It is no coincidence that now that SU's Larson is no longer in the room UND got a fair shake. We finished tied for third in the toughest conference in FCS. Yes I know that the conference rep can't speak about teams within their conference, but there are others way to have influence. We weren't even last four in - that shows that the committee did their homework and used the correct criteria.
How about this version: Our run defense has controlled every team we have played and is #1 in the toughest FCS conference in the nation. Their run offense is last. We shut down their run, they have to pass and our league leading interception defense picks up a couple more and scores at least one defensive touchdown. Our offensive line steamrolls them and Jerry throws a couple of touchdowns, the student section is empty by the fourth quarter.
What they say and what is negotiated behind closed doors have proven to be two different things. But in an interview with a committee member last year it was said that an FCS win can help you, but an FCS loss can't hurt you. Thus UND with a win would be considered 8-3 to the committee (it would seem).
Izzo's podcast they said Chase didn't even dress last week. They raked SDSU for being evasive about the extent of the injury. Kolpack said UND was in win or lose - but as we've said we ain't losin. I really want to tailgate on Thanksgiving weekend in Grand Forks (but I'm okay with a bye also).
Watched/Listened to numerous regional/national pundits and all said based on SOS UND is in with 7-5. That being said we know the committee has no problem screwing UND, also no team wants to head into the playoffs off of a loss. Even in our four losses our D and lines have been solid. No reason to think UND doesn't take this one.
To go from one of the worst defenses in the conference to one of the best in one year is quite remarkable. Every week they are able to contain the other teams primary offensive weapon.
Now su's Larson is no longe on the committee it will be interested to see if UND doesn't get slighted this year, maybe even something good? Kolpack says UND gets in with a 7-5 because of our SOS - but it's not gonna be an issue because we are gonna be 8-4.
Their "bowl" game was last week against Northern Iowa - it was the Toilet Bowl and they lost. Gotta think they will head the way of Western Illinois soon.
Great scheduling for what this team needs right now, to get back on track with a big win and build confidence. Come home and close out the season with a big win. In the eyes of the playoff committee we are 6-3 and it has been said by past committee members that an FBS win can help a team but an FBS lose has no impact (so he said). Also not having su's Larson on the committee anymore to lowball UND will help. 8-3 FCS record will have us in the middle of the pack for playoffs and a good chance for a home game.