University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, November 1
Greeley, Colo.
12 p.m. MDT
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Montana State
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
PREVIEW: Bears Look to Bounce Back at Northern Arizona
11/4/2025 12:37:00 PM | Football
WATCH: ESPN+
LISTEN: Pirate Radio // 93.5 FM // pirateradio935.com
LIVE STATS: NAUAthletics.com
TICKETS & PARKING
Information for Saturday's game is available at NAUAthletics/Tickets.
THE SERIES: Northern Colorado trails the all-time series 7-17.
Home: 6-7
Away: 1-10
First meeting: Oct. 10, 1964 (forfeit win, 1-0)
Most recent meeting: Nov. 16, 2024 (L, 3-44 in Greeley)
Last UNC win: Nov. 12, 2022 (21-20 in Greeley)
Longest UNC win streak: 2 games (2021-22)
Longest NAU win streak: 11 games (1979-2013)
GAME 9 RECAP: Northern Colorado faced a nationally ranked Montana State squad on Saturday, falling 55-7 at Nottingham Field. The Bears (3-6, 1-4 Big Sky) battled through a tough first half before finding rhythm in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by Kieryus Boone's 1-yard scoring run. Quarterback Eric Gibson went 19-for-33 for 93 yards, while Peter Costelli made his return from injury, completing 5-of-7 passes for 64 yards in his first action since Week 1. Mathias
Price led the ground game with 54 yards on eight carries, and Brayden Munroe paced the receivers with seven catches for 61 yards. On defense, Cam Chapa recorded a team-high 11 tackles and forced a fumble, while Franky Morales added five tackles and a pass breakup.
THE LAMB ERA: In his third season, head coach Ed Lamb continues to guide Northern Colorado through a phase of development built on discipline, effort, and execution. The Bears have already matched last season's win total with three, highlighted by a 49-33 upset of then-No. 11/13 Idaho and a near road win over FBS Colorado State.
UNC remains one of the nation's most disciplined teams, ranking top 10 nationally in fewest penalties and penalty yards per game, while also featuring one of the FCS's best passing defenses.
GIBSON AND COSTELLI LEAD THE WAY: Quarterback Eric Gibson Jr. continues to serve as the offensive catalyst, eclipsing 2,200 total offensive yards on the year and ranking among the top passers in the Big Sky. His efficiency and mobility have provided stability under center. Meanwhile, Peter Costelli's return last week adds another dynamic element to UNC's quarterback room.
Gibson: 2,205 total yards, 242.2 passing YPG (No. 14 FCS) and has thrown for 200+ yards in six of nine games
Costelli: Returned in Game 9 after missing seven games due to injury
CHEEKS STAYS CONSISTENT: Junior wideout Carver Cheeks continues to be one of the FCS's most productive receivers, leading UNC in every major receiving category. His combination of size and speed makes him a constant threat in the vertical game.
831 yards (No. 4 FCS) | 6.4 catches per game (No. 5 FCS)
Averaging 92.3 yards per game, with three 100-yard performances (No. 6 FCS)
Leads the Big Sky in receptions per game, receiving yards, and receiving yards per game.
CHAPA CONTINUES TO SHINE: Sophomore safety Cam Chapa anchors the defense, leading the Bears in tackles and interceptions. His leadership and awareness have helped UNC maintain one of the Big Sky's most effective pass defenses.
74 tackles (8.2 per game) – Team leader
3 interceptions – Top 10 in the Big Sky
Defense ranks No. 15 nationally in pass efficiency defense (117.4)
PRICE IN THE BACKFIELD: Running back Mathias Price continues to pace UNC's ground game, providing steady production each week. His blend of power and patience has helped balance the offense.
397 rushing yards (49.6 YPG)
Averaging 4.5 yards per carry
Rushed for 54 yards on eight carries vs. Montana State
WILLIG & BLUMENTRITT KEY ON SPECIAL TEAMS: UNC's special teams remain among the most consistent units in the Big Sky, led by kicker Jacob Willig and punter Leo Blumentritt.
Willig: 11 made field goals, 52 total points (team leader)
Blumentritt: 43.7 net punting average (No. 20 FCS)
Team ranks No. 10 nationally in net punting
DISCIPLINED AND DETAILED: Northern Colorado continues to showcase clean football under Coach Lamb's leadership, avoiding costly penalties and maintaining strong special teams play.
No. 7 FCS / 1st Big Sky – Fewest Penalty Yards (34.2 per game)
No. 7 FCS / 2nd Big Sky – Fewest Penalties (4.1 per game)
Even turnover margin (T-60 FCS)
Top 20 FCS – 3rd-down defense (33.3%)
TRENDING UP / QUICK HITTERS:
Road Tested: Two of UNC's three wins have come on the road (Idaho, Houston Christian).
Passing Prowess: Bears average 259.6 passing yards per game (No. 18 FCS).
Strong Starts: UNC has led or been within one score at halftime in six of nine contests.
Defensive Discipline: UNC allows just 198.3 passing yards per game (No. 41 FCS).
Kicking Consistency: Willig is near-perfect on PATs (19-for-20).
National Note: UNC's 49 points at Idaho marked the Bears' highest offensive total since 2016.
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.
LISTEN: Pirate Radio // 93.5 FM // pirateradio935.com
LIVE STATS: NAUAthletics.com
TICKETS & PARKING
Information for Saturday's game is available at NAUAthletics/Tickets.
THE SERIES: Northern Colorado trails the all-time series 7-17.
Home: 6-7
Away: 1-10
First meeting: Oct. 10, 1964 (forfeit win, 1-0)
Most recent meeting: Nov. 16, 2024 (L, 3-44 in Greeley)
Last UNC win: Nov. 12, 2022 (21-20 in Greeley)
Longest UNC win streak: 2 games (2021-22)
Longest NAU win streak: 11 games (1979-2013)
GAME 9 RECAP: Northern Colorado faced a nationally ranked Montana State squad on Saturday, falling 55-7 at Nottingham Field. The Bears (3-6, 1-4 Big Sky) battled through a tough first half before finding rhythm in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by Kieryus Boone's 1-yard scoring run. Quarterback Eric Gibson went 19-for-33 for 93 yards, while Peter Costelli made his return from injury, completing 5-of-7 passes for 64 yards in his first action since Week 1. Mathias
Price led the ground game with 54 yards on eight carries, and Brayden Munroe paced the receivers with seven catches for 61 yards. On defense, Cam Chapa recorded a team-high 11 tackles and forced a fumble, while Franky Morales added five tackles and a pass breakup.
THE LAMB ERA: In his third season, head coach Ed Lamb continues to guide Northern Colorado through a phase of development built on discipline, effort, and execution. The Bears have already matched last season's win total with three, highlighted by a 49-33 upset of then-No. 11/13 Idaho and a near road win over FBS Colorado State.
UNC remains one of the nation's most disciplined teams, ranking top 10 nationally in fewest penalties and penalty yards per game, while also featuring one of the FCS's best passing defenses.
GIBSON AND COSTELLI LEAD THE WAY: Quarterback Eric Gibson Jr. continues to serve as the offensive catalyst, eclipsing 2,200 total offensive yards on the year and ranking among the top passers in the Big Sky. His efficiency and mobility have provided stability under center. Meanwhile, Peter Costelli's return last week adds another dynamic element to UNC's quarterback room.
Gibson: 2,205 total yards, 242.2 passing YPG (No. 14 FCS) and has thrown for 200+ yards in six of nine games
Costelli: Returned in Game 9 after missing seven games due to injury
CHEEKS STAYS CONSISTENT: Junior wideout Carver Cheeks continues to be one of the FCS's most productive receivers, leading UNC in every major receiving category. His combination of size and speed makes him a constant threat in the vertical game.
831 yards (No. 4 FCS) | 6.4 catches per game (No. 5 FCS)
Averaging 92.3 yards per game, with three 100-yard performances (No. 6 FCS)
Leads the Big Sky in receptions per game, receiving yards, and receiving yards per game.
CHAPA CONTINUES TO SHINE: Sophomore safety Cam Chapa anchors the defense, leading the Bears in tackles and interceptions. His leadership and awareness have helped UNC maintain one of the Big Sky's most effective pass defenses.
74 tackles (8.2 per game) – Team leader
3 interceptions – Top 10 in the Big Sky
Defense ranks No. 15 nationally in pass efficiency defense (117.4)
PRICE IN THE BACKFIELD: Running back Mathias Price continues to pace UNC's ground game, providing steady production each week. His blend of power and patience has helped balance the offense.
397 rushing yards (49.6 YPG)
Averaging 4.5 yards per carry
Rushed for 54 yards on eight carries vs. Montana State
WILLIG & BLUMENTRITT KEY ON SPECIAL TEAMS: UNC's special teams remain among the most consistent units in the Big Sky, led by kicker Jacob Willig and punter Leo Blumentritt.
Willig: 11 made field goals, 52 total points (team leader)
Blumentritt: 43.7 net punting average (No. 20 FCS)
Team ranks No. 10 nationally in net punting
DISCIPLINED AND DETAILED: Northern Colorado continues to showcase clean football under Coach Lamb's leadership, avoiding costly penalties and maintaining strong special teams play.
No. 7 FCS / 1st Big Sky – Fewest Penalty Yards (34.2 per game)
No. 7 FCS / 2nd Big Sky – Fewest Penalties (4.1 per game)
Even turnover margin (T-60 FCS)
Top 20 FCS – 3rd-down defense (33.3%)
TRENDING UP / QUICK HITTERS:
Road Tested: Two of UNC's three wins have come on the road (Idaho, Houston Christian).
Passing Prowess: Bears average 259.6 passing yards per game (No. 18 FCS).
Strong Starts: UNC has led or been within one score at halftime in six of nine contests.
Defensive Discipline: UNC allows just 198.3 passing yards per game (No. 41 FCS).
Kicking Consistency: Willig is near-perfect on PATs (19-for-20).
National Note: UNC's 49 points at Idaho marked the Bears' highest offensive total since 2016.
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.
Players Mentioned
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