Irish

The 10 yard cushion year after year irritated me more than anything else from the Muss era. It looked like we started the game in a prevent. I know that our corners weren't strong, but we could have least tried to play like the big boys.

It's not hockey being a resource drain - It's the attitude that we have a program that wins national championships (or at least used to) and that football can coast a bit - at least compared to the demands on NDSU football - how long would have Muss lasted at NDSU - they insist on winners and are willing to look outside the box. We insist that everyone is in the fold and that criticism is anti-Sioux - we don't demand excellence and are willing to tolerate mediocrity longer than the Bison are.

It's not the hockey - We have all of the football resources we need. In my opinion our neighbors to the south have a much less tolerance for mediocrity both from their fans and administration than we do. Bohl has two 10-1 seasons during transition including signature wins and one 3-8 year and there are screams for his head. They demand winners and are willing to hire from anywhere to get them. Contrast that with us and Muss - when I suggested that he might not be the guy to take us where we needed to go a couple of years ago I was jumped on immediately as not being supportive. How long would Muss have lasted in Fargo - especially after the Sioux Falls fiasco - With player defections it looks like the great Muss experiment will cost us at least 8-9 years of mediocrity. I think many of their fans are obnoxious, but they insist on a winner and are willing to do what it takes. The only way hockey hurts football is that we are willing to put up with much more from the football program because we always have hockey. It isn't resources.

I get that - what about this makes his staff very desireable? - Not trying to bash them - just wondering what people see.

Ok, Ok - I hear you - I'm not saying we shouldn't be supportive of Bubba - I think he brings some things to our program that were sadly lacking including a passion for the program and an emphasis on the type of football we need. I'll be the first to admit that I am extremely disgusted with the process and hoped we would have a wider range of choices and backgrounds to pick from - Bubba still may have been the best hire. When I say that I just don't understand Dale's lack of success at Carbondale I mean just that - i just don't get it and am not sure why his staff is so desireable given their DI record the last 4 years. I'm not trying to criticize the guys, just not understanding. Having said that, I'll drop it and cheer on the new staff.

Same kind of herd thinking that gave us 6 years of Muss - never criticize or question anything - If we hire one of us things are always fine - never question the good old boy network - If you do, you're not one of us

Some people are frustrated with the process in which the politically correct HR committee winnows out the good candidates and our two finalists are on the staff of our former coach.

Actually success is very easy to quantify - won/lost and championships As to Lennon's record the 9-3 and 11-2 first two years are with Kills people (using the exact same argument that people here are using about Bubba's record at Duluth - namely the last coach can take credit for the following two years) After that it is 5-6, 4-7, 6-5, 7-5 Not the stuff of legends. Why do we place such a high premium on his staff? Just not seeing it.

Dale was our most successful DII coach - on his staff were our two finalists for head coach (and our eventual head coach) and our new defensive coordinator - why no success in DI at Carbondale? Why the fascination with this bunch (other than reliving our memories of our only Natty) - Based on performances for the last 4-5 years I just don't see it. I'll give you that these guys have strong UND roots, but as far as DI success? I'm not buying vague explainations like "different recruiting area". What am I not seeing that everyone else seems to? I'm not trying to start an argument, just don't understand.

So you're saying that they were assistant coaches on a team that "almost" made the expanded playoffs. Well, that's different then

I don't see the logic either - I appreciate that the coaches are fired up and want to make a difference - Can anyone answer why they couldn't make a difference in Carbondale and what they will do different here? Is there something I'm missing or is this just Magical Thinking?

Never would have guessed

Hasn't happened in 4 years - why would he start now?

There are two Division I programs in the state - who else are we going to compare ourselves to? In addition, I think all of us here know many Bison fans and are soooo tired of hearing about their program. We need to demand excellence in our program and right soon. I know Bubba has difficult circumstances next year, but I am really tired of our university running a second rate football program. I hope that the powers behind the throne are right about this hire because we need to step it up and soon. We can't afford another 6 years of mediocrity. I heard the jumping ship analogy many times during Muss's tenure and in my opinion is a statement that is just made to silence critics. About time we demand success.

I'd say a more interesting question is what Bison fans would do if Klieman turns into a Hakstol - has a strong winning program and some conference titles but somehow can't win a natty. How long are they patient. What are the expectations for the program now.

Self inflicted mediocrity -

I would too, but given the record of UND's gutless HR committee I doubt it

It's been like that for years - we appear to be wasting our talent so some guys can get on the highlight reel.

Let's be clear about who's running Sioux athletics - our next posting might say - outsiders need not apply

Not saying he did, but others here did

Give the way I think this happened, the pressure needs to be on him to get it done.

I'm with Sic - the good old boys need to own this - I really hope they're right - we can't afford any more years wandering in the wilderness. As it is, I can hardly stand to be in the same room as my Bison fan friends.

Wow - lofty expectations - I can see why we are going to be a powerhouse - the fans demand it

Tell me the story again, Ira, about how there is no "good old boys" network".

You're going with that?