AJS

One could argue the player they could afford to lose the least. What a gut punch. Things could go sideways fast.

I don't think what defense they run ultimately matters. This year, their front 7 was not even close to good enough. The LB's are not only small, but slow. I would say that for most of their D-Line too. Have 75% of your D-Line be big (275+), with the other 25% being edge type of rushers (McNaboe, Schultz, Teigen). Need to get bigger at ILB. Need to get SO much faster at OLB. Here's my question. If your starting OLB's are Turner / Shannon. How does the defense look this year? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we just witnessed the worst OLB crew this school has ever seen.

You won't get an argument out of me. Credit to you, you've been on this for a long time. What do we think the bigger issue was this year? Pass blocking considerably worse? Losing someone like Maag? All I know is he seemed to be an above average QB last year, up until the 3rd game this year. Since then, I'll be nice and say he's looked average.

Issues within this program are equal parts Coaching and talent. There becomes a point where hindsight isn't 20/20. Once you get about 1-5 on two-point conversions, maybe don't try them anymore unless the games on the line. They ended the year 1 for 7. Did a trick play work at all this year? Maybe stop doing them. Highlighting those two things, when looking at the start of the 4th. UND clearly has issues (1) Pass blocking (2) WR's getting open (3) Tommy's downfield throws. Run the ball. It's this weird thing where it's like, something rarely works, but let's keep trying it, because what are the chances it won't work again, type of thinking.

Dec 4th Two giant pieces to next years puzzle we’ll find out soon. (1) Covid year Seniors returning (2) Whose entering the portal This program needs those two pieces to grade out at an A. That means the coaching staff dictating both of those. That did happen last year.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/college/commentary-in-transfer-portal-era-und-needs-to-find-immediate-fixes-on-defense

Last first thoughts before the offseason really starts going. The offense if a few things fall into place should be solid. My biggest hope is the OC really takes a step back and clears his head. Starts fresh next year. Defensively, going to take a really difficult approach. Guys that played this year that get asked to enter the portal. OLB / S need to be mostly new faces. D-Line needs to be improved as well. Hit the portal hard on defense. Edit: I actually don’t think Safety was one of the worst positional groups on defense this year, but they do lose their two best.

This is also the only thing I can think of that could potentially fix the defense. Your base going into the offseason should be 1 or 2 leftovers @ S / OLB. Rest all portal. Bring in 2/3 on D-line too from the portal. I’m ok w/ MLB / CB position.

8-10 on 3rd downs

Tommy coming back should be a none starter. His regression has been stunning. No need for me to pile on, thank you for your contributions, but change is needed.

If you want a silver lining, the very clear deficiencies this team had this year were on full display this afternoon. It’s clear changes are needed.

Defensively needs a completely different approach. Start by trying to get McNaboe, Fort, Beach to use their Covid years. Next, honest evaluation of who can play / contribute @ this level. For example, OLB position is FUBAR. Rucker has a bright future, build around him. Hope they move on from the other upperclassman. In general, going to take something special to turn this group around. Keep the pieces that work, hit the portal hard.

Off-season offensive keys: 1. Have Tommy move on 2. Keep O-line intact (losing just one starter / one back up) 3. Keep RB room intact (minus 7) 4. Belquist / Vaughn return for Covid year 5. Re-evaluate WR position group

I was going to say, actually a lot more tickets sold to that game then I would have thought.

Not great, was hoping for more season ticket holders using their tickets.

Attendance figures usually are tickets sold (not scanned), correct? Does anyone know how they count student tickets? Which number is used? Hypothetical numbers. Total Student section blocked off: 1000 Claimed: 300 Scanned: 200

It's not that you can't afford losses during the year, those will come, BUT, you can't afford to lose non-conference games against a team that will be >30 in the PWR. Sweep and keep the hope for a 1 seed alive.

What would the O/U be set at for the attendance this weekend? 8.5k?

Completely agree. It's completely wasted since nobody can beat an O-lineman (besides McNaboe) one on one. No point to bring 6 when bringing 5 would be just as effective (potentially pressure the QB, since they won't be able to get to him anyways). Please play Rucker more. He's a really bright spot on what is without a doubt the worst positional group on the team. Edit: So, what's the play? Bring 4, drop 2 LB's almost QB type of spy. Also help cover short routes. That would help with any type of QB scramble.

Much improved overall defensively this year, with two major issues. (1) Getting to the QB when they bring pressure (2) 3rd / 4th and longs. The first one will not change against Sac State, but the second point could. Offensively, inside run to open up the passing game. They cannot get behind on down and distance. Very little confidence in them moving the chains on a third and long. Excited for this one. Important game for this program.

Excited for the reveal. If you’re Larson your #1 goal for NDSU is the 7 seed. If not, push for a non-seed filtered into the #6 seeds region. For UND home match up in round 1 and hope to be sent anywhere but one of the Dakota schools for round two.

My number one takeaway is down and distance does not matter for UND’s opponents. UND is crippled if they don’t pick up at least 4 on 1st down.

I like to break each season into separate groups. This is an oddly high stakes four game stretch upcoming starting tonight. Need to stack up wins before they hit the road to Denver.

It really does feel like a win and they're in type of situation, so practically speaking, it's odd that there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm. Personally, I'm feeling it too. We'll see how it goes.

I'm a huge fan of handling the Covid year this way. UND football viewing Illinois State game as a playoff matchup - Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports