HILLSBORO, Ore. — Andre Harris ran 57 yards for the game-winning touchdown to lift Northern Colorado to a 35-30 victory over Portland State on Saturday.
The run capped off a second-half rally by the Bears (3-8, 2-6 Big Sky), who were down 27-15 at halftime.
Harris sparked it by scoring the first touchdown after the break, running in from a yard out midway through the third quarter.
The Vikings (2-8, 1-6) had trouble moving the ball in the second half and managed just a field goal by Zach Brown late the quarter.
The Bears came within 30-28 early in the final period when Patrick Walker ran 77 yards for a touchdown. Harris ran for the game-winner about four minutes later.
Harris finished with 167 yards on 22 carries.
Junior Chuks Nweke intercepted a pass with 1:43 remaining and returned it 14 yards, stopping a Vikings drive on the 25-yard line. On the ensuing Portland State drive, junior Brandon Owens intercepted a pass in the end zone with 10 seconds remaining to secure the victory.
The win snapped a seven- game losing streak for the Bears and gave UNC two Big Sky wins for the first time since joining the league in 2006.
The loss spoiled a big day for Portland State running back Cory McCaffrey, who rushed for 226 yards and a touchdown.
