The Northern Colorado Nightmare suffered a gruesome loss as the Colorado Vipers ran away with the game in the second half. After a two game winning streak and a balanced true team win at home last week the Vipers came in and picked apart the Nightmare. Quarterback and offensive line problems are lingering with deep concern as to what the Nightmare will bring to the rematch with the Longhorns.

This was an ugly game of missed penalties, poor offensive performance, and poor behavior on both teams part. Outside of Madden, this was the first time in person I have seen a 3rd & goal from the 41 yard-line. Between the failure to diversify the offense, failure to motivate, and failure to discipline the offense there was mounting frustration that came out through loss of yards and turnovers. Adding to the limitations clutch kicker Topher Ahrens was limited to special teams coverage due to a minor lower leg injury sustained in the previous week. Despite not having a large zone for field goal attempts Ahrens did make a thunderous coverage tackle on punt team.

Quartback Matt Keeling was called on religiously throughout the game to make plays or run for his life. Early in the game Keeling ran to the right to try and gain yardage, but ultimately fumbled the ball to the Vipers. The game was littered with penalties, but the refs chose not to throw the flag when a Nightmare receiver was pushed down and the Vipers capitalized with an interception. One play later the Vipers threw a slant across the middle and burned the Nightmare with elite speed to the endzone. NoCo gave up the score, but rallied and blocked the low flying attempt.

The rest of the first half would be a back and forth street fight as lack of conversions and turnovers kept either team at bay for the most part. The Vipers chunk plays added up and found the endzone and recouped their points with a two point conversion. Right before half the Vipers blindside blocked a Nightmare player with malice intent to really deflate and frustrate the Nightmare.

The second half had some hope in the first few minutes, but the Vipers took a hold of the game and used their irritating chants to get into the heads of the Nightmare for the rest of the game. A 14-0 deficit would ultimately be doubled and a couple as the Nightmare gave up another easy 20 points for a 34-0 loss. The breakdown of discipline, technique and spirit was a jarring sight to fans who are used to seeing scrappy players who never give up. Interim head coach and offensive coordinator Christian Benson needs to do some serious team building with the offensive line and quarterbacks to bring the Nightmare back to themselves before their rematch with the Colorado Longhorns on July 1st in The Boneyard at District 6 Stadium.