UNC Hosts No. 10 Incarnate Word in Annual JAMNOTTINGHAM Game

Photo by: Robert Dunlap

9/7/2023 5:00:00 PM | Football

By: Dennis Driscoll, UNC Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado football team returns to Nottingham Field for its home opener and plays host to No. 10-ranked Incarnate Word.

Bears and the Cardinals

This is the first meeting between the Bears and the Cardinals.

JAMNOTTINGHAM

It's the annual JAMNOTTINGHAM game for the Bears and there are several activities for fans to take part in!

The 8th Annual Bears, Brews & Bites is in the Pepsi UNC Bears Fan Fest tailgate areas. Sample local breweries and food trucks and get ready for some UNC Bears football. Individual registration is $45 and includes unlimited tastings, a souvenir glass, and a ticket to the UNC home football game.

The Pepsi UNC Bears Fan Fest will feature a concert prior to kickoff at 11 a.m. FinalEyes, brings you the beat of 80's rock, today's hottest hits, and timeless classics.

The forecast for the home opener will be in the 90s and fans can bring in one water bottle (closed) or an empty water bottle. Waters will also be 2 for $6.

There are several new menu options available at the Grillin' Bear Tent!

The Atomic Bear – Cosmically spicy grilled burger with Cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese, habanero salsa, and candied jalapenos on a brioche bun

"HOT" Dog – all beef hot dog grilled, grilled jalapenos, habanero salsa, cotija cheese, and diced bacon on a grilled bun.

UNC and ACU Review

UNC fought hard in a 31-11 setback at Abilene Christian.

- Jacob Sirmon found Alec Pell for a four-yard touchdown pass at 7:57 in the fourth quarter. Sirmon then found Jordan Riles for the two-point conversion.
- Hunter Green converted a 31-yard field goal with 24 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
- The Bears went 2-for-3 on fourth down and 5-for-13 on third down.
- UNC committed just 2 penalties for 30 yards.
- Sirmon finished 18-for-32 for 106 yards one touchdown and no interceptions.
- David Afari was the Bears' leading rusher with 56 yards on 11 attempts, including a long of 21 yards.
- Blake Haggerty added five receptions for 30 yards.
- Tizell Lewis finished with a game-high eight tackles, including six solo stops.
- Sirmon, Vincent King, and Keyvon Lakes were the captains for game one.

Scouting the Cardinals

-UIW is coming off a 28-14 loss at FBS opponent UTEP.
-Zach Calzada is UIW's starting quarterback. Signed with Texas A&M out of high school in 2019, transferred to Auburn in 2022, and is now at UIW.
-Calzada passed for 245 yards and threw one touchdown against one interception at UTEP.
-The Cardinals are led by first-year head coach Clint Killough. At just 30 years old, Killough is one of the youngest head coaches in the country. Killough has been on the UIW staff since 2018. He previously served as associate head coach, wide receivers coach, and offensive quality control.

Knapke Makes the Move; Linebackers a Strength

Jordan Knapke has successfully made the move from safety to linebacker, and in the process beefed up to 225 pounds. He was a preseason All-Big Sky selection at defensive back and recorded 90 tackles in 2022.

Last season, Vincent King and Tama Tuitele found the ball carrier on a consistent basis. King finished with 66 tackles, 33 solo, and 33 assisted. He also added two sacks. Tuitele added 60 tackles, 32 solo and 28 assisted to go along with four tackles for loss.

Keyvon Lakes, Payton Polson, Jacob Stanton, and Keenan Guthrie all earned significant playing time in 2022.

Secondary Deep with Talent

The UNC secondary is deep with 18 student-athletes. At cornerback, Tizell Lewis, Tywonne Harris, Nathaniel Lewis, Noah Mangham, Darren Mercer, and Kaleb Quammie stand out. At the safety position, Makhi Johnson, and Dustin Johnson (no relation) expect to see significant playing time.

Running Back Depth

Coach Lamb and company are pleased with the talent and depth at the running back position. David Afari is listed atop the depth chart, but feel great with Darius Stewart and Caden Meis, with both listed as Co-No.2 backs.

Hoage and Knapke Named to Big Sky Football Preseason All-Conference Team

University of Northern Colorado All-American linebacker David Hoage and defensive back (turned linebacker) Jordan Knapke were named to the Big Sky Football Preseason All-Conference Team, the conference office announced Monday morning.

Hoage, a 6-foot-3, 245-pounder out of Smoky Hill High School in Denver, returns after missing the 2022 season due to injury.

The veteran had a stellar 2021 campaign.

Hoage was a Third-Team All-America selection by AP and Stats Performance and First-Team Sophomore All-America selection by Hero Sports He was a Second-Team All-Big Sky Conference selection and led the Big Sky and ranked third in the nation with 22 tackles for a loss. Hoage set the program's DI single-season record for sacks with 10.5 and was the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week after recording eight tackles, four and a half tackles for a loss, three sacks, and recovering two fumbles against Houston Baptist. Also recorded 70 tackles on the year, 39 solo, and led the team with eight QB hurries.

Knapke, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound Aurora, Colorado native and Grandview High School product, is a leader of the Bears defense. He appeared in 11 games and recorded 90 tackles, 36 solo, and dad three PBUs. Last season Knapke had four games with double-digit tackles (vs. Idaho, at Sacramento State, vs. Montana State, at Eastern Washington).

Tickets on Sale

UNC football season and single-game tickets are on sale. The Bears play a challenging home schedule with five teams that qualified for the 2022 playoffs and host preseason top 10 Incarnate Word this Saturday.

Tickets can be purchased at uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849.