University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Photo by: Levi Jordening
Bears Turn the Page to Sacramento State After Statement Win Over Idaho
10/15/2025 1:30:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado football is riding the momentum of a statement win over Idaho and now turns its attention to another tough Big Sky matchup, heading west to face Sacramento State on Saturday evening.
Head coach Ed Lamb met with the media this week to reflect on the Bears' growth, discuss the challenge ahead, and share what it will take to continue their climb.
On the matchup and team momentum
"I could not be more excited about our game this week," Lamb said. "Two teams coming off big character wins. At this point in the season, it's easy for teams that are winning to keep investing and stay locked in. For both Sac State and us, it took tremendous character to bounce back from early conference losses and respond the way we did. This is a big game that both teams have played their way into, and our guys are excited about it."
After a dominant performance against Idaho, Lamb emphasized staying focused:
"As I've said before, there's a reason why the rearview mirror is small and the windshield is big. We'll glance back and be proud of the Idaho win, but our full focus is forward. Sacramento State is one of the most capable and disciplined teams we'll face all season."
On Sacramento State's offense
"They're one of the premier rushing teams in the country," Lamb said. "They spread it around; three, four, even five potential ball carriers on any given play. I'm not authorized to define the 'go-go offense,' but I think that's what it is, a lot of misdirection, a lot of options. They're good up front, have speed outside, and you can't fall asleep on the pass game."
Asked how to slow down such a versatile rushing attack, Lamb kept it simple:
"It comes down to pad level, getting off blocks, and having our eyes in the right place. Against most teams, you focus on one or two potential ball carriers. This week, that changes. We have to be disciplined with our eyes, feet, and tackling."
On Sacramento State's defense
"Defensively, they're one of the most aggressive front teams we'll face all year," Lamb said. "They're near the top nationally in sacks and tackles for loss. What's impressive is how many players contribute — a dozen or more guys with TFLs or sacks. That tells you how deep and creative they are schematically."
When asked how to attack that aggressiveness, Lamb noted,
"First, we've got to confirm they'll play us the same way they've played everyone else. There's no rule that says they have to bring pressure. They could rush three or four and still be effective. We'll need to identify what they're doing early and hit them where they're not. Our offense looks different than what they've seen, so they'll have a new plan, and we'll have to adjust."
On standout defensive lineman Jaylan McGlothen
"That's a well-deserved recognition for him," Lamb said. "Their entire front plays big, fast, and with tremendous energy. They penetrate and get upfield; that's their philosophy. The havoc rate they generate is elite. They put offenses behind the chains quickly and force you to play from uncomfortable positions."
On avoiding complacency after success
"We had a really focused Tuesday practice," Lamb said. "A championship team has to move on, from wins and losses. We've shown we can bounce back from losses, and now we'll find out how we handle success. In this league, every team is gettable, and so are we. The will to win is one thing, but the will to prepare, that's what determines games."
On receiving national poll votes
"The acknowledgment is nice, but that's all it is; an acknowledgment," Lamb said. "It's part of our story, but it's rearview mirror stuff. There's an old saying: let the polls and the bowls take care of themselves. We respect every opponent, but we bow to no program. That's the legacy we want to leave."
On the Big Sky landscape
"This is still one of the premier conferences in FCS football," Lamb said. "When I say everyone's gettable, I don't mean that as a knock, it's a sign of how competitive this league is. The top programs, Montana, Montana State, Idaho, they've raised everyone else's standard. The investments they've made are massive, and we're working to keep pace. That's what pushes all of us to get better."
On quarterback Eric Gibson's growth and leadership
"If you want to know everything about Eric, he joined a team with an incumbent starter and still competed the right way," Lamb said. "After spring practice, he came to my office, not to ask how to be the starter, but how to be a better number two. That's real confidence. It's not flashy, but it's authentic, and that's why our team respects him so much. He's a great example of leadership and preparation."
Northern Colorado (3-3, 1-1 Big Sky) travels to face Sacramento State (2-3, 0-1 Big Sky) on Saturday at Hornet Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MDT on ESPN+
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Head coach Ed Lamb met with the media this week to reflect on the Bears' growth, discuss the challenge ahead, and share what it will take to continue their climb.
On the matchup and team momentum
"I could not be more excited about our game this week," Lamb said. "Two teams coming off big character wins. At this point in the season, it's easy for teams that are winning to keep investing and stay locked in. For both Sac State and us, it took tremendous character to bounce back from early conference losses and respond the way we did. This is a big game that both teams have played their way into, and our guys are excited about it."
After a dominant performance against Idaho, Lamb emphasized staying focused:
"As I've said before, there's a reason why the rearview mirror is small and the windshield is big. We'll glance back and be proud of the Idaho win, but our full focus is forward. Sacramento State is one of the most capable and disciplined teams we'll face all season."
On Sacramento State's offense
"They're one of the premier rushing teams in the country," Lamb said. "They spread it around; three, four, even five potential ball carriers on any given play. I'm not authorized to define the 'go-go offense,' but I think that's what it is, a lot of misdirection, a lot of options. They're good up front, have speed outside, and you can't fall asleep on the pass game."
Asked how to slow down such a versatile rushing attack, Lamb kept it simple:
"It comes down to pad level, getting off blocks, and having our eyes in the right place. Against most teams, you focus on one or two potential ball carriers. This week, that changes. We have to be disciplined with our eyes, feet, and tackling."
On Sacramento State's defense
"Defensively, they're one of the most aggressive front teams we'll face all year," Lamb said. "They're near the top nationally in sacks and tackles for loss. What's impressive is how many players contribute — a dozen or more guys with TFLs or sacks. That tells you how deep and creative they are schematically."
When asked how to attack that aggressiveness, Lamb noted,
"First, we've got to confirm they'll play us the same way they've played everyone else. There's no rule that says they have to bring pressure. They could rush three or four and still be effective. We'll need to identify what they're doing early and hit them where they're not. Our offense looks different than what they've seen, so they'll have a new plan, and we'll have to adjust."
On standout defensive lineman Jaylan McGlothen
"That's a well-deserved recognition for him," Lamb said. "Their entire front plays big, fast, and with tremendous energy. They penetrate and get upfield; that's their philosophy. The havoc rate they generate is elite. They put offenses behind the chains quickly and force you to play from uncomfortable positions."
On avoiding complacency after success
"We had a really focused Tuesday practice," Lamb said. "A championship team has to move on, from wins and losses. We've shown we can bounce back from losses, and now we'll find out how we handle success. In this league, every team is gettable, and so are we. The will to win is one thing, but the will to prepare, that's what determines games."
On receiving national poll votes
"The acknowledgment is nice, but that's all it is; an acknowledgment," Lamb said. "It's part of our story, but it's rearview mirror stuff. There's an old saying: let the polls and the bowls take care of themselves. We respect every opponent, but we bow to no program. That's the legacy we want to leave."
On the Big Sky landscape
"This is still one of the premier conferences in FCS football," Lamb said. "When I say everyone's gettable, I don't mean that as a knock, it's a sign of how competitive this league is. The top programs, Montana, Montana State, Idaho, they've raised everyone else's standard. The investments they've made are massive, and we're working to keep pace. That's what pushes all of us to get better."
On quarterback Eric Gibson's growth and leadership
"If you want to know everything about Eric, he joined a team with an incumbent starter and still competed the right way," Lamb said. "After spring practice, he came to my office, not to ask how to be the starter, but how to be a better number two. That's real confidence. It's not flashy, but it's authentic, and that's why our team respects him so much. He's a great example of leadership and preparation."
Northern Colorado (3-3, 1-1 Big Sky) travels to face Sacramento State (2-3, 0-1 Big Sky) on Saturday at Hornet Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MDT on ESPN+
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Ed Lamb Press Conference 10/15/25
Wednesday, October 15
University of Northern Colorado Swim and Dive vs Idaho
Sunday, October 12
Lyndsey Oates Post Game Press Conference vs Portland State
Saturday, October 11
Lyndsey Oates Post Game Press Conference vs Sacramento State
Friday, October 10
