University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Lamb, Bears Embrace Challenge Ahead Against No. 4 Montana State
10/29/2025 12:13:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado football faces one of its toughest challenges yet this weekend, hosting nationally ranked Montana State. Following a slow start in last week's loss to then No. 6 UC Davis, the Bears are looking to clean up early mistakes and continue showing progress as the season unfolds.
Head coach Ed Lamb met with the media this week to discuss the team's response to adversity, lessons learned from UC Davis, and the opportunity ahead against one of the Big Sky's most complete programs.
On the early deficit against UC Davis and the team's response
Looking back, we dug too deep of a hole early, Lamb said. Some of that was us, some of that was UC Davis. They came out in different formations that caused some eye violations, and offensively we kept shooting ourselves in the foot. But our guys fought back. They didn't lose faith, and they took accountability on the sideline. That says a lot about their growth.
Lamb noted that the offense moved the ball effectively, finishing with more than 350 yards, but lacked explosive plays and timely execution. We had penalties at bad moments, turnovers in bad spots, and a few fourth-down decisions I'd love to have back. But even after all that, our team battled back. That's something I appreciate.
On progress since last season
The biggest difference is development, Lamb said. We've got a foundation of Colorado kids who came here to build this thing. They've taken their lumps and grown up together. That toughness and pride are showing through now. They're not afraid of taking the next step, even if it's hard.
On the challenge of facing Montana State
Montana State is the model of a championship program, Lamb said. They have no weaknesses. They're physical up front, run the ball well, stop the run, and their quarterback can do it all; accurate thrower, great runner, tough leader. From their administration to their staff, they've built something special.
Defensively, Lamb praised the Bobcats' structure and consistency: They're a split-safety defense that does everything right. They don't disguise much, but they don't need to. They're so good at what they do that it's tough to find rhythm against them. You pull up film and every play is executed the same way: it's impressive.
On Northern Colorado's defensive identity
Lamb pointed to UNC's man-free defensive system as a strength. We recruit and develop man-to-man players, and they've performed really well, he said. It's not an easy system, there's not much margin for error, but it keeps big plays in check. We've just got to keep improving our run fits and get teams into more passing situations where we can play to our strengths.
On injuries and player availability
The Bears expect several key contributors to return this week. Running back Mathias Price is back to full speed after being limited against UC Davis, while right tackle Jack Bacon and cornerback Mekhi Toms have also returned. Quarterback Peter Costelli is set for his first full week of practice since injury, and running back Rocco Traore rejoined the lineup last weekend.
On the opportunity ahead
This is the kind of game that shows you where you stand, Lamb said. Montana State will test every part of us, and that's exactly what we need. If we want to be a championship program someday, we have to measure ourselves against one. Our players aren't afraid of that challenge, they're eager for it.
Northern Colorado (3-5, 1-3 Big Sky) faces No. 4 Montana State (6-2, 4-0 Big Sky) this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. MDT at Nottingham Field, with coverage available via ESPN+ and KCDO.
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