University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
Northern Colorado Prepares for Homecoming Battle with Idaho State
9/24/2025 12:28:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – After grinding out a hard-fought overtime win at Houston Christian, Northern Colorado football now turns its attention to Idaho State for a pivotal Big Sky Conference matchup on Homecoming weekend.
Head coach Ed Lamb met with the media Wednesday to reflect on his team's resilience in Texas and to preview the challenge awaiting in Greeley.
On responding to adversity…
"That was a complete character win," Lamb said. "We had every opportunity as a team to fold, to point fingers, and to let mistakes get the best of us. Instead, we stuck together and found a way to win on the road. It wasn't perfect, but it showed a lot about who we are as a team."
On injuries and depth…
"We had a lot of guys go down in that game, but it gave some of our younger players a chance to step up," Lamb noted. "We had two true freshmen on the field in overtime and players getting their first carries of the year in critical moments. That kind of experience is going to pay off for us down the road."
On Idaho State's offense…
"They're one of the best passing attacks in the country by design and personnel," Lamb said. "They do a great job adjusting on the fly and finding your weaknesses. If you sit back in pass defense, they'll run the ball. It's the best offense we've studied in terms of in-game adjustments."
On Idaho State's defense and special teams…
"They've made big improvements since last season," Lamb added. "They've changed some things on their defensive staff, and you can see it in how hard they play and the variety of looks they give. They're aggressive at times and very solid on special teams. This is a Mountain West caliber opponent we're facing."
On team culture and identity…
"Our path to championship-level football has always been through Colorado high school recruiting and developing those players," Lamb said. "We've got guys who grew up here, guys who transferred back home, and they take pride in playing for UNC. I think you're seeing that start to show up on the field with the way this team fights together."
On mindset heading into Homecoming…
"The rearview mirror is small for a reason and the windshield is big for a reason," Lamb explained. "What matters is what's in front of us. Regardless of what the rankings say or what game the media highlights, for us the big game this week is Idaho State at UNC. Both teams are playing for first place in the conference. That's what's on the line."
Northern Colorado (2-2, 0-0 Big Sky) hosts Idaho State (1-3, 0-0 Big Sky) on Saturday at Nottingham Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MT.
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 Wednesday to reflect on his team's resilience in Texas and to preview the challenge awaiting in Greeley.
On responding to adversity…
"That was a complete character win," Lamb said. "We had every opportunity as a team to fold, to point fingers, and to let mistakes get the best of us. Instead, we stuck together and found a way to win on the road. It wasn't perfect, but it showed a lot about who we are as a team."
On injuries and depth…
"We had a lot of guys go down in that game, but it gave some of our younger players a chance to step up," Lamb noted. "We had two true freshmen on the field in overtime and players getting their first carries of the year in critical moments. That kind of experience is going to pay off for us down the road."
On Idaho State's offense…
"They're one of the best passing attacks in the country by design and personnel," Lamb said. "They do a great job adjusting on the fly and finding your weaknesses. If you sit back in pass defense, they'll run the ball. It's the best offense we've studied in terms of in-game adjustments."
On Idaho State's defense and special teams…
"They've made big improvements since last season," Lamb added. "They've changed some things on their defensive staff, and you can see it in how hard they play and the variety of looks they give. They're aggressive at times and very solid on special teams. This is a Mountain West caliber opponent we're facing."
On team culture and identity…
"Our path to championship-level football has always been through Colorado high school recruiting and developing those players," Lamb said. "We've got guys who grew up here, guys who transferred back home, and they take pride in playing for UNC. I think you're seeing that start to show up on the field with the way this team fights together."
On mindset heading into Homecoming…
"The rearview mirror is small for a reason and the windshield is big for a reason," Lamb explained. "What matters is what's in front of us. Regardless of what the rankings say or what game the media highlights, for us the big game this week is Idaho State at UNC. Both teams are playing for first place in the conference. That's what's on the line."
Northern Colorado (2-2, 0-0 Big Sky) hosts Idaho State (1-3, 0-0 Big Sky) on Saturday at Nottingham Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MT.
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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