CEDAR CITY, Utah — Despite a shove, thrown punch from the opponent and far too many penalties, the University of Northern Colorado has officially won the most games since 2017.
UNC (3-5, 2-3 Big Sky) defeated Southern Utah (1-7, 0-5 Big Sky), 17-9, on the road Saturday snapping its three-game losing streak.
It wasn’t a perfect game, but it was fun and the team made positive strides.
“I’m so excited for our guys, we’ve been waiting for that for a few weeks,” UNC coach Ed McCaffrey said. “We showed a lot of resolve, a lot of fight, (and) found a way in all three phases to get it done in the fourth quarter; feels good.”
The Bears scored on their first drive and were the first on the board, which hasn’t happened since week two against Houston Baptist. That gave the team momentum and confidence that it could get things done.
Then, it actually followed through. This wasn’t a “one good drive and three bad ones” kind of night. Instead, UNC consistently made plays, moved the ball and had one of its best offensive performances in awhile.
In fact, it was the first time since Sept. 7, 2017, when UNC played Washington State that the offense had more than 200 yards rushing.
Plus, graduate quarterback Dylan McCaffrey and graduate running back Tru Wilson logged career highs in rushing. Dylan McCaffrey finished with 100 yards and Wilson finished with 85, respectively.
“I think we did go into this week wanting to have fun, but also we considered it kind of a must-win game,” Dylan McCaffrey said. “I’m just really proud of this team for getting that done. I know guys fought their asses off and on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and I’m really proud of them. It’s really good to see after you’ve been working so hard.”
Dylan McCaffrey made some big plays for the Bears, including a 52-yard rush, a 1-yard rushing touchdown and several short rushes to help UNC get first downs.
Sophomore wide receiver Kassidy Woods got in on the action as well. Woods made some key receptions, one of which was a 4-yard catch and an outstretched arm to secure the team’s first touchdown. He returned to the lineup after taking a hit to the head two weeks ago during the game against Eastern Washington.
“Man, it felt amazing,” Woods said. “I definitely don’t try to take days for granted, so it was good to be back with my brothers. And obviously, just getting the win, it was huge.”
The Bears won just two games in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. It won three the year prior. UNC’s best record in Division I competition was 6-5 in 2015 and 2016. Northern Colorado has a chance to tie that if it continues its progress in the coming weeks.
For now, though, they’re just savoring the hard-fought and desperately desired win.
“I mean it was fun. You know, wins don’t come easy, so we’re just taking them one day at a time,” Woods said. “Then, our preparation was very good this week. We’re excited, and we’re just looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
