University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
3-8 , 1-6
Eastern Washington
5-6 , 4-3
Turnovers Stall Northern Colorado in 27-7 Road Loss at Eastern Washington
11/15/2025 6:12:00 PM | Football
CHENEY, Wash. - Northern Colorado outgained Eastern Washington on the ground, but turnovers proved costly in a 27-7 road loss Saturday at Roos Field.
The Bears (3-8, 1-6 Big Sky) moved the ball efficiently for stretches, finishing with 326 total yards, 18 first downs and over 31 minutes of possession, yet five interceptions halted several promising drives. UNC quarterbacks Eric Gibson Jr. (Norfolk, Va./Maury HS) and Peter Costelli combined for 195 yards through the air, highlighted by Gibson's touchdown strike to Carver Cheeks in the second quarter.
Cheeks' 12-yard score capped UNC's best drive of the afternoon and took their first and only lead of the game at 7-3 midway through the second quarter. The Bears threatened again late in the half, but penalties and turnovers kept UNC from capitalizing in the red zone.
Northern Colorado showed balance offensively, rushing for 131 yards behind Brandon Johnson's 41 yards, including a 30-yard breakaway, and steady contributions from Mathias Price and Justin Guin.
The offensive line did not allow a sack in 36 pass attempts.
Defensively, UNC delivered one of its grittiest performances of the season. The Bears forced four tackles for loss and limited the Eagles to just 75 rushing yards. Safety Cam Chapa produced the standout defensive moment with a 34-yard interception return, while Darrell Bryant Jr. anchored the unit with a team-high nine tackles. Mekhi Toms, Ayden Merrihew and Dominic Butts each added at least five stops as the Bears tightened in the second half.
Despite the defensive effort, Eastern Washington capitalized on short fields and scored 17 points in the second quarter to create separation. UNC's defense held the Eagles to a pair of field goals in the red zone and allowed just seven second-half points, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Northern Colorado mounted one final push late in the fourth quarter before Eastern Washington's fifth interception ended UNC's comeback bid.
The Bears return home next week looking to close the season with momentum against Portland State. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. MT. on ESPN+.
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Team Stats
UNC 0, EWU 3
EWU - McKee,Soren 38 yd field goal 9 plays, 42 yards, TOP 04:01
UNC 7, EWU 3
UNC - Cheeks,Carver 12 yd pass from Gibson,Eric (Willig,Jacob kick) 2 plays, 11 yards, TOP 00:40
UNC 7, EWU 10
EWU - Pruett,Cole 12 yd pass from Schakel,Jake (McKee,Soren kick) 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:50
UNC 7, EWU 17
EWU - Ulm,Nolan 14 yd pass from Schakel,Jake (McKee,Soren kick) 7 plays, 48 yards, TOP 01:50
UNC 7, EWU 20
EWU - McKee,Soren 22 yd field goal 12 plays, 59 yards, TOP 01:49
UNC 7, EWU 27
EWU - Allen III,Kevin 1 yd run (McKee,Soren kick), 12 plays, 80 yards, TOP 05:09
