Hess, Youngstown State Outlast Northern Iowa 42-35

Youngstown State quarterback Kurt Hess (12) plays in the NCAA football game between Pittsburgh and Youngstown State on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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By Kara Kelly

Story Created: Sep 23, 2012 at 8:55 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2012 at 8:55 AM CDT

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — Kurt Hess threw his fourth touchdown pass with 1:50 remaining and Youngstown State held on to beat Northern Iowa 42-35 Saturday night in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams.

After Hess completed a 26-yard TD pass to Christian Bryan, the Panthers began driving from their own 35.

On fourth-and-10 from the Penguins 32, Sawyer Kollmorgen threw a 14-yarder to Chad Owens. He then hit Brett LeMaster for 7 yards, but his next pass to LeMaster was deflected by Ali Cheaib and Donald D'Alesio as time expired.

The Penguins (4-0), off to their best start since going 6-0 in 2000, trailed by a touchdown midway through the third quarter and again early in the fourth.

Torrian Pace's 1-yard rush tied it at 35 with 7:07 remaining.

Hess was 20 of 28 for 290 yards. For Northern Iowa (1-3), Kollmorgen was 23-of-38 passing for 333 yards and three touchdowns.

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