AJS

Someone in the media needed to ask Bubba, point blank, what went into the decision to start Heidelbaugh over Zimmerman. I'm echoing what everyone has said, but even though the game had mostly been decided, there couldn't have been a bigger difference between the two. I was very impressed with Zimmerman, especially given this was his first substantial playing time at the FCS level. His best throw of the night, was dropped by Mercer, but it was an elite throw. He had confidence, could make throws, scramble for additional time. I mentioned this before, but there's nothing easier than stopping the run when the opponent knows that's all you can do. This would have been a different game if Zimmerman would have started, the coaching staff (Bubba / Rudy) should be embarrassed with their decision. Looking at the positives. Since Heidelbaugh won't play again unless Studs / Zimmerman are injured, you can throw out the first half offensively. Second half with a competent QB they looked much better. I remember watching the NDSU / Montana game a few years back when a young Trey Dempsey got worked all game. He's now an All-American. Blubaugh was completely exploited this game, but he's going to be a good one. In a lost season, give him all the reps you can. It'll pay huge dividends down the road. Given a couple really short fields, I actually thought the defense (outside of Blubaugh) played a pretty good game. Excited about Canady, Hunt continues to improve at ILB. Would have loved to play that one over with Zimmerman going all game.

The corner blitz two times this game should have worked, terrible decision making by the corners when they had a chance to make a play.

That one pass is the only evidence I need, why the hell did Heidelbaugh start?

I would do the same thing.

Just QB and I'd be close.

It's not hard to stop the run when the opponent knows the QB can't throw. They've done a decent job in pass protection, problem again, the QB can't throw. Throw Heidelbaugh out with the best FCS offense in the country and I'd be a mess. They did look better in the 2nd quarter, you couldn't look worse than they did in the 1st, but they did improve. Defensively, I've been very impressed. 3 turnovers, bend but not break forcing Montana into 2 FG's. #12 will be great, but is a true freshman, outside of Hunts missed tackle he's been good on deep coverage. Canady has been solid as well. When you have 2 freshman and a sophomore on the back end against an explosive unit, I'd say they have passed the test. Cam Hunt has also had a solid game. Overall, take age out of it, as a defensive unit I'd give them a B- / C+. Offensively, F (Good news being we know Heidelbaugh will not be the QB next year) The difference couldn't be larger between Studs and Heidelbaugh, too bad Studs isn't healthy, this would have been a game. Put Zimmerman in the game.

Yep, #12 is going to be a great corner, but he's a true freshman, I'll live with that one.

Hey, did they just look like a D1 offense? At least for one drive, loved the 3rd and 4 call, really bad pass, but I'd rather go down like that.

Not only this year, but his Junior and Sophomore year as well, this is all on the coaches. 3rd year in a row of the same thing, one injury away from a garbage offense.

Would think it's pretty easy to run a defense against an offense who's QB can't throw.

The defense can't hold up when they are on the field non-stop, think they would have had a chance with Studsrud at QB.

Great play by Hunt!

About the worst attempt at a tackle as I've ever seen, well done Hunt!

Not having a competent 2nd string quarterback for what's now the 3rd year in a row is 100% on the coaching staff. Also completely unacceptable.

Even with the Studs news this still works, it's about the O-Line and with Stewart not making the trip, the 2 freshman safeties.

He is, you're thinking of the Sac State transfer. I just think Zimmerman has better potential to run the offense.

Would rather see Zimmerman start over Heidlebaugh.

This is beyond absurd.

Hopefully this version of the offensive line continues to gel and we get some traction on the ground. I'll be watching Hunt (ILB) and the safeties really closely, hoping for some 3 and outs and bend, but not break for the red zone defense. Honestly, I'm just hoping for some improvement out of the young guys and a semi-respectable showing. Just don't get blown out.

I talked about the "core" 5 guys coming into this season. Hoff is the only one with a goal, Poganski is noticeable in a positive way, just hasn't found the back of the net. Need Gersich, JJ & Gardner to step up. Like the way Adams, Smith, Bowen & Jones look, Mismash / Kawaguichi I'll give them time since it's only their third game. Defensively UND looks good, Poolman was great tonight. Johnson was the key again, 3 strong games to start the season.

Terrible game so far, I'd rather start off the 3rd 5-5 than on the power play, it does nothing but give St. Lawrence momentum. This team is in a big spot, need to get a win and then try to regroup. I'd sign up for a tie right now.

That's really disappointing, yes, he's the 15th guy, but was still a valuable member who would have seen playing time this year. It's more likely than not that at many points this year you'll have three players hurt. Makes you really appreciate the Sanderson's and others who stuck it out despite spending most time in the press box.

The fascinating world of Wisconsin recruiting isn't showing any signs of slowing down. It's expected both Caufield brothers will pick Wisconsin after decommitting from Ohio State, if that holds true. Current recruits: 98' - D: 1 F: 4 99' - D: 0 F: 5 G: 1 00' - D: 6 F: 4 01' - D: 0 F: 7 02': D: 3 F: 2 33 total: 22 Forwards, 10 Defenseman 1 Goalie The ascetics just look bad, I realize not every player that commits will end up on campus, UND has been and will be in that position (as is every other team). Still, I would love to hear Wisconsin's recruiting pitch to players right now. Other schools: BU - 16 UND - 17 Minnesota - 17 Denver - 17 Notre Dame - 21 BC - 21 Harvard - 22 Michigan - 23 I believe Michigan has the second most at 23, that's 10 less players than Wisconsin. From a Rizzo recruiting angle, I hope this is good news for UND if Caufield commits to Wisco, I mean they have to have a limit at some point, you'd think.

Montana has always been a tough place to play and at full strength I had this as a pick em, so I wouldn't say I like UND's chances right now. That being said, this is a statement game for this beat up roster, if they can go in and be competitive then it should give everyone a lot of hope for the future with the amount of youth that will be on the field. I do like where UND is offensively, even with two freshman starting on the OLine. Defensively, hopefully they can continue to make strides, I understand UNC isn't very good, but they looked much better than they had in the previous weeks. Hoping for a competitive game. No more blow outs.

Yon for sure, but other than that, it's a tough call. Smith is valuable, I think he needs to be in, but I also think we need Mismash and Gooch. I'd go with the lineup they had Friday and make changes (for Smith) for the forward who struggles the most Friday night.