For the record: UNC is 0-1 after losing 22-20 at home to Lindenwood, which kicked a 21-yard field goal on the last play.
Streaking: UNC has lost 16 consecutive games to CSU, but the teams haven’t met since 1986.
Who’s hot: Defensive back Marcel Gibbons, a junior from Mesa Ridge High School, led the Bears with 12 tackles and a forced fumble in their season opener.
Who’s not: UNC’s defense allowed 447 yards to Lindenwood, an NAIA team in St. Charles, Mo., that is transitioning to NCAA Division II next year.
Key stat: UNC has never beaten CSU in football, but the teams had an odd 5-5 tie in 1899. CSU leads the series 16-0-1.
FYI: The game against Lindenwood marked the debut of UNC coach Earnest Collins Jr., an ex- Bears defensive back and punt returner. He told the school’s website after the game that rebuilding the Bears will take time. “This, for us, our coaching staff and players, is a process,” Collins said. “We are programming these young men’s minds that we have to prepare every week — week in, week out — no matter who we’re playing against.”
Injury report: QB Seth Lobato missed the second half of the opener with an undisclosed injury.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
