GREELEY, Colo. — In a decisive performance, Ty Pennington led Northern Arizona to a commanding 44-3 victory over Northern Colorado on Saturday. Pennington was instrumental, contributing to three touchdowns, and Seth Cromwell made a notable impact with 155 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Pennington completed 17 of 20 passing attempts for 193 yards, throwing two touchdown passes while also having one interception. Northern Arizona, now at 6-4 overall and 4-2 within the Big Sky Conference, is enjoying a strong finish to the season, marking their fourth consecutive win. The team has also garnered attention in the latest FCS coaches poll, receiving seven votes.

Northern Colorado started the game on a serious note, taking the opening kickoff and moving 71 yards down the field. However, their promising drive came to a halt at the 4-yard line, forcing them to settle for a 21-yard field goal kicked by Keagan Zabilla. This initial score put the Bears ahead 3-0, but it would be their only points for the day.

Pennington quickly responded, orchestrating a seven-play drive that covered 63 yards. He capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, putting the Lumberjacks in the lead at 7-3 with around six minutes remaining in the first quarter. By the end of the first half, he extended the lead with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Bryzai White, making it 14-3 at the break.

In the second half, Pennington had another touchdown pass, connecting with Myseth Currie for an 18-yard score. Furthermore, J’Wan Evans, Seth Cromwell, and Kyler Kruck each contributed to the scoreboard with short touchdown runs.

The Bears struggled throughout the matchup, converting just one of their eight third-down attempts. They managed a mere 11 first downs and finished the game with a total of only 135 yards, highlighting the challenges they faced against a formidable Lumberjacks defense.