A lot of whining that the season is over already. I understand the emotion in losing, especially like that, but remember that half the teams out there lose their first game. The season is not over. Even if we go 0-2, the season is still not lost, we have a very favorable conference schedule waiting for us still.
Last night confirmed that this team is not where it needs to be, to be talked about as a top contender yet. There was a lot of complaining when we were picked 4th in the Big Sky; last night showed why we were not higher. That does not mean that we can't finish higher, or are not capable of being better, but it does show that we still have a long ways to go in preparing and executing.
First, have to give credit where credit is due. Stony Brook had a tremendous defense. Again there was a lot of bickering last night about them being the best in the FCS or who was better (them or NDSU). Doesn't matter, they are a good defense, and whether they are 1, 2, 5, 8 etc; they will be one of the top in the FCS.
On the flip side, that was the most anemic I have seen our offense in a while. I like Studs, but he looked terrible. He looked uncomfortable and rushed (credit to the D), but even when he had time his throws were off target and lacked zip. I trust he will shake this off and get back to being the kid we saw at the end of last year. Without any sort of passing game, SB was able to do exactly what they wanted focus completely on stopping the run game, and keeping our offense off the field. Our defense had to be exhausted by half time.
*Side note: I was really shocked by some of the plays that Rudolph was calling, especially in 3rd and 8 to 3rd and 12 type situations. You still have an opportunity to get that first down, and he was calling soft toss plays, which drops the ball back even further and give their D more time to penetrate the O line.
Overall, that is truly a game that we lost, rather than them winning. I'll give them the first TD, even though they fumbled it into the endzone, as they probably would have scored anyway. But the blocked punt was ridiculous. On the flip size, we left a lot of points out there. Did we fumble twice within scoring distance? I was screaming at the tv when Clive fumbled. I absolutely hate it when kids stick the ball out where anyone can grab it, or knock it loose to try to gain an extra inch or two; especially when you have already got the first down. If he had tucked the ball in safely and gone down, you are likely talking about a UND victory where we don't lose our top receiver.
Remeber, the season is not lost. We still have a strong D (secondary does scare me), great RBs, and a QB who we know is better than his performance last night. As fans we can mope a little bit about the loss, it is certainly a punch to the gut of our high expectations; but the players need to shake it off and get ready for next Saturday. Bowling Green is still a winnable game, and picking up a win there would do a lot for the confidence of the team and the fans.
