University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
Northern Colorado Looks to Regain Its Edge Against Eastern Washington
11/12/2025 1:56:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado football looks to rediscover its rhythm and joy for the game this week, traveling to Cheney to face Eastern Washington at Roos Field. After back-to-back losses to nationally ranked opponents, head coach Ed Lamb said the Bears' focus heading into the final two weeks is as much emotional as tactical.
"This week is about regaining confidence and remembering why we love this game," Lamb said. "We've stayed together through some tough moments, but we've got to find a way to have fun again. It's called a game for a reason."
On the Team's Mindset
Lamb was candid about the team's recent struggles, admitting the group's confidence has taken a hit since the Montana State loss.
"I think our confidence is in a bad state right now," he said. "We're watching the scoreboard to decide whether we have a chance to compete. We're not built right now to overcome disappointment mid-game, and we've got to fix that."
Still, Lamb said the team's togetherness is a bright spot.
"After Montana State, I told the team: win or lose, we stay together. And we did that," he said. "Now the next step is to play with joy and composure; to chase the game, not the scoreboard."
On Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington (4-6, 3-3 Big Sky) enters the weekend playing some of its best football, fresh off a narrow loss to No. 2 Montana in Missoula.
"They're a team on the rise," Lamb said. "They've gotten better every week; a real testament to their culture. They should've had two or three chances to win at Montana in the final seconds. They're angry, motivated, and confident."
Lamb praised the Eagles' balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Jake Schakel, who threw for more than 450 yards last week.
"They've always been able to run the ball under Coach Best," Lamb said. "But their confidence is growing through the air, too. They're one of the better front-four defensive units in the league. We'll have to be at our best to match their energy."
On the Quarterback Situation
Lamb confirmed that both Eric Gibson Jr. and Peter Costelli are expected to play again this week.
"Our plan was never to rotate quarterbacks," Lamb said. "But this is where we are. Both guys are capable of leading us to victory, and they both understand that."
He added that the decision-making process, not just statistics, will determine playing time.
"The quarterback's job is to get the ball to the right person," Lamb said. "It's not about being a hero. When both guys improve in that area, the whole offense will thrive."
On Rebuilding Confidence
Lamb acknowledged that confidence can't simply be "switched back on" but said the staff is reshaping practice and messaging this week to help players rediscover belief in themselves.
"We want to compete in practice and recognize winning efforts," he said. "But more than that, we've got to remind these guys that they play for the love of it. That joy has to show up on Saturday."
On the Challenge of Playing at Eastern
While Cheney presents one of the league's more unique settings with its red turf, Lamb said the Bears aren't focused on the aesthetics.
"It's a cool part of this league's tradition," he said. "Guys get out there, look around, and then realize: it's just football. Once the game starts, you're not looking at the field color."
Lamb added that the Bears expect typical November weather in the Inland Northwest.
"I've never been there when it wasn't cold or windy," he said with a smile. "But whatever it is, it's the same for both teams."
On What He Wants to See
With two games remaining, Lamb said his goals are clear.
"I want composure and fun," he said. "I want our guys to look back and see how far they've come. Two years ago, we had four seniors. This year we'll recognize 19. That shows the progress we're making."
He added that closing the season strong will be part of the Bears' long-term story.
"Three wins might not sound like a lot to some people, but it's a step forward," Lamb said. "We've got a young roster, a physical front, a locker room that's stayed together. Now it's about finishing right, and doing it with joy."
Northern Colorado (3-7, 1-5 Big Sky) faces Eastern Washington (4-6, 3-3 Big Sky) on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT at Roos Field in Cheney. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on Pirate Radio 93.5 FM and pirateradio935.com.
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.
"This week is about regaining confidence and remembering why we love this game," Lamb said. "We've stayed together through some tough moments, but we've got to find a way to have fun again. It's called a game for a reason."
On the Team's Mindset
Lamb was candid about the team's recent struggles, admitting the group's confidence has taken a hit since the Montana State loss.
"I think our confidence is in a bad state right now," he said. "We're watching the scoreboard to decide whether we have a chance to compete. We're not built right now to overcome disappointment mid-game, and we've got to fix that."
Still, Lamb said the team's togetherness is a bright spot.
"After Montana State, I told the team: win or lose, we stay together. And we did that," he said. "Now the next step is to play with joy and composure; to chase the game, not the scoreboard."
On Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington (4-6, 3-3 Big Sky) enters the weekend playing some of its best football, fresh off a narrow loss to No. 2 Montana in Missoula.
"They're a team on the rise," Lamb said. "They've gotten better every week; a real testament to their culture. They should've had two or three chances to win at Montana in the final seconds. They're angry, motivated, and confident."
Lamb praised the Eagles' balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Jake Schakel, who threw for more than 450 yards last week.
"They've always been able to run the ball under Coach Best," Lamb said. "But their confidence is growing through the air, too. They're one of the better front-four defensive units in the league. We'll have to be at our best to match their energy."
On the Quarterback Situation
Lamb confirmed that both Eric Gibson Jr. and Peter Costelli are expected to play again this week.
"Our plan was never to rotate quarterbacks," Lamb said. "But this is where we are. Both guys are capable of leading us to victory, and they both understand that."
He added that the decision-making process, not just statistics, will determine playing time.
"The quarterback's job is to get the ball to the right person," Lamb said. "It's not about being a hero. When both guys improve in that area, the whole offense will thrive."
On Rebuilding Confidence
Lamb acknowledged that confidence can't simply be "switched back on" but said the staff is reshaping practice and messaging this week to help players rediscover belief in themselves.
"We want to compete in practice and recognize winning efforts," he said. "But more than that, we've got to remind these guys that they play for the love of it. That joy has to show up on Saturday."
On the Challenge of Playing at Eastern
While Cheney presents one of the league's more unique settings with its red turf, Lamb said the Bears aren't focused on the aesthetics.
"It's a cool part of this league's tradition," he said. "Guys get out there, look around, and then realize: it's just football. Once the game starts, you're not looking at the field color."
Lamb added that the Bears expect typical November weather in the Inland Northwest.
"I've never been there when it wasn't cold or windy," he said with a smile. "But whatever it is, it's the same for both teams."
On What He Wants to See
With two games remaining, Lamb said his goals are clear.
"I want composure and fun," he said. "I want our guys to look back and see how far they've come. Two years ago, we had four seniors. This year we'll recognize 19. That shows the progress we're making."
He added that closing the season strong will be part of the Bears' long-term story.
"Three wins might not sound like a lot to some people, but it's a step forward," Lamb said. "We've got a young roster, a physical front, a locker room that's stayed together. Now it's about finishing right, and doing it with joy."
Northern Colorado (3-7, 1-5 Big Sky) faces Eastern Washington (4-6, 3-3 Big Sky) on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT at Roos Field in Cheney. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on Pirate Radio 93.5 FM and pirateradio935.com.
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.
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