SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s second game of the season featured more passing — make that passing yardage — than the opener. In Saturday’s 35-17 win over Northern Illinois, the 13th-ranked Utes wound up with 214 yards in the air.

Although the final tally wasn’t all that spectacular, it more than doubled Utah’s 106-yard aerial attack against BYU.

“The defense was not dropping eight,” Huntley said. “So we just saw a chance to throw the ball.”

After Utah’s 30-12 win last week in Provo, the Utes ranked 119th nationally in passing offense. Although Huntley was quite accurate against the Cougars — completing 13 of 16 throws — the net result was just 106 yards.

Huntley got off to a similar start against NIU. This time, though, the 13-of-16 passing equated to 200 yards before the fourth quarter began.

“We knew coming into this game they were going to stack the box. So it was easy for Tyler to connect with our receivers. That’s all we did. We just executed.” — Utah wide receiver Demari Simpkins

Two throws later, with 12:49 left to play, Utah scored its first receiving touchdown of the season when Huntley teamed with Jaylen Dixon on a 14-yard pass. The TD toss and PAT that followed extended the Utes’ lead to the final margin of 35-17 and gave them eight first downs via a pass.

“I think that’s good. Last week they were dropping a lot of guys back and not letting us get those passes downfield,” Dixon said. “So we had chances to really pass the ball down the field and that’s what we did.”

Dixon led the Utes with four receptions for 46 yards. Six others made catches. Bryan Thompson, Derrick Vickers, Britain Covey and Demari Simpkins each had two, while Brant Kuithe and Hunter Thedford grabbed one apiece.

“We knew coming into this game they were going to stack the box,” Simpkins said. “So it was easy for Tyler to connect with our receivers. That’s all we did. We just executed.”

Huntley’s accuracy has been remarkable thus far. In two games, he’s completed 27 of 35 passes (77.1%).

“It’s been nice,” Dixon said. “He’s just getting better with each game of the season and that’s the main goal, to just get better.”

Speaking of better, running back Zack Moss noted that an effective throw game makes his job easier in the long run.

“If you can pass the ball, the running lanes will be there,” he said. “The goal every week is for the run game to help the pass game and vice versa.”

In improving to 2-0 for the seventh consecutive season, the Utes netted 407 yards of total offense. Moss finished with 80 of Utah’s 193 yards on the ground.

The Utes wound up running the ball 37 times and passing it 19. The split against BYU was 48 runs and 16 passes.

Huntley said that offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has high expectations for the senior.

“He asked a lot of me and that puts more pressure on me to execute every play,” Huntley said. “I do not have a chill play in the offense, I need to get us in a better spot to execute.”

The difference this season, he added, includes more maturity.

Grid View Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) breaks free from Northern Illinois Huskies defensive end Quintin Wynne (10) during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Hauati Pututau (41) fights through a double team as he sacks Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) leaps into he air after intercepting Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) flexes his bicep after sacking Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Hauati Pututau (41) celebrates a sack of Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs past Northern Illinois defensive end Matt Lorbeck during first-half action at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Devin Lloyd (20) sacks Northern Illinois quarterback Ross Bowers during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Devin Lloyd (20) sacks Northern Illinois quarterback Ross Bowers during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

The MUSS jumps around during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

First-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) breaks into the end zone for a score during first half-action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) breaks free on his way to a touchdown during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) follows the lead of Utah Utes offensive lineman Simi Moala (69) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) crashes into Utah Utes offensive lineman Simi Moala (69) as he runs upfield during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) spins around Northern Illinois Huskies defensive tackle Marcus Kelly (96) during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Bryan Thompson (19) tries to avoid Northern Illinois Huskies safety Mykelti Williams (8) during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Demari Simpkins (3) looks to gain extra yards after catching a pass during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) pumps his fist after connecting on a long touchdown pass during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

First-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) dives over the Northern Illinois Huskies defense and into the end zone for a touchdown during first-half action at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) dives over the Northern Illinois Huskies defense and into the end zone for a touchdown during first-half action at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) sprints to the end zone during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Derrick Vickers (8) hauls in a pass during first-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) pressures Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

First-half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive back Javelin Guidry (28) tackles Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Tyrice Richie (3) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

The University of Utah Utes take the field before game against Northern Illinois at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Hauati Pututau (41) sacks of Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah fans celebrate a touchdown during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) tosses the ball to the referee after scoring a touchdown during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive back Javelin Guidry (28) tackles Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Tyrice Richie (3) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive back Javelin Guidry (28) tackles Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Tyrice Richie (3) during first half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (13) chases after Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Spencer Tears during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Jaylen Dixon (25) tumbles in the end zone after making a touchdown catch Northern Illinois Huskies cornerback Devin Haney (12) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Northern Illinois Huskies safety Mykelti Williams (8) forces Utah Utes wide receiver Bryan Thompson (19) to fumble the ball during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Williams was called for targeting on the play and was ejected from the game. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) runs out of bounds after intercepting Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Devin Lloyd (20) and Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (13) team-up to stop Northern Illinois Huskies running back Tre Harbison (22) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

The MUSS gets into the game during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) sacks Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) sacks Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ross Bowers (12) during second half action in the University of Utah versus Northern Illinois football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

“I want to take every play one at a time and put our offense in a great position,” Huntley said.

Utah averaged 7.3 yards per play. Northern Illinois checked in at 5.4 yards per play.

“Whatever the defense is giving you will dictate your offense. This week, there was very few drop-eight situations and it was a much different scheme. So that let us throw the ball a little more,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. ‘We had good production. I think we were a little over 400 yards, which was about 200 passing and close to 200 rushing, so that is good — not great, but good. We can get better.”

Kyle Whittingham’s opening remarks following Utah’s 35-17 win over Northern Illinois. pic.twitter.com/8k7qmHSe0b — Dirk Facer (@DirkFacer) September 8, 2019

Utah’s offense has yet to turn the ball over this season and Huntley hasn’t been sacked once. Whittingham said the latter is a credit to his presence in the pocket and his ability to get out of trouble.

“The offensive line has done a nice job protecting him,” Whittingham continued. “He has made great decisions.”

Utah’s offensive line was without starting center Orlando Umana and co-starter at right guard Johnny Maea on Saturday. The duo were sidelined with undisclosed injuries.

The Utes juggled things around a bit and started Paul Toala at center, Nick Ford at right guard and Simi Moala at right tackle. Darrin Paulo and Braeden Daniels remained at left tackle and left guard, respectively.

“The offensive line is playing well. Coach Jim Harding is a great coach,” Huntley said. “He puts them in positions during practice so that during the game it is easier for them.”

Huntley, in turn, also performed well. He posted his 12th career 200-yard passing game and is now the 10th-leading passer in team history with 4,579 career yards. On the ground, Huntley had a 16-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. It was his 12th career rushing score. He averaged 12.7 yards on three carries against NIU.