67 replies to this topic

[bambinobliss]

Geaux_sioux, without getting too wordy in this thread, a little background.  This is Burton's third year as coach.  He was at Nevada previously, where he was introduced to the 'Pistol' offense, which he brought to PSU.  Before he arrived we suffered through a few years under Jerry Glanville, who nearly destroyed the program.  The Viks had one of the biggest turnarounds at the FCS level last year and was a field goal away from sharing the conference title.  We lost a very good QB in Conner Kavanaugh,  great running back, and a dynamite SS.  Having said that, we picked up some very promising transfers from FBS programs and have a recruiting class that was rated #2 in the nation at the FCS level.  Offensive line is all returning (led Big Sky in rushing the last two years).  The likely starter at QB is a transfer from a California JC that broke Aaron Rodgers record for completions.  Ian Ruder, a beat writer here in the Rose City, put together a short piece recently outlining the current state of affairs.  Here's the link if you're so inclined.  Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

http://ianruder.com/wp/?p=696

[geaux_sioux]

Both teams need to do alot to gain national respect this year.

[UND1]

The team will finish a solid 5th the first 2-3 yrs. then will climb into playoffs.  This is a definite, as of our talent level right now.  Good talent just not top 4 BSC yet.

[geaux_sioux]

UND1, on 01 June 2012 - 11:26 PM, said:

The team will finish a solid 5th the first 2-3 yrs. then will climb into playoffs.  This is a definite, as of our talent level right now.  Good talent just not top 4 BSC yet.

You better open up wide for some crow this season then

[darell1976]

UND1, on 01 June 2012 - 11:26 PM, said:

The team will finish a solid 5th the first 2-3 yrs. then will climb into playoffs.  This is a definite, as of our talent level right now.  Good talent just not top 4 BSC yet.

With Montana, MSU, Cal Poly we have some tough trees to chop down. It may take UND some time to get used to the BSC schedule, however our talent level IMO is better than last year especially if we have our QB situation under control.

[FSSD]

http://www.gogriz.co...conference.html

It looks like college football has a couple of rule changes for this year.  It should make kickoff returns interesting.

Two other football-related changes: 1) Kickoffs will be from the 35 yard line, and players on the coverage team need to start within five yards of the ball. 2) Touchbacks will be brought out to the 25 yard line.

[nodakvindy]

I think people have to realize that with the unbalanced conference schedule, UND could put up a very good record and still finish in 5th.

Here's a scenario where UND is 6-2 and alone in 5th

Montana St 7-1 Only loss to Montana
Cal Poly 7-1 Only loss to North Dakota
Weber St. 7-1 Only loss to Cal Poly
Montana 7-1 Only loss to Weber St.
UND 6-2  Losses to Montana and Montana St.

I certainly couldn't be disappointed in a season like that.  A win vs. Portland State in the non-conference game would put UND at the magic 7 wins and likely mean a playoff berth.

[geaux_sioux]

nodakvindy, on 02 June 2012 - 07:54 PM, said:

I think people have to realize that with the unbalanced conference schedule, UND could put up a very good record and still finish in 5th.

Here's a scenario where UND is 6-2 and alone in 5th

Montana St 7-1 Only loss to Montana
Cal Poly 7-1 Only loss to North Dakota
Weber St. 7-1 Only loss to Cal Poly
Montana 7-1 Only loss to Weber St.
UND 6-2  Losses to Montana and Montana St.

I certainly couldn't be disappointed in a season like that.  A win vs. Portland State in the non-conference game would put UND at the magic 7 wins and likely mean a playoff berth.

For some reason I feel like the conference schedule will be more like  a meat grinder than a pinata