Football's Championship Run Ends in Maryville, Missouri
The University of Northern Colorado football team closed its 1998 season two weeks earlier than it had planned, when it fell 42-17 to Northwest Missouri State in the NCAA II quarterfinals Nov. 28. The defeat ended the Bears hopes of possible three-peat as Division II national champions. It also closed a chapter on one of the more successful runs in recent college football history. UNC ended its season with a record of 11-2 and a share of the 1998 North Central Conference championship.The Preseason As the 1998 season drew near, expectations for the Bears were high both locally and nationally. Head coach Joe Glenn and his squad were coming off their second straight national title and entered the season as the consensus no. 1 team in the country. UNC returned 17 starters from 97 led by senior defensive lineman Aaron Smith and junior quarterback Corte McGuffey. While the season hadnt gotten underway, UNC players and fans alike felt that anything less than a return trip to Florence, Alabama would be a disappointment.
The Nonconference Schedule
To open the season, UNC faced two intrastate rivals in nonconference action at Nottingham Field. The season began with Adams State, who was coming off a 1-10 performance in 1997. UNC scored early, often and nearly every way imaginable in thrashing the Grizzlies 72-26 before a home crowd of over 5,000. The Bears set five records in the game, including points (72), points in a half (58) and touchdowns (10). Individually, McGuffey set a school record with six touchdown passes on the day, including two scoring strikes to junior wideout Keith Grable.
The following week, UNC welcomed Western State to Greeley. Revenge was on the mind of the Bears who had fallen 14-13 to the Mountaineers in 1997 - one of only two UNC losses that year. Once again, the Bears took care of business early. UNC scored on its first eight possessions of the game as it handed Western State a 52-7 defeat. McGuffey was once again the catalyst as he tied his own record with six TD passes in the game. The Riverton, Wyoming native also set a career-high with 336 yards on 23-of-30 passing. For his efforts, McGuffey was named NCC Player of the Week for the second straight time.
Road to the Conference Title
After opening the NCC season with victories over Augustana (56-9) and St. Cloud State (35-13), the Bears first real challenge of the conference schedule was an October 3 date at North Dakota State. In 12 attempts, UNC had never won in Fargo and Coach Glenn and his staff knew a victory would be crucial to the teams chances of repeating as NCC champs. After falling behind 5-0 in the early going, UNC safety Shad Morelock scooped up an NDSU fumble and scampered 31 yards to give the Bears a 6-5 lead. Junior Mike Schauer added two field goals to extend the margin to 12-5, but the Bison connected on a 39-yard pass play to knot the score at 12-12. But, once again, the Bears responded as McGuffey found freshman tailback Joe Wyeth on a 21-yard TD strike to give UNC a lead they would never relinquish. Wyeth added a 19-yard touchdown run and Schauer hit a 42-yard field goal in the second half as the Bears earned the 29-19 victory over the Bison.
After exorcising the demons of Fargo, UNC easily handled South Dakota 34-3 before a Homecoming crowd of 7,135 on October 10. The win moved the Bears to 6-0 on the season and 4-0 in NCC play. With a potential showdown with Nebraska-Omaha looming in two weeks, the Bears expected to walk through Minnesota State, Mankato Oct. 17. However, what UNC got was one of the most exciting games in school history - a four overtime thriller that saw the Bears prevail 49-47.
The Bears appeared to be headed for another blowout when they scored on two of their first three possessions to take a 14-3 lead over the Mavericks. However, Minnesota State was resilient and fought back to take a 17-14 lead late in the first half. On the final play of the second quarter, Schauer connected from 36 yards out to send the teams into the lockerroom tied at 17-17. The teams each scored a touchdown and a field goal in the second half, sending the game into overtime. In each of the first two overtimes, both teams scored rather handily on each of its possessions, leading to a third overtime tied at 41-41. UNC had the ball first in the third OT and when McGuffey was intercepted it appeared as if the Bears winning streak of 16 games would come to an end. Minnesota State lined up for what would be the game-winning field goal when junior linebacker Scott Zimmerman broke through the line and blocked the kick to send the game into a fourth extra session. Once again, the Mavericks scored a touchdown but couldnt convert the mandatory two-point conversion attempt. UNC got the ball one more time needing a touchdown and two-point conversion to win the game. McGuffey and the Bears were faced with fourth-and-11 from the 26-yard line, when Keith Grable broke free around the 14-yard line. McGuffey fired the pass and Grable was able to get the first down, keeping UNCs hopes alive. Two plays later, Wyeth scored from 11 yards out and UNC capped the victory on a two-point conversion from McGuffey to Dillan Micus giving the Bears a 49-47 win.
Many felt that the overtime thriller would be the wake-up call that the Bears needed heading into the showdown with Nebraska-Omaha. But, the UNO defense stymied the Bear offense which came into the game as one of the top-scoring teams in the nation. UNC could only muster 191 yards of total offense, including a paltry 25 yards on the ground in falling 15-3 at Omaha. The loss snapped a school-record 17-game win streak and put the Bears in a three-way tie atop the NCC standings heading into the final three games of the season.
With wins over Morningside (49-14) and South Dakota State (44-24), the Bears found themselves in a similar situation to the 1997 season - facing North Dakota in the final regular season game with the conference championship and a probable NCAA Playoff berth on the line. In 1997 in Greeley, UNC cruised to a 34-7 win, but this years contest in Grand Forks would not be that easy. UNC opened the scoring midway through the first quarter on a special teams touchdown. Martin Jones blocked a UND punt and Aaron Smith recovered in the endzone to give the Bears an early 7-0 lead. UNC maintained that lead until late in the third, when North Dakotas Cameron Peterka hit a 27-yard field goal to draw the Fighting Sioux within 7-3. About six minutes later, McGuffey capped a seven-play, 58-yard drive with a two-yard TD run to extend the lead to 14-3 with nine minutes left in the game. But the Sioux werent through. UND scored on a 41-yard pass play with just under six minutes remaining to close the lead to 14-9. Then, with 1:34 remaining the Fighting Sioux marched 80 yards to the UNC 10-yard line. With 28 seconds on the clock, defensive back Noland Eastin picked off a UND pass in the endzone preserving the victory 14-9 for UNC. With the win, UNC finished the regular season 10-1, but more importantly, the Bears were 8-1 in the NCC, which gave them a share of the league title with Nebraska-Omaha.
The Playoffs
UNC earned its fourth straight playoff berth and, in a bit of irony, was slated to face North Dakota in a rematch of the previous weeks regular season finale. However, this game would be in Greeley, marking the Bears second-ever home playoff game. McGuffey and the offense were certainly up to the task in this one, as the junior QB threw for five TDs and ran for one as the Bears dominated 52-24 before a record crowd of 7,312 at Nottingham Field. UNC advanced to the quarterfinals for the third straight year and for the third straight year would face Northwest Missouri State (the second time at Maryville, Mo.).
In a seesaw first half, the two teams traded punches with the Bears holding leads of 10-7 and 17-14. UNC maintained the 17-14 lead late in the first half, when a McGuffey pass was picked off in UNC territory. NMSU marched 29 yards and, with six seconds left in the half, quarterback Chris Greisen scrambled for the TD as time expired in the half giving the Bearcats a 21-17 advantage at the break. NMSU opened the second half in more impressive fashion as tailback Derek Lane scampered 67 yards on the second play from scrimmage for another TD and a 28-17 Bearcat lead. UNC would never recover and the Bears season would end two games short of a third national title.
While many were disappointed with the outcome of the 1998 UNC football campaign, in retrospect, it certainly was another outstanding season for one of the top Division II football programs. Having faced three of the NCCs toughest teams on the road (Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota State, North Dakota), the Bears managed to repeat as conference champs. UNCs regular season win total of 10 matched a school record which was set in 1969. It truly was another remarkable year for the Bears.
McGuffey Finishes Second in Harlon Hill Voting: Quarterback Corte McGuffey was honored for his outstanding junior season by finishing second in voting for the Harlon Hill Award, given to the Division II Player of the Year. Emporia State runningback Brian Shay won the award after setting numerous NCAA rushing records throughout his tremendous four-year career. McGuffey threw for over 2,500 yards on the season with 32 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
Honors: With another successful season comes a plethora of individual honors. Listed below are the honors which the 1998 Bears received:
Joe Glenn - North Central Conference Co-Coach of the Year; AFCA Regional Coach of the Year
Aaron Smith - Burger King/AFCA Division II All-America; Daktronics First Team All-America; First Team All-North Central Conference; NCC Most Valuable Defensive Lineman
Corte McGuffey - 1998 Harlon Hill Award Runnerup; GTE Academic All-American of the Year; First Team GTE Academic All-America; First Team GTE Academic All-Region; First Team All-North Central Conference; First Team NCC All-Academic; Daktronics Second Team All-Region
Scott Zimmerman - Daktronics Division II Second Team All-America; First Team All-North Central Conference; NCC Most Valuable Linebacker
Mark Chicarelli - First Team NCC All-Academic; GTE Second Team Academic All-Region
Dillan Micus - First Team All-NCC; Daktronics Second Team All-Region
Colin Runge - Daktronics First Team All-Region; Second Team All-NCC
Keith Grable - First Team NCC All-Academic
Brian Scott - First Team All-NCC
Martin Jones - GTE Second Team Academic All-Region; Second Team All-NCC
Ed Bendokas - Second Team All-NCC
Drew Masten - Second Team All-NCC
Jamie Heiner - Second Team All-NCC
Mike Schauer - Second Team All-NCC
In the North Central Conference Statistics: The Bears had several players among the North Central Conference leaders in numerous statistical categories. Listed below are where the Bears ranked in ALL games:
Joe Wyeth - Rushing (5th, 78.3 yards/game); All-Purpose (7th, 104.8 yards/game)
Corte McGuffey - Passing Average (1st, 231.5 yards/game); Total Offense (1st, 254.1 yards/ game); Passing Efficiency (1st, 167.4)
Dillan Micus - Receptions/Game (9th, 3.4/game); Receiving Yards/Game (7th, 58.1 yards/ game); All-Purpose (10th, 90.0 yards/game); Scoring (9th, 6.4 points/game); Punt Returns (9th, 7.2 yards/return)
Martin Jones - Interceptions (3rd, 0.45/game); Passes Defended (8th, 10)
Mike Schauer - Punting (3rd, 40.7 yards/punt); Scoring (4th, 7.2 points/game); Field Goals (5th, 16); Field Goal Percentage (8th, 62.5%); PAT Kicking (3rd, 96.1%)
Aaron Smith - Sacks (1st, 11.5); Tackles for Loss (1st, 22)
Scott Zimmerman - Tackles (7th, 8.9/game)
1998 UNC Football Schedule/Results
Sept. 5 Adams State W, 72-26 Sept. 12 Western State W, 52-7 Sept. 19 Augustana* W, 56-9 Sept. 26 at St. Cloud State* W, 35-13 Oct. 3 at North Dakota State * W, 29-19 Oct. 10 South Dakota* W, 34-3 Oct. 17 at Minnesota St., Mankato* W, 49-47 (4ot) Oct. 24 at Nebraska-Omaha* L, 15-3 Oct. 31 Morningside* W, 49-14 Nov. 7 South Dakota State* W, 44-24 Nov. 14 at North Dakota* W, 14-9 Nov. 21 North Dakota** W, 52-24 Nov. 28 at Northwest Missouri St.** L, 42-17 Home games at Nottingham Field All Times Mountain *indicates NCC Game **indicates NCAA PlayoffsNorth Central Conference 1998 Final Standings NCC Overall Northern Colorado 8-1* 11-2 Nebraska-Omaha 8-1* 9-3 North Dakota 7-2 8-3 North Dakota State 6-3 7-4 South Dakota State 5-4 6-5 Minnesota State - Mankato 4-5 5-6 St. Cloud State 3-6 3-8 Augustana 2-7 4-7 South Dakota 1-8 3-8 Morningside 1-8 2-9 *Co-NCC Champions
1998 NCAA II Playoffs First Round - Nov. 21 Midwest Region Northern Colorado 52, North Dakota 24 Northwest Missouri State 28, Nebraska-Omaha 14 West Region Central Oklahoma 21, Chadron (Neb.) State 19 Texas A&M Kingsville 54, California-Davis 21 Northeast Region Slippery Rock 37, Grand Valley State 14 Shepherd (W.V.) 9, Indiana (Pa.) 6 South Region Carson-Newman 30, West Georgia 20 Ft. Valley State 21, Delta State 14 Second Round - Nov. 28 Midwest Region Northwest Missouri State 42, Northern Colorado 17 West Region Texas A&M Kingsville 24, Central Oklahoma 21 (ot) Northeast Region Slippery Rock 31, Shepherd 20 South Region Carson-Newman 38, Ft. Valley State 31 (ot) Semifinals - Dec. 5 Northwest Missouri State 49, Texas A&M Kingsville 34 Carson-Newman 47, Slippery Rock 21 Championship - Dec. 12 Northwest Missouri State 24, Carson-Newman 6
UNC Career Leaders Points After Touchdown 1. Mike Schauer (1996-present) 120 2. Ryan Anderson (1993-95) 104 3. Mike Williams (1972-75) 92 4. Keith Frazier (1986-89) 85 5. Murray Kula (1967-70) 74 Field Goals 1. Kevin Jelden (1980-83) 40 2. Ryan Anderson (1992-95) 35 Mike Schauer (1996-present) 35 4. Keith Frazier (1986-89) 30 5. Brian Donovan (1989-92) 25
Points Scored 1. Gaynor Blackmon (1991-95) 234 2. Mike Schauer (1996-present) 225 3. Ryan Anderson (1992-95) 209 4. Kevin Jelden (1980-83) 178 5. Keith Frazier (1986-89) 175 Touchdown Passes 1. Loren Snyder (1984-86) 48 2. Corte McGuffey (1996-present) 44 3. V.J. Lechman (1989-92) 40 4. Mark Sedinger (1985-88) 37 5. Tom Beck (1993-96) 35
Passing Yards 1. Loren Snyder (1984-86) 6,874 2. V.J. Lechman (1989-92) 6,596 3. Mark Sedinger (1985-88) 4,770 4. John Roberts (1991-94) 4,324 5. Tom Beck (1993-96) 4,251 6. Corte McGuffey (1996-present) 4,082
Quarterback Sacks 1. Aaron Smith (1995-1998) 44 2. Deacon Nauslar (1978-81) 37 3. Adam Popielarcheck (1992-94) 32 4. Casey Morelock (1990-93) 23 5. Pat Kemble (1993-96) 17
Receiving Touchdowns 1. Cedric Tillman (1986-89) 19 2. Dillan Micus (1997-1998) 18 3. Kim Boerema (1982-85) 16 Graham McDaniel (1992-95) 16 5. Mike Mitchell (1972-75) 13
Total Offense 1. V.J. Lechman (1989-92) 7,092 2. Loren Snyder (1983-86) 6,214 3. Mark Sedinger (1985-88) 4,893 4. Corte McGuffey (1996-present) 4,720 5. John Roberts (1991-94) 4,603
Records Set During 1998 Season Most Points Scored, Game 72, vs. Adams State (Sept. 5, 1998) Most Points Scored, Half* 58, vs. Adams State (Sept. 5, 1998) Most Touchdowns Scored, Game* 10, vs. Adams State (Sept. 5, 1998) Most Touchdown Passes, Game 6, Corte McGuffey (vs. Adams State, Sept. 5, 1998) 6, Corte McGuffey (vs. Western State, Sept. 12, 1998) Points After Touchdown, Game 10, Mike Schauer (vs. Adams State, Sept. 5, 1998) Most Career Sacks 44, Aaron Smith (1995-present) Most Touchdown Passes, Season 32, Corte McGuffey (1998) Highest Completion Percentage, Season 62.3, Corte McGuffey (1998) Most Touchdown Receptions, Season 11, Dillan Micus (1998) Most P.A.T.s - Season 49, Mike Schauer (1998) Most Point After Touchdowns, Career 120, Mike Schauer (1996-present) Consecutive Victories 17, (Oct. 11, 1997-Oct. 17, 1998) Consecutive Road Victories 10, (Oct. 11, 1997-Oct. 17, 1998) Consecutive North Central Conference Victories 11, (Oct. 11, 1997-Oct. 17, 1998) Consecutive NCC Road Victories 9, (Oct. 26,1996-Oct. 17, 1998)
*tied previous record
