The Sicatoka

The plays they called and the ones they didn't all depend on executing the same or similar blocking schemes. The difference is where the play falls on the risk/reward curve. They stayed extremely "low risk". When SB has a DT just about taking the hand off half the time on a fast developing dive a longer to develop play is doomed.

They ran their base jet sweep with a different guy than usual as the motion man. He could execute it.

OK, I'm going to do it (and will probably regret it later) .... There's nothing flashy in NDSU's offense or NDSU's current formula. It's stout defense and ball-control offense. The reason NDSU's offense looks so good most of the time is they have an offensive line that executes their assignments with precision every play. Given that: their QB has time, the backs have holes, and the WRs have time to get open. But most importantly, all 11 guys, especially the five up front, are doing their assignments without mistake. UND has some work to do, but that's exactly what the UND staff is trying to put in place. I'l say it again: Mussman was an offensive lineman in college. How he could let the offensive line get to this state just stuns me. Bubba and Rudolph will just have to do rebuild it. Rebuilding can be done (see: defense).

The National Capricious and Arbitrary Association on exhibit.

Can they just be honest and call the position "Kumbahya Kommissar"?

Dare I refer you to the Lennon era where Bubba was the DC: With a lead and with the defense in control, the offense (per Lennon's directive) was dialed back to ultra-conservative*. That's what you saw last night. SB is not a come-from-behind team. The Tillman interception-TD made it two scores which at that point in the game is probably enough. The UND offense went completely conservative so as to not give up an easy score to SB on a miscue. What we need is enough offense to get a couple rushing first downs and not give the ball back with under four minutes to play. That takes some better line play and there are already about three threads talking about that. To you point about "predictable": Yup. But when you're playing to hold onto the ball and not make mistakes you're going to be. Don't you remember the early 2000s? First down was always over the left guard -- second and eight, but with UND with the ball and the clock running and the UND defense on the sideline resting and plotting. However, those teams had enough line push and other offensive weapons to make it third and three and convert. This team? It needs to work on that. This team, unfortunately, seems to make second and eight into third and eleven far too often. *You saw Mussman's offensive philosophy without Lennon there to temper it. You saw how well that worked out.

I saw a clip of Ben Henson in the pre-game show where he said something to the effect that all 11 guys need to execute. If only 10 do, it doesn't work. On offense I think I saw every position be the "one" of the 11 at some point. The lines must be priority #1 for recruiting. Another big back (which I think has already committed) sure wouldn't hurt. If they're playing Mollberg over Bartles right now, I know who is #1 on the QB depth chart come August 10, 2015: Studsrud. If not for the "Rich and Rat Show" the player of the game was UND's punter. He probably has a repetitive motion injury today.

You wondered about that too, eh?

When NDSU intercepted Montana in the end zone I looked at an 'SU fan I was with and said, "Game." I didn't figure JJ and the Griz would muster much more after that. However, between Weber State and Montana there's enough on film for the rest of of the world to see the formula to use against NDSU. (Dear Iowa State, you should be embarrassed that you're not in that list.) Key items: Know they're going to try to wear you down, so act accordingly (UM's defensive rotations); extend possessions as best you can (as NDSU's defense isn't used to being on the field for long durations); and bend, not break (make them kick FGs). Putting a FB in position to help your LT probably isn't a bad idea either if your LT isn't Anthony Munoz.

The stadium divider doesn't affect the east side stands, does it? Solution!

Yesterday would have been an awesome day to have: - defenders who like to run and play fast - offensive linemen who want to play the first day on campus in for a visit. They would've looked, seen, and signed immediately because they can see they'll get what they're looking for.

I wish I'd have taken the 22.5.

I love to bash Goldie as much as anyone, but I just looked at the line for UND's passing game yesterday: 2 of 7 (for 79 yards) with one (68 yd) TD and one interception.

Milwaukee's epic tumble is near complete. Pittsburgh's magic number for the last NL wild card spot is down to 5 (over Milwaukee). If it wasn't for Oakland's AL West train wreck everyone would be talking about Milwaukee's NL Central collapse.

My most positive notion* for UND becoming the "Eagles" is that everywhere in the State at the top of a flag pole, save for the Stars and Stripes, would fly this friendly reminder: *My least positive notion: Boston College

Updated story: http://www.grandforksherald.com/content/und-names-task-force-adopt-new-nickname-logo

Given the state of the NFL, and this guy who can't stay out of trouble, the whistling sound in Tallahassee this week is the sound of Winston's NFL draft status in freefall.

Remember "Major League? Cerrano and his altar to Jobu? The kid, 'gfhockey', has the same kind of thing set up to Blais.

South Prairie? Uh, Griggs County Central, Barnes County North, Central Cass, Northern Cass. <-- much better! Heck, even Maple Valley or Central Valley are more descriptive to where they are than "North Star"*. *That's in Ursa Minor, right?

Diversity in age? No, no. Diversity is however Kelley set up the quota.

"Ol' Boys" Logo: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqWxLOUxYY4/UmGNp-GPuSI/AAAAAAAAJJw/XPt9aj7ehu4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-18+at+2.07.48+PM.png

A couple things have to happen over the next 52 weeks: - NDSU needs to have some down angle in their program. I don't expect much more than a 777 on approach. - UND needs some major up angle in the program, about what you see at 0:34 here. That combo might put them at the same altitude.

< scanning defense > Thinking to self: Dang. They've read it ... "Kill! Kill! Kill! Ready .... "

Isn't it obvious?

But corn under $3 isn't helping them.