Ty Pennington, Ammon Allen spark Northern Arizona to 34-16 upset over Sacramento State

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Ty Pennington threw two touchdown passes, Ammon Allen returned a fumble for a score and Northern Arizona upset Sacramento State 34-16 in a Big Sky Conference opener on Saturday.

Sacramento State (2-3), ranked 10th in the coaches' poll, managed only three first-half field goals by Zach Schreiner and trailed 10-9 at intermission.

Northern Arizona (3-2) led by four points when Alex McLaughlin sacked Sacramento State quarterback Carson Conklin, forcing a fumble that Allen scooped up and returned 8 yards for a touchdown and a 20-9 advantage. Pennington followed with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Tay Lanier 12 seconds later. It came on the first play after Zach Lewis picked off Conklin at the 30-yard line and returned it 17 yards.

Darvon Hubbard added a 2-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter for the Lumberjacks to complete the scoring.

Pennington's 9-yard scoring toss to Bryzai White gave Northern Arizona a 10-6 lead with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter.

Pennington completed 21 of 25 passes for 240 yards. Lanier and White combined for 13 catches and 158 yards.

Conklin totaled 162 yards on 17-for-36 passing with two interceptions and a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jared Gipson in the fourth quarter for the Hornets.

NAU also recovered three fumbles and outgained Sac State 355-221.