THE University of Northern Colorado (UNC) football team travels to Pullman, WA to take on the Washington State Cougars.

Northern Colorado

Coach: Ed Lamb

Record: 0-2 (UNC) 45-47 (SUU)

Championships: 2 Conference Titles (SUU in Big Sky 2015, Great West 2010)

History: Head Coach Lamb produced two eight-win seasons, two conference titles, and two playoff appearances in eight years with Southern Utah. Bears fans hope the vast experiences Lamb has from Southern Utah to San Diego with Jim Harbaugh to BYU can cultivate a winning culture here too.

Offensive Impact Players

Quarterback, Jacob Sirmon, Senior – 6’5″ 230 lbs.

Tight End, Alec Pell, Redshirt Junior – 6’4″ 260 lbs.

Wide Receiver, Blake Haggerty, Redshirt Freshman – 5’11” 182 lbs.

The UNC offense has produced a measly 18 points compared to their competitors 73. This ratio will likely get worse this week so more than ever they need to focus on the fundamentals of getting in scoring position. When something doesn’t work try someone or something new while you have the PAC 12 tv stage.

Defensive Impact Players

Defensive Back, Tizell Lewis, Senior – 6’0″ 170 lbs.

Linebacker, Vincent King, Redshirt Junior – 6’0″ 237 lbs.

Defensive Back, Tywonne Harris, Senior – 5’9″ 176 lbs.

The defense showed a lot of fight last week despite the tough opponent and lacking scoreboard. The secondary and linebackers held off UIW as long as they could before coverage broke down. If they can limit big plays and use effective double teams they should be able to limit WSU to the same damage as they did to Colorado State. The one weakness is WSU tackles as they let Ward get sacked 7 times and allowed double digit tackles for a loss.

Washington State (FBS)

Coach: Jake Dickert

Record: 12-9 (2nd Season WSU)

History: Head Coach Dickert has spent time with numerous successful programs around the Midwest including North Dakota State, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Minnesota State, a year at Southeastern Missouri State and three years at Wyoming before contributing to Washington State. Dickert also had a successful playing career at Wisconsin-Stevens Point from 2002-06. Dickert may be young into his head coaching experience, but a shellacking of Colorado State and a win over #19 Wisconsin proves he knows what he is doing.

Offensive Impact Players

Quarterback, Cam Ward, Junior – 6’2″ 223 lbs.

Wide Receiver, Lincoln Victor, Senior – 5’9″ 179 lbs.

Wide Receiver, Kyle Williams, Junior – 6’0″ 187 lbs.

Cam Ward is an outstanding athlete and puts up huge passing yards. The lack of rushing attack makes it clear the Cougars will be airing it out. Ward’s UIW had a day with UNC and Ward will do even better unless the Bears tighten down the break away plays.

Defensive Impact Players

Edge, Ron Stone Jr., Redshirt Senior – 6’3″ 246 lbs.

Defensive Back, Jaden Hicks, Redshirt Sophomore – 6’3″ 212 lbs.

Linebacker, Kyle Thorton, Redshirt Junior – 6’1″ 222 lbs.

This defense is scrappy and took down #19 Wisconsin. At all levels the Cougars have a leader that will act like a boss level for the Bears. Ball security and accuracy will be a premium this week unless they prefer to see WSU score on defense.

Prediction

UNC will enjoy being on national television, but may not like the result. WSU proved to be a tough team by slapping CSU and dismantling #19 Wisconsin. UNC’s goals this week will be ball security, fundamentals of scoring and providing pressure on the quarterback. Expect a slightly higher score than last week.

Ben: WSU 56, UNC 3

Chris: WSU 48, UNC 6