GREELEY, Colo. – Zach Bauman rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns to help Northern Arizona to a 21-14 victory over Northern Colorado on Saturday at Nottingham Field. The Lumberjacks snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 5-4, 3-3 in Big Sky play.

"We struggled the last couple weeks to get a win so to get a win, I am really proud of our guys," said Souers. "They found a way to get it done today. It was a gutty performance defensively."

Bauman finished with his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season, scoring twice on 29 carries. Senior quarterback Michael Herrick went 15-for-23 for 182 yards and a touchdown.

NAU scored twice in the opening quarter, aiding from the return of a healthy Herrick at quarterback. A pass interference call against UNC extended the first drive which NAU converted into a touchdown by Bauman, who rushed for 50 yards on the drive including the final 15 for the score. After a three-and-out, NAU scored again with a hookup from Herrick to Daiveun Curry-Chapman for 39 yards to lead 14-0.

"We were productive offensively early," said Souers. "And we got some first downs in the second half when we needed t. That was key."

The Bears opened the second quarter with a 70-yard completion to tight end Doug Steele, setting up a 1-yard score by Orms to pull within 14-7. But the Lumberjacks marched down the field, scoring on a fourth-and-goal plunge by Bauman to push the lead back to 14 points.

The Bears pulled closer in the second half when Steele caught a 13-yard pass from Orms on a fourth down play, catching a ball deflected by two NAU defenders.

The Bears had four drives in the final quarter, but the defense stopped them each time forcing two punts, while stopping a fourth down play and getting an interception by Reid Worthington on the final threat with 3:27 left.

"We had a good pass rush and really cinched things up against the run," said Souers. "Our kids played with better discipline. I am really excited with how the defense played today."

The Lumberjacks return home to play their final two regular season game at the Walkup Skydome, starting with matchup against Weber State on Nov. 13 at 3:05 p.m.