Lindenwood 22, N. Colorado 20

Published Sep. 3, 2011 8:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

James Neal kicked a 21-yard field goal as time expired, and Lindenwood stunned Northern Colorado 22-20 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

The Lions trailed 20-19 after Dave Eden put Northern Colorado ahead with a 25-yard field goal with 1:10 left. But Lindenwood's Andrew Helmick returned the ensuing kickoff 44 yards to the Northern Colorado 48. Helmick then caught a 28-yard pass from John Uribe to move the Lions to the 2 and set up Neal's kick.

Neal also had field goals of 22 and 30 yards for Lindenwood, an NAIA team from St. Charles, Mo., that is transitioning to Division II after this season. The win was Lindenwood's fourth straight in a season opener.