UND92,96

Both defenses were apparently overmatched last Saturday, but on the other hand, these were statistically two of the best defenses in the conference. UND had five first-team all-conference defensive players, two second-teamers and one honorable mention selection. UNO had four first-teamers and two second-teamers. I think this was just a matter of two pretty good defenses having bad days.

I realize the odds of BOTH UND and Delta State winning are not great, but I honestly believe UND would host in that circumstance. The site selection criteria set out in the dII football handbook are pretty clear. If the NCAA did award Delta the right to host in that circumstance, I believe the NCAA would probably be found to be in contempt of court by Judge Jahnke.

I understand what you're saying, but to me, the only really difficult decision the NCAA would have to make would be in a GVSU-UNA semi final matchup. Both would be undefeated, and would seem to have an equal claim to the right to host. The other potential matchups would seem to be pretty clear cut (the NE travels to the SW no matter what; UND would go to UNA or host Delta; GVSU would host Delta).

That was a case of two number one seeds. National rankings play no role whatsover. I can understand why UNA fans were upset with the manner in which strength of schedule was calculated back then (games against I-AA's killed you), but it wasn't a matter of a lower seed hosting a higher seed. I agree that such a scenario COULD theoretically happen, although it would probably have to be due to the higher seed having an unplayable field, or an inability to meet the required guarantee to the NCAA. I wouldn't expect any favors from the NCAA if UND were bidding against an identical seed, but I really don't think they would be able to turn down a UND bid in favor of a lower seed's bid considering there would be no problems for UND having an adequate facility or a large enough guarantee. If not enough people showed up, UND would just have to pony up for the difference between the guarantee and the actual gate.

I agree that in terms of football, the Manke's are the best. I believe Ryan was the NCC's most valuable db his senior year; Reed is probably one of the best UND quarterbacks ever despite not starting a regular season game until his senior year; and Rory has already made numerous big plays as a sophomore. One other good brother combo in recent years is the Brennan's (Ross and Steve).

Allow me to elaborate a bit on my original post--UND's offense is averaging 37 ppg over the past five games, whereas it seems many times in the past by late in the season, the offense was really struggling to find a way to score 20. I certainly can't say whether the late season struggles of the past were due to scheme, playcalling, players, etc., but I felt it would be patently unfair not to praise Mussman during this unprecedented late season run of outstanding offense, because he's certainly taken heat by a lot of people when the offense has struggled. Obviously the players deserve much of the credit, as well, but they are being put in good positions to succeed. To me, an example of being unfair would be to call out Mannausau/Kelling for yesterday's defensive performance, considering the defense has generally played well this year. While I was very disappointed in allowing that many rushing yards playing a team where you knew exactly what they were going to do, I have faith that the problems will be addressed, and that the defense will play better next week.

Exactly. UND actually outgained GVSU last year, but three fumbles killed us. GVSU didn't have any turnovers in last year's game.

I see that USD did manage to gain 400 yards of offense against GVSU (UND gave up 413 today by way of comparison) but had two turnovers to GVSU's none, and the Lakers had a punt return for a td. Maybe I'm just overly optimistic, but if the Sioux offense can continue to play the way it has in recent weeks, UND can win this game, although it will probably need to be in a shootout similar to today.

I know it's a moot point, but just think if we had last year's defense to go along with this year's offense...

For all of us who have been critical of Chris Mussman's playcalling in the past, let me be the first to say, great job today and really all season. This offense is a machine right now.

As effective as UNO's running game is, this was a good example of why it's tough to win in the playoffs with it. When UNO had to score in a short period of time at the end of the game, they simply couldn't pass well enough to get it done. THE CURSE OF PAT BEHRNS IS BROKEN!

RORY MANKE PICK!

Jr.

How things change in one year. Miller played a couple of possession against UND last year, and did nothing. This year, he's like Michael Vick (minus the fumbles).

I certainly don't pretend to know what the problems are with the defense based on listening to the game on the radio, but if you're Dale Lennon and arguably the best defensive coordinator in Sioux history, that first half had to be extremely difficult and frustrating to watch.

I considered it seriously, but the 16-hour round trip was a bit too much for me.

In Vermillion last year. But at least that USD offense wasn't completely one-dimensional.

That penalty was effectively a turnover, but I just think there's too much talent in the UND front seven to allow a team to just run up and down the field without doing anything tricky.

Pretty pathetic defensive performance. It's not like they're doing anything surprising.

Why even rush the punter? Stupid! Too risky.

Yes, but you'd think it was far tougher to stop Logan. Apples and oranges maybe, but it's not like we've never faced a running quarterback before.

If you go to the scoreboard at d2football.com, they have a link.

Agreed. It can't be easy to mold this many new players into a team, especially since even the returnees had to learn a new system. Nice job so far by Jones and staff.

Unfortunately, it appears that this year's team has some major issues defensively. I couldn't figure out what they were trying to do tonight, but whatever it was, it clearly wasn't working. Lewis didn't have a ton of talent by any means, but they had open looks nearly every possession. On the bright side, Langen was back to her old self offensively, and Beck had another excellent game.

What remains to be seen is whether anyone can step forward to be the go-to player. It probably won't work for that player to be Langen, because it's too easy to double and triple team a post player. Over the past decade, it seems like there's always been either a guard or an inside-outside player who could create her own shot--the Pudenz's, Richards, Arndtson, Moen, LeCuyer, Leighton and Boese. Who can step up to fill that role? The most likely candidate is probably Maffin, if she can regain her form from the Disney tournament. Thoughts?