MadScout03

Before it split into two businesses, I'll agree, the service wasn't very good. But after the Pepper moved in, I seem to remember having pretty decent service and the food on their menu was still good, just limited. And when referring to an "upscale sports bar" if you mean a bar that offers more than Bud Light, Coors Light, and PBR, then you're right. Their beer selection was actually prettty good. When referring to BWW, I wouldn't exactly use the words "cheap beer" though. You'll pay damn near $8 a beer for anything other than the aforementioned.

That's sad but not overly surprising. Every time I'd go back their menu got smaller and smaller, to the point where it was only Red Pepper food but served as combos instead of individually. I always thought the bbq was pretty good...not sure why it struggled.

For those of us working stiffs who also pay for season tailgating passes, Thursday night games are not exacty preferred.

There were times in the last couple of years where, while in the huddle, the play had clearly been called in, but the offense (no idea if it was Bubba or Rudy’s plan) seemed to just stand in the huddle and stare at each other while the play clock dwindled to around 12 seconds. To me, that’s not clock management...that’s a good way to never let your offense get into a rhythm. I agree that I don’t think they’ll go hurry-up, but I think there will definitely be some flow to their offense as opposed to 32-second breathers in between plays.

They actually don’t play Houston again. 6 against Boston and 3 against the Yankees.

It seemed like the raffle was publicized in the early rounds but went quiet as the rounds went on. I’m wondering if that had anything to do with the fact that a majority of the winners have direct ties to the football program...

I’ve been to three practices spread out over the spring and he has yet to put on a helmet, pads, or jersey. Mainly been in shorts and t-shirt on the sideline.

Yep, you’re right. My bad. I didn’t see the per game part in there.

I'd rather see the price per spot drop more than anything else. Reserved spots at the Alerus are 2 1/2 times the cost 75 miles south. It seems as though one facility is using tailgating as a way to make money, where the other is using it to build up gameday. Normal parking spots are $5...what makes a tailgating spot 10x the cost of a normal parking space? Kind of ridiculous if you ask me.

I was at practice today so I'll try my hand at a brief write-up. First of all, the new seats in the HPC look great. The seats were part of the building's plans, so they should look like they've always been there (and they do), but it was still nice to see them in person. Being elevated with a place to sit or stand with a narrow railing top to lean on was really nice. A lot of the morning was spent in drills. All four QBs got their turn. Boltman definitely gets the ball out quicker than the others but his accuracy was a bit off (lots of low and high throws). London is wearing John's #22, which will take some getting used to. He's got good size and speed. The backfield is going to be fun to watch. McKinney looked quick on both punt returns and running routes, as did Griebel. Tyler Burian had a couple of really nice catches along the sidelines. However, as a whole, there were a lot of drops by the WRs. I didn't watch the defense much in drills, but Canady had a nice pick late in the practice and Blubaugh made a great play and almost came up with a pick on the first play of live sessions. Overall, I can tell you this...this offense is going to have a lot of deception to it. Lots of moving parts to create space, where the skill positions will be giving opposing defenses a lot of different looks on the same play. The plays were called in and the guys lined up without hesitation, so I have to believe the playbook has been looked over plenty. One play that stood out to me happened right in front of where I was sitting. With trips left, the QB sent a WR in motion. It could've been a jet sweep but it wasn't. As he got to the other side of the line, he turned to line up, looking to run downfield, but as the ball was snapped, the WR continued moving right, while curling back for a pass. The play didn't even go to him, but he could've received the ball three different ways. I apologize for my poor terminology, but it was a lot of fun to see. These types of plays are going to keep defenses honest and hopefully prevent them from stacking the box as we so regularly saw in the recent past. That's all I have for now, so hopefully others will add to it.

It costs money to play in the Alerus. It doesn't cost money to play in the HPC. It's pretty simple really.

The 5 Ds...dodge, duck, dip, dive, dodge. Anyone care to elaborate through PM?

I doubt it. Last year we showed up early and drove right in. We were there before the guys checking passes were, so we ended up bringing our passes to them once they were set up.

I just pulled up his intro press conference. He said people get it wrong a lot, but said it rhymes with one of the most outstanding student athletes ever to play here, so thank you Jonathan Toews.

No idea. But if it’s anything like their college hockey team we route year in and year out, I’d imagine you’re correct.

https://canadafootballchat.com/tag/rain-slater/ Yep, just found this. Disappointing.

By shipping out a senior-to-be star player, who also happens to be from North Dakota? I don’t think so.

Ahh yes, of course. Thanks.

I didn't get the vibe that UNDFootball360 isn't happy with the class, but I'm not exactly sure what they're saying. What am I missing?

I’m asking what things make the Ralph so much better for basketball. Yes, the concourse is nice, but the Betty does have concessions around one if not both sets of temporary bleachers, which also stands as a concourse. I get the feeling I’m at an event when I walk in and see the action on the court, or the band playing, or the buzzers going off. I’d prefer to go to a packed Betty any day of the week than a half filled Ralph. You might have a true concourse at the Ralph, but half of it isn’t being used because of the lack of attendance. Looking down a dimly lit concourse with metal doors drawn over the unused concession stands doesn’t do much for me.

So if the seats and bar do nothing for you, what exactly makes the Ralph that much better than the Betty? The fascia ribbon board or the score board in the center of the court?

Errors killed them in the 2nd set. 2-0 Minnesota

I think it is, which makes me scratch my head even more.

Their lack of interest is probably from the player introduction music. Talk about a snoozefest.