Can the Northern Colorado Bears Football Team Turn Their Season Around This Year?

I’ve been following college football for more than a decade, and every season there’s at least one team that captures my attention—not because they’re dominating, but because they’re fighting to turn things around. This year, that team for me is the Northern Colorado Bears. After a shaky start, sitting at 1–4 as we approach midseason, the question on everyone’s mind—and certainly on mine—is whether they can salvage this campaign. I’ve seen teams spiral, but I’ve also witnessed incredible midseason turnarounds built on resilience, strategy, and sometimes, a single moment of clarity. It reminds me of something I observed recently in boxing—a sport I follow almost as closely as football. In a title fight not long ago, replays showed how a strong left by Suarez opened a gash that left Navarrete bloodied for the rest of the 12-round bout. That one punch didn’t end the fight, but it shifted momentum entirely. Navarrete had to adapt, defend differently, and dig deeper than he probably expected. In many ways, that’s what the Bears are facing now: an early setback that demands more than just effort—it demands a change in approach.

Looking at Northern Colorado’s season so far, there are clear parallels. They started with high hopes, but injuries and inconsistent execution have left them looking vulnerable, especially on defense. Through their first five games, they’ve allowed an average of 34.2 points—a number that simply won’t cut it if they want to compete in the Big Sky Conference. Offensively, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their week three matchup where they put up 38 points in a losing effort. But brilliance isn’t consistency, and that’s the real issue. As someone who’s analyzed game tape for years, I believe their problems are fixable. It’s not about talent—they have a capable quarterback in Dylan McCaffrey, who’s thrown for 1,240 yards and 9 touchdowns already—but about minimizing self-inflicted wounds. Turnovers and penalties have cost them at least two close games this year, in my opinion. If they can tighten up those areas, they’ve got a real shot.

What encourages me most is the team’s mentality. I spoke with a couple of players after their last game, and there was no quit in their eyes—just frustration and determination. That’s the kind of attitude that turns seasons around. Think about that boxing match again: Navarrete could have folded when he got cut, but he didn’t. He adjusted, conserved energy, and fought smarter. The Bears need to do the same. Their coaching staff, led by Ed McCaffrey, has the experience to steer this ship. I’ve always believed McCaffrey’s NFL background gives him an edge in preparing players for high-pressure situations, and now’s the time to prove it. They’ll need to lean on their running game more—maybe give more carries to Tru Wilson, who’s averaging 5.1 yards per attempt but hasn’t gotten enough touches in my view. Small tweaks like that could make a big difference.

Of course, the schedule won’t make it easy. They’ve got tough matchups ahead, including games against Eastern Washington and Montana State—two teams that are currently ranked in the FCS Top 15. But here’s where I differ from some analysts: I think an underdog role might actually help the Bears. They’ve been in this position before. Last season, they started 2–3 and finished 5–6, showing they can rally. This year, with 6 games left, I’d estimate they need to win at least 4 to have a shot at a .500 record or better. Is that realistic? Maybe not on paper, but football isn’t played on paper. If they can stay healthy and cut down mistakes, I’d give them a 40% chance to finish strong. That might not sound like much, but in sports, momentum is everything. One win could spark a run.

Let’s be honest, though—turnarounds aren’t just about X’s and O’s. They’re about belief. I remember covering a team a few years back that started 0–4 and finished 7–5. The players told me it was a single team meeting after week four that changed everything. They started holding each other accountable, celebrating small victories in practice, and trusting the process. Northern Colorado seems to be at a similar crossroads. Their fans—who’ve been patient through some lean years—deserve to see progress. And from what I’ve seen, this group has the heart to deliver. They might not win a championship this year, but they can certainly build toward something better. In the end, much like Navarrete battling through 12 rounds with a bloodied face, it’s not about how you start—it’s about how you finish. I, for one, am not counting them out just yet.