AJS

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

I've had the same type of thought. I understand pushing for the FBS move, but it could be done in a way that doesn't completely bash the FCS. McFeely is by far the worst, Izzo toes the line a bit better. I've thought multiple times listening to them how bizarre it is to bash the product you cover.

Apathy is real thing in sports. My hope would be that those in charge would notice it before it really latches on. There are a lot of NDSU fans by the look of attendance that are finding something else to do on Saturdays. That matters to the bottom line. That matters to a program.

On an individual level, depends on your donation level. I would think Chaves absolutely would care about the sentiment of the fan base. IMO, things feel different this year, than it has previously. I think the tide has turned on Bubba.* *I said this yesterday, it'll take something (playoff win or two), to change that.

Basing on just yesterday, agreed. If UND wins next Saturday and gets left out @ 7-4, you won’t hear me complain. Some of their losses have been bad. Some of their wins have been ugly. I’ll go as far as to say, they don’t only have to win against ISU-R, it has to be in convincing fashion.

Let’s let the rest of this season play out. I will say, as someone who at the end of the year, has always been able to spin an optimistic future for this program, it’s hard to do right now. Seems to be too many holes from the coaching staff to positional groups. Starts next week. Need a true run like we have not seen yet at the D1 level.

Good news is we all got our answer. Tommy cannot be back next year.

32 is unplayable. What a nightmare the OLB’s are.

I would like to see UND get more aggressive with offers, especially with the bigger names locally / state-wide. Can't hurt to be first every once and a while.