Game Notes: @UNCBearsFB Returns Home to Host RV/- North Dakota

Northern Colorado football returns home for its first of two straight home games on Saturday. UNC looks to secure its first win of the 2018 season by welcoming old-time foe North Dakota to Nottingham Field for a high-noon showdown.

Setting the Stage
- For the fourth straight week, Northern Colorado entered the final five minutes of the game with a chance to tie or take the lead. The Bears had worked their way back from being down 21-7 in the first half against Weber State but were unable to come up with the plays needed in what ended up being a 45-28 game.

- Playing at home last week, North Dakota was unable to keep the momentum going in their homecoming game after defeating No. 5 Sam Houston State the week before. A sluggish second half turned into a 25-21 loss to Idaho State.

- Saturday's game between North Dakota and Northern Colorado will count as a Big Sky Conference game for the Bears. UND, who is moving to the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2020 is competing as an FCS Independent for the next two year while completing their already scheduled games against Big Sky opponents.

- The high-noon tilt between Northern Colorado and North Dakota is the last time the Fighting Hawks are currently scheduled to meet visit Nottingham Field. The Bears will make one final trip to Grand Forks next year, with no future games between the two schools currently scheduled.

Scouting North Dakota
UND football has a history of being a tough, grind it out team and that is once again their identity in 2018. The Fighting Hawks rely on a heavy dose of their 1-2 punch in running backs John Santiago and Brady Olivera. The duo has combined for 164.3 of the team's 226.8 rushing yards per game. Santiago leads the team with 99.8 yards a game and is tied with Olivera with one touchdown each. Unlike teams of the past, the Fighting Hawks can spread it out and pass a little too. Sacramento State transfer Nate Ketteringham is averaging 186.5 yards a game and has passed for six touchdowns thanks in part to the play action game.

Defensively, North Dakota has struggled at times against the pass, giving up 303.8 yards a game. When the passing game has produced, the run game has not been far behind for opponents who have run for 137.5 yards a game. The Fighting Hawks defense does have on of the best pass rushers in the nation in Mason Bennett who is ranked 8th with 1.25 sacks a game and 1.5 tackles for a loss with is 32nd best.

Over the next two years, North Dakota will be competing as an FCS independent while making the transition from the Big Sky Conference to the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

History Against the Fighting Hawks
Northern Colorado and North Dakota have played against each other dating back to the old North Central Conference days. North Dakota holds the 17-13 edge overall, but the Bears have the advantage at home with a 10-7 record. UNC looks to snap a five-game losing streak to UND.

Last 5 Meetings
October 7, 2017, North Dakota, 48-38 in Grand Forks
November 5, 2016, North Dakota, 23-13 in Greeley
November 14, 2015, North Dakota, 45-14 in Grand Forks
November 22, 2014, North Dakota, 33-14 in Greeley
November 9, 2013, North Dakota, 24-21 in Grand Forks

Around the Big Sky
The Big Sky started conference play last weekend that included welcoming back Idaho. The Vandals first game back in the conference was ruined by UC Davis who held serve on their home field with a 44-21 win. Home teams went 5-2 on the weekend, the two road teams to win were Idaho State at North Dakota and Montana State at Portland State.

Coaches Show
The Earnest Collins Jr. Coaches Show is back again this season but at a new location. The 2018 coaches show will be at the Dugout B-B-Q off of 11th Ave each Tuesday during the year from 6-7 pm. The Voice of the Bears Troy Coverdale will sit down and talk with head coach Earnest Collins Jr and guests to recap the previous week and look ahead to the next. The coaches show will also be broadcast on the home for the Bears 1310 KFKA.

Home Away from Home
Stuft, Burger Bar is UNC football's home away from home. Unable to make the trip with the Bears, join other UNC fans and cheer on the team on the official watch party of all road games.

What's Ahead
Northern Colorado stays home next week to host UC Davis. The Bears and Aggies will kick off at noon for the 2018 homecoming game. UNC and UC Davis last played in 2016 when UCD defended its home field in a 34-21 decision.

To stay up to date on all things UNC football, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Twitter at @UNCBearsFB.

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