Pennington's TD, Wesley's interceptions help Northern Arizona defeat Utah Tech 38-31
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Ty Pennington passed for a touchdown and ran for another and Jaylan Wesley made two big interceptions as Northern Arizona held off Utah Tech 38-31 on Saturday.
Wesley returned an interception 39 yards to the Highlanders' 5-yard line that set up Seth Cromwell's second touchdown run for a 24-7 lead. Cromwell scored on a 2-yard run for the Lumberjacks' first points.
Utah Tech (1-1) scored twice in the fourth quarter to get within seven points and got the ball back with 1:34 left on its own 15 but Wesley picked off Reggie Graf to end the threat.
Pennington was 21 of 28 for 229 yards passing, with a touchdown and an interception for NAU (1-1). Kolbe Katsis had a 49-yard TD reception for a 31-10 halftime lead and finished with 82 yards receiving on three catches.
Graff threw for 75 yards and ran for 74 more, including two touchdowns. Bronson Barben threw for a TD and was picked off twice.
NAU, ranked 14th in the FCS coaches poll, won its eighth straight home game, tying a school record set over the 1978 and 1979 seasons.
___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
2026 NFL Draft: Meet The Kicker Who Can Make a 70-yard FG and Run a 4.5 40
2026 NFL Draft: Inside Adidas Rookie Pro Day with Fernando Mendoza, Other Top Prospects
Top 25 college athletes with highest NIL valuations
Let's Debate: Way-Too-Early Look at Top CFB Players for the 2027 NFL Draft
Watch live: No. 14 Oklahoma heads to Lawrence to face Kansas (FS1)
2026-27 College Football Odds: 2 Early Win Totals to Wager on Now
Top Teams to Build a Dynasty With in EA Sports College Football 26
2026 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt's Top 10 Offensive Prospects
Brady, Gronk, Hurts, Burrow: Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft Results
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Where Would Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith Be Picked in All-CFB Draft?
2026 NFL Draft: Meet The Kicker Who Can Make a 70-yard FG and Run a 4.5 40
2026 NFL Draft: Inside Adidas Rookie Pro Day with Fernando Mendoza, Other Top Prospects
Top 25 college athletes with highest NIL valuations
Let's Debate: Way-Too-Early Look at Top CFB Players for the 2027 NFL Draft
Watch live: No. 14 Oklahoma heads to Lawrence to face Kansas (FS1)
2026-27 College Football Odds: 2 Early Win Totals to Wager on Now
Top Teams to Build a Dynasty With in EA Sports College Football 26
2026 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt's Top 10 Offensive Prospects
Brady, Gronk, Hurts, Burrow: Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft Results