The Northern Colorado Bears won't be in the FCS playoffs when the field is announced on Sunday afternoon, but the team closed out the 2012 season with a 28-27 victory over North Dakota on Saturday. The team's third straight victory (and fourth in five games) moved the Bears to 5-6, a marked improvement from its 2011 0-11 campaign.

Northern Colorado quarterback Seth Lobato connected with Sawyere Monson for a 23-yard touchdown pass with 4:16 left in the third quarter to tie the game at 27. Dave Eden pushed the ball through the uprights for the extra point and the 28-27 lead. That was just enough to give the team the victory almost 20 game-minutes later.

Lobato finished the game with 20 completions in 35 attempts for 210 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception. The touchdown was a 21-yard throw to wide receiver Jace Davis about five minutes into the game. In the second quarter, running back Tromaine Dennis scored rushing touchdowns of 1 and 67 yards. He finished with 222 yards on 28 carries.

North Dakota quarterback Braden Hanson was 34-of-48 for 382 yards with three touchdown passes and three interceptions. Zeb Miller kicked two 27-yard field goals for the six remaining points. The loss dropped North Dakota to 5-6.