siouxfan512

I like Santiago as much as the next guy, but there is no reason to feed him more carries than he is getting at this point. It should be about a 45/45/10 split between Santiago/Oliveira/Gordon. Also get gordon and santiago some screen passes and even a slant or down field shot to Santiago. I think that split is a great starting point, based on the success of all three of these kids this year. I think that split can also change throughout the game based on the defense. If you start seeing some bigger holes, especially to the outside, then absolutely get Santiago in there. If the defense is moving quickly and closing the gaps, then get Brady in their to muscle out some yards. Regardless, Gordon needs to be in there periodically, he is the perfect compliment to Brady and John because defenses just don't seem to know if he'll get the ball or not, but when he does, he makes the most of it. 3 very solid RBs with Norberg to boot, is a great problem to have. Hopefully we can establish the run on the first drive or two and open up some passing opportunities. Really like the chemistry I've seen with Keaton and Toivenen and Wanzek. Would really like to see a few more jump balls to Wanzek, especially in the RedZone (Wanzek's potential is ridiculous, especially if he can put on another 20 lbs). Also would like to see a few more TE passes. Fiedler is huge, and can get some yards, and I'd try to get the ball to Cloyd a bit, to get him into a rhythm. Heard a ton about this kids potential, but I'm hoping its not just as a blocker. Special teams is a bit of a question mark for me on the weekend, and hopefully a place the team can step it up a bit. Need to do a better job on kick off coverage. Also, would be nice to see a few decent returns on our end. Lets just keep that Dussold to Reed connection going. Win the field position battle (Or just score so we don't have to punt )

Its so early in the season I really have no idea what to expect. UND is 5-0 but has certainly shown their vulnerable moments. I really haven't watched more than a few minutes of Duluth. UND has played pretty darn well in Duluth, especially since Amsoil opened. I just hope they can turn the lights on without any issues.

Agreed, this all makes sense. So really we only want Poly to lose to EWU. That should be enough to drop them behind UND. Well, I'll be all for the Eagles then! Would be awesome to see UND end up in that kind of position. Makes the losses to SBU and BGSU sting a bit, as we were so close; but truth be told we were not playing great football at the time.

Makes sense to me. I don't see any way we overtake E. Wash unless they lose a few games they should, but overtaking MT this week is a definite possibility.

So who should we be pulling for this weekend in the EWU vs MT game. 1. MT wins, and UND wins out --- UND wins the Big Sky outright and the autobid. 2. EWU wins (and wins out), UND wins out --- UND likely jumps MT in the rankings (better playoff spot) BUT UND shares the Big Sky title and the auto big goes to EWU I'm going to assume, we would prefer the second scenario, as UND would be in the playoffs autobid or not, but would get a better position if MT loses. There is still also hope that EWU stumbles against Cal Poly, though that is a whole different issue, because if Cal Poly beats EWU (in addition to MT and SDSU) they would likely have a better position that us heading into the playoffs. (Unless CP loses to Weber or UNC). And on and on it goes. Thoughts?!?!

Yep, they need to seed the teams top to bottom.

Some could say it is bias, but I don't think anyone, even a top team would prefer to go play in the stadium of a consecutive nat'l champ. Lets get a UND/NDSU title game, so we can all get drunk in Frisco. haha! Maybe even throw the nickel down too

Thanks for stoppin by. The team is definitely moving in the right direction. I sure hope 9-2 is where we sit come selection time. We'll just have to see what happens with some other schools to see where we actually land in terms of playoffs. I don't believe UND would get matched up against a conference opponent in the first round so MT would be out; even if that were possible we would certainly be on the road. If we were to play an SDSU in the first round, location would all come down to the bid. A lot can happen in the next few weeks. It only takes a few big upsets across the country to really throw a wrench into the layout of the playoff picture.

Believe he is a walk on

Not sure on the rules, but I believe Bubba said he had applied. Having Clive back for another season (hopefully a full/healthy season) would be incredible.

After last weekend, I will not be adjusting my predictions right before the kickoff. That clearly did not work last week, and cause too tight of a game. Really hoping Santiago finally hits a HR ball. Birds 38 Cats 24

I'd really like to see Santiago finally hit a HR ball this week. I'm sure he has been more anxious for one than the fans. Maybe if he gets one, the floodgates will open and we'll see a few more.

Yo Stech, you mad bro?

Parker Rickert from Edina. I know some people on here had mentioned him in the past. Not sure how seriously he was ever being looked at, or if UND was ever in his wheelhouse.

Does anyone know if Rickert has made a visit to UND, or if he plans to?

Landing Mafe in addition to Ott would be completely ridiculous. I really hope UND can do it. If they can, I think we are set at DE, but would really like to see more O-line. Coaches did a really nice job finding Grady and a few others, and unfortunately we lost 3 or 3 guys that would have been studs. Hope the coaches just keep at it. So impressed with what they are doing. I've said it before but when I was in Fargo tailgating with family (of course sporting my UND apparel), people told me they heard nothing but great things about Bubba and what he was doing. One of the UND player's uncles said his nephew absolutely loved playing for Bubba and had great things to say. Pretty pumped for where we are now and were we will be in a few years.

I wish I could go, but I'll be screaming from my couch. Beat Weber! I'll of course be screaming for hockey too! Beat the puppies!

Subban is getting the start, which is a good. It means I can cheer for the Wild to completely shell the Bruins. Subban can get pulled, and McIntyre can play a really solid 3rd period.

So I should reword ... He's just had too few of those funny cigarettes. haha

He's just had a few too many of those funny cigarettes.

End of argument. Boom, Lawyered.

Haha, I'd have though the gal on the right would have a virgina slim in her mouth and a schlitz in her hand.

I'm not saying turn it into a drunk crazy fest. Not all frats are the Animal House stereotype. I would say most houses are not quite that stereotype, though every house may have a few poor examples within it. Just saying it is one way you could get people involved and try to ramp up attendance. I could be way off, but I'll be if you head to SEC country, greek communities are much more involved in tailgating and gameday activities. Another reason I wish you could bring football back to campus, especially right where Memorial stadium is. You have a big parking lot for tailgating. You can do an easy park and ride from the Ralph over. You have University Ave right there for when there are parades. You have all of the greek houses there that can have their own event right on their front lawns. It would be a pretty sweet college atmosphere.

Hang the Banner!!!

Need to tap back into that crowd. Like I said, its a fairly substantial number of students. Maybe you give each out a tailgating spot, or a discounted tailgating spot. Create some tailgating competitions (Best Tailgate spot, Greek Tailgate Relay, whatever....) something to get them there in numbers and get them hooked. Maybe it wouldn't work, but it might be worth a shot. You already have a greek council that could team up with the athletics department to try to get it goin.