2025-11-16 12:00
What to Expect From Northern Colorado Bears Football This Upcoming Season
As I sit down to analyze what we might expect from the Northern Colorado Bears this upcoming football season, I can’t help but draw a parallel to something I recently watched—a boxing match where a single, well-placed left by Suarez opened a gash that left Navarrete bloodied for the rest of the bout. That moment, brutal as it was, reminds me of how a single play or decision in football can define an entire season. For the Bears, last year had its share of cuts and bruises, but there’s a palpable sense of anticipation around this team now, and I’m genuinely excited to see how they respond. Let’s dive into what I think will shape their 2023 campaign, from roster changes to strategic adjustments, and why I believe they could surprise a few people in the Big Sky Conference.
First off, the Bears are coming off a 3-8 record last season, which, frankly, wasn’t where anyone hoped they’d be. But as someone who’s followed college football for years, I’ve learned that past performance doesn’t always predict future results—especially when a team is rebuilding. Head coach Ed McCaffrey, now in his third year, has been steadily injecting new talent into the lineup, and I’ve got a good feeling about the chemistry I’m seeing. Take the quarterback situation, for example. Last season, they rotated between two guys, but this year, I’m betting on sophomore Jacob Sirmon to step up. He showed flashes of brilliance in 2022, completing around 58% of his passes for 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns, and if he can cut down on interceptions—he threw 6 last year—this offense could really hum. Personally, I love his pocket presence; it’s something you can’t teach, and I think he’ll be the key to unlocking their potential.
On the offensive side, the Bears averaged just 21 points per game in 2022, which placed them near the bottom of the conference. But here’s where that boxing analogy comes back to me: sometimes, one strategic move can change everything. I remember watching film from spring practices, and the offensive line looks stronger, with three returning starters who’ve bulked up in the offseason. If they can create those “Suarez-like” openings in the run game, it’ll take pressure off the passing attack. Speaking of which, the receiving corps lost a couple of seniors, but I’m high on junior wideout Alex Wesley—he’s quick, runs crisp routes, and I’ve seen him make catches in traffic that remind me of pros. Defensively, the Bears gave up 34 points per game last season, which is concerning, but I’ve heard through the grapevine that the coaching staff has shifted to a more aggressive 4-3 scheme. They’ve added two transfers on the defensive line, and if those guys can generate a consistent pass rush, it could be a game-changer. I mean, in football, as in boxing, if you’re not applying pressure, you’re just waiting to get hit.
Now, let’s talk schedule and intangibles. The Bears open with two non-conference games, including a tough away matchup against a Power Five team—last year, they lost by 28 points in a similar spot, but I think they’ll keep it closer this time, maybe within 10 points. Why? Because this group seems hungrier, and in my experience, that mental edge matters. I’ve chatted with a few players during fan events, and there’s a resilience there that wasn’t as evident before. For instance, they mentioned focusing on turnover differential; last season, they were minus-5 in that category, and if they can flip that to even or positive, it could easily translate to one or two more wins. I’m also keeping an eye on special teams—their kicker, senior Liam Jones, nailed 12 of 15 field goals last year, and in close games, that reliability is gold. From an SEO perspective, if you’re searching for “Northern Colorado Bears football predictions,” you’ll want to note that their home games at Nottingham Field could be a huge advantage; the altitude in Greeley, sitting at about 4,658 feet, often wears down visiting teams, and I’ve seen it swing outcomes in the fourth quarter.
Wrapping this up, I’ll admit I’m cautiously optimistic about the Bears. They might not be contenders for the FCS playoffs just yet—realistically, I’d peg them for a 5-6 or 6-5 finish—but the progress is tangible. In football, like in that Navarrete fight, a little blood doesn’t mean the battle’s over; it can fuel a comeback. I expect this team to play with more cohesion and fight, and if they stay healthy, they could pull off an upset or two. So, if you’re a fan or just a casual observer, keep an eye on them this fall. From my seat, it’s going to be a season worth watching, full of those moments that make college football so unpredictable and thrilling.
