University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Photo by: Dean Popejoy
Bears Lean on Leadership, Defensive Growth Ahead of No. 11 South Dakota
9/2/2026 9:49:00 AM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – As Northern Colorado prepares for Saturday's home matchup against No. 11 South Dakota, the Bears are leaning on a familiar formula: veteran leadership, accountability and a defensive front that believes it is close to taking another step.
In the days following Northern Colorado's one-point loss to Weber State, head coach Ed Lamb said the emphasis has been on moving forward while still recognizing what the Bears showed in the opener. While the result was disappointing, Lamb said there were clear signs of growth that the program can carry into the next week.
"There were good things to build on," Lamb said. "There were amazing plays that could have become legendary plays, and instead they're just highlights."
That approach has shaped the tone around the program this week. Rather than allowing the frustration of a close loss to linger, the Bears have focused on resetting quickly and turning their attention to another opportunity at Nottingham Field.
Lamb said one of the most encouraging parts of the week has been the way the team has handled that process mentally. After a difficult finish in the opener, he has seen a group that is working to move ahead together.
That response has been driven in part by captains such as Dominic Butts, who said the feeling inside the locker room is different from what it has been in the past after tough losses. Butts said the team has responded with accountability and resilience
rather than frustration.
"We're a very resilient team, and I think that we are closer than we've ever been here," Butts said. "This past weekend, people took accountability of what they did, and it is what it is. We have to flush it, and we have to get back to playing winning football."
A local product from Severance, Colo. Butts has developed into one of the leaders of the program and said being named a captain was one of the biggest honors of his football career. He added that leadership has not required him to become somebody different, but instead to keep bringing the same energy and honesty that earned the trust of his teammates in the first place.
Lamb said that consistency is exactly what has made Butts such a valuable leader. From early in his career, Lamb said Butts stood out for his buy-in, intensity and willingness to set the tone every day.
That same tone has helped shape a defensive line that believes it made meaningful progress in the opener. Junior defensive lineman Blake Weslin said the group's physicality and intent were improved against Weber State, even if the Bears still left plays on the field.
"I think our D-line definitely took a step, just with our intent and physicality standpoint," Weslin said. "But definitely plays left on the table. Just finishing a couple plays, affecting the quarterback as much as we can."
Butts offered a similar assessment, pointing to the defensive front's energy and physical play while noting that the next step is turning disruption into game-changing production.
"What I liked, we had a ton of great energy. We were very physical," Butts said. "I think that we physically beat them up at the line of scrimmage. Things that need to improve, though, we just need to finish."
For Weslin, that progress reflects his own growth within the program. After arriving at Northern Colorado as a linebacker, he moved to the defensive line after his freshman year and has continued to grow into the position. He said that background still helps him understand the full structure of the defense and better recognize what is happening around him on each snap.
The challenge this week will be bringing that growth against a South Dakota team known for its physical style. Both Weslin and Butts said the Coyotes present a test that starts at the line of scrimmage, particularly with their commitment to the run game.
"Well, they're a great program," Weslin said. "Definitely love to run the football. So we're going to have to be physical and ring that bell once again. But it definitely starts up front."
Butts said the Bears have a clear understanding of the challenge ahead and believe their defensive front is ready for it.
"They're a good football team," Butts said. "They're going to run the ball because that's what they like to do and I'm very confident in our defensive line's ability and our defense's ability to do our part."
Lamb also pointed to South Dakota as a program Northern Colorado respects for its consistency, identity and success, while emphasizing the opportunity the Bears have in front of them this week.
With another home game ahead, a veteran captain setting the tone and a defensive front focused on turning progress into production, Northern Colorado enters Saturday's 6 p.m. matchup against No. 11 South Dakota at Nottingham Field looking to build on the positives from the opener and take another step forward.
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
In the days following Northern Colorado's one-point loss to Weber State, head coach Ed Lamb said the emphasis has been on moving forward while still recognizing what the Bears showed in the opener. While the result was disappointing, Lamb said there were clear signs of growth that the program can carry into the next week.
"There were good things to build on," Lamb said. "There were amazing plays that could have become legendary plays, and instead they're just highlights."
That approach has shaped the tone around the program this week. Rather than allowing the frustration of a close loss to linger, the Bears have focused on resetting quickly and turning their attention to another opportunity at Nottingham Field.
Lamb said one of the most encouraging parts of the week has been the way the team has handled that process mentally. After a difficult finish in the opener, he has seen a group that is working to move ahead together.
That response has been driven in part by captains such as Dominic Butts, who said the feeling inside the locker room is different from what it has been in the past after tough losses. Butts said the team has responded with accountability and resilience
rather than frustration.
"We're a very resilient team, and I think that we are closer than we've ever been here," Butts said. "This past weekend, people took accountability of what they did, and it is what it is. We have to flush it, and we have to get back to playing winning football."
A local product from Severance, Colo. Butts has developed into one of the leaders of the program and said being named a captain was one of the biggest honors of his football career. He added that leadership has not required him to become somebody different, but instead to keep bringing the same energy and honesty that earned the trust of his teammates in the first place.
Lamb said that consistency is exactly what has made Butts such a valuable leader. From early in his career, Lamb said Butts stood out for his buy-in, intensity and willingness to set the tone every day.
That same tone has helped shape a defensive line that believes it made meaningful progress in the opener. Junior defensive lineman Blake Weslin said the group's physicality and intent were improved against Weber State, even if the Bears still left plays on the field.
"I think our D-line definitely took a step, just with our intent and physicality standpoint," Weslin said. "But definitely plays left on the table. Just finishing a couple plays, affecting the quarterback as much as we can."
Butts offered a similar assessment, pointing to the defensive front's energy and physical play while noting that the next step is turning disruption into game-changing production.
"What I liked, we had a ton of great energy. We were very physical," Butts said. "I think that we physically beat them up at the line of scrimmage. Things that need to improve, though, we just need to finish."
For Weslin, that progress reflects his own growth within the program. After arriving at Northern Colorado as a linebacker, he moved to the defensive line after his freshman year and has continued to grow into the position. He said that background still helps him understand the full structure of the defense and better recognize what is happening around him on each snap.
The challenge this week will be bringing that growth against a South Dakota team known for its physical style. Both Weslin and Butts said the Coyotes present a test that starts at the line of scrimmage, particularly with their commitment to the run game.
"Well, they're a great program," Weslin said. "Definitely love to run the football. So we're going to have to be physical and ring that bell once again. But it definitely starts up front."
Butts said the Bears have a clear understanding of the challenge ahead and believe their defensive front is ready for it.
"They're a good football team," Butts said. "They're going to run the ball because that's what they like to do and I'm very confident in our defensive line's ability and our defense's ability to do our part."
Lamb also pointed to South Dakota as a program Northern Colorado respects for its consistency, identity and success, while emphasizing the opportunity the Bears have in front of them this week.
With another home game ahead, a veteran captain setting the tone and a defensive front focused on turning progress into production, Northern Colorado enters Saturday's 6 p.m. matchup against No. 11 South Dakota at Nottingham Field looking to build on the positives from the opener and take another step forward.
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
DL
/ Football
DL
/ FootballSaturday, August 29
Tuesday, December 23
Tuesday, December 23
Tuesday, December 23
