Kurt Hess was 20 of 24 passing and Jamaine Cook rushed for 147 yards as Youngstown State handed North Dakota State its first loss of the season, 27-24, in a Missouri Valley Football Conference game played before a crowd of 18,450 on Nov. 12.

It was North Dakota State's first home loss in eight games since the 28-16 loss to Western Illinois on Oct. 2, 2010.

Hess threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for a score for the Penguins (6-4, 4-3 Missouri Valley). His 10-yard pass to Cook put Youngstown State ahead 24-21 in the third quarter. Cook rushed 33 times for 147 yards.

North Dakota State (9-1, 6-1) tied it with a 27-yard field goal from Ryan Jastram on its next possession before David Brown booted what proved to be the game-winner from 30 yards out with 2:49 left in the third period.

Youngstown State's defense came up two big fumble recoveries by Daniel Stewart and Travis Williams, and also had four pass breakups, three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

The Penguins outgained the Bison, 451-293, and held a commanding 37:36 to 22:24 advantage in time of possession.

It kept the NDSU defense busy. Linebacker Chad Willson and strong safety Colten Heagle each had 12 tackles. Willson reached double-figures for the second time this season and fourth time this season. Heagle recorded his first double-figure tackle game of the season and the third of his career.

Cornerback Marcus Williams came up with his team-leading fifth interception of the season to stop a drive in the first quarter. Williams also added a pass breakup and has had at least one pass defended in 20 of 24 games. He matched a career-high with nine tackles.

Running back Sam Ojuri rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns for North Dakota State, while teammate D.J. McNorton had 77 yards and a TD. Ojuri rushed for 100 yards for the second time this season and in his career. McNorton added three receptions for 40 yards.

Brock Jensen was 11 of 22 for 133 yards passing. Jensen hasn't thrown an interception in 139 attempts since his lone pick at Southern Illinois. He broke the record of 110 passes without an interception set by Steve Walker in 2005-06.

Wide receiver/return specialist Ryan Smith made three receptions for 51 yards, returned two punts for 63 yards and added kickoff return for 19. Warren Holloway made three receptions for 34 yards. He moved to third in receptions (136) and fourth in receiving yards (1,920) during the game.