UND92,96

Hardin has a broken leg, and is out for the rest of the season, per a Wayne Nelson tweet.

Looks like JoePa could be out very soon: http://www.nytimes.c...-exit.html?_r=1

In UND's last five years as a dII program, there were a total of 16 home games played vs. current NSIC teams (most of which obviously were NCC teams at the time). UND went 16-0 in those games, with an average score of 37-8. UND also went 10-1 on the road during that time period vs. current NSIC teams (SCSU in 2004 being the only loss). Would we see similar results now? I highly, highly doubt it. Maybe UND has overlooked too many MN/WI/SD kids since the start of the transition? I never hear anything about losing recruiting battles to NSIC schools, so presumably they are taking the "leftovers", and doing quite well with them.

I'm not in a position to make that call. But regardless of the reason, I'm a bit troubled that we would struggle so much to beat a soon-to-be NSIC team, particularly considering what we used to routinely do to Winona State (the NSIC's best program prior to the breakup of the NCC).

The problem with that theory is that we just struggled to beat the 32nd-ranked dII team in the country (per Massey) this past Saturday. Other than in 2002, that kind of thing rarely happened at home even when we were dII.

Is anybody else following the sickening story involving ex-Penn. St. assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky? It could end up being one of the biggest scandals in college sports history.

I think that if you look at this season objectively compared to last year, the one and only real improvement so far is that we beat SUU, and therefore are guaranteed not to finish winless in the Great West. If by chance we lose out, the 6-5 record really means very little considering last year's schedule was far more difficult (included just one non-dI opponent) and we lost our starting quarterback with four games left. That's why I believe that the last two games will ultimately determine whether the 2011 season should be considered a substantial improvement over 2010. Win two, and it's a huge improvement. Win one, and it's somewhat of an improvement. Lose both, and the improvement is fairly negligible IMO.

I highly doubt it's really that simple. Lennon can recruit, there's little question about that.

Given their record in 2010 and 2011, I can understand why SIU fans are upset. But it's so ridiculous that some seem to want to point to the fact that Lennon's success was "only" at the dII level, considering their hero Jerry Kill also came from dII--and had nowhere near the success Lennon did. I have no idea what the problem is right now at SIU, but there is absolutely no question that Lennon and staff are good coaches, and even if by chance they are let go at SIU, they would all find other jobs quickly. I don't believe it would be here, though.

I'm assuming he projects at OLB. I'll leave it to ira to elaborate and maybe compare him to past UND linebackers.

Per tweets from numerous reputable sources, Labat has committed to UND.

Just got back from game. Incredibly disappointing, the "w" notwithstanding. I am at a loss as to how we didn't come out and compete as if we were playing Fresno State or Southern Utah. Very little visible enthusiasm or emotion. Just an out and out bad performance. Never have I felt so disappointed despite a 6-3 record.

Wasn't sure where to post this, but ex-UND player Marcus Binns is now on the roster at Iowa: http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/binns_marcus00.html

It won't be good. I think between 5000 and 6000 is about right.

While simply getting a win is obviously of first and foremost importance, the other aspect of this game which is of particular interest is whether the UND pass defense can finally show that it can limit the big plays of an opponent. Last week was bad. And the overall pass defense stats this season are bad. It would be nice to start seeing some progress in that area, regardless of opponent. If we can't avoid giving up big plays even with a very good pass rush, something's wrong.

For whatever it's worth, Massey is predicting UND to win 38-14.

Safety M.J. Stumpf from Harvey has committed to NDSU: http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/339215/group/Sports/ The article indicates UND had offered.

This has been an issue for years. UND may be one of the few college programs in the country that seems to have more trouble finding 3-point shooters than quality big girls.

USD averages about 157 passing yards per game. UND averages about 151 yards per game, thanks in large part to Goska's last two games.

The most pleasant surprise for me was the play of Goodman. Must admit that I didn't expect much contribution from him this season considering all the injuries he's had and the younger, quicker players that have emerged since he was last at full strength, but he looked good yesterday.

I believe the final was 80-60.

UND is up 42-20 at the half. Brutal schedule for Minot this year. They have just five home games.

USF won 29-10.

I just looked at Sioux Falls' schedule--they only have nine games this year, they played Minot State twice and the game this Saturday against UND is their season finale. I guess it's even tougher to schedule in the transition from NAIA to dII than it is in the transition from dII to FCS.

Although DL's season ended today with a loss to Hermantown, I understand Mollberg threw for over 400 yards.