Here is my first quick assessment of non-conference play for next season. Would like to head into conference play 3-0 next season with an FBS win, but 2-1 would still be really solid. Another 1-2 start would be detrimental to our season, and while we overcame it this season, I’m not going to bank on us going back to back undefeated conference season. Of course it is possible, but it would be best for the team to avoid putting themselves in that kind of position.
@ Utah (8-4) *Heading into the Foster Farms bowl against Indiana
I don't know a lot about Utah, but they appear to be a team that plays a lot of close games. Looking over their schedule from last season they seem to play quite a few close games. They do return their QB, who will be a senior for the Utes, but lose 3 of their 4 top receiving threats. Williams appears to be a threat on the ground, as well as through the air, so hopefully UND can keep him in check. Utah does lose their top RB, but has a few young guys, who will likely split time. Sophomore Armand Shyne had 78 attempts for 392 yards and 4 TDs, while Freshman Zack Moss had 78 attempts for 384 yards and 2 TDs.
The Utah defense has 17 interceptions in 2016 (prior to their bowl game), but appear to be similar to UND in that they give up yards, but capitalize on turnovers. Their pass defense is ranked 8 of 12 in the PAC 12 (256 yards per game), while their rush defense is second in the PAC 12 (129 yards per game) behind Washington. Their special teams appears to be a strength, which is something UND will need to strengthen, as we have witnessed this past weekend. Utah also had the most sacks in the PAC 12 with 40 this past season, so our O-Line will need to come up big to start the season, and Keaton will need to be ready to move. Winning the turnover battle and TOP would be big in this one. Utah will be much tougher the Bowling Green was this year, but when UND brings their A game, they can compete with anyone. It all comes down to which UND team shows up.
Key Returners
JR. Troy Williams (QB): 196/367 for 2579 yards. 7 Interceptions/15 Touchdowns. 102 Rush Attempts for 393 Yards and 5 Touchdowns.
SO. Raelon Singelton (WR): 26 Receptions for 454 yards. 4 Touchdowns
JR. Marcus Williams (DB): 4 Interceptions, 59 Tackles (42 Solo, 17 Assist), 2 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries.
SO. Chase Hansen (DB): 3 Interceptions, 86 Tackles (50 Solo, 38 Assist), 3 Forced Fumbles, 3 Fumble Recoveries.
Key Departures
SR. Tim Patrick (WR): 43 Receptions for 684 Yards. 5 Touchdowns.
SR. Cory Butler-Byrd (WR): 29 Receptions for 372 Yards. 0 Touchdowns.
SR Evan Moeai (TE): 22 Receptions for 308 Yards. 2 Touchdowns.
SR Joe Williams (RB): 184 Attempts for 1213 Yards. 9 Touchdowns.
SR Brian Allen (DB): 4 Interceptions
Play to Win, Stay Competitive, Stay Healthy
Missouri State (4-7) Last place in the MVFC
Missouri State started their season much stronger this year, but dwindled as the year went on. They do lose senior QB Brodie Lambert, but return their top 3 pass catching threats; as well as their top two running backs. It is worth noting that Breck Ruddick was the backup this season and did see some playing time going 34 of 52 for 424 yards and 4 TDs with 1 INT. Biggest loss for Missouri State is stud LB Dylan Cole, but outside of him and the QB position, they appear to retain quite a few pieces. There is not much to get excited about with team in any statistical category, as they rank near the bottom of the MVFC in just about everything. This is a game UND should win, and should win with some style points; BUT if UND starts the season slow like in 2015 then all bets are off and this could be a nailbiter. That being said, we retain a lot of talent, and host this in the Alerus (Let’s get a little revenge for the beating we took a few years ago). Limit the mental mistakes and penalties, and this could get ugly J
Key Returners:
JR Malik Earl (WR): 41 Receptions for 534 Yards. 3 Touchdowns.
JR Deion Holliman (WR) 30 Receptions for 246 Yards. 3 Touchdowns.
JR Erik Furmanek (TE) 27 Receptions for 245 Yards. 5 Touchdowns.
SO Jason Randall (RB): 121 Attempts for 491 Yards. 2 Touchdowns.
JR Calan Crowder (RB): 76 Attempts for 370 Yards. 4 Touchdowns.
JR Colby Isbell (DE): 6.5 Sacks, with another 6 QB hurries. 1 Forced Fumble.
Key Departures.
SR Brodie Lambert (QB): 147/262 for 1691 Yards. 14 Interceptions/18 Touchdowns. 69 Rush Attempts for 263 Yards.
SR Dylan Cole (LB): 142 Tackles (85 Solo, 57 Assist). 8 TFL. 2 Interceptions 3 Forced Fumbles. STUD.
@ South Dakota (4-7) 7th place in the MVFC
This one makes me a little nervous, because it is a game we need to win, but could certainly be close, as these games usually are. We are on the road. AND The Yotes players will certainly remember what happened in GF in 2016. Streveler is a machine and is what gets this offense going. USD returns several younger receivers, all of which had nice contributions in 2016. Streveler seems to spread the ball out quite a bit, but is huge with taking off and running. Unfortunately, this could be another shoot out kind of a game, unless UND can control Streveler. USD showed how potent their offense could be, but ranked last in the MVFC in total defense. No need to elaborate too much on this team; we saw them this season, we know what they are capable of, and we know just how important this game is to our final record next season. Safe to say that USD is more talented than their 2016 record showed, and we have to play them on the road. This would be a very important win before heading into conference play.
Key Returners:
JR Chris Streveler (QB): 164 of 273 for 1947 Yards and 22 TDs. 9 Interceptions. 161 Rush Attempts for 950 yards and 9 Touchdowns.
Trystn Ducker (WR): 26 Receptions for 274 Yards and 1 TD
T. Carpenter (WR): 24 Receptions for 380 Yards and 5 TDs
Randy Baker (WR): 24 Receptions for 142 Yards
Alonge Brooks (WR): 22 Receptions for 384 Yards and 5 TDs
Key Departures:
SR Trevor Bouma (RB): 190 Attempts for 708 Yards and 4 Touchdowns.
SR Jet Moreland (LB): 106 Tackles (60 solo, 46 assist), 1 Forced Fumble
