YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Youngstown State secured a thrilling victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday, coming out on top with a 39-38 score in overtime thanks to the impressive performance of Beau Brungard. Brungard threw for two touchdown passes and added two more rushing touchdowns, and his vital throw to Austin Bray for a 2-point conversion in the extra period clinched the game’s outcome.

The matchup marked the Panthers’ first contest following the retirement announcement of their long-time head coach, Mark Farley. In overtime, the Panthers quickly made their presence known when Tye Edwards dashed into the end zone with a 7-yard run just a few plays in.

For the Penguins (4-8, 3-5 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference), Tyshon King answered back with a 9-yard touchdown run to keep the game alive, despite a personal foul that momentarily hindered their drive.

Brungard displayed an impressive stat line, completing 31 of his 36 passes for a total of 256 yards, and he also contributed another 78 yards on the ground, bringing his season rushing total to 998 yards. On the other side, Aiden Dunne connected on 16 of 26 passes for 197 yards for the Panthers (2-9, 0-7), with Desmond Hutson as the standout receiver, hauling in seven catches for 101 yards.

In a critical moment, Andrew Lastovka booted a career-best 51-yard field goal that propelled the Penguins ahead 24-21 with just over five minutes left in the game. Following that remarkable play, Northern Iowa’s Sergio Morancy made his mark by returning the ensuing kickoff for an impressive 97-yard touchdown, extending the celebration as he sprinted another 50 yards to present the game ball to Farley.

Farley has a legacy at Northern Iowa and in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, boasting a career record of 182 wins to 112 losses. He announced last Sunday that this would be his final season, with his last game scheduled at home against Indiana State next weekend.

Brungard capped off a crucial 65-yard offensive drive by finding Max Tomczak for a 12-yard touchdown pass with just 1:21 remaining on the clock. However, the Panthers responded with a swift 51-yard drive, culminating in a 32-yard field goal from Caden Palmer, which tied the game with just six seconds left in regulation.