Northwest Missouri State held Emporia State scoreless through the second half and escaped Saturday's MIAA battle with a 14-9 victory.
The Bearcats (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) finished with seven turnovers and gave up a safety, but still found a way to win.
A week after the Hornets passed for 454 yards the week before against Missouri Western, but were limited to a season-low 161 yards Saturday against Northwest.
The Bearcat defense finished with five sacks, an interception and 11 pass break-ups. Safety Shane Fredrickson also blocked a field goal for the second straight week.
Trailing 9-7 at halftime, Northwest's offense broke through on an 86-yard drive early in the fourth quarter. Chris Ruhnke threw deep to the end zone, and receiver Luke Mathews made a late adjustment to get under the football and snare his second touchdown of the season.
The Bearcats went on top 14-9 and held on for the win.
Northwest goes on the road next Saturday for a battle in Topeka, KS against Washburn.