The Sicatoka

< goes to window with morning coffee > < looks out > < drops coffee mug > Oh crap. Are those four angry looking dudes on horseback coming over the horizon who I think they are?

But that might cost the NCAA some travel money.

For starters: analytics >>> "stogies and scotch". (PWR is a far better system.) Pseudo-regionalization is a joke: Per Massey ... #13 gets #65 #9 gets #35 #8 gets #38, but ... #10 gets #12? Finally, run a "bottom" FCS tournament for the HBCUs, non-scholly (Pioneer), and Ivys if they want in.

Someone else can wear the #1 in polls bullseye. I prefer being sniper to being target.

PWR is not a poll (opinion based); PWR is analytics (data based). Subtle but finite nuance.

Only poll that matters is the pole you raise a banner on.

I'll give you forty reasons to not try to 'jack my ride.

Most evenly matched (per Massey) FCS game this weekend? You guessed it ... https://masseyratings.com/cf/fcs/games?dt=20231125

Call me crazy but I'll take the quick zone exits we saw v UW.

< wet blanket alert > What I saw this weekend was slower play by the Dmen than we saw v. Army, UW, UMn. Too much "skateblade to stick"; too slow in moving the puck; I bet it was double the time to get from D in the corner to out of zone compared to Army weekend. That won't work against The Beaver; they're immediately on you. Need to get back to the crisp, quick actions we had against Army and the Red Menace of the West.

I can see the rationalization (notice I didn't say logic): Hit the two, up nine, two score game. But hit the one and up eight makes them hit a two-point.

At start of postseason: Sagarin: 9 Massey: 10

< golf clap >

Um, how's 'bout we take care our bidnez. Them beavs are never a pushover.

Outdoors. Altitude. A rested (angry) MSU. Not a pleasant combo.

We've shown the WR outside passing game so much; when do we release Dennis when they show they're going to jump the under to Bo.

Up seven, EP coming, go for one (up eight) to make them convert a two to tie.

You heard that on radio post game too. Interviewer asked if he got down for clock management. He sounded kinda sheepish about it, " ... felt them tugging at the ball ... so I got down ... " Basically admitted to commiting "ball security" over stretching to score or being savvy and thinking 'clock'.

UND hung 55 and SDSU hung 70 on The Drake.

The Vikings feel like Illinois State this morning. A -3 turnover margin? MIN was lucky to be in the game.

Be happy they can announce a SOLD (key word) out REA. That pays bills. What they’d really like is more concessions sales, but they can’t seem to staff to have everything open.

I’ve gotten TicketMaster emails the last four home series about “buy tickets” and I’ve had season stubs in new REA from day one. Ticket demand is down across all college sports. It’s a different culture than 20 or 40 years ago.

Create your short-sighted “fine” scenario I drop season tickets and UND loses that sure revenue. I won’t be alone I suspect. And does your “plan” include fines to students for unused seats?

Only rushed for 22, but 18 came on the most important drive to date of the season.

I’ve gone seven and eight deep on my “want them” call list when I couldn’t make it this season. Finally gave them to … a UND student. It was much the same last season also. And I don’t see long lines at the tellers looking to buy on game days. Can’t “resell” if the buyers aren’t there.