Northern Colorado falls to No. 4 Sacramento State, 55-7, in blowout road loss

The state of Colorado, apparently, can not sustain with Sacramento State, which commanded the sport in opposition to the College of Northern Colorado.

UNC (2-4, 1-2 Huge Sky) fell to No. 4 Sac State (5-0, 2-0 Huge Sky), 55-7, on Saturday evening in California. Earlier this season, the Hornets performed Colorado State in Fort Collins and received, 41-10.

Northern Colorado has not overwhelmed Sacramento State since 2016. Based mostly on its three-point loss final 12 months and the flashes of energy in all areas, it appeared doable for the Bears to play competitively. That’s not what occurred for many of the evening.

In reality, calling the sport tough could be an understatement. Sure, there have been some glorious defensive drives early and graduate working again Elijah Dotson’s landing in opposition to his former crew, however lots went unsuitable for the Bears.

From the very starting, the offense couldn’t get right into a rhythm and transfer the ball. It completed with the second-lowest offensive output of the season, recording simply 168 whole yards. At halftime, UNC had gained a internet of 14 yards and one first down.

This comes after ending with at the very least 270 whole yards in all however one sport this season. Moreover, the crew logged simply 9 first downs.

Graduate quarterback Dylan McCaffrey made 16-of-35 passes for simply 103 yards and threw one interception.

Northern Colorado’s efficiency was a stark distinction to the Hornets, who put up 622 whole yards and 37 first downs. Sacramento State is likely one of the finest FCS groups within the nation, however the Bears have the power to maneuver the ball. They’ve proven it earlier than, however the scoring efficiency didn’t present up on Saturday.

The protection didn’t have an excellent day, both. It made some good performs and did nicely on a number of drives, particularly to start out the sport, nevertheless it wasn’t sturdy sufficient to cease the Sacramento State offense.

In reality, the Bears pressured three straight scoreless drives to start out the sport — two of which have been turnovers on downs — completed with a season-high 108 whole tackles and sophomore linebacker Elijah Anderson-Taylor recovered a fumble. Seven of its tackles have been for a lack of yards, and two have been quarterback sacks.

UNC, nonetheless, additionally allowed the Hornets to attain on 9-of-14 drives. All however two scoring performs have been touchdowns.

Total, this was one other irritating sport the place the Bears couldn’t put the items collectively for a complete 60 minutes.

There have been a number of alternatives to get issues going, however the crew didn’t do sufficient in any space to essentially decelerate among the finest groups within the nation, regardless that it has the abilities.

The loss gave the Hornets their finest begin in program historical past, whereas the Bears will return to Greeley with a schedule that doesn’t get any simpler. It options groups which can be at present ranked or have obtained votes in ballot voting.

UNC will play at residence subsequent week for the primary time since homecoming. It is going to host Montana State at 1 p.m. and hope to cease one other prime 10 crew.