University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
11/5/2026 11:01:00 AM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Southern Utah runs the ball more than anyone in the conference, and Northern Colorado has spent the last two weeks getting ready for it.
"Everyone knows Southern Utah wants to run the ball, so big point of emphasis for us is stop the run," defensive lineman Blake Weslin said. "I think as a defensive line, that's just a challenge for us specifically, and I think we're ready to kind of attack that."
The numbers behind that challenge are real. The Thunderbirds average 257.0 rushing yards per game, the highest figure in the Big Sky, and running back Floyd Chalk has 1,223 yards and 12 touchdowns on 196 carries with eight games over 100 yards. Quarterback Will Burns adds 884 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Southern Utah has had a 100-yard rusher in every game since homecoming of 2025.
For a defensive front that has been one of the Bears' strengths, that is the test.
A Mano a Mano Mentality
Weslin described the approach in the room as personal.
"It's kind of like a mano a mano mentality," Weslin said. "We know what they're going to do, they're going to come out and try to run the ball, and it's just kind of our job to stop that."
The bigger point, he said, is discipline. Northern Colorado has held opponents to 145.3 rushing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry, and Weslin said the way to keep that up against a team like Southern Utah is not to chase plays.
"You can't go haywire and start doing other people's job, if you're doing someone else's job and trying to make a play that's not necessarily yours, you're leaving your gap or your assignment up," Weslin said. "You've got to get everybody doing their own job every play."
Offensive lineman Levi Johnson has been on the other side of that battle in practice all fall, and he said the defensive line has given the offense a look it can use.
"It's physical, hard stuff going against Blake, going against the defense," Johnson said.
Both Teams Want the Same Thing
The game is set up as a collision of two teams that would rather run it than throw it. Northern Colorado averages 173.6 rushing yards per game, led by Justin Guin with 535 yards and four touchdowns on 102 carries, and Johnson said the line knows exactly what kind of afternoon is coming.
"We're going to come out physical and hard every game, especially this upcoming game," Johnson said. "They're a great running offense, and so are we. I'm excited to see who wins that battle."
He said the Bears have embraced an identity that puts the line of scrimmage first.
"From my freshman year, it's a lot different. We're a big physical team now," Johnson said. "We used to be more pass heavy, and now we're running the ball and we're going to hit you physically hard every single quarter. I love that."
What's at Stake
The Bears are 3-6 and 2-4 in Big Sky play, and the record is not where the locker room believes the team is.
"I know some guys have felt a little bad about our record," Johnson said. "I don't think that reflects the team we are. I'm excited to finish strong, and I know the rest of the team is too."
Kickoff Saturday at Southern Utah is set for 1 p.m. MT at Eccles Coliseum.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
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.
Â
"Everyone knows Southern Utah wants to run the ball, so big point of emphasis for us is stop the run," defensive lineman Blake Weslin said. "I think as a defensive line, that's just a challenge for us specifically, and I think we're ready to kind of attack that."
The numbers behind that challenge are real. The Thunderbirds average 257.0 rushing yards per game, the highest figure in the Big Sky, and running back Floyd Chalk has 1,223 yards and 12 touchdowns on 196 carries with eight games over 100 yards. Quarterback Will Burns adds 884 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Southern Utah has had a 100-yard rusher in every game since homecoming of 2025.
For a defensive front that has been one of the Bears' strengths, that is the test.
A Mano a Mano Mentality
Weslin described the approach in the room as personal.
"It's kind of like a mano a mano mentality," Weslin said. "We know what they're going to do, they're going to come out and try to run the ball, and it's just kind of our job to stop that."
The bigger point, he said, is discipline. Northern Colorado has held opponents to 145.3 rushing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry, and Weslin said the way to keep that up against a team like Southern Utah is not to chase plays.
"You can't go haywire and start doing other people's job, if you're doing someone else's job and trying to make a play that's not necessarily yours, you're leaving your gap or your assignment up," Weslin said. "You've got to get everybody doing their own job every play."
Offensive lineman Levi Johnson has been on the other side of that battle in practice all fall, and he said the defensive line has given the offense a look it can use.
"It's physical, hard stuff going against Blake, going against the defense," Johnson said.
Both Teams Want the Same Thing
The game is set up as a collision of two teams that would rather run it than throw it. Northern Colorado averages 173.6 rushing yards per game, led by Justin Guin with 535 yards and four touchdowns on 102 carries, and Johnson said the line knows exactly what kind of afternoon is coming.
"We're going to come out physical and hard every game, especially this upcoming game," Johnson said. "They're a great running offense, and so are we. I'm excited to see who wins that battle."
He said the Bears have embraced an identity that puts the line of scrimmage first.
"From my freshman year, it's a lot different. We're a big physical team now," Johnson said. "We used to be more pass heavy, and now we're running the ball and we're going to hit you physically hard every single quarter. I love that."
What's at Stake
The Bears are 3-6 and 2-4 in Big Sky play, and the record is not where the locker room believes the team is.
"I know some guys have felt a little bad about our record," Johnson said. "I don't think that reflects the team we are. I'm excited to finish strong, and I know the rest of the team is too."
Kickoff Saturday at Southern Utah is set for 1 p.m. MT at Eccles Coliseum.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
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.
Â
Players Mentioned
Monday, October 26
Thursday, October 22
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 21
