On third-and-long the defense is supposed to have the upper-hand.

Someone should tell that to Northern Arizona University freshman quarterback Jason Murrietta, who lit up Sacramento State’s secondary time and time again in the Lumberjacks 24-21 win Saturday night against the Hornets.

On first and second down Sac State’s defense played well, coming up with incomplete passes and tackles for losses, but when it really counted they had no answer for Murrietta, the Big Sky’s top-rated passer.

“The defensive scheme was good,” strong safety Chris Meyer said, who lead the team with 12 tackles in the loss. “We just need to play tighter coverage.”

A turning point in the game came in the fourth quarter when Sac State was unable to convert on two short yardage plays. On third-and-one running back Tyronne Gross, who had 104 yards on the night, was unable convert the first down when he was stopped for no gain. On fourth down Hornet head coach Steve Mooshagian lined up in a punt formation but had linebacker Ryan Kroeker take the snap and try to rush for the first.

“If I could do it over again I wouldn’t do it,” Mooshagian said.Kroeker was stopped short of the first down and Sac State turned the ball over on downs at their own 48-yard line.

NAU took advantage of the short field throwing a deep pass to wide receiver Johnny Marshall who was forced out-of-bounds at the 5-yard line.

Murrietta ran the ball in for the touchdown on the ensuing play which gave the Lumberjacks a 24-21 lead they would never relinquish.