AJS

Let's start taking a look at different positional groups. Offensively as we all know, it starts on the O-Line. Every positional group is clearly important, but this is the one that has the biggest trajectory on the success of either unit. Couple questions: How would you grade their performance last year? What are the realistic expectations for next year? My take: They were the #1 concern coming into last year and I think it's safe to say they exceeded expectations. My overall grade would be a C+. They dominated against weaker competition, seemed to falter like the rest of the offense at the end of the year. I don't know how much of that can be attributed to (1) Terrible QB play (2) Play calling - tough to look good when teams can stack the box. Anyways... 2019: Tackle: They return 3 players who are "starters". Mortel (JR): Only played two games, because of injuries, but was their #1 Tackle starting the year. When healthy, he's a rock solid LT. Helgren (JR): Started every game but one at RT, first year starter. Waletzko (SO): Started 5 games as a True Freshman, first year starter. Others: Russo (JR), played in a few games. Who are some others to watch? I feel good about the 3 guys who started last year, is Russo ready to take the next step? The tackle position was young last year, no upperclassman. They have a solid core coming back, if those three can improve and you get another player or two in the mix, this could be a talented, deep group. Guards: Lose one Senior, return 2 players who are "starters" Tobin (JR): Two year starter, solid LG Nguon (JR): Although he was used mostly as a tackle, he can play all positions and will be used as a Guard this upcoming year. Others: Hergel (RFR), Who are some others to watch? Center: Rooney (SR): Started every game last year. UND has 6 Offensive lineman returning that either played or have played (Mortel) enough reps that we know what to expect. It's a solid nucleus and given their age (5 of the 6 underclassman last year), there is a lot of room for growth. Is this the first year of the D1 era that they can have what I would "true depth". That would mean 4 players who aren't true returners to fill the depth chart (2 G's, 1 T, 1 C), who are ready to step in when injuries happen and they can hold their own. My expectation is for this group to take a step forward. They should grade out at a minimum of a B after next year.

That's the shot of optimism I needed going into next year @geaux_sioux @UND-FB-FAN. Even with the wheels coming completely off at the end of the year, the offense showed me enough throughout the year that with the right coaching / game plan they could be a pretty solid unit going forward.

Their execution is close to flawless. Their O-line is so dominant it makes it dare I say easy to be a positional player. You can't be one dimensional at the college level, but it's so important to get a QB that is multi-dimensional. I would take Stick and his legs, even if he can't make all the throws over a pocket passer who isn't mobile. A guy like Stick doesn't grow on trees, but as we've all noticed, the QBs that continually give everyone (as we've seen with UND) the most problems are guys that can evade the rush and run the ball. UND needs to recruit those type of guys at the QB position.

Preliminary round has completed at the World Junior A tournament (4 games). Canada West plays the USA in the second semi-final game tomorrow. Blaisdell: 4G 1A 5 points (Tied tourney lead in goals, tied 3rd in points) Bast: 1G 2A 3 points Pinto: 1G 1A 2 points Rizzo: 1A 1 point Frisch: 1A 1 point Miller: No points

There's reason for some excitement in the future, of next years potential freshman class, you have the following: This is under the assumption that the four forwards who we know signed NLI's come in and they bring in two defenseman (Frisch / Bast) 5 of the 6 taking part in the World Junior A tournament (other being member of the NTDP who aren't eligible) All 6 are expected to be drafted (looking like 4 of the 6 in the first four rounds) All 6 True Freshman (5 with 2 years of junior experience, Frisch with one) 3 of the 4 freshman averaging over PPG currently as Seniors in HS (Caulfied is just off that pace, but playing for NTDP)

Not that it wouldn't be a good idea, but does anyone know if that's a realistic option? I'm really excited to watch him develop.

I don't know how this train ever stops, it really does defy all logic. As long as they are an FCS Program they'll win Championships at least 4 out of every 5 years. We are really in uncharted territory, since this isn't how sports (at least at a relatively high collegiate level) work. They'll never drop off and nobody at the FCS level has a chance to catch them. Side note: I would have called this post preposterous a couple years ago, since like I mentioned, nobody stays on the top forever...until now.

Do we know how many Seniors are on their O-line?

Damn, so close.

The big question is can NDSU go 100% on 3rd downs / score every possession in the 2nd half?

Jump Around going into the 4th? They are original.

Everyone knew this was coming, nobody was stopping this team. What’s going to be really fun is fast forwarding to next when they replace 24 Seniors and we’re watching them boat racing whoever they play in the semis next year.

Hell of a job by SDSU's defense to step up after the TD.

I cannot wrap my head around what SDSU was doing on that Shepard play, incredibly bad defense.

With London in the mix, that should shore up the RB situation. It'll take a step back, given who they lose, but should still be a strong unit next year. The way I look at it, there's two huge holes that need to be addressed before next season. (1) QB Position - Yes, they return all 4 QBs on the roster, but 8's play down the stretch has me concerned. I just don't think he can be the guy next year. They are going to need one of the others to step up, my hope is Boltmann shows he can be the guy. (2) Nose guard - I hope this coaching staff's #1 goal this off season is bringing in at a minimum one guy, hopefully two.