The Sicatoka

"Understaffed" is being polite.

I know the perception of the BSC is "five-wide". I'd say the problem of defending in the BSC is "diversity of offense". You have EWU chuckin' the pigskin; you have Poly running power Wing-T; you have Montana's and MSU 11 and 12 sets. What does UND have to do to be ready for the MVFC? Strengthen (deepen) the offensive line and defensive front, but that's the plan already. Wasn't it the NDSU fans here saying not that long ago if UND played "midwest" football in the BSC we'd be fine? Well, UND plays "midwest" football (stout defense, run based offense) and won the BSC this season. I don't see how that'll be a problem going to the MVFC.

The other aspect of the B1G is their Big Ten Academic Alliance (formerly the CIC). That group, as a group, lobbies Congress for research dollars and collaborates on research. I suspect a former MN Congressman (The Honorable Mark R. Kennedy) has probably been lobbied by them at some point in his career. And knowing how Congressmen work, he probably still has all, ALL, the names and phone numbers, including presidents. I'm not saying UND would be any part of that; however, it's always good to know people who know people.

I do believe it's possible for UND and NDSU to be the top two in FCS at the same time and for an era. I base this on UND and NDSU being the top two in DII WBB for a long time. Right now, both are top 12. That says each team is a couple players away from it.

The BTN needs Sunday afternoon filler programming.

The other question that just rattled in my head -- women's hockey at B1G members: UMn, UW, OSU, PSU.

Shhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't give it away!

Current BTHC (6): UMn, UW, UMi, MiSU, OSU, PSU. Soon to be BTHC (7): UMn, UW, UMi, MiSU, OSU, PSU, Notre Dame. Seven is not a great, workable number. Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State got Notre Dame in (affiliate) to put butts into (hockey rink) seats. Minnesota and Wisconsin went along, but what are they going to get in exchange? I really could see BTHC looking to add an eighth team to make scheduling and post-season conference play easier.

That I believe. Schloss probably doesn't have anyone that 'inside' unless he and Happy (of USCHO fame) are really behind-the-scene pals. (Doubt it.)

UND has school colors turf and end zones before it was cool and trendy.

For some reason Bo Pelini's name in my head right now ...

But it begs the observation: He's moving down the coaching ranks. (P5 to FCS is not moving up.)

NDSU's offense has never done anything exceptional; however, what they do they do exceptionally well*. Guys do not miss blocks; backs hit the holes on time; routes are run correctly; the QB just has to be efficient (and anything more makes the precision lethal). When you watch them closely, they have maybe four run block schemes, six primary pass routes. They just do them, as I said, exceptionally well so it is hard to defend them. If NDSU stays with that formula, well, meet the new OC, same as the old OC. If the new OC thinks he's going to bring in something "kinda cool kinda now kinda hip kinda wow" he (and Klieman) better be ready for some tough, ugly criticism if it doesn't fire on all cylinders immediately. *I consider that a great compliment.

So is that what you call your dealer?

Abe Vigoda is wise (and dead).

I'll agree, but probably not for the same reason as you; however, as with everything in life, you have to go with what you got.

Like I said, full boat or nothin'.

Are you listening Coach Bubba? It's time. https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/plate.htm It'll be awesome. The logo will look like it made that confused looking, improperly lit*, ugly, wooly, drool cow go sit in the corner. *The sunset is behind it but it is lit from the view's POV?

Well heck, if you're going go full boat. 14-0

No. I want the rule book called. Spurgeon's hit was dangerous. How do I know? The guy who received it felt the need to retaliate (and in the process went even further outside the rules).

The agents and marketers will tell you "Yes". They want their clients' faces out there.

Change.org petitions: Just as effective as hashtags.

As a Moderator, sorry, I missed it.

Last year at WMU UND won because UND16 and UND22 were the best two players on the ice. We'll need that and at least two more UND guys to really step up this time.