Lefty - UNO Fan

Thanks, but I didn't have much to do with it except sitting around watching a webcast. I doubt the Lakers are scared of anybody in D2. They'd probably be more concerned about the Sioux since they're the only team to beat them recently.

Agreed. This state produces linemen better than any other position. Another thing you will notice is that UNO, Chadron, and Nebraska-Kearney all are benefitting from the fiasco in Lincoln with the Huskers. I predicted 3 years ago that they D2 teams in Nebraska would rise when Callahan changed offenses and gutted the walkon program. A guy I went to high school with turned down a full scholarship offer from Iowa State to walk on at Nebraska. That's not happening any more. Also, the Mavs get some disenchanted transfers from the Huskers, including Zach Miller.

UNO develops back better than anybody in the NCC. None of their backs in the latest 10 years has had any notoriety coming out of high school. Both Xavier Omon and Danny Woodhead are from Nebraska and UNO could not or would not get them. I only imagine if they had.

UNO's offensive line has something to do with it. Chappell is clearly faster. Also, McNeil has not had a single fumble all year. He is very solid, but not flashy.

First off, the Sioux offense is as good as advertised except it has a little bit of trouble in the red zone. UNO defense plays bend, but don't break, and they tighthen up in red zone. Second, the Sioux defense is a bit soft against the run like I thought. They really swarmed to the ball and McNeil was able to break free a couple times. UNO was missing 2 starters on the offensive line, but still was able to push around the front. The Sioux earned that turnover by Miller. Two guys had him stopped and #35 stripped him. That's good coaching. You can tell UND is well-coached. I hope all the Sioux players heal up. I don't really want this to happen, but I have a feeling that these two teams will meet again in Omaha later this year. That would be the 4th game in about a year between these two and 3rd in Omaha. That would be really unprecedented.

Thanks. I really do try to be objective. UNO has made big improvements in D this year. Even though UND got almost 500 yards, the UNO D played pretty well in the red zone.

Story of the game IMO: McNeil 237 yards and 8.5 YPC.

Lots of injuries for the Sioux. I hope none are serious.

The Sioux have done a good job wrapping up Miller. He killed them last year so they've made a conscious effort to not let him beat them.

TD UNO

McNeil has 126 yards and 2 TDs already. Banged up UNO offensive line is pushing Sioux defensive front around. That drive mostly on the ground.

You are correct about UNO playing a good offense on the road and it is a concern. It hasn't happened yet. However, UNO did hold the #1 scoring offense in D2 to 21 points. It's not unrealistic to expect them to hold UND to 31.

BUMP....I think the stampede is in Grand Forks right now.

I realize full well UND could win, but I tell you what. I picked UNO to win in the regular season last year and lose in the playoffs by the way the Mavs played defense. I also said that Mankato would give the Sioux everything they wanted and you questioned that until after the game. I think the UNO defense shows up big time. I'm not saying shutout or anything, but they'll hold UND far enough below their average to win the game. I think UNO can score at least 31 on the Sioux so that's what UNO's defense needs shoot for. Of course, anything can happen to change the game: turnovers, blocks, returns, injuries, etc. Neither team has margin for those sorts of things.

That is after the game is over, right? I don't think people are going to be in a good mood after the game.

They would make the playoffs for sure and win the NCC if that were to happen. They'd probably get a #3 seed at worst. Only 1 loss is in conference.

Just a quick fact, the Sioux are not the only team who has a winning record in the Alerus Center. Also, UNO is a much better passing team this year although the best passing play might be Miller scrambling. You all are pretty knowledge fans so you know about UNO's big play makers, but I want to give you a couple players to watch for UNO. #8 Jeff Souder is an outside LB who is fast. He returns kicks and blitzes off the edge hard. He's also a bullet on kickoff. He also will try to block punts. If there is a big collison when UNO is on defense or in special teams, chances are Souder is involved. #36 Troy Kush is a WR. I think he had a long TD on a broken tackle against UND last year. He is 6'3" tall and catches almost anything. He's a junior and he's starting to remind me of Chris Denney, who was mentioned on here earlier. He is not quite as acrobatic at Denney, but he is a playmaker. I think he might be the hero of the game...if UNO has one. #45 Stuart Frazier is a FB. He doesn't carry much and is a rock head lead blocker. If a collision happens on offense, chances are Frazier will be involved. He will get introduced to the Sioux LBs sooner rather than later. I look for a good game and hope everyone stays healthy. I am thankful for the opportunity to enjoy this great pastime in this country.

UNO and UND will likely play a second time this year. This week's game is to determine where they will play it at IMO. Whomever wins gets the higher seed over the other even if they don't have the better record.

Thanks. Something will be better than nothing.

Actually, Southern Baptist is dropping out of the MIAA in football only. UNO will take their slot in the conference schedule in 2008 and SBU will be an independent. It is very fortunate for UNO because being an independent would have been very tough. UNO will still play Nebraska-Kearney and have 1 non-conference opening. I have no idea who that would be, but my guess would be UNO will stay in D2 for an opponent. Perhaps Mankato, St. Cloud, Duluth, or Augie or maybe even Chadron St. People here in Nebraska think that game needs to happen.

I can't travel to Grand Forks and have a couple questions about watching the UNO game on SiouxXtra. It appears that I can purchase 24 hours of access for $6 on SiouxXtra. Two years ago, I paid $10 for the game that I believe was televised in North Dakota and broadcast on the web. I think I could also watch a couple replays on-line for that price too. I think the UNO game was one of only a couple games to be broadcast on the web. Has SiouxXtra replaced the broadcast system from 2 years ago? I've read where some of you are having difficulties with the video and audio. Have those been resolved? I'll probably spend the $6 anyway, but just thought I'd ask. Thanks.

I know the bye could not have come at a better time. UNO's offensive and defensive lines have been hit hard by injuries. UNO may get one defensive lineman back. In my mind, that's the biggest advantage...healing injuries. NW Missouri, Western Washington, and Minnesota State all had bye weeks before UNO this year and it did not really seem to matter too much. UNO won't install a lot of trick plays. About as fancy as they get is a reverse. Maybe a fake punt.

Some styles just don't match up well and I could tell that. UND plays a different style. UNO does not match up well with USD. Both UND and UNO offenses will overmatch the other team's defense. Make sure all the light bulbs in the Alerus scoreboards are replaced. By the way, the D2football.com site is down. That's why I'm on here pestering you guys. Gotta go watch the Huskers get embarrased in Missouri now.

CWU beats USD today...45-40. Does anybody in the NCC play defense anymore?

Congrats to the Sioux. I'm looking forward to next week.