Costelli leads Northern Colorado to 17-3 win over Division II Chadron St.

GREELEY, Colo. -- — Peter Costelli threw for a touchdown and ran for another and that was enough to carry Northern Colorado past Division II Chadron State, 17-3 on Saturday. After each team punted on its first drive, Costelli threw a 60-yard scoring pass to Brayden Munroe to complete a five-play, 80-yard drive. After the Eagles punted on their following drive, Northern Colorado held the ball for the next 14 plays and drove 91 yards in 7 minutes. Costelli ended the drive running it in from 19 yards out. DJ Ralph threw for 228 yards on 20-for-33 passing for Chadron State. Wilson Yee kicked a 29-yard field goal to prevent the shutout after missing earlier from 43 and 40 yards. It was the ninth all-time meeting between the two programs and the first since 2007, when Chadron State beat the Bears, 31-0. Saturday marked the Bears’ first season opener at home since 2022. ------ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football