University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Photo by: Rob Trubia
Preview: @UNCBearsFB Takes Aim at Big Sky, Hosts Bengals Saturday
9/20/2017 11:18:00 AM | Football
Northern Colorado football opens Big Sky play this weekend when they host Idaho State at 1:00 pm
GREELEY, Colo. – Saturday it really starts to count now for the Northern Colorado football team. The Bears (1-1, 0-0 Big Sky) host Idaho State (2-1, 0-0 Big Sky) Saturday afternoon at 1 pm in both teams Big Sky Conference Opener. UNC is coming off of a 41-21 loss to FBS Colorado last weekend, while Idaho State took down an FBS opponent of their in Nevada last week 30-28.
Game Coverage
Watch: Pluto TV
Radio: 1310 KFKA
Live Stats UNCBears.com
Gameday Happenings
Before kickoff on Saturday, the University of Northern Colorado will be hosting Community Fest. Fans are encourage to come show up early and enjoy the over 100 booths and learn more about the Greeley community. As a part of Community Fest parking will be free to all in attendance in both the L & Y Lot.
Along with Community Fest fans can partake in Fan Fest that includes live music, a beer garden, bounce houses and other great activities for the whole family. The parking lots open at 9 am. Those attending the game can also reserve a spot in the tailgating area for just $25, or $35 for RVs. For more information about Fan Fest and to reserve a tailgating spot, call or email Brian Lukas at brian.lukas@unco.edu or 970-351-4409.
Saturday's game is also Friends and Family Day and Kids Day at Nottingham Field. Friends and Family of UNC students can buy general admission tickets for just $10 with the promotional code FAMILY17. Meanwhile, for Kids Day help UNC Athletics Fill the Hill with $8 tickets for adults and $5 for kids using the code KIDSFB17. All codes can ONLY be used online at UNCBears.com and fees may apply.
Football is not the only team competing at home Saturday, the UNC volleyball team hosts reigning Big Sky Champion North Dakota at 7 pm inside Bank of Colorado Arena. Fans who attend the football game can show their tickets to the UNC box office following the game and purchase a ticket to the volleyball match for just $3.
Quick Hits
- Northern Colorado enters its Big Sky Conference opener on Saturday against Idaho State, coming off a 41-21 loss to Colorado. In the first meeting between the two schools in over 80 years, UNC started the game quick with an early 7-0 lead but was unable to hold the lead. After going down 28-7, the Bears got within seven at 28-21 early in the third quarter, but not any closer.
- The combo of Jacob Knipp to Alex Wesley connected five times in Boulder for 102 yards, and a pair of long touchdowns. The first score of the game was a Knipp to Wesley pass for 33 yards, and they connected again in the second quarter for 52 yards.
- For the second straight game, Northern Colorado's defense forced two turnovers against Colorado. Stone Kane recorded an interception near the end of the first half and returned it 44 yards, while Sherand Boyd Jr. forced a CU fumble and James Riddle pounced on it for the team.
- Special teams have made it next to impossible for opponents to return kickoffs this season. Kickers Marques Combs and Collin Root have combined for seven touchbacks over 12 kickoffs. Six of those seven touchbacks belong to Root, with all of his kickoffs reaching the end zone.
Scouting Idaho State
Idaho State is coming off a big win last week, in which they defeated FBS Nevada 30-28. That performance in the game earned linebacker Mario Jenkins the Root Sports Big Sky Conference Player of the Week honor as he had a career-high 17 tackles. Of those 17 tackles, one was a sack, another two for a loss and he forced a fumble in the game. For the season, ISU is 2-1 coming into its Big Sky opener as well. They average 123.0 yards on the ground per game and 249.3 through the air. Wide receiver Michael Dean is a big target for QB Tanner Gueller, as they have connected 12 times this season for 257 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals were picked to finish last in the Big Sky preseason polls under first-year head coach Rob Phenicie.
On This Date
When playing on Sept. 23, Northern Colorado is 4-5 overall. They have dropped their past two games on the date, most recently in 2006 when Western Illinois came to town and left with a 42-28 victory. The last time the team won on the date was in 1995 against South Dakota in Greeley by the score of 28-21.
Big Sky Opener
Saturday's game marks the beginning of conference play for Northern Colorado. Since joining the Big Sky in 2006, the Bears are 1-10 in conference openers. The lone win came last season when the Bears hosted and defeated Northern Arizona 21-18.
Ball Hawks?
After only recording 13 turnovers last season, Northern Colorado has already forced four through two games in 2017. After picking off a pair of passes in the season opener against College of Idaho, Northern Colorado intercepted a pass and forced a fumble last weekend at CU. Stone Kane came up with a big interception just before the half, while James Riddle gave the team the chance to tie the game when he pounced on a fumble in the third quarter.
Running Through the Record Book
Running back Trae Riek has been working his way through the UNC record book ever since he stepped foot on the UNC campus. He moved into the Top 10 of all-time rushing yards last weekend with his 59 yards. He now has 1,619 total yards, passing Mike Woolford (1965-67) for 10th.
Bear In the NFL
Former UNC Bear Kyle Sloter made the most of his opportunity in training camp with the Denver Broncos this August, earning him a spot on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. Last weekend, Sloter signed onto the team's active roster. In his four preseason games with the Broncos, Sloter had a 72.1-percent completion percentage leading to 413 yards and three touchdowns, throwing no interceptions.
What's Next?
For the first time this season, Northern Colorado will be leaving the state of Colorado to take on Northern Arizona. The Bears and Lumberjacks will kick off at 4 pm MDT.
On the Tube
Northern Colorado football will be featured on the TV all-year long. Four of the five home games will be featured on TV, and five of the six road games. Complete schedule below:
During conference season, all games can be seen both on Pluto TV and WatchBigSky.com.
Coaches Show
Back again for the 2017 season is the Earnest Collins Coaches Show. The weekly show takes place live every Tuesday night during the season at Stuft Burger Bar in downtown Greeley from 6 - 7 pm. If you are unable to attend, you can tune in on 1310 KFKA at the time or see a broadcast of the show on CET Sports both Thursdays at 7 pm and Fridays at 3 pm.
Game Coverage
Watch: Pluto TV
Radio: 1310 KFKA
Live Stats UNCBears.com
Gameday Happenings
Before kickoff on Saturday, the University of Northern Colorado will be hosting Community Fest. Fans are encourage to come show up early and enjoy the over 100 booths and learn more about the Greeley community. As a part of Community Fest parking will be free to all in attendance in both the L & Y Lot.
Along with Community Fest fans can partake in Fan Fest that includes live music, a beer garden, bounce houses and other great activities for the whole family. The parking lots open at 9 am. Those attending the game can also reserve a spot in the tailgating area for just $25, or $35 for RVs. For more information about Fan Fest and to reserve a tailgating spot, call or email Brian Lukas at brian.lukas@unco.edu or 970-351-4409.
Saturday's game is also Friends and Family Day and Kids Day at Nottingham Field. Friends and Family of UNC students can buy general admission tickets for just $10 with the promotional code FAMILY17. Meanwhile, for Kids Day help UNC Athletics Fill the Hill with $8 tickets for adults and $5 for kids using the code KIDSFB17. All codes can ONLY be used online at UNCBears.com and fees may apply.
Football is not the only team competing at home Saturday, the UNC volleyball team hosts reigning Big Sky Champion North Dakota at 7 pm inside Bank of Colorado Arena. Fans who attend the football game can show their tickets to the UNC box office following the game and purchase a ticket to the volleyball match for just $3.
Quick Hits
- Northern Colorado enters its Big Sky Conference opener on Saturday against Idaho State, coming off a 41-21 loss to Colorado. In the first meeting between the two schools in over 80 years, UNC started the game quick with an early 7-0 lead but was unable to hold the lead. After going down 28-7, the Bears got within seven at 28-21 early in the third quarter, but not any closer.
- The combo of Jacob Knipp to Alex Wesley connected five times in Boulder for 102 yards, and a pair of long touchdowns. The first score of the game was a Knipp to Wesley pass for 33 yards, and they connected again in the second quarter for 52 yards.
- For the second straight game, Northern Colorado's defense forced two turnovers against Colorado. Stone Kane recorded an interception near the end of the first half and returned it 44 yards, while Sherand Boyd Jr. forced a CU fumble and James Riddle pounced on it for the team.
- Special teams have made it next to impossible for opponents to return kickoffs this season. Kickers Marques Combs and Collin Root have combined for seven touchbacks over 12 kickoffs. Six of those seven touchbacks belong to Root, with all of his kickoffs reaching the end zone.
Scouting Idaho State
Idaho State is coming off a big win last week, in which they defeated FBS Nevada 30-28. That performance in the game earned linebacker Mario Jenkins the Root Sports Big Sky Conference Player of the Week honor as he had a career-high 17 tackles. Of those 17 tackles, one was a sack, another two for a loss and he forced a fumble in the game. For the season, ISU is 2-1 coming into its Big Sky opener as well. They average 123.0 yards on the ground per game and 249.3 through the air. Wide receiver Michael Dean is a big target for QB Tanner Gueller, as they have connected 12 times this season for 257 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals were picked to finish last in the Big Sky preseason polls under first-year head coach Rob Phenicie.
On This Date
When playing on Sept. 23, Northern Colorado is 4-5 overall. They have dropped their past two games on the date, most recently in 2006 when Western Illinois came to town and left with a 42-28 victory. The last time the team won on the date was in 1995 against South Dakota in Greeley by the score of 28-21.
Big Sky Opener
Saturday's game marks the beginning of conference play for Northern Colorado. Since joining the Big Sky in 2006, the Bears are 1-10 in conference openers. The lone win came last season when the Bears hosted and defeated Northern Arizona 21-18.
Ball Hawks?
After only recording 13 turnovers last season, Northern Colorado has already forced four through two games in 2017. After picking off a pair of passes in the season opener against College of Idaho, Northern Colorado intercepted a pass and forced a fumble last weekend at CU. Stone Kane came up with a big interception just before the half, while James Riddle gave the team the chance to tie the game when he pounced on a fumble in the third quarter.
Running Through the Record Book
Running back Trae Riek has been working his way through the UNC record book ever since he stepped foot on the UNC campus. He moved into the Top 10 of all-time rushing yards last weekend with his 59 yards. He now has 1,619 total yards, passing Mike Woolford (1965-67) for 10th.
Bear In the NFL
Former UNC Bear Kyle Sloter made the most of his opportunity in training camp with the Denver Broncos this August, earning him a spot on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. Last weekend, Sloter signed onto the team's active roster. In his four preseason games with the Broncos, Sloter had a 72.1-percent completion percentage leading to 413 yards and three touchdowns, throwing no interceptions.
What's Next?
For the first time this season, Northern Colorado will be leaving the state of Colorado to take on Northern Arizona. The Bears and Lumberjacks will kick off at 4 pm MDT.
On the Tube
Northern Colorado football will be featured on the TV all-year long. Four of the five home games will be featured on TV, and five of the six road games. Complete schedule below:
CET | SEC Network |
9/2 - vs College of Idaho | 9/9 - at Florida |
10/28 - vs Southern Utah | PAC 12 Network |
11/18 - vs Cal Poly | 9/16 - at Colorado |
Root Sports | Eleven Sports |
10/21 - vs Montana State | 11/4 - at Sacramento State |
11/11 - at Montana |
During conference season, all games can be seen both on Pluto TV and WatchBigSky.com.
Coaches Show
Back again for the 2017 season is the Earnest Collins Coaches Show. The weekly show takes place live every Tuesday night during the season at Stuft Burger Bar in downtown Greeley from 6 - 7 pm. If you are unable to attend, you can tune in on 1310 KFKA at the time or see a broadcast of the show on CET Sports both Thursdays at 7 pm and Fridays at 3 pm.
Players Mentioned
Lyndsey Oates Post Game Press Conference vs Sacramento State
Friday, October 10
Ed Lamb Press Conference 10/8/25
Wednesday, October 08
Football Building Champions 2025
Tuesday, October 07
Swim & Dive Building Champions 2025
Tuesday, October 07