AJS

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.

One thing I highlighted after last year was, I thought the roster management was atrocious. What I had hoped changed going into this year was (1) 15 F, 8 D, 3 G (2) That there was a clear cut #15 F, #8 D, 3rd Goalie. That has been the case. Zero surprises on who traveled this weekend.

How about this paragraph? I'm genuinely shocked. Even if it doesn't count towards the scholarship limit, seems like a really bad idea to open it up to all. IMO, you try to keep any starter / key depth in certain positions.

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler just put out his preliminary top 64 for the 2024 NHL Draft #25 - Boisvert #30 - Emery #49 - Zellers HM - Swanson

James. That was a decision that wasn't made until after the season was over.

Might seem premature, but a week from now, we'll have a good idea who will be walking for Senior day and who will be potentially using their Covid bonus year. The first of many dominos that really impact the following years team. I always look at it as balance of classes are important and you cannot leverage a future class / development by bringing everyone back. Turnover is good / healthy, but you can't have too much. It really is delicate. My hope is that for every bonus Senior that returns, you have a current RS Junior who is more of a depth guy that moves on (hopefully with a degree). Senior for a Senior. Here's who I'm hoping comes back. Beach Belquist Fort* Hembry McNaboe Navratil Schuster* Vaughn I believe Fort could get a medical RS for last year and return if he'd like. Schuster is going to be a really tough decision for the Coaching staff. The question being, who gives you the best chance to win next year (Schuster / Feeney)? I don't think Feeney returns if Schuster comes back. You also have to ask yourself is Kaminski ready to take over as a sophomore.

I'm with a lot of this. For me, the #1 issue I see on this team is mental. How much of that is the Coaches vs Captains / Leaders vs Individuals is up for debate. I've heard it about other teams in the past, but never UND. They do seem a bit like frontrunners. Narratives can change, if there's adversity, which there's no doubt there will be on Saturday, going to need someone to step and make a play (see narrative before the NDSU game, which they absolutely did). What an opportunity. Would be so fun to see this team throw it back in the face of all their critics.

Really excited about this one. I like starting out conference play on the road against a quality team. Fair to say Duluth is a bit down compared to what we're used to. Satisfied with a split, but anything more and you're starting to really believe this could be a legitimate Top 5 type of team. Would be nice to get Pehrson back this weekend.

Win and this team has the inside track for a seed with a week remaining. It won't take a perfect game, but it will take most likely their second-best effort of the year to accomplish. Prove (almost) everyone wrong and get this one!

Counts as a win for your record, but it’s not a full win in the PWR, think it’s 66%

These F lines. 18-14-17 26-22–9 13-21-28 8-27-24

Quick thoughts. This team can play with anyone. Impressed with this team defensively & in net. F lines need a shakeup. I’d like to continue to see Montgomery as 15F, Ness as 14F, Kunz as 13F. Emerson needs to play and develop. “Demote” Schmaltz and Jamernik. Roll w/ a 4th line of 8/27/24. Mix up the others. Talent is there at F. 2nd / 3rd line both have extremely low ceiling F guys. Hurts the line. There are guys on this team that can be responsible defensively, but have much better offensive talent. Big game tonight.

Just win. To me it's fairly simple. Just be even on Special Teams and play up to their ability either offensively or defensively. The other can be average. That would be good enough to win. Of course, we all want all solid three phase game. Sell hope that this is a legitimate playoff type of team.

Here's my thought. The NDSU game unfortunately was this teams Super Bowl. That's the only thing that makes sense with the drastic left turn this season has taken. The good news is this team is exactly where many thought it would be at this time. A successful season is still in reach. On both the coaching staff and players to get this thing turned around. Extra emphasis to the Offensive Coordinator.