AJS

As sad as this is, I was just relieved that kicking it to the 10 and having the opponent run it back to the 40 wasn't by design!

Going from True Freshman to Sophomores at LS, Kicker and Punter will help. Each improved as the year went along last year. I still think the most crucial aspect is if either Leach or the new kicker can kick it into the end zone this year. I was encouraged that Kostich touched on that point in one of the articles earlier this month. Talking about Leach having an inconsistent build up (?) to his kick offs and how that affected his distance.

We won't know until the games actually start, but I'm some what surprised at the confidence level of some on this board. On one hand, I get it, based on past results. Can't blame for some to be hesitant as most seasons things haven't broken the way we've wanted it. They've been close and have shown flashes, but one thing or another has happened and left this team on the outside looking in. Looking at this years team, there are a couple things I'm confident in. Offensively, this will be the most complete, well balanced they have been under Bubba. Equal parts the personnel / new offensive philosophy. Playing to not only their strengths, but also to the opponents weaknesses. I'm not saying they'll be an elite offensive team, but they should be a very, very good unit. I think it will be shocking what a really good offensive will mean to the rest of the team. Special Teams will be better. How much will be a big factor. The back 8 defensively will be very good. Things can change, depending on injuries of course, but right now, as everyone knows all eyes are on the defensive line. I think that's the only true question mark of this team, which when you look at how many components there are, is very encouraging. I still look back last year to the Weber State game. That was a team that finished as the #2 overall seed. Although they were better than UND, it wasn't as though they couldn't or didn't compete. Put this years offensive and how I believe they'll be able to play in that game and the result could be different. Overall, saying that although the schedule is tough, outside of one game, which I have a hard time believing they can win, no other game this team shouldn't have a realistic shot at winning. Side note: When looking at the D-line, it almost feels like expectations or fears about it have gone so far one way that there's no way they won't surprise. With what they have in the back 8, if they can hold their own, overall, the defense should be a very strong unit.

Re Miller's prediction: What I like about Miller / 360 guys is they call it like they see it, which I’ll take over cheerleading and being borderline unrealistic all day. I reread his reasoning of 6-5 and it did appear to lean to the pessimistic although very vague, especially the couple key injuries line. Obviously a very true statement, but it’s kind of weird taking something into account that hasn’t happened yet or might not happen. Most people lean to the optimistic, he doesn’t appear to. His coverage has been great so far! How about the lack of coverage by UND? Last year they had write ups after every day. That hasn’t happened once. Roster isn’t even updated.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/football/4617723-UND-football-fall-camp-Day-13-Nelson-joins-practice @Longtime fan how did Pierre’s injury look?

8-3 winning out at home and @ ISU and Poly. I really do think this team has an incredibly high ceiling.

Asked a follow up question to Kelly, regarding D-Line. Answer below:

I don't want to downplay this loss too much. This loss hit the group that was the biggest concern going into the year. That being said, is Engwall the difference between the defensive line unit floating or sinking this year? I wouldn't think so. There's too many unknowns for this group, which is both pretty scary, but also pretty exciting. Nothing really changes. For this unit to be successful there was already a lot of pressure on the "unknowns" to contribute, it's now just been kicked up a notch. The few guys who are returning (Bennett, Seguin, Morrison) are going to have to step up (specifically Seguin / Morrison). Guys like Johnson, DeVore, Moore, Pierre, Beach, your time is now. What's the word on the D-line so far? Haven't really heard a lot about them from the Fall reports, positively or negatively.

Woah! Shocking about Engwall, Senior who would have started.

How long does it take for the players to get comfortable with the new offense? Will most of the kinks be worked out in Fall camp and overall they'll be ready to go once the season starts?

@Teeder11 what's your overall thoughts so far through Fall Camp that you've seen compared to previous years? What groups seem to be ahead of where they've been, which groups seem to be behind? Thoughts on D-Line so far? Saw Miller mention Haas was taking reps at Defense end. What's everyone's take on that? Edit: Disregard Haas question.

Mods can we get @Boydj282 and this garbage moved out of this thread?

Agreed, really enjoying the Herald's coverage this year. The Safety position and Offensive Line position have a lot of parallels going into this year. Very little was lost from last years team (1 OL, 0 S), both were ok last year, the question is can they take that next step. Based on basically everyone returning, they will be improved no doubt, but by how much is the real question. I've talked before how encouraging it is to see two "non-starters" last year potentially grab spots on the O-line, which will really help from a depth standpoint and overall talent. It's encouraging to see so many names mentioned at Safety. The depth appears to be there, for what seems like the first time that I can remember, but can Canady be "that guy" this year. Can Nelson, ect.. really step up and be above average (not meant to be a dig at all). By the sounds of it, I'm really excited about the depth this year at Safety.

@siouxfan512 I've had the same thoughts, as I'm always looking a few years down the road at all positions. Looking at the roster this year, a couple positions are going to be hit hard after this year. QB (2) RB (3) LB (4) DB (4) key players at WR (2) DE (2) TE (1). Very interested how the young depth looks this year at QB, RB, ILB, OLB and Safety.