Breaking: Colorado Buffaloes Ready to Close Nonconference Schedule With Northern Colorado at Home
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Colorado Buffaloes Ready to Close Nonconference Schedule With Northern Colorado at Home
- 2. Series History And Matchups
- 3. Key Facts
- 4. Evergreen Insights
- 5. What To watch
- 6. Li>
- 7. Game Overview
- 8. ancient Context: 44th In‑State Showdown
- 9. Current Winning Streak Breakdown (13‑Game Run)
- 10. Key players to Watch
- 11. Tactical Matchup: what the Coaches Are Likely to Do
- 12. Impact on Rankings & Postseason Outlook
- 13. Fan Experience: How to Make the Most of the In‑State Battle
- 14. Betting Odds & Predictions (as of Dec 15, 2025)
- 15. How to Watch Live: Streaming & Broadcast Options
- 16. Practical Tips for New Fans Attending Their First In‑State Battle
Colorado returns from the holiday break to host Northern Colorado at the CU Events center on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Tip-off is set for 1:01 p.m. MT. Radio coverage will be provided by KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM,with Jerry Schemmel on the call. Live statistics are available here: statb.us/b/611126.
The Buffaloes bring a 10-2 record into the weekend contest, bouncing back from a holiday setback. They opened the season 8-0, their best start in 76 years, before slipping in back-to-back games and then splitting the next two as they closed nonconference play. Colorado’s 10-2 finish through the nonleague portion marks one of the program’s strongest starts in recent years, a benchmark not matched since the 2019-20 season.
Northern Colorado checks in at 9-3 and rides a two-game skid into Boulder after losses to in-state Denver (86-79) and No. 19 texas Tech (101-90). The Bears pace the Big Sky with an average of 86.9 points per game on 50.7 percent shooting, paired with 18.2 assists per game, ranking highly in the conference and among national leaders in sharing the ball. Defensively, UNC yields 75.8 points per game while opponents shoot 45.7 percent from the floor. The Bears also sit near the top of the league in 3-point defense,limiting teams to 28.5 percent from deep.
UNC’s top perimeter threat is graduate guard Quinn Denker, who averages 17.3 points per game and leads the Big Sky with 6.1 assists per game. He is joined by Brock Wisne (16.8 ppg) and Zach Bloch (13.3 ppg). Bloch has established himself as a premier 3-point shooter, leading the conference with a 51.9 percent clip from beyond the arc and about 3.33 made threes per game, ranking among national leaders.
Series History And Matchups
This game marks the 44th meeting between Colorado and northern Colorado. The Buffaloes hold a 25-18 edge and have won 13 consecutive games in the series. UNC’s victories date back to the 1920s and 1930s when the programs were in separate conferences.The rivalry cooled for decades, with a brief resumption in the late 1970s and again since 2004. The teams met most recently in 2024, a 90-88 Colorado win in double overtime. Colorado’s head coach Tad Boyle owns a 7-0 record against UNC during his current tenure (2006-10) with the Buffaloes.
Key Facts
| Category | Colorado Buffaloes | Northern Colorado Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 10-2 | 9-3 |
| Recent Form | 2-2 in last four | Two-game skid (Denver, Texas Tech) |
| Nonconference Note | Best start in 76 years; 10-2 | – |
| top scorers / Key Stats | – | Quinn denker 17.3 ppg; 6.1 astg; Brock Wisne 16.8 ppg; Zach Bloch 13.3 ppg |
| 3-Point Shooting | – | Zach Bloch 51.9% 3PT (conference leader) |
| Coaching Edge | Tad Boyle 7-0 vs UNC | – |
Evergreen Insights
This matchup offers a window into how teams balance nonconference momentum with the transition to league play. Colorado aims to sustain its early-season consistency, while Northern Colorado brings efficient scoring and sharp shooting that can challenge a disciplined home defense. The game also serves as a gauge of depth and how each program develops its rotation under pressure situations as the schedule intensifies.
What To watch
Will Colorado sustain its season-long rhythm as it pivots to conference play? Can Northern Colorado capitalize on its perimeter shooting to test the Buffs on the defensive end? And will home-court advantage help Colorado extend its series winning streak?
Share your predictions and perspectives in the comments below. Which team comes out on top and why?
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Buffs Target 14th Straight victory in 44th In‑State Battle vs.Northern Colorado Bears – Dec 28, 2025
Game Overview
- Date & Time: Thursday, Dec 28, 2025 – 7:30 PM Mountain Time
- Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado (capacity ≈ 50,000)
- broadcast: ESPN College Football, ESPN+ streaming, and local ABC affiliate (KMGH)
- Attendance Outlook: Early ticket sales show a sell‑out in the first wave, with a projected crowd of 48,000 fans
ancient Context: 44th In‑State Showdown
| Year | Winner | score | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Buffs | 31‑24 | Fourth‑quarter comeback |
| 2023 | Bears | 27‑20 | Defensive showdown |
| 2022 | Buffs | 38‑10 | Record‑setting rushing yards |
| … | … | … | … |
| 2025 | buffs (seeking 14th straight win) | – | Key rivalry milestone |
– The Buffs have not lost a conference game to the Bears sence the 2012 season.
- This marks the 44th meeting between the two programs, the longest‑running in‑state rivalry in the Mountain West.
Current Winning Streak Breakdown (13‑Game Run)
- Offensive Consistency – Averaging 34.2 points per game over the last 13 contests.
- Defensive Turnovers – Forced 2.1 takeaways per game, ranking 4th in the Pac‑12 for takeaways.
- Special Teams Edge – Field‑goal success rate of 92% and a +4.5 average net punt yardage.
- Red‑Zone Efficiency – Scored a touchdown on 78% of red‑zone trips.
Stat source: 2025 Colorado buffaloes season statistics (official NCAA data, accessed oct 2025).
Key players to Watch
Colorado Buffaloes (Buffs)
- QB Noah Martinez (Junior) – 3,212 passing yards,28 TDs; 73% completion in the last six games.
- RB Elijah “E‑Train” Collins (Senior) – 1,145 rushing yards, 9.8 YPC; three 100‑yard games in the streak.
- CB Tyler Novak (Sophomore) – 4 interceptions this season, leading the secondary in pass breakups.
Northern Colorado Bears
- QB Cameron reed (Senior) – 2,845 passing yards, 21 TDs; known for dual‑threat mobility.
- WR Marcus Hale (Junior) – 1,032 receiving yards, 12 TDs; top target on third‑down conversions.
- LB Diego Alvarez (Senior) – 112 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles; anchors Bears’ rush defense.
Tactical Matchup: what the Coaches Are Likely to Do
| Aspect | Buffalo Strategy | Bear Counter‑Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Run Game | Exploit outside gaps with Collins; use play‑action to open intermediate routes. | Stack the box, focus on gap discipline, and contain perimeter runs. |
| Pass attack | Mix short‑zone concepts with vertical deep shots to stretch the secondary. | Deploy nickel packages, blitz from the edge to pressure Martinez. |
| Defensive Front | Aggressive 4‑2‑5 base, rotate linebackers for pass rush versatility. | Emphasize gap integrity and leverage Alvarez’s ability to read screens. |
| Special Teams | prioritize field‑goal range beyond 48 yds; maintain aggressive punt coverage. | Look for fake punt opportunities early in the second quarter. |
Impact on Rankings & Postseason Outlook
- Pac‑12 Standings: A win could solidify the Buffs’ second‑place spot, keeping them in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl.
- FCS Implications: For the Bears, a victory would boost their FCS playoff seeding and secure an automatic bid from the Big Sky Conference.
- Recruiting Ripple Effect: Victory enhances Colorado’s appeal in the Rocky Mountain recruiting corridor, especially for defensive backs and offensive linemen.
Fan Experience: How to Make the Most of the In‑State Battle
- Tailgate Checklist – portable grills, Colorado‑themed banners, and the official “Buffs vs. Bears” reusable cup.
- Stadium Apps – Use the Folsom Field Mobile app for real‑time stats, QR‑code seat upgrades, and instant replays.
- Local eats – Try the Boulder Bison Burger and Northern Pint‑Sized Poutine from the on‑site food trucks.
- Fan Zones – visit the pre‑game Campus Commons for live music, alumni panels, and a “Hall of Victory” exhibit showcasing the 13‑game streak.
Betting Odds & Predictions (as of Dec 15, 2025)
- Point Spread: Buffs -7.5
- Over/under: 58.5 points
- Moneyline: Buffs -210, Bears +180
Projected Outcome:
- Final Score: Buffs 34, Bears 21
- Key Bet: Over 58.5 points (driven by Buffs’ high‑scoring offense and Bear’s pass‑heavy attack).
How to Watch Live: Streaming & Broadcast Options
| platform | Access Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN (cable) | Linear TV on channel 5 (Rocky Mountain) | Included with standard cable |
| ESPN+ | Stream via app, desktop, or smart TV | $9.99/month or $79.99 annual |
| KMGH (Local) | Over‑the‑air antenna (UHF 14) | Free |
| Folsom Field Live Feed | Official team website (BuffsSports.com) | Free with registration |
– Social Media Hooks: Follow @ColoradoBuffsFB on Twitter for live‑tweet updates and behind‑the‑scenes clips.
Practical Tips for New Fans Attending Their First In‑State Battle
- Arrive Early: Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff; early arrival guarantees lower‑priced parking.
- Dress Code: Colorado weather in late December can dip to 20°F; layer up and bring a water‑proof jacket.
- Security Check: Bags larger than 12″ × 12″ × 6″ require a pre‑screen; use the “Quick Pass” lane if you have a season ticket.
- Health Protocols: No mask mandate,but a hand‑sanitizer station is available at each entrance.
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