Irish

You are correct about the facilities - we need Phase II soon. However, as nice as it to think that us average fans can up our contributions and take care of it, the amount necessary is far out of reach for that type of funding. The administration needs to stop alienating big pockets donors from Sanford to the Engelstads. That's the only way it will get built. This isn't to say there shouldn't be a drive to raise money from fans - it would help and give everyone some skin in the game and unite the fan base. This lack of progress doesn't mean Bubba should get a pass. Much of our misery has been self-inflicted and has nothing to do with Phase II - from 5 years of Rudy to our annual trip to Idaho State to our "light line" experiment to his game and clock management - these are all things under Bubba's control. Just watch the second half of the Richmond game to see the staff in action. Better facilities would certainly help with recruiting, but that shouldn't be an excuse for Bubba's coaching decisions.

No - I was replying to the specific question from Rebel Sioux "Are there any specific examples of military leaders not working out at UND? " Buning was military and did not work out. Not comparing anything.

Tom Buning, former assistant AD at Army, was in way over his head as UND athletic director and did not endear himself to the fans or alumni.

Looking at our lines on both sides of the ball this year and I would have to say no. That's not to say we don't have some nice players - we do. But overall we are ripe to be bullied by teams who are strong up front. Not what I expected 6 years into Bubba Ball.

With our D line this year I'm not sure how we recruited for it.

There is much venting on here - as it is a fan board. However, the collective "hive mind" has correctly identified areas that need improvement. The big question is whether Bubba is self-aware enough to make some. All we get from him (and to be fair, many other coaches) is coach speak and day by day. We have hope that Chaves will make a difference, but the average Joe hears almost nothing from him. Almost every year we see things that make us optimistic for next year. We also see stunning failures as illustrated by Idaho State. And the most frustrating thing is that we almost always are left with horrible optics - the old triple reverse, last year's total collapse, this year's light linemen experiment, and this year Bubba looking constipated while deciding not to go for it on 4th down with 6 minutes left. This has been going on long enough. I understand we are stuck with Bubba but things need to get sorted out and right soon. Chaves needs to intervene.

It's almost like this is in the job description for UND - especially in the football program "Are you hardworking?" - "yes" - "good" "Are you loyal?" - "yes" - "good" "Are you extremely set in your ways?" - "yes" - "You're hired".

Totally agree - please don't feed the trolls - they are coming out of the woodwork just to argue endlessly.

Not adjusting to the modern game is what we do here.

I hope there is a chapter in one of the books about being open to change and one concerning game management.

They had a better game coach calling the shots - "Fourth Down" Bubba just doesn't have it on the sidelines.

I agree that it was not the time or place to publicly bash Bubba or the program from the AD's office - especially after a play-off appearance. I think the bigger issue for fans is that Bubba is almost pathologically afraid of change and we look to Chaves for that and are not sure if his post means he is happy with the program as is. This fan board is often used to vent and put forth personal viewpoints, but overall I there is a collective wisdom in the "hive think". Just like almost every fan could see the weakness in Rudy (but not Bubba) this board collectively has correctly identified many weaknesses that need to be fixed if we want to be relevant again. Geau Sioux had a great post on these weaknesses. If Chaves is not the driving factor for change I don't see much being done. Many of these issues are long standing and seemed to be ingrained in "Bubba Ball". We desperately need Chaves to right the ship even if Bubba is locked in for a couple more years. We are in danger of becoming the permanent weak sister to the knuckleheads down south and are about to enter a very physical conference. Recognizing our weaknesses and working to correct them would be a big step in the right direction (and for crap's sake let's end this light linemen experiment).

Always nice to hang 9 on the Goofs - wish I was there.

Overshadowed by the locker room mess is the fact we are 6-0 at home and 1-4 on the road.

To recap - UND Football has been wandering in the wilderness for over 10 years while the knuckleheads to our south have had unprecedented success. We have had one shot so far at the playoffs and it was a self-inflicted fiasco. Now we have gotten in again after an up and down season. If we put together a full game from everyone we could make some noise. We really need to establish ourselves as a relevant program both for fans and recruiting. We have a multi-million dollar athletic department budget. Yet, rather than bid $20,000 more (it wouldn't have even taken that) we are sending our team that is 6-0 at home and 1-4 on the road to Louisiana to dress in tents. Not a recipe for success. I hear Ira very accurately tell us that we need to support this program with dollars. Yet here I am giving about as much as I can and wondering if any money I give (Captains Club and season tickets in two sports - one is football) will make a difference at all. Winning starts at the top and I am frustrated. Fans have a right to complain.

You are correct that special teams play has been an asset this year (and a pleasant surprise). Apparently there is is still some heartburn from watching us get punts stuffed in seasons past. Hopefully he has the upside that you mention and can continue to grow and contribute. I would mention, however, that being a good recruiter he should look for some stronger legs for our kicking game.

You are 100% correct. I am very happy to make the playoffs. However, watching the last two home games I did not see an assignment sharp team. When they put it together they play good ball. Past time to gain some game focus.

Stop whatever that extremely loud pyrotechnic bang is - way too loud and extremely annoying.

Always satisfying to beat Clown. Now let's hang a 5 spot on them tomorrow and then on to sweep the gophs. A nice start to the season.

Nothing would make me happier than if we hammer the Clowns.

After seeing the student section last game I see absolutely no reason why I shouldn't be able to move more towards the middle next season - except for a stubborn AD.

Good point about the defense.

It makes sense, but I think it is the wrong approach. Sure, we lost Jost after 1. But how about the contributions of Parise, Boesser, Oshie, Schmaltz, Nelson, and the rest? We would have had no where near the success without our high enders. No one is suggesting that we go full BU, but having blue chippers in the mix is a very positive thing.

Of course you know that no one is saying that at all. If we need to play someone to make this season a success, by all means let's do that. But to burn a game just to have him come in for one play and hand the ball off makes absolutely no sense. If we needed his skills this game in order to win, then great - let's play him. But one hand-off??

Bubba is not known for his astute game management.