UND92,96

Obviously the Sioux defense needs to keep Birkel under control. Two years ago, against a Sioux defense nowhere near what it is now, he ran wild. Last year, before he got hurt, he only had 37 yards on 10 carries. He reminds me a little of Josh Ranek. I think the run probably sets up the pass for them because I'm not convinced that their quarterback can win games like Heckendorf did. If the run isn't successful and the pressure falls on Kaczor (the quarterback) to carry the offense, I think he'll struggle. What I'm encouraged about is that the last time UND played outside on grass against a team with a pretty high-powered offense was Grand Valley State in the championship game and we only gave up 10 points and under 300 yards. I think this year's UND defense is at least as good, and probably better than last year's, so clearly we have a chance to hold them under 20 points. If Belmore can play somewhat effectively and not throw picks, I think the Sioux have a pretty good chance.

It's too big for most basketball games since it seats about 12,000, but as for whether it's any good for basketball, the NCAA must have been pretty impressed since the men's Elite 8 is there this year.

At least for track, the BSA is adequate. When I ran track in high school, and I believe it's still the case, we had three meets per year there, including the EDC and the unofficial state indoor. We didn't run at all at Hyslop after my junior year, and it has been many, many years since a college meet has been held there. In short, Hyslop is a terribly inadequate indoor track. I think that NDSU's track success compared to UND is a combination of UND having essentially no indoor track compared to an adequate one at NDSU, and NDSU likely spending a lot more money on their programs compared to UND. Until UND has an indoor track, it's probably pointless to consider offering the maximum number of scholarships, at least on the men's side.

Lennon and Bowenkamp were interviewed in a segment on the WDAZ sports last night. It definitely sounded like Bowenkamp would not play. He said something about having aggravated the injury last week by trying to come back too soon. I'm starting to wonder if he'll return at all. I did think it was interesting that Lennon specifically also mentioned Manke's name. We'll probably know a little more after Lennon's radio show tonight, but I wouldn't be surprised if Belmore has a fairly short leash if he struggles early on Saturday. Perhaps the backup quarterback will the hero for the second year in a row against St. Cloud.

SDSU has a good basketball program by dII standards, but in case you haven't been paying attention lately that success hasn't translated into post-season success in recent years. In terms of overall accomplishments as a basketball program, UND and SDSU are very comparable. UND and SDSU both have 8 region titles (men's). NDSU has none. In terms of the women's programs, SDSU won one title, but are well behind UND and NDSU in that regard and in conference titles. In terms of hockey, it's significant due to the revenue stream in produces and the fact that basketball is also played at REA so the arena itself would likely be very interesting to a potential conference.

A reference? No. Just that the theory is not necessarily limited to a few people on this board. Why do you seem so threatened by the fact that perhaps it's possible to seek and obtain a conference affiliation BEFORE moving to dI, just as Carr recommended? Between Harmeson's quotes in McFeely's column and RT's comments in the Dakota Student article, you don't have to read too far between the lines to see what may be going on behind the scenes.

I guess I don't see how what I wrote can be construed as a slam at SDSU. Among the schools mentioned as interested in the Big Sky, plus UND if they have also expressed interest, I just think it's not a stretch to speculate that UND and NDSU would be the two top choices. That doesn't mean SDSU wouldn't get in as well, if three schools were added, but if you think that SDSU would get in OVER UND, I would vehemently disagree.

What are you talking about, we'll have the Great West! Seriously, my guess is either both UND and NDSU will get into the Big Sky, or neither will. In which case, at least you'll have company in your dI independent purgatory, and we'll both have the Nickel to play for again!

I certainly can't disagree with that. A couple of dates to keep in mind: January 10, 2005--Vote on proposed dII football scholarship cut from 36 to 24. August 1, 2006--Effective date of cut (if resolution passes). My guess? If the above-described resolution passes, look for an announcement from UND within 6 months after January 10, 2005.

That's what I originally thought regarding Kupchella, but I have since learned that he does listen to those working under him, and if football scholarships are indeed cut as expected, you can bet that Roger Thomas will tell him that UND has no real choice but to move or risk a significant regression of the football program. Since this scholarship cut looks inevitable, I fully expect that the wheels are in motion for a move by UND to dI/I-AA within 2-3 years.

I would agree with the allure of a higher NCAA division argument if we were talking about a school like Georgia Southern or Montana who was playoff-eligible, in a conference where several of the members were not looking to move out as soon as possible, and which had a history of recent I-AA success. However, as it pertains to this particular thread in which we are talking about kids quite literally in UND's own backyard, I really don't think NDSU has any advantage over UND EXCEPT for the scholarship advantage, which admittedly is significant. If UND goes I/I-AA fairly soon as most probably expect, then the two will be back on even scholarship ground within a few years and these points will again be moot.

To the extent there's any allure involved, I suspect it would have more to do with a full scholarship instead of a partial.

I don't really think anybody is saying that Belmore is necessarily a bad quarterback, or that he won't improve with time. But throwing out the Mesa St. game--which you almost have to do considering how bad they've turned out to be--Belmore is a combined 23-47 for 288 yards, 4 int's and 3 td's over the past two games. Looking at those numbers objectively, I don't think it's surprising that people are concerned and feel that perhaps Manke would do at least as well and possibly better. I just think there's too much talent at the other positions and there's too much at stake to give Belmore a long leash and just let him play his way out of these struggles, assuming he can. If Wilson had never gotten a shot to play last year when Bowenkamp was struggling, the Sioux may never have made the playoffs. Perhaps Manke can give the team a similar shot in the arm, even if it's not necessarily a permanent change.

Northwest 1. Northwood (5-0) 2. North Dakota (4-0) 3. Grand Valley State (4-0) 4. St. Cloud State (5-0) 5. Michigan Tech (4-0) 6. Saginaw Valley State (3-1) 7. Winona State (4-1) 8. Western Washington (3-1) 9. Ferris State (4-1) 10. Finday (3-2) 11. Nebraska-Omaha (3-2) 12. Augustana (S.D.) (3-2) I'm not surprised that the Sioux are number 2, but I figured it would be behind Grand Valley State.

You would think Manke is getting some decent reps in practice, even if for no other reason than he's just one hit away from being the starting quarterback. My understanding is that coming into pre-fall camp, Belmore and Manke were essentially in a dead heat for the number 2 quarterback job. Call it a gut feeling, but I kind of think Manke may be one of those guys who maybe isn't the prototype college quarterback, but who can rise to the occasion and get the job done in a game situation. I remember seeing him play in the 3A or 4A (or whatever division Detroit Lakes is in) title game a few years ago and I was really impressed with him. Also, according to the media guide he was a 4.0 student in h.s. so he's also apparently pretty intelligent.

Although they are Canadian, Simon Fraser is actually an NAIA member. I believe they won the all-sports title last year (Director's Cup) for NAIA.

There was an article in the Herald today about Mertens and Rambeck, and it said both are being recruited by UND, NDSU and UMD. Also, I have heard UND has a very good shot at signing Ryan Chappell.

I agree about Manke. Nothing against Belmore personally, but Manke was flat-out a winner in high school. He can make plays. I say, if Bowenkamp can't go, give Manke a shot.

According to the Herald he was suspended for some unspecified off-field conduct. Too bad for him, especially considering he's from Sioux Falls.

If Bowenkamp can't play, do you think that the coaches would give Manke a look, at least if Belmore starts out poorly again next week?