siouxfan512

Agreed, If Darrell nails this prediction, we may need to motion for his suspension from football talk for the rest of the season. Or at least his suspension from prediction threads.

I'm not saying Bubba won't get a championship. I have faith that this staff is doing exactly what they need to for that discussion. Setting an expectation for 5 or 6 straight championships is unrealistic. Let get the first one, then talk about multiple. Same goes for hockey, we got last seasons, now lets get back to back.

Totally agree with you in terms of increasing financial support, which as was mentioned, will come with narrowing the focus of the athletic department. It may even come down to conference affiliation and limiting travel costs, but that is a who other discussion. Any you are correct, in terms of comparisons to NDSU. The only reason I don't like the comparison is it often is not relevant. Not many programs, at least football programs, can truly compare themselves to what NDSU has done. At least not realistically. I think there are a lot of comparisons that we can try to make, or UND can try to replicate, but in terms of outright success, W/L, # of championship (or consecutive championships) ... they have done something that may not be seen again in this lifetime .... barf.

Appreciate it, we'll be staying with my in-laws in Fargo; and I believe you are correct, they have cable one and do not get the game. At least I should be able to get the hockey game online. I'll call a few places to double check. Thanks again.

If we keep saying it, eventually we will be right!!!

Not sure if I'm going to be able to make it up to Grand Forks or not this weekend. Does anyone know which bars in Fargo would show the UND football game? Or would most of them have it?

I get tired of the comparisons to NDSU, but they did not always have top notch support either. They may have had more than UND, but it was not always top notch. With in-laws that are, and always have been, big Bison fans, I've been to several NDSU tailgating events. Only 4-5 years ago, their tailgating wasn't even half of the size that it is now. Winning almost always breeds support, whereas Support does not always breed winning. Again, I'm not saying it is right, but it is hard to convince a lot of people to give their time to provide top notch support for a program who has not yet proven themselves to be elite. UND football needs to continue improving (which they are doing), they need to keep investing in the program and the production of the events (game production, tailgating, etc), and as both improve so will the fan base.

True, but you can't force a bunch of hockey fans to love football (especially football on a smaller scale). For some people, it just comes down to personal preference, and that won't change. There are so many types of fans: Specific sport fans - (Hockey fans, Football fans, NFL fans, College football fans, FBS football fans, FCS football fans, Basketball fans, NBA fans, College basketball fans, etc.) Casual fans - Fans that will go to a game or two for fun with friends or to tailgate, but otherwise don't follow the team the sport, and could give you the name of a single player. UND Fans - Will attend or follow UND athletics, regardless of the specific sport, or the success. Band Wagon fans - Only go to the most popular sport that is winning most frequently. Hardcore fans - A lot of people on this board. You know the team, you know the development, you know the recruits. You fight through poor internet streams to watch your team. etc. etc. Obviously there are plenty of other categories as well, but I think we also have to cut some people some slack. Even for fans who love sports in general, it is hard to find time for all sports. Hockey is, and will be, the most popular event in GF. It gets attention on a national scale in terms of college hockey, and even recognition through the NHL. NFL consumes many peoples Sundays, Monday nights, and even Thurs nights. Aside from those events, a lot of people do have families that they spend time with, kids sporting events, other events for kids, household responsibilities, etc. My point is, for many, there a limit to how much they are willing to prioritize going to a sporting event. Now that I am done playing devil's advocate, I would certainly like more people to support the football and basketball teams, IN ADDITION to the hockey team. Unfortunately, winning solves problems. For many who have the previously mentioned life obligations, they don't want to come watch UND barely beat a Drake team, they'll wait until UND is highly ranked, and 4-0 or 5-1, with some relevance. I'm not saying that is right, but it is more realistic. (ex. look at the basketball team last year ... when they started winning and making some noise in the Big Sky, people showed up. Crowd against Weber was outstanding, and what you would like the program to get to on a regular basis.) In terms of quality over quantity, I agree 100%. I think our athletic department is stretched too thin, and needs a more narrow focus overall. I hate cutting sports that exist, because it eliminates opportunities for some kids, but when you are talking about the athletic department as a business, you need to make smart decisions regarding your non-revenue generating sports.

Totally! I don't say that to slight football in the least. I love both, and if it came down to it I would bring a second tv into the living room to watch both. It wouldn't be the first time. But in terms of on site fans having to pick one or the other to be at. Hockey will generally win out. I know some fans don't like it, but the fact is Hockey is the #1 sport at UND, and even if UND football went on a NDSU type run, it would be hard to replace that (granted if that happened, I think you would see top notch support for both programs). But given this is the first banner to be raised in so long, people would go to hockey over football. Having the game at 1:00 was the right thing to do. Though I agree with others on here, and have slightly changed my perspective on this; If UND can schedule evening games that do not conflict with hockey, they should!!

31-24 UND Let's find some magic in the new jerseys. I wonder if they'll pull out the gray helmets too. I know there was speculation that the helmets wouldn't come out this year, but who knows.

With the banner raising the same night for hockey? You'd be missing a lot of fans.

Cal Poly is on the look a like train, and they have some pretty funny ones. http://calpolymustangs.yuku.com/topic/5845/master/1/?page=1#.V-yA5fnR-00

I agree with the part of what you are saying, and I think you make some solid points, with some nice observations. Only issue is we are now playing more talented teams than Central Washington, and I don't think people (at least myself) are arguing that we need to have MORE play calls, or a high scoring offense, but we need to have a more efficient offense. Sustained drives, changing up play calling so we are not consistently 3rd and long, more utilization of the TEs ... Now this does not all fall on the OC and his play calling. Some of it is execution by the QB, WR, RB and OL, but the OC can also call plays to the strength and weaknesses of this team. I've said several times, that Keaton tends to throw well on the run, trying to get him out of the pocket a little more would give him some opportunities to either make a throw on the run, or pick up some yards with his feet. To you point, we will not be an offense like USD, but we can try to find a balance that best utilizes the talent we have. (as many have mentioned, Santiago should almost never be off the field, he should be at RB, or at WR as both a receiver and a decoy. That is a coaching decision. Is all of the play calling hate warranted ... probably not, but it certainly is to a point. Especially after 4 weeks of inconsistent and fairly anemic play. Gotta make some adjustments.

True, but I think we can all agree, NDSU has been in a pretty unique situation for the last 6-8 years.

Still haven't see it out there, though I stumble across a different app showing USHL, CHL, BCHL, etc. Haven't heard back from the NCHC on twitter either. Getting a little nervous as the season is about to start, and I bought a Roku specifically for hockey.

Can't really argue with this. More players, more depth, more competition. I of course don't know the scholarship situation, and maybe you offer more PWO, especially to some of these big Nodak farm kids that you can mold and develop. While we certainly need to keep some spots open for some speed players (WR), and I know Bubba will always keep a focus on defense, we definitely need to build up the offensive line. He did a nice job in getting Merz and Grady, its just unfortunate that they didn't stick around, they could have made all the difference in our line this season. The hard part, as many have stated, is OL is a position where once recruited, you may not see the players for another few years. Hopefully our current players and current recruits will stand up to the task over the next season or two, while we continue to build that position.

Good to hear he is going to apply. Getting him back would be huge.

I will throw a little bit of credit to our receivers. I know there have been a few drops, which I'll chalk up to youth. But for the most part I feel pretty comfortable that if a ball is in the area, they will come down with it. Stanley has done a nice job of this, and is only a sophmore. Toivenen also looks the part considering how young he is. And Wanzek has certainly shown some flashes. None of which are speed guys, but its nice to have some reliable guys that will come down with the ball. Absolutely nothing against Carr, but I do think Stanley would have come down with that 2 pt conversion at BGSU. Then again, most other times, I think Carr would have come down with it too. Just wish we had Clive in there to open up some room, and spread the defense out a bit. Hopefully we can find another speedy drop down or Juco guy for next season, until we get some speedy recruits in. Anyone know if there is any potential for a medical RS? I've heard both ways on here, but nothing very definitive.

Really sucks to have lost both Grady and Merz. Both would have made this line and team exponentially better.

I'll be coming up to Fargo this weekend, and if possible I'll make the drive up to GF for the football game. Would really like to make it to one, as I haven't been to a game in person in year.

You trying to kill me? I see a player's name pop up on a thread and I immediately assume he has left the team for one reason or another. haha thanks for sharing the link

I would like to think that there is a balance they could find between how they are using Studs right now, and how we saw Streveler play. Not saying he needs to make more risky throws, but could perhaps be given more opportunities to call plays that play to his strengths (throwing on the move or using his feet). I would also say the running game will open up a bit when you use a few more bootlegs, rollouts, and get the passing threat going. I get that using PA is dependent on faking the run, but my point is to get Keaton out of the pocket, and give himself time to find a receiver on the move, or make a run. Not all the time, but they could definitely mix this in a bit more. I think we can agree, that if the O-Line can play a little more consistently, and with fewer penalties, it will help both the running and passing game.

Is it basically a foregone conclusion that we will be talking about quality losses until this team makes the playoffs? or will that joke stick around for a few years anyway?

Wow, I knew this was coming, but I've been so wrapped up with the football team, it only just hit me that hockey is actually back this week! Can't wait for Saturday. Debating driving up for the football game. Really hoping for a big Saturday for UND! Go Sioux Hawkey!!

Don't feed him after midnight