LAS VEGAS – Saturday was a change of pace for Northern Illinois quarterback Drew Hare.

The sophomore started his first career game, and unlike NIU’s first two contests of the season, there wasn’t a quarterback merry-go-round.

Outside of one second-half series with Anthony Maddie in the game, it was Hare’s day. Matt McIntosh, who started last week’s game at Northwestern, did not dress. He’s out 4 to 6 weeks with a lower body injury, according to NIU head coach Rod Carey.

Hare had an overall good day, going 18-of-28 passing for 285 yards and three touchdowns and running for 81 yards on 14 carries. The one possible mistake was when Da’Ron Brown fumbled a Hare handoff on a jet sweep.

“Thought he was poised,” Carey said. “He took care of the ball except for the one. I will have to look at the film and see whether that was Drew or Da’Ron, or who it was.

“I’m pleased with [Hare’s play], and he moved the team down the field.”

Hare threw his first touchdown pass of the day to Keith Harris Jr. in the second quarter, a 12-yard strike, and hit Juwan Brescacin with a 10-yard touchdown a few minutes later. He added a 12-yard touchdown run in the third, and put NIU ahead with a 54-yard touchdown strike to Brown in the fourth.

“It felt awesome, getting in a good rhythm with the team,” Hare said. “Our line did awesome all night. Our playmakers outside, they stepped up when they needed to.”

The final touchdown pass was the play of the game. After UNLV tied NIU at 34 after a big rally, Hare gave the Huskies the lead for good.

He saw Brown down the left sideline and hit him for the 54-yard strike. Brown made a highlight-reel catch and was off to the end zone.

“Considering what was on the line, it was a good play,” Brown said. “Can’t take all the credit, have to give it to my quarterback. He threw a good pass and he gave me the opportunity.”

Earlier in the game, Hare missed a couple of deep balls, including one to Aregeros Turner that would have went for a touchdown.

However, Hare hit the home run pass when the Huskies needed it most.

Hare knew that if he kept trying, eventually one of his wideouts would come down with a big play.

“When you have Da’Ron Brown out there, the guy’s as fast as they come,” Hare said. “Just try to put it up and make it so he can make a play, and he did just that.”