Irish

This is the softest Sioux team since the Bjorkman era. Come on - we have 6 returning defensemen with playing time and a number 1 draft pick and we cant clear the front of the net? Pathetic. Literally half way through the game and we had 5 - count em - 5 shots on goal. We had better have a boatload of talent coming in next year because when we lose Kristo, Mac, and Knight I don't know if we will score at all. Manhandled by the Clowns is unacceptable.

Of course it's now hockey season

And you don't think that Gopher fans drinking with the refs and the discussion focuses on "how dirty the Sioux are" is an indication that the Goophs get favored by these same refs?

A lot of speculation on line combinations (which is interesting), but I don't think that is our main concern. I'm worried about our defense. With only one freshman and a highly touted D coach with NFL experience, this is not what I expected. It has been a long time since I have seen opponents camp out in front of our goal and not pay a price. So far I have not been impressed with our D either on the defensive end or in moving the puck. Along with not being very physical there have been an unusual number of horrible turnovers. Anyone have an Idea what gives. I really thought we'd be a lot better here. (note for the reactionarys - this is not a critisizm of coach Berry, just an open question)

Agreed about some great saves - what looked like a softie from my perspective (close) looked like our D-man screening him - he's got a great glove and if he sees that shot he gets it 9 out of 10 times. Our D needs to step it up several notches.

Gotta say that once again I was not impressed with our defensive corps. Other that Mac, we're not very physical and he seems to have the knack for doing it at the wrong time. That's fine if you are great puck movers, but that has not really been the case. Our break-out seems to struggle at times. We're often out of position and have some horrible give-aways. I know their first goal looked soft, but our D man served as a great screen. Gleeson continues to underwhelm. Remember when our D-Men were feared?

Most of these guys are Juniors in college - they know how to pass the ball, they just choose not to. A big problem for our team.

Not sure that most of the fans envisioned a 5-6 year on the job training period for Muss to "grow into the job". Time to get it done now. As much as some Sioux fans derided the Bison championship, they played like we wished we did. Not buying the "he's young excuse"

Right - now he is infecting the hockey threads - please ignore him and don't respond

And not the job Muss has done?

You sound incredulous - like this is the first time this has happened - this is our new offense

Really - we're going with this? Fact - the Bison have a nice run going (as much as I hate to admit it) and we don't Come on Muss - get it done!

Bison fans are rightfully celebrating - I really hope Muss gets the message!

I really hate to say it, but that's how you pound the rock

Nice job - love to see these kinds of wins - Women on a roll

I'm not buying the theory that we would have had more wins with Marcus at quarterback all season - That's a big stretch.

Agreed that our passing game made significant improvements last year - not just at QB but at receiver. Marcus did a great job also. Even so, without Hansen I believe we would have had at least one more loss (Montana) putting us at a minimum of 4-7 with one win a DII. The running game - not so much improvement. The big question is are we going to have more upgrades like the passing game next year or more downgrades like the defense. Muss has shown that he can recruit quality DI athletes like the wide receivers, but boy do we need to do this across the board. I'm hopeful that he can come through all across the board, but am a little worried also.

The program certainly didn't improve in my opinion - Having a 5th year senior quarterback with BCS credentials transfer in didn't hurt things either. Still a very frustrating season.

I am one of the many who are sick of Bison trolls hijacking every thread - the best way to prevent that is a simple two part plan - 1. Don't mention the Bison ourselves when talking about our team and 2. Don't feed the trolls Having said that - in relationship to this endless discussion - I would rather that the Sioux had a signature win than a signature "played pretty well against".

Fair enough - I have similar expectations - I think you place way more emphasis on our perceived recruiting handicaps than I, but it's a subjective call. I think it's agreed that Muss will get another couple of years. I hope things turn around, but am kind of worried that they won't. In addition to our won-lost record, I think part of the frustration on this board stems from the type of play we watched. It has been a long time since I have seen a Sioux team get absolutely physically bullied by teams in our own division. Doggone it - that's not what I think of when I think of "Sioux" football. Add the recent success of the team to our south and it makes for a tough year. I hope we return to our winning ways soon.

One thing about college football is that at the end of the season there are some pretty good black and white indicators about how the season went - won-lost record, playoff success, success compared to our rivals. You do not need to be a college coach or former player to have a pretty good idea of the season (like some seem to think here). I would love for some of the status quo defenders to state plainly what should be a reasonable expectation for this program for the next 3-4 years. How can we tell if our program is successful or not. I don't know what business you are in, but every job I know has specific performance expectations and consequences if they aren't met.

Aww, but I don't want to temper my expectations next year -

So .... your point is that it is better than fightingbooya thinks because our poor play is due to lack of talent rather than lack of execution?

Even though we have disagreed in the past, I too hope you and your group become more active on this board - we'd love to hear your insight. Died in the wool fans like your group are essential to any college program. Because of your group make-up, your group seems very supportive to the coaches. I'd love to hear some of your discussions. I would like to hear some of your group opinions on some of the issues on this board (not just a blanket condemnation of anyone who questions a coach accusing him/her of thinking they know more) Here are some things I would like to know (please know I'm not trying to be a smart a**, just want to hear your point of view) - What does it mean to "do transition the right way" - I hear this all the time, but with no specifics - NDSU has had four 10-1 seasons since making the jump - are we doing it a better way than them? - What are some reasonable expectations for the next couple of years for the football team? At what point are we not on the right track? - Have there ever been times when a coach is not working out and needs to go? - I too am a long time Sioux fan - UND has historically given their coaches the benefit of the doubt and a long time to work things out. However, some of the changes have turned programs around (Bjorkman, Burns, Rivard). Other coaches like Glass have been given a long time because of their previous success. - Does your group ever become frustrated with the quality of play? I too know a group of older fans - having our defensive line getting blown out game after game or seeing a talented but undisciplined group of juniors on the Men's BB leads to comparison of the Sioux play in their glory days. - What does your group think needs to happen to get back to where we need to be in DI? Finally, I need to comment on your recruiting story - If I understand you, a talented kid who has a father and grandfather who are alumni and who has had a lifelong dream to become a Sioux, after meeting and being recruited by Muss and staff (and rather intensely I would assume) is going elsewhere because of this fan board? Although this may be the excuse he is giving his grandpa, there is something missing here. Please post more on this board - we would love to hear your ideas.

I get the same message