With a win on the record and more confidence, the University of Northern Colorado wants to continue that this weekend.
UNC (1-2) will host Idaho State (0-3) for homecoming, and the team would like a repeat — or better — of what happened this past weekend in Texas.
“Takeaways are the number one determinant in which team wins or loses the football game at all levels,” UNC coach Ed McCaffrey said Tuesday. “Our defense was flying around. We were very opportunistic. I think we got good pressure, which forced some difficult throws, and then our guys on the back end have just really tightened up their coverages and their communication.”
The Bears defense was able to force four turnovers, including a game-winning interception, and it picked up two big stops after offensive mistakes.
McCaffrey said junior linebacker Tywonne Harris’ reception was a “wonderful play.” That was his first interception as a Bear.
“I was joking around with him all week long about making a play, so I guess as fate would have it, he made a big time play to end the game,” McCaffrey said.
Junior linebacker Elias Rantissi picked up 11 tackles in the game. He said at the weekly press conference that defensive coordinator Scott Darnell and linebackers coach Daryl Moe focus on turnovers during the team’s Tuesday practice.
Sophomore linebacker Elijah Anderson-Taylor said last week the group calls it “Turnover Tuesday.” It’s an opportunity for the defensive players to work on their turnover drills.
“I think it is starting to show and improve our takeaways,” Rantissi said.
Plus, he felt like the team came together on Saturday. It made adjustments on the sideline after giving up a couple touchdowns and nearly allowing Lamar to tie the game. Those ended up working in favor of the Bears.
There were mistakes in the game in all areas, but the team still came away with a win. That’s what was missing in the first two weeks: the ability to close and control what it can.
Rantissi said UNC is correcting its mistakes and improving. That feels good as the non-conference season gets under way.
“You never disrespect to win. I’m so happy that we won,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t even like being critical after a win, because they’re so hard to get; so many good teams and good coaches out there. We’re really excited about the win, but we do look at the film and try to find ways to be better.”
UNC’s goal every game is to play its best football and avoid silly mistakes. Losses are going to happen, but the team wants to control what it can. It’s slowly reduced the number of penalties. Offensive turnovers and breakdowns are still in progress.
The team hopes the growth will continue this week and into the rest of the season. And it would like to win on homecoming for the first time since 2016.
“It’s gonna be a grudge match,” Rantissi said. “They’re 0-3. They’re trying to get that first one versus us. We’re just coming off our first win. We just want to keep it rolling. We’re definitely not looking over over this team.”
Northern Colorado will host Idaho State on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Nottingham Field.
