SB Nation Denver - Northern Colorado 2011 Season Schedule: Bears Drop Opener, 22-20https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-09-05T15:09:33-06:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/21686222011-09-05T15:09:33-06:002011-09-05T15:09:33-06:00Northern Colorado Loses To Lindenwood On Late Field Goal, 22-20
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<p>The Earnest Collins Jr. Era as head coach at alma mater Northern Colorado did not start off as things should have. Playing Division II Lindenwood, a level change from the NAIA, the Bears fell to the Lions on a time-expiring field goal, 22-20.</p>
<p>The Bears jumped out to a 7-0 lead on an eight-yard touchdown pass from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Seth Lobato</a> to David Deans, but Lindenwood answered back with two field goals.</p>
<p>Bears running back Quintin Hildreth, the team's leading rusher with 54 yards, punched the ball across the goal line on a nine-yard run a few minutes later. However, the Lions were down at halftime, 14-13, because they scored a touchdown just a minute after Hildreth's.</p>
<p>Seth Lobato<a target="_blank" href="http://uncbears.com/sports/fball/2011-12/releases/2011090347ivaq"> did not return for the second half of the game</a>, as he was forced out of action due to a rough hit. He went 11-of-17 for 97 yards. Dylan Orms played the second half for the Bears and went just 5-of-10 for 65 yards.</p>
<p>Lindenwood took the lead early in the fourth quarter with a 71-yard touchdown pass. Dave Eden, though, kicked two field goals for the Bears to retake the lead, 20-19. The last one came with 1:10 remaining on the clock, but that was just enough time for the Lions to make a late charge.</p>
<p>Proving the old adage that no lead is ever safe, Lindenwood returned the ensuing kickoff for 44 yards to reach the Bears' 48-yard line. Quarterback <span class="sbn-auto-link">John Uribe</span> threw five straight complete passes to reach the two-yard line. After a loss of two yards on a rushing play, the Lions set up for and kicked the game-winning field goal for the 22-20 victory.</p>
<p>Northern Colorado travels next week to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-st-rams">Colorado St. Rams</a>.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/9/5/2406534/northern-colorado-football-lindenwood-lossRuss Oates2011-09-01T10:30:58-06:002011-09-01T10:30:58-06:00Northern Colorado Vs. Lindenwood: Seth Lobato Leads Bears In New Offense
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<p>The Northern Colorado Bears begin their 2011 season against the new Division II team, Lindenwood. Sophomore quarterback Seth Lobato leads the Bears onto the field this Saturday.</p> <p>The Northern Colorado Bears begin the 2011 season on Saturday with a game against the Lindenwood Lions. This will be a matchup between a Division I FCS team in Northern Colorado and a Division II team in Lindenwood. The Lions are currently 1-2 against FCS teams in their history.</p>
<p>Lindenwood is making the transition from the NAIA to Division II, which could prove tough. They won't be able to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lindenwoodlions.com/news/2011/8/31/FB_0831110309.aspx?path=football">average the 52.9 points they did over the last two seasons</a>. They'll also need to replace eight starters, including quarterback Philip Staback.</p>
<p>The Bears went 3-8 during the 2010 season with wins against Adams State (season opener, 54-0), Idaho State (Week 3, 35-21) and a season-ending victory over the Portland State Vikings (35-30), former team of current Denver Broncos tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Julius Thomas</a>.</p>
<p>This season, Bears head coach Earnest Collins surprised some by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20110826/SPORTS/708269929/1012&parentprofile=1010">naming a new starting quarterback, Seth Lobato</a>. He played sparingly in 2010 for the Bears while Dylan Orms threw for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdown passes. However, the move to Lobato came as a result of a move to a spread, no-huddle offense this year.</p>
<p>Game time is set for 1:35 p.m. MT on Saturday, Sept. 3. The toughest match of the season should come the next week when they face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-st-rams">Colorado St. Rams</a>.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/9/1/2398027/northern-colorado-vs-lindenwood-seth-lobatoRuss Oates