Defense Fuels Win at No. 20/23 Weber State

Saturday, October 12

Ogden, Utah

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

1-6 , 1-2

Weber State

3-4 , 2-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Northern Colorado

Weber State

10/13/2024 7:15:00 AM | Football

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)

By: Michael High, Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications

OGDEN, Utah – Northern Colorado forced five turnovers in its 21-17 victory at No. 20/23 Weber State Saturday at Stewart Stadium.

"I am proud of the guys for believing in each other," head coach Ed Lamb said. "This truly was a team win."

The Bears forced two fumbles at the goal line on the first three drives for the Wildcats. On the second drive, Weber State's quarterback dropped the ball at the one before it bounced right back to him and he opened the scoring with a touchdown.

UNC defeated a ranked opponent for the first time since Nov. 12, 2016, when the Bears defeated No. 18 Montana 28-25 at Nottingham Field.

Kia'i Keone slid to his left as the pocket collapsed and scampered 21 yards for a touchdown, evening the score at 7-all, with 1:09 remaining in the first half.

The Wildcats drove 75 yards, regained the lead with 10 ticks left in the opening 30 minutes and took a 14-7 advantage to the locker room.

UNC allowed a field goal on the first drive of the second half and faced a 10-point deficit with 11:47 remaining in the third quarter. The Bears surrendered 60 yards on eight plays during the drive before allowing the 32-yard field goal. They held the Wildcats to 73 yards on 23 plays, with three 3-and-outs and an interception on the final defensive play of the game.

Trailing 17-7, UNC punted on its first possession of the second half but forced a punt on the next play and took over at the Wildcats 28-yard line. Caden Meis cashed in a 3-yard touchdown around the right side untouched, slicing the deficit to 17-14, with 7:29 to go in the third.

After the teams traded punts, UNC took over on its 2-yard line, with 14:52 left in regulation. The Bears marched the length of the field in 17 plays (14 runs, 3 passes) and took the 21-17 advantage on a 15-yard run by Darius Stewart.

UNC forced a fumble, a 3-and-out and an interception over the final three drives to seal the victory.

Cam Chapa led the defense with seven tackles and a game-clinching interception. Payton Polson Keyvon Lakes and Sam Iongi-Amituanai tallied six tackles each. Polson registered a forced fumble, while Lakes recovered a fumble. Darrell Bryant Jr. and KJ Smedley each accounted for a forced fumble, while LaDavion Osborn and Marcus Howard scooped up a fumble each.

Keone completed 14 of 28 passes for 118 yards and rushed for 29 on seven carries.

Darius Afari toted the rock 18 times for 74 yards, while Caden Meis went for 60 and one touchdown on 14 rushes. Darius Stewart found the endzone once, with 37 yards on 17 attempts.

Carver Cheeks hauled in four catches for 43 yards, while Brayden Munroe tallied 38 yards on three receptions. Ryder MacGillvray accounted for four catches and 23 yards.

Hunter Green averaged 46.3 yards on six punts, with three downed inside the 20-yard line.

The Bears return to action at Nottingham Field Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.

Scoring Drives
1Q (02:58) | 1-yard run by Richie Munoz (PAT by Kyle Thompson) | 9 plays, 46 yards 4:16 | WSU 7, UNC 0
2Q (01:09) | 21-yard run by Kia'i Keone (PAT by Hunter Green) | 6 plays, 67 yards, 1:43 | UNC 7, WSU 7
2Q (00:10) | 29-yard pass from Richie Munoz to Jacob Sharp (PAT by Kyle Thompson) | 6 plays, 75 yards, 59 | WSU 14, UNC 7
3Q (11:47) | 32-yard field goal by Kyle Thompson | 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:13 | WSU 17, UNC 7
3Q (07:29) | 3-yard run by Caden Meis (PAT by Hunter Green) 4 plays, 28 yards, 1:25 | WSU 17, UNC 14
4Q (06:14) | 15-yard run by Darius Stewart (PAT by Hunter Green | 17 plays, 98 yards, 8:38 | UNC 21, WSU 14

For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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