Trailing 10-7 in the fourth quarter, Youngstown State (5-1, 3-0 Missouri Valley) forced a three-and-out late and took possession at its 47-yard line with 3:37 left to play. The Penguins ran the ball on 10 consecutive plays to pay dirt — the last four by Ruiz, including the game-winner.

A 22-play, 86-yard drive that consumed 11:40 off the clock and featured 20 runs put Youngstown State on the scoreboard earlier in the quarter. It was capped by Tevin McCaster’s 1-yard plunge.

Northern Iowa (2-4, 1-2) was held to 173 total yards. The Panthers took a 3-0 lead on Austin Errthum’s 27-yard field goal midway through the second quarter. Three plays later, Duncan Ferch intercepted and returned Ricky Davis’ pass 34 yards, pushing the lead to 10.