Oxbow6

I'm all for optimism, but 4 of UND's first 6 game are vs. the Jacks, Griz, Cats and EWU. I understand they are all at the Al, but... Next year's season IMO will shake out in the 1st 3 games...Valpo is a win, but the next 2, Jacks and Griz, will tell us what to expect the rest of the year.

Fair enough...a good OC in no way translates into a good HC. To his credit he has held the student-athletes to a high standard. I see a 28-26 record, some horrible losses, poor coaching decisions that have costs HIS players potential wins late in games and no signature win in 5 years. I see your side, but...

What is this equity that you reference? Please elaborate...

The talent of the teams and overall ofeensive skill we played in 2011 vs. 2012 was night and day too. I would say the 2011 D would not have done much better vs. the 2012 schedule than the 2012 D did. Just my opinion...

Better talent generally translates into all those mentioned above...to some extent. I watched the Sugar Bowl last night...Florida had sick talent on D but little FB IQ and execution from what I saw. Now was that a player issue or coaching issue??? If UND brings in or has better talent next year I don't think that automatically translates into a better defense.

We didn't tackle better than a Pop Warner team...put that on who you want. I watched game after game, with our D playing 2 deep safeties with our corners 10-12 yards off the ball. Any team that could play basic pitch and catch shredded us. Any team that could get the edge running the ball killed us. There were obviously some weak links on D...not to call anyone out, but as a coach you have to scheme to make the most of the talent you have and on the defensive side of the ball, even though we didn't have 'SU talent, we had IMO better talent than what our D produced. I put more of that on the coaching than the kids.

If there are no philosophical/scheme changes defensively, equaling this past season's record will be a stretch. I'm sure we will take some step back offensively for a couple games until our RS Fr. QB finds his groove. The first few games minus Valpo are a tough stretch...hold your breath.

Agree...all this being said I think he blows up on a line with Rowney and Drake and puts up some huge #s in the 2nd half.

When one is as talented as Rocco is and has been able to make those "risky" plays/passes without consequences so far in his career vs. lesser competition, I'm sure he feels he can do the same in this tourney and hasn't made the appropriate adjustments to the increase in overall talent. He hasn't been playing against UAA or MTU the last few days.

On what channel will this be televised again?

Disappointing...this program is more short on talent from a coaching perspective than from a player perspective IMO.

Ummmm...did I stutter??? Gaarder IMO does more on both ends of the ice than Rodwell. Rodwell passes the classic "eye test" but really has not lived up to his billing so far at UND.

This^^^^^^^

Colton has been too good so far to sit IMO so my guess is he is on 4th line with the General and either Rodwell or Jim. ODonnell needs to step up! If Parks can play more than a period, he will be a nightmare for Holy Cross on the boards and down low when teamed with Knight and Kristo. When Rocco returns, I see him with Carter and Drake if the Mac boys and OD can produce. That would leave a 4th line of Colton, the General and Gaarder...not too bad.

I counted 9 times AP was bottled up behind the line of scrimmage and still got 7+ yards.

Woodson is cleared to play Sat. night. Cobb is still iffy. If AP runs for 150+ regardless of the outcome, I'll question the coaching ability of Capers. The offense is basically AP sprinked in a little Rudolph. Will be very disappointed if this game is within 10 points in the Packer's favor.

Again a MN HS coach is coaching these elite kids. You try to figure it out...

Fixed your post.

Saw yesterday on KVLY Bohl signed an 8 year contract extention. Anyone else catch this? Good lock down for SU IMO...even though contracts are made to be broken.

Hadn't heard that news...why? Huge blow if he can't go.

As for the FCS title tilt...if either team gets to 21 points they are lock to win IMO.

Lots of free time during the winter when harvest is over to pollute this site. Might be a busier day than normal for posting for all of them as no mail service to see if 1st aid check of year has arrived.

I like Cincy to win, GB to cover, Baltimore to cover and Washington to win. Houston is in free fall mode. GB at home...'nuf said. Indy and Seattle are different team on the road.

Got a hunch Woodson plays some next Saturday. Cobb will play...held him out for precautionary reasons today was the report.

Playoff rematch next Saturday at 7pm...will be at Ralph. Uhhhgggggg!