University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
2-9 , 2-5
North Dakota
6-4
Bears Battle Until the End Against North Dakota
11/16/2019 4:57:00 PM | Football
Jaren Mitchell's career day not enough for UNC football
Jaren Mitchell had a career day finishing with 242 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. The yardage is the fourth most for a single-game in UNC history.
Jacob Knipp had a strong performance as well passing for 393 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another 14 yards. He helped lead the Northern Colorado offense that ended the day with 503 yards.
It was about the explosive plays that set up UNC's touchdowns. Three of the team's five TDs were over 20 yards and another was set up at the 1-yard line with a 53-yard pass.
Knipp's three touchdown passes were for 24, 33 and 75 yards going to Sam Flowers and twice to Mitchell. Northern Colorado's two other touchdowns came from Milo Hall both from a yard out. Hall ended his day with 80 yards rushing on 21 carries.
After a blocked punt put North Dakota up 45-21 early in the third quarter UNC's defense held them scoreless the rest of the game. Northern Colorado scored 17-unanswered points to end the game and had a chance to tie it with 1:19 left and 93-yards in front of them. North Dakota ended up with the game-ending interception as the Bears were driving with 21 seconds remaining.
What They Said
Head Coach Earnest Collins Jr
Overall thoughts on today's game
"These games are always a battle when we play North Dakota and today was no exception. Going back to the old North Central Conference days when I was a player you always knew you were going to be in for a fight in this game. Our guys never showed quit today and battled until the end giving us a chance to tie it late. Jaren Mitchell stepped up and played well as we had a few guys out in the receiving core, he showed what we know he can be moving forward for this program. Now we have to come out with the same fight next week and send the seniors off in the right way against Cal Poly."
Game Notes
- He is the first Bear to go over 200 yards receiving since Dimitri Stiphil in 2013.
- The 75-yard touchdown pass from Knipp to Mitchell is the longest play of the season for UNC.
- Nick Johnson recorded his first interception setting up the Bears first touchdown of the game.
- Jaco Knipp passed for over 300 yards for the fifth time in his career.
- UNC forced four fumbles on Saturday and recovered two of them. Luke Nelson and Joe Golden ended up with the fumble recoveries.
What's Ahead
Northern Colorado closes out the 2019 season by hosting Cal Poly on November 23 at Noon. The game will be broadcast on and Pluto TV ch. 541 and you can listen to the game on 1310 KFKA.
Purchase tickets for UNC football's Senior Day at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849 or visiting the UNC Ticket Office inside the Campus Commons.
To stay up to date on all things UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @UNC_BearsFB.
Team Stats
NC 0, UND 7
UND - J. Johannesson 2 yd run (Brady Leach kick), 10 plays, 66 yards, TOP 3:42
NC 7, UND 7
NC - Sam Flowers 24 yd pass from Jacob Knipp (Patrick Nassiat kick) 3 plays, 28 yards, TOP 0:55
NC 7, UND 14
UND - Noah Wanzek 26 yd pass from N Ketteringham (Brady Leach kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:52
NC 14, UND 14
NC - Milo Hall 1 yd run (Patrick Nassiat kick), 2 plays, 54 yards, TOP 0:15
NC 14, UND 21
UND - N Ketteringham 1 yd run (Brady Leach kick), 11 plays, 88 yards, TOP 4:10
NC 14, UND 28
UND - Garett Maag 33 yd pass from N Ketteringham (Brady Leach kick) 2 plays, 48 yards, TOP 0:36
NC 21, UND 28
NC - Jaren Mitchell 33 yd pass from Jacob Knipp (Patrick Nassiat kick) 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:08
NC 21, UND 31
UND - Brady Leach 43 yd field goal 7 plays, 42 yards, TOP 0:38
NC 21, UND 38
UND - Cam McKinney 55 yd run (Brady Leach kick), 4 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:01
NC 21, UND 45
UND - K. Kauppinen 7 yd punt return (Brady Leach kick)
NC 28, UND 45
NC - Jaren Mitchell 75 yd pass from Jacob Knipp (Patrick Nassiat kick) 1 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:10
NC 31, UND 45
NC - Patrick Nassiat 28 yd field goal 5 plays, 24 yards, TOP 0:38
NC 38, UND 45
NC - Milo Hall 1 yd run (Patrick Nassiat kick), 7 plays, 41 yards, TOP 2:26
