestern.

Colter, who is filling in for injured NU starter Dan Persa, rushed for three touchdowns in a 42-21 victory over Eastern Illinois at Ryan Field.

With an emphasis on improving their running game, the Wildcats upped the tempo with a no-huddle offense that wore down the Panthers front seven. Northwestern carried the ball for 319 yards, calling 85 percent of its offensive plays on the ground. That effort was the third straight game in which the Wildcats have topped 200 yards rushing, going back to last year's TicketCity Bowl.

Turnovers and sloppy snaps plagued the Panthers early on. Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was intercepted once and fumbled once. He finished the game with 209 yards and one touchdown, coming on a deep roll-out throw to receiver Kenny Whittaker for a 72-yard score in the second quarter.

Colter put up 213 all-purpose yards, including 109 gains on the ground, marking just the eighth time a NU quarterback has rushed for over 100 yards.

Persa missed his second straight game with a lingering Achilles' injury. Running back Mike Trumpy also sat out due to a concussion.

Northwestern's normally white "N" on its helmet was red, white and blue American flag inspired in a tribute to the 10-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Eastern Illinois falls to 1-1 with the loss heading into next week's home game against Tennessee Tech. Northwestern moves to 2-0 with a home date against Army in Week 3.