LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Kicker Andy Wilder hit a game-winning 33-yard field goal with 12 seconds to go as Northern Arizona went on the road and shocked UNLV 17-14 on Saturday night.
It was Northern Arizona's (1-1) first win over an FBS team in 25 years. The Lumberjacks bounced back from a 63-6 loss to Arizona State in their season opener.
“I think I am proudest of what the difference of nine days can make,” NAU coach Jerome Souers said. “We really struggled our first game and had some setbacks and some injuries, but our kids came back and practiced hard and they got much better. When they play better, this is what happens.
"I am proud of their effort, their attitude and their willingness to stay at it. It says a lot about the character of the program and the direction that we are going.”
After UNLV (0-2) was charged with a personal foul, Northern Arizona quarterback Chase Cartwright hooked up with Ify Umodo on a 30-yard strike to give the Lumberjacks a first down with 21 seconds to go on the Rebels 16. That gave Wilder a chance to play hero -- and he did so.
“I missed one earlier, but I put that one behind me,” Wilder said. “The team needed me, and it was my turn to step up.
"I nailed it right through the pipes.”
UNLV led 14-0 at halftime before NAU scored 17 unanswered points to pull off the upset.
“I wish I could say it was some magic call,” said defensive coordinator Andy Thompson. “The kids decided to play a little harder and with a better pad level. They really did a great job of staying true to what we practiced. They made the adjustments.”
Zach Bauman carried the ball 20 times for 103 yards and a touchdown, the only offensive TD of the night for NAU. Cartwright started in placed of injured senior Cary Grossart and went 17 for 40 for 197 yards.
After being shut out in the first half, NAU finally got a spark in the third quarter from senior Austin Shanks. The defense forced a three-and-out on the first series of the second half, and Shanks returned the ensuing punt 75 yards for a touchdown. It was the sixth-longest punt return in school history and longest since 1983.
“Late in the second half when we got in our hurry up mode I thought we did a good job of moving the ball,” said Cartwright. “Then Austin (Shanks) had that special teams touchdown. It really boosted our momentum on the sideline. The last drive in the second quarter was key. We came out in the third quarter and stalled for a little bit. We just chipped away at them one play at a time.”
UNLV kicker Nolan Kohorst missed a 30-yard field-goal attempt on the following series, spoiling a 75-yard drive by the Rebels and their final scoring chance of the game. The Lumberjacks responded with a 15-play, 80-yard drive that was capped by an 8-yard touchdown run by Bauman, tying the score at 14-14 with 8:04 left in the game and setting up the dramatic finish.
