Things didn't go as the University of Northern Colorado football team planned, but it received recognition from the Big Sky for top individual performers on Tuesday.

Six UNC players received honors from the conference, as voted on by the league coaches, most of whom played on defense.

Defensive coordinator Scott Darnell said at the beginning of the season that fans should expect major improvements with his players. Even with the team falling short of its preseason goals, Darnell's squad was the most consistent of all position groups and provided opportunities for the offense.

Sophomore linebacker David Hoage received a spot on the All-Big Sky Second Team for his efforts this season. Hoage contributed 22 tackles for loss to lead the conference and rank third in the FCS. He recorded 10.5 sacks on the season, as well, landing at No. 5 in the league and tied for No. 11 in the nation. Hoage's 10.5 sacks lead the program for most in the Division I era.

Other notable areas of Hoage's game included 40 total tackles (No. 23), 6.4 tackles per game in the conference season and eight quarterback hurries (No. 3).

Darnell took to Twitter on Tuesday to criticize the league for putting Hoage on the second team. He compared Hoage to Mortensen who plays the same position.

Mortensen didn't crack the league's top 25 in tackles, tackles for loss or sacks but was selected for the first team.

In a now-deleted tweet, Darnell used the hashtags "declaration of war" and "good 'ol boys" to describe the decision.

GREELEY, CO - NOV. 23: University of Northern Colorado defensive coordinator Scott Darnell criticized the Big Sky Conference for placing sophomore linebacker David Hoage on the All-Conference Second Team, despite having better numbers than Conner Mortensen, the Weber State linebacker who received the first team selection. Darnell has since deleted the tweet. (Screenshot via Twitter)

Junior offensive lineman Grant Stephens received Second Team honors, too. He started the entire season at right tackle and helped guide UNC to the fewest allowed sacks in the Big Sky. Opponents recorded 1.18 sacks per game, ranking No. 15 in the NCAA.

Stephens was also a player that allowed UNC to record six 100-yard rushing games. The best performance came against Southern Utah, when the Bears rushed for 251 yards.

Senior defensive back Jerone Jackson earned a spot on the All-Big Sky Third Team; he received honorable mention in 2019.

Jackson was No. 18 in the Big Sky with 75 total tackles and No. 4 among all defensive backs. He led the team in tackles four times this season.

Sophomore wide receiver Kassidy Woods, junior linebacker Jace Bobo and sophomore defensive lineman Joe Golden received honorable mention.

Woods, a transfer from Washington State, led the team with 483 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 48.3 yards per game to rank No. 19 in the Big Sky. His four touchdowns were tied for No. 12 in the conference.

Bobo finished 11th in the league with 85 tackles and led the Big Sky early in the season. Additionally, Bobo's 85 tackles were the most for the Bears. He had a career-high 14 in the season opener against the University of Colorado.

Lastly, Golden finished with 42 total tackles, three sacks and seven tackles for loss. He also pressured opposing quarterbacks six times, to tie for No. 5 in the conference.

This offseason, UNC will look to replace a number of graduating and transferring players. The Bears will start the 2022 season at home against Houston Baptist on Sept. 3.