BEAUMONT, Texas – For the first time in program history, the Lamar University football team will travel to the state of Colorado to play a game, which will be against a first-time opponent – Northern Colorado. Both teams enter the contest looking to get over the .500 mark – the Bears are looking for consecutive wins after their impressive victory at Houston Baptist, while Big Red looks to bounce back from a disappointing loss at UTSA.
 
The Cardinals enter the week with an offense that is averaging nearly 300 yards per game, including 166 on the ground. LU's ground attack is being led by Beaumont sophomore James Jones. A little used reserve during his first two seasons, Jones has started each of the first two games and currently ranks among the league leaders averaging 50.0 rushing yards per game.
 
Big Red's defense, although young, has been impressive in the early going. Holding opponents to less than 285 yards per game, the Cardinals are surrendering fewer than 60 yards per game on the ground in 2021. LU's defense is being led by preseason All-WAC selection, Anthony Ruffin, who has 12 tackles on the season.
 
Surrendering just 24 points per game, the Bears' defense is allowing better than 320 yards per game this season, a mark that includes 170 yards the ground. UNC has an opportunistic defense having forced four fumbles (three recoveries) and picked off two passes through two games. 
 
The Bears offense found its rhythm last week against Houston Baptist. UNC scored 45 points and racked up nearly 400 yards of offense – 171 rushing – against the Huskies.
 
Saturday's game will kick off at 2 p.m. (3 p.m. Beaumont time) from Nottingham Field. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 and streamed live on ESPN+.