iramurphy

My point is that if a great game is 46% completion and 1/1 TD/Int, it isn't a great game. I also agree without his athletic ability it could have been worse and if balls were caught or we had better protection his numbers would have been better, but if that is a great game, what the hell would it take to have a bad game? I didn't say he was bad I said it wasn't great. You factor in drops, poor routes, poor pass protection poor running game and we still need a better game from him and others. I didn't say he sucked, I said we need a better game and a lot of it is the confidence to change plays and ability to make his teammates better. He is capable of all of that. I think he is best when he is using his athletic ability and he is the guy who calls the plays in the huddle and at the line. I trust him more than Rudolph to get the job done. Maybe some of you disagree, but I think these are an important part of his progression as a leader and we need that from our QB. Our line is our line and our receivers are who they are. That is what leadership is about. He has the athletic skills and he is smart enough. Now we need those intangibles to help make everyone around him better. That is why I think he is the key to our success this year. Hopefully we see that this weekend.

I don't think our concern is how bad Mizzou played defense. The Bears pose a challenge for our defense. We need to play a great game to contain them. My concern is that we weren't able to effectively and consistently move the ball. We faced a very tough FBS run defense but we also didn't pass very well. I disagree with those of you that think Keaton had a great game. ( completion rate of 46%, one 3 yd TD, with an interception). That doesn't mean I don't think he is capable. In fact, I think he is capable of much more. He is a 4th year starter, senior, team leader and a good athlete. I am not a fan of Rudolph and I think his failure to develop our QB's to their full potential is as big of a problem as his play calling. Having said that, Studsrud is a senior and smart kid. If the sideline sends in a dumbass play, he needs to change it in the huddle or call an audible at the line of scrimmage. It isn't like they can bench him. Years ago, our QB would always veto a stupid call from the bench. Studsrud needs to do the same. I doubt he made excuses for his performance last week and I doubt he felt good about it. Keaton needs to step up his performance and his leadership. As that improves our Oline, backs and receivers also need to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. If our offense doesn't improve, we will struggle against most every team we play. I would expect improvement this weekend but I felt before the season, and still feel, Keaton is the key to our success. Rudolph seems to be a challenge but doesn't need to be a barrier. Keaton should be running the offense. The calls from the bench are a suggestion not a mandate. If Keaton doesn't have the authority to change plays we have a problem. Otherwise, audible out of running plays that have near zero chance of success like last weekend. I think if we are going to get back in the playoffs we are going to need to open things up a bit and become a bit less predictable. Go Hawks!

Reed Manke completed 70% of his passes but Studsrud isn't Reed Manke. Studsrud is one of biggest keys to this years success. No more excuses about oline doesn't have enough experience or depth or receivers are too young or not fast enough. Needs to improve over last year. Game manager isn't good enough to win National Championships. 4 yr starter needs to be able to carry team and win games. Until he can do that, he can't be compared to Brock Johnson. TD to Int ratio is good but he needs to get to his his reads faster and be more accurate with his throws. Hoping for a breakout senior year from him. We have RB's, Receivers, and size with exp in Oline. If Studsrud has a great season team will have a great season. If he isn't any better than last two years we will be fortunate to make playoffs.

You may be right, but I don't think it is either wise nor fair to describe your opinion as a "fact". I don't believe anyone knows what the facts are nor what the kids priorities are. Big red flag for this kid and if guilty he needs to be held accountable. These kids also need to consider who the team leaders are. They need to create a team culture where breaking the law or using illegal drugs is unacceptable. These athletes need to understand that what they do or don't do on and off the field and in the classroom are a reflection on their families, coaches, teammates and the University.

We can't control what the twins say and do we can control how we respond.

I don't think any of these kids have been "handed everything in life". Doesn't happen at the college or Olympic level. They earned college scholarships, recognition and awards due to their hard work, sacrifice, God given talent and the sacrifices their families have made. Whether they want to wear Sioux logos or Hawks logos is up to them. Who cares? I don't like their strategy and some of their comments but I'm sure they feel betrayed and certainly the kids on these teams feel betrayed. The University can't afford to keep losing money and needs to operate,within the financial constraints of the budget. What's done is done and apparently it had to be done. The Lamoureaux twins have been great ambassadors for girls and women's hockey, women's athletics and UND. They aren't doing UND any favors now, but they and the other athletes deserve compassion. Closing schools, closing businesses and cutting athletic programs can be pretty traumatic to those involved and to those who feel they have given their heart and soul to the University and the program. When I comment we should show class and cut them some slack, it shouldn't depend on what they do. You either have it or you don't. As UND alumni I guess I thought we could take the high road and show some class. Should be who we are as a UND family.

The Lamoureaux twins were two of the best athletes ever from the state of North Dakota. In addition to playing hockey at the highest level available they were blue chip soccer players who could likely have played college soccer. I can't remember if they won an NCAA championship at the U of Mn but I do remember how excited people were when they transferred back to UND and what that meant to our young program. They are still two of the best women's hockey players in the world and have been great ambassadors for UND. Their parents and brothers have also been an important part of the UND hockey family. I get the financial pickle UND athletics is in but I don't believe there was ever much of an effort by the University to explore fundraising options. One of our million dollar donors was never approached. I know donors listed in the top 100 athletic donors weren't asked. Having said that I doubt $60 million was ever going to be raised. These young athletes feel betrayed. You would too. The fact that there aren't many fans at their games doesn't lessen the time, effort, hard work, and passion these women have dedicated to the sport and our University. We didn't have the financial backing to start women's hockey in the beginning and we we lose too much money. No surprise it was cut but put yourself in the shoes of not only the twins but of the other athletes male and female who committed to UND and feel betrayed by the University and the schools administration. Most people on this board would be rioting if UND dropped Men's Hockey. Look at the fuss over the name and logo. The Lamoureaux twins have made comments and accusations because they and others are hurt and angry. Look at how people have acted over the nickname fiasco. The Lamoureaux twins and the other athletes have done nothing even as close to the dumb ass comments and accusations related to the name and logo. I'm not agreeing with them, but I understand their anger and frustration. Show some class and cut them some slack. The rhetoric isn't going to change anything and it makes us all look stupid. Sometimes our family members say and do stupid things and the rest of us need to let it go.

I believe he has over the years

Yeah, I eventually figured that out. You are correct. I don't understand why, as a sports minded society, we don't let kids mature physically and emotionally and be patient with their development. The high end kids will make it no matter where they go. The other kids, most of whom won't play in the NHL and many who won't play college at the highest level, give up too much in order to attempt to accelerate their hockey development. The one sport athlete mentality is stupid and not in the best interest of the athlete. AAU basketball leagues have expanded to include multiple levels and include some very mediocre kids but most of them are overpaying a lot of money for the experience. Those that are convinced kids develop better going to juniors early may be right but we don't have evidence to support either argument other than the individual stories or success or failure.

The Oshie kid playing for Warroad the next year was really good. He was a senior. The program said it was TJ. Your comment about setting him back 2-3 yrs is unfounded. Is taking kids away from the families, friends and communities really what is best for these kids? I have always contended that high school kids should be in high school and playing other sports and being involved in other school activites and not be deprived of all of the opportunities, academically, and socially. For those who aren't ready to go from high school to college, they can go to Juniors after HS. None of these kids should be playing hockey or any other sport exclusively. The medical studies all show the potential harm to these one sport year round athletes with an increase in injuries and peaking at earlier ages. What we are doing to our kids is shameful. When Dave Hakstol was looking at one of our kids a couple of years ago he said " tell the kid to stay out for football". Kids should remain in HS and play soccer or FB or tennis or lacrosse and be in the choir and student council and get caught in the basement by their girlfriends Dad that senior year. Staying loyal to their community, school and teammates who helped develop their game may be important in building leadership and life skills . They can to Juniors the next year. All of those goals and aspirations can wait one year. The best kids will be fine and those that need more time can have an extra year of two. I hope all these kids stay in HS.

Connor O'Brien finished? ( Concussions).

This best reason to move on is that we have Regional Hockey tomorrow and we still have people who give a rats behind about the logo issue. Who cares anymore? Not only has that Sioux ship sailed but it sank! Those PC folks and activists whose lives were so miserable because we had the name, have nothing on the folks whose lives seem miserable without the name. Who cares, it's a name and logo. I'm more concerned about whether T Poolman, who I think is one of the most complete and outstanding defensemen we have ever had, will be healthy enough to play.

Actually, today all people have said was the Hawks gave Arizona a great game.

This team was well prepared to utilize the talent we have against a top 10 team. Bernstein, Crandall and Hooker showed they can play at the big time level. Jones and his staff have recruited some very good players and they won a conference title and made it to the tourney. He and his staff have earned a new contract and salary increases.

No excuse. Conference Champs and WNIT bid is a big deal anytime our MBB or WBB teams are in. The herald staff should be able to read a schedule, know that we have 3 UND teams in tourney's this week and HS BB. Get stories and photos Sun, Mon, Tues for yesterday and today. Work with UND's SID or hire the Dakota Student reporter to help with UND coverage or send an intern to cover HS stories. Disappointing.

Did I miss it or is the GF Herald's sports staff too overwhelmed to have some coverage of the UND women's BB team and their game tonight? I'm only checking the online articles.

Not even close. Would need to win it. Beating Arizona would be biggest upset in ND athletics history but not biggest story.

Biggest problem with the logo issue we are losing about $1,000,000 per year. We should have launched the new brand with celebrations and sales of hawks gear and clothing the day the name was announced. We have a new brand and haven't been the Fighting Sioux for years. I've had season hockey tix for 40 yrs and travel for some road games and 8 FF's, so I think I'm a UND hockey fan. I still wear Sioux gear and will until I wear it out, but I could give a rats behind about the former name or logo. If anyone thinks the Sioux name or logo are coming back you are kidding yourselves. I wouldn't want it anymore. It isn't worth the hassle. We should be focused on building successful programs and championships. We should be focused on upgrading, expanding, remodeling and maintaining our facilities. To me it's the University and the people, athletes, coaches etc. never has been, never will be about a logo to me. When we aren't paying coaches and assistant coaches enough to keep them and cutting programs we should be bitching about the revenues lost not the stupid logos, past or present.

Not even close. I'm not defending nor condemning his early years but the support including institutional support, financial support, fan support and marketing was much better at the AC in Richman's early years than Jones. I don't know if Kennedy will be any better than his predecessors but a conference title, and decent recruiting will get you a new contract. The players seem to like playing here. He certainly has earned his extension.

We are awful so far. Weak passes. No one looking to shoot. Went about 3 1/2 min without scoring.

How well did that work for us last year? We can't afford inconsistent play from a "game manager" like we saw last year. Studsrud has shown some real promise at times. His best quality is that he doesn't turn the ball over much. I think Studsrud has the potential to be a game changer but he needs to get better. "Stout defense" can keep us in most games. Quality running game is a huge plus but when we face a stout defense, will we have the the ability to adjust and take advantage of opportunities in the passing game? I like our improvement in most areas but we need to be able to develop our QB's. I'm hoping for noticeable improvement in all of our QB's. Without it, I think it will be tough for us to advance far in the playoffs. Not being pessimistic cuz that is what spring FB is for. Bubba sees it. He mentioned at the end of the season that we need improvement at QB. I happen to agree.

The oline will be a work in progress. DB's have some studs but they will need to push the others to get better both at the other starting positions and depth. I think Dline and LB's will be a strength. We should be good at RB and receivers. We have some talent and depth at TE. The oline and QB are the key to our success next year. We must improve this spring in both areas. The line needs to have new guys step up and establish themselves as quality starters. Depth will be an issue like last year especially with the injuries we dealt with. We need to see improvement from all 4 QB's if we are going to get better. Doesn't sound like you guys are seeing any of the backups as capable of pushing Studsrud so he is going to have to push himself to get better. He must improve with quicker reads and more accurate passing. He is athletic and smart enough but must improve on 56% completions. He is the senior and 4 yr starter and needs to make his receivers and offense better not the other way around. We can't have the inconsistency we saw last year. He has done a good job of protecting the ball, but he needs to become a game changer this year for us to be successful. He can, but he needs to have the personal drive to get much better. To me he is a big key to our success next fall and he will need to remain healthy.

Yes it is too much to ask. Don't want anything to do with it anymore. That ship has sailed and if we can't afford to maintain our sports and have to change conferences, we sure as hell need to get beyond the Fighting Sioux issue and launch our new brand. Maybe one of the reasons we seem to be slow to make progress is we waste time and effort on stuff that either doesn't matter or we can't change. We have joined the MVC/Summit. Our focus needs to be on raising funds, improving coaching salaries and improving facilities. We also need to evaluate the game day experiences and how we improve attendance. The new President needs to be on board and we need to sell the Alumni Assn. on the importance of moving our projects, including marketing to the forefront to enhance the University experience for all students and the fan experience. Their thoughts should be an investment which should improve revenues through attendance, and sales of gear with new logo. Studies show increased donations will follow.

They got a commitment from the stud TE for Crosy-Ironton

Not sure I agree with this. Some of the biggest supporters of UND athletics had no idea this was a done deal other than the rumors that we might look into it. There was a group that met at homecoming discussing some solutions to solving the financial shortfall on an annual basis. We also heard we are losing up to $1,000,000 per year by not launching our new brand and logo. The problem was exacerbated by the fact that the group couldn't get a target number of dollars needed. If we need $400,000 more per year it is an easier task than $1,000,000 per year. Kennedy told an alumni group at Jamestown this past summer he was going to look at how the AC was doing things. No surprise a politician without UND ties took the easy way out. It's a done deal as far as the move, but I'm of the opinion we tackle the problem and raise the funds so we move forward from a position of strength rather than weakness. We should be making the move to the MVC/Summit based on it is what is best for UND now and the foreseeable future. We should not make a move because we feel we must in order to survive. This problem didn't show up over night. If we can't gather the momentum and resources to support our athletic programs, then we have the wrong people running our athletic department. If this is the best move for UND then it should come with fanfare and celebration. We can and should be so much better. We also need to get phase II of the practice facility done so we have facilities as good or better than the other schools in the MVC/Summit.