I agree. It is too bad that when Bowenkamp got injured in 2004, that it was not Manke who stepped in to solidify himself as the starter going into the 2005 season. I am not a coach, I am sure that there is good reason that Lennon went with Belmore when he did (perhaps he was "farther along" as a sophomore), and as you said he was a very capable QB who had a nice career. But watching Manke play in 2006, it makes one wonder how good he and this team could have been given another year or two of experience as a starter. And remember, I was not always a supporter of Manke, but he really opened my eyes at the end of 2005 and all year this year.
Don't forget about John Bowenkamp. IMHO I think he was the best "pure-passer" that UND has had since Todd Kovash. Had he not missed nearly all of the 2004 season with injury, he probably would have finished his career owning about every major statistical record in UND history. And he took the Sioux to the National Championship game. With the defense that the Sioux had in 2004, and a healthy Bowenkamp, they would have probably been right there again.
Now, give the 2003 or 2004 defense to Manke, and we walk all over GVSU this year.