Ty Pennington and Quran Gossett power Northern Arizona past Southern Utah 34-27

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) — Northern Arizona's Ty Pennington completed 292 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, while Quran Gossett amassed 131 rushing yards and a score, propelling the Lumberjacks to a 34-27 victory over Southern Utah on Saturday. The Big Sky Conference-ranked No. 7 team, currently holding a 7-2 record, overcame an early 10-0 deficit to secure their fourth consecutive win.

Northern Arizona's defense stifled Southern Utah, forcing four punts and intercepting a pass, before the Thunderbirds' offense netted 16 points in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 27-17. Despite opening the game with two punt returns, Northern Arizona took a 10-6 lead at halftime following a pair of field goals and three touchdowns.

With 2:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, Floyd Chalk's 130-yard rushing performance and two touchdowns brought the Thunderbirds within a touchdown. However, Pennington's final touchdown pass to Jeter Purdy, coupled with additional scoring runs from both himself and Gossett, sealed the win. Pennington, who contributed 91 rushing yards, concluded the game kneeling out of the game.

Will Burns contributed 138 passing yards and a touchdown, along with an interception, for Southern Utah. The Lumberjacks' recent four-game winning streak places them at the top of the Grand Canyon Trophy standings, which was established in 2012. Southern Utah is set to host Northern Colorado in their next game.