University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, September 5
Greeley, Colo.
6 p.m. MDT
University of Northern Colorado
vs
South Dakota
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
Bears Look to Build on Offensive Momentum Against No. 11 South Dakota
9/4/2026 9:00:00 AM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado returns to Nottingham Field on Saturday for another home test, hosting No. 11 South Dakota at 6 p.m. as the Bears look to build on the offensive momentum they showed in the season opener.
Despite a one-point loss to Weber State last week, Northern Colorado produced one of its most encouraging offensive performances under head coach Ed Lamb. Quarterback Kenny Lueth made his first career start and helped lead a unit that totaled 485 yards of offense and 259 rushing yards.
Lueth completed 20-of-33 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown while adding 90 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, giving the Bears a steady presence in both phases of the offense.
As he looks ahead to South Dakota, Lueth said the focus has been on learning from missed opportunities while keeping the group moving forward.
"There were plays that I missed, guys open that I missed in that last game," Lueth said. "So just keying into that, making sure I'm staying on top of my reads and just doing my 1/11 for those guys that are out there on the field."
Lamb said Lueth earned the starting role through consistency, leadership and the extra work he put in throughout the offseason, and that same approach has continued this week as the Bears prepare for a different defensive challenge.
South Dakota enters Saturday ranked No. 11 in the nation and brings a physical defensive front that Lueth said presents a much different look than Weber State.
"It's a really different defense from Weber State schematically and personnel-wise," Lueth said. "I think they're really good up front in the run game. They showed that last year against us, and I think they're going to be pretty similar."
Northern Colorado will also look for continued production from wide receiver Trey Olsen, who returned to his natural position this season after spending last year helping the team at safety. Olsen made one of the biggest plays of the opener when he caught a 12-yard touchdown pass with three seconds remaining, nearly completing the Bears' comeback.
Olsen said the move back to wide receiver has allowed him to settle into the role that has always felt most natural.
"Receiver is what I was born to do," Olsen said. "I was glad to help the team last year, but I've been a receiver my whole life, and it just feels so great to get my groove back."
His return has helped strengthen a receiving corps that Olsen said is close, competitive and committed to playing with a physical edge.
"We want to out-physical these guys. We want to show them how we play Bears football," Olsen said. "I thought the offense looked great. We were moving the ball very well."
Lamb said Olsen's path back to receiver reflected the kind of confidence and buy-in the staff values, and that his experience on defense has helped deepen his understanding of the game on the offensive side as well.
Saturday's matchup gives Northern Colorado another opportunity to measure its progress against one of the top programs in the FCS while building on the offensive confidence it showed in the opener. With Lueth continuing to grow into the quarterback role and Olsen helping lead an improving receiving corps, the Bears will look to turn last week's flashes into a more complete result against No. 11 South Dakota at 6 p.m. at Nottingham Field.
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, provide resources for team development and support the continued 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, visit the official homepage at UNCBears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
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Despite a one-point loss to Weber State last week, Northern Colorado produced one of its most encouraging offensive performances under head coach Ed Lamb. Quarterback Kenny Lueth made his first career start and helped lead a unit that totaled 485 yards of offense and 259 rushing yards.
Lueth completed 20-of-33 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown while adding 90 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, giving the Bears a steady presence in both phases of the offense.
As he looks ahead to South Dakota, Lueth said the focus has been on learning from missed opportunities while keeping the group moving forward.
"There were plays that I missed, guys open that I missed in that last game," Lueth said. "So just keying into that, making sure I'm staying on top of my reads and just doing my 1/11 for those guys that are out there on the field."
Lamb said Lueth earned the starting role through consistency, leadership and the extra work he put in throughout the offseason, and that same approach has continued this week as the Bears prepare for a different defensive challenge.
South Dakota enters Saturday ranked No. 11 in the nation and brings a physical defensive front that Lueth said presents a much different look than Weber State.
"It's a really different defense from Weber State schematically and personnel-wise," Lueth said. "I think they're really good up front in the run game. They showed that last year against us, and I think they're going to be pretty similar."
Northern Colorado will also look for continued production from wide receiver Trey Olsen, who returned to his natural position this season after spending last year helping the team at safety. Olsen made one of the biggest plays of the opener when he caught a 12-yard touchdown pass with three seconds remaining, nearly completing the Bears' comeback.
Olsen said the move back to wide receiver has allowed him to settle into the role that has always felt most natural.
"Receiver is what I was born to do," Olsen said. "I was glad to help the team last year, but I've been a receiver my whole life, and it just feels so great to get my groove back."
His return has helped strengthen a receiving corps that Olsen said is close, competitive and committed to playing with a physical edge.
"We want to out-physical these guys. We want to show them how we play Bears football," Olsen said. "I thought the offense looked great. We were moving the ball very well."
Lamb said Olsen's path back to receiver reflected the kind of confidence and buy-in the staff values, and that his experience on defense has helped deepen his understanding of the game on the offensive side as well.
Saturday's matchup gives Northern Colorado another opportunity to measure its progress against one of the top programs in the FCS while building on the offensive confidence it showed in the opener. With Lueth continuing to grow into the quarterback role and Olsen helping lead an improving receiving corps, the Bears will look to turn last week's flashes into a more complete result against No. 11 South Dakota at 6 p.m. at Nottingham Field.
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, provide resources for team development and support the continued 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, visit the official homepage at UNCBears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
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