KEARNEY – The UNK Football team is searching for a new opponent on their 2024 football calendar, and may be rekindling an old rivalry in the process.
According to Loper Athletic Director Marc Bauer, the Lopers have an opening in their 2024 football schedule due to the departure of Lincoln University from the MIAA at the end of this athletic season. The Lopers and Lincoln will still honor their scheduled 2023 matchup at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium on November 4.
The Loper/Blue Tiger matchup in 2024 was scheduled for Week 5; around late September or early October. Bauer stated in an interview with KGFW Sports Director Austin Jacobsen that Chadron State could potentially be a future opponent in a non-conference matchup annually to fill the opening:
Chadron State would still have to make adjustments to their 2024 schedule, but the possibility is there according to Bauer.
The Lopers could find an alternate opponent or leave their week open for a bye week. Bauer also added that to aid the Lopers strength of schedule to boost their chances of making the D2 Playoffs, a non-conference matchup would behoove UNK.
