UNC Football Faces Essential Showdown Against Portland State

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) football team approaches its final game of the season under pressure, as head coach Ed Lamb deems Saturday’s matchup against Portland State a “must-win.” The game, taking place at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colorado, is scheduled for noon on November 18, 2023, coinciding with Senior Day festivities.

Entering this contest with a record of 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the Big Sky Conference, UNC faces a Portland State team struggling at 1-10 overall and also 1-6 in the conference. The Bears have not won a game since October, falling victim to a five-game losing streak during which they have averaged only 15 points per game. After a promising start with a 3-3 record, including tight contests that featured an overtime win and a narrow loss, the team’s recent performance has raised concerns.

In a media session earlier this week, Lamb emphasized the significance of this game, stating, “Now we sit in really what I would call a must-win situation where we’ve got our final chance to win a conference game at home this year.” The urgency is palpable, particularly as the Bears aim to conclude the season on a positive note.

Lamb is in the midst of his third season at UNC, holding an overall record of 4-30. His first year saw the Bears finish winless, while last season yielded just one victory, a notable win against Weber State. This year, the Bears achieved a significant road win against a nationally ranked Idaho team.

A victory against Portland State would not only propel UNC to four wins this season but would also mark the most successful campaign since 2016, when the team recorded six wins overall and four in conference play. Lamb noted, “This would be a step in the right direction,” underlining the importance of the game for both the current roster and the senior players.

In discussing the team’s quarterback situation, Lamb confirmed that Eric Gibson Jr. will start, with Peter Costelli serving as a backup. The two quarterbacks have faced scrutiny, particularly following last week’s loss to Eastern Washington, where they combined for five interceptions. Gibson Jr., a first-year transfer, has shown flashes of promise this season, throwing for nearly 2,500 yards and completing 65% of his passes. He has also recorded 11 touchdowns alongside 11 interceptions.

Lamb remarked on the need for improved decision-making from his quarterbacks, stating, “Not that we reinvent the wheel every week, but there are some game thoughts that go into each week.” He believes clarity in the starting position will be crucial to resetting the offensive strategy.

As the Bears prepare for this pivotal match against Portland State, the focus remains not only on securing a victory but also on honoring the senior players who have contributed to the program’s development. Hudson Voggesser, a linebacker from Loveland High School, is among those seniors looking to leave a lasting legacy.

With the stakes high for both teams, Saturday’s game promises to be a significant conclusion to the Bears’ season, as they seek to build momentum moving forward.