Northern Arizona Defeated Montana 49-44

The Lumberjacks secured a major upset against the No. 2 ranked University of Montana at the Walkup Skydome.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Football

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Northern Arizona University defeated the No. 2 ranked University of Montana with a score of 49-44. This victory marked the first time the Lumberjacks have beaten a top-two opponent in 12 years.

Why it matters

The win represents a significant milestone for the program, as the Lumberjacks overcame a high national ranking to secure a pivotal victory in Flagstaff. It highlights the team's ability to execute against top-tier competition despite roster challenges.

Ty Pennington accounted for six total touchdowns in the 49-44 victory. The Lumberjacks entered the contest as the No. 13 ranked team.

The players

Ty Pennington

He is a football player for Northern Arizona University who accounted for six touchdowns in the upset win.

Kenveon Stone

He is a player for Northern Arizona University who was ruled out of the game prior to kickoff.

Quran Gossett

He is a football player for Northern Arizona University who suffered a lower-body injury during the first quarter.

The details

Ty Pennington powered the offense by scoring six touchdowns, contributing significantly to the high-scoring win at the Walkup Skydome. The team faced roster adjustments, as Kenveon Stone was ruled out before kickoff and Quran Gossett left the game in the first quarter.

The game took place on October 10, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This victory significantly boosts Northern Arizona's standing in the national rankings and playoff outlook. It establishes the Lumberjacks as a legitimate contender after breaking a 12-year drought against top-two opponents.

The win provides a major boost to the Lumberjacks' playoff resume and national poll positioning. Ty Pennington's six-touchdown performance serves as a primary driver for the team's offensive efficiency metrics this season.

The takeaway

This game demonstrates the high-scoring potential of the Lumberjacks' offense when led by a dominant individual performance. Teams facing the Lumberjacks in the coming weeks will need to prepare for a versatile attack that can secure wins against top-ranked programs.