Bears Drop Heartbreaker in Fort Collins

Saturday, September 6

Fort Collins, Colo.

5 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

1-1 , 0-0

Colorado State

1-1 , 0-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Northern Colo.

Colorado State

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

9/6/2025 9:17:00 PM | Football

Box Score

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Northern Colorado battled in-state foe Colorado State down to the final seconds on Saturday night but came up just short, falling 21-17 at Canvas Stadium.

The Bears struck first midway through the opening quarter after defensive lineman Ezra Ekuban forced a fumble that Brennen Acosta recovered at the CSU 39-yard line. Six plays later, quarterback Kia'i Keone capped the short drive with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 6:37 mark.

Northern Colorado's defense kept the Rams in check early, forcing a missed 47-yard field goal attempt on the next possession. Cam Chapa added to the effort in the second quarter with his fifth career interception, setting up the Bears for another scoring chance.

Later in the frame, after Zach Pekarek pounced on a muffed CSU punt return at the Rams' 10-yard line, Jacob Willig converted a 23-yard field goal to give UNC a 10-0 halftime lead.

CSU responded in the third quarter, cutting the deficit with a 2-yard touchdown run just 1:37 into the half. But UNC answered back as Carver Cheeks made a crucial 30-yard fourth-down grab to keep a drive alive, and running back Aliou-Rocco Traore finished it with a 1-yard plunge at 7:14, extending the lead to 17-7.

The Rams rallied with two late rushing scores, including the game-winner on a 13-yard keeper with 44 seconds left in regulation. A last-second Northern Colorado touchdown pass was overturned after review, sealing the 21-17 final.

UNC finished with 223 total yards to CSU's 371 but forced five turnovers to stay in control most of the night. Zach Nowatzke led the defense with 10 tackles and Ekuban totaled nine tackles with a sack and forced two fumbles, while Sione Tuha added a key fumble recovery. Chapa posted eight tackles and moved into a tie for fifth all-time in program history with his fifth career interception.

The Bears will travel to Vermillion, S.D. to play No. 6 South Dakota with a 12 p.m. MT kickoff. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.

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