CHENEY, Wash. (November 7, 2015)- The last two seasons, Eastern Washington has dominated Big Sky football, beating every team but one on their schedule.
That “but” has been the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, who beat the Eagles 28-27 in Flagstaff in 2014.
Eastern Washington hosted the Lumberjacks Saturday with revenge on their mind, but Northern Arizona upset the Eagles again, earning a 52-30 wire-to-wire win at Roos Field in Washington.
Northern Arizona forced four turnovers, including a pick-six interception return by Marcus Alford in the third quarter, which made the difference in the game.
NAU’s Casey Jahn rushed for two early touchdowns, giving the Lumberjacks a 14-0 lead with 10:23 to go in the second quarter.
Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp responded with a touchdown catch, moving to 55 career touchdown catches, as the Eagles trailed 14-7 at halftime.
However, Northern Arizona’s Corbin Jountti rushed for three second-half touchdowns to put the game away for the Lumberjacks. NAU rushed for 160 yards in the win, and converted 13-of-19 third-downs.
Eastern Washington loses in November for the first time since 2008, and the first time at home since Portland State beats the Eagles in 2011.
MONTANA 33, IDAHO STATE 27- Wild, improbable and unbelievable don’t even begin to describe Montana’s overtime win over Idaho State.
With Idaho State setting up for a game-winning field goal chance, the snap sailed by the holder and rolled out to midfield, where Montana’s Eric Johnson picked it up and sprinted 40 yards for the game-winning score.
Montana held a 24-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, until a 53-yard run by Bengals running back Jakori Ford gave Idaho State a 27-24 lead with 10:17 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The topsy-turvy nature of the game extended to momentum swings, as it featured seven turnovers. Idaho State turned the ball over four times, with the final one spurring the game-winning score.
Bengals quarterback Tanner Gueller completed 23-of-49 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns, with three interceptions. KW Williams had two touchdown catches for the Bengals.
Montana is now 1-1 in overtime games, atoning for a 24-21 home loss to Weber State earlier this season.
SOUTHERN UTAH 34, MONTANA STATE 23- Southern Utah scored 27 points in the second half to get a road victory over Montana State.
Malik Brown ran for 19 yards to give the Thunderbirds a 20-17 lead with 4:39 to go in the third quarter, for the go-ahead score.
It was a back-and-forth battle at Bobcat Stadium, with both teams being within a score of the other until Levi Te’o’s 26-yard touchdown run gave Southern Utah a 26-17 lead with 1:04 left in the third quarter.
Montana State outgained Southern Utah 420-395, but the Thunderbirds’ top-ranked defense forced three turnovers, ensuring their national lead in turnover margin will extend another week.
Both Brown and Te’o finished with two touchdowns, and Southern Utah quarterback Ammon Olsen completed 20-of-40 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown.
Bobcats quarterback Dakota Prukop completed 18-of-30 passes for 163 yards.
One of the game’s biggest highlights came on an individual moment, as Southern Utah defensive end James Cowser broke Jared Allen’s conference record for tackles-for-loss in the Big Sky, breaking the record by sacking Prukop in the first half.
NORTHERN COLORADO 35, PORTLAND STATE 32- Northern Colorado has seen a last-second chance at beating one of the Big Sky’s top teams slip out of its grasp already this season, in a loss to Eastern Washington.
This time, the Bears were intent on finishing off the upset bid, and did as they beat nationally-ranked Portland State at Nottingham Field.
Northern Colorado running back Trae Riek scored on a two-yard run with 23 seconds left, capping off an 88-yard drive. The Bears had held a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter, before Portland State battled back into the game.
The Vikings took a 32-28 lead with 5:17 remaining on a 25-yard run by Steven Long. After another series, Portland State punted the ball to the Bears with 57 seconds left.
Both teams moved the ball at will, with Portland State outgaining Northern Colorado 493-483.
Northern Colorado’s Trae Riek finished with 145 rushing yards and the game-winning score. Bears quarterback Jacob Knipp completed 18-of-30 passes for 270 yards.
WEBER STATE 23, UC DAVIS 3- Weber State dominated from the start, as the Wildcats earned their fifth victory of the season.
Weber State running back Treshawn Garrett rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and Wildcats kicker Josh Kealamakia hit two field goals to lead the Wildcats.
The Wildcats gained 479 yards, while holding UC Davis to 174. Weber State also gained 25 first downs, while holding the Aggies to nine.
UC Davis’s lone score came on a 52-yard field goal by Brady Stuart.
CAL POLY 36, SACRAMENTO STATE 14- Cal Poly rushed for 366 yards, as the Mustangs beat the Hornets in San Luis Obispo.
In an offense known for rushing, Cal Poly quarterback Chris Brown threw a pair of touchdown passes, as the Mustangs built a 26-0 lead midway through the third quarter.
Overall, Cal Poly outgained Sacramento State 461-395 in offensive yards.