UND-FB-FAN

UND threw the ball pretty well against Nicholls State. In fact, UND had a good passing offense all season with Ketteringham throwing to Wanzek, Toivonen, and Maag. BUT, the lack of a running game was the weak link and it hurt the entire team. UND was not a good offensive football team in 2019 because they were too one dimensional. For 2020, UND not only needs to replace their QB and receivers but also needs better linemen and backs. The entire offense is not in a great personnel place and scoring only 6 points against Nicholls State demonstrates this. I do believe Freund can do well and build and lead the offense, but UND needs more talent at all spots for the offense to actually produce. It won’t get any easier in 2020.

I am starting to have some doubt set in here. I think UND’s staff would find a way to lose one or two games with NDSU’s current roster. But that is pure abstract speculation. The talent differential between UND and Nicholls State was not that wide at all, perhaps even. But the final score was 24-6. UND gets better in 2020 with better recruits (need players above D2 talent), better players (strength & conditioning needs to get better; improved development), and better coaching. HPC Phase II would help with recruiting and development but that isn’t getting completed anytime soon. When I say better coaching, I’m really not even considering schemes; UND needs to manage game flow much better and know when to be aggressive vs be conservative. Clock management is suspect. Overall team leadership is weak as it appears on the sideline. Players are pouting like infants or just seem “out of it”. That starts at the top.

Your pessimistic speculation is atrocious. Get it out of here.

It will be a very difficult game. SDSU is at a different place with its program compared to UND. They have no problem challenging @MInnesota and @NDSU so @Alerus Center won’t be much of an added challenge. It will he a fun game in the Alerus Center, just not sure UND will have enough talent to win. UND’s coaching has me doubting.

Well yes, eventually. But not under the current structure.

6 or 7. I’d like to say more but UND football’s ceiling is 7 wins under Bubba. UND needs better coaching/recruiting before they can take the next step. The 9 win 2016 season was an anomaly based on the weak schedule UND had that year. They won’t get that weak schedule again in the MVFC. I’d like to think UND will continue to build and get better under Bubba, but there are so many roster holes each season and consistent in-game mismanagements that I just cant predict more than 6 or 7 wins ever with Bubba. Recruiting is poor. In game coaching adjustments absent.

It seemed like the right decision at the time. Knowing what we know now, it was the wrong decision.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/2202894-und-fires-head-football-coach-chris-mussman

Agreed. It’s obvious Bubba will be UND’s Head Coach in 2020. I wish he wasn’t.

UND in 2013 - Chris Mussman Alternatively, hire someone you don’t have to fire, rather just replace when he moves up (e.g., NDSU).

Chaves is drinking reality. UND athletics is not in a great place financially. Bubba was extended (you know, one of the Faison specials) following the 2016 choke job vs Richmond, and as such, UND is stuck with him for at least 2020 and possibly even 2021.

Definitely a bad look. Not going to speculate any further as to not upset some on here, but my opinion of Bubba is partially formed due to such things as what is quoted above.

As was the run offense. As was the punting team. As was the field goal unit on the long attempt. It was a mess of all sorts.

I hate to bring up expectations again, but 2 playoff appearances in 6 seasons with 0 playoff wins isn’t exactly great. Bubba will certainly be UND’s Head Coach in 2020, but I wish he wasn’t. UND Athletics does not have the high expectations nor the financial resources to make the change now (ie buy out Bubba). A change is likely to happen after UND is embarrassed within the MVFC following the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Too much time, energy, and some money invested to do that.

Sad showing by the D? UND scored only 6 fricken points! that’s not going to win many games even if the defense plays well. The entire team was off today, including the coaches.

Awful performance. Can’t stand watching a UND team that can’t win at the line of scrimmage; can’t stop the run and can’t run the ball. Can’t stand watching a UND team whose “leader” kicks field goals that have no chance or punts when down two scores late in the 4th quarter. Can’t stand watching UND football continue to fall under pressure. Can’t stand watching UND football continue to bow down to NDSU’s dominance in the state of North Dakota and not try to change that. Can’t stand the lack of emphasis of the program by UND athletics. Can’t stand the horrible complacency present within UND’s average at best football program. Ouch. I vented. Feel only marginally better. On to the MVFC. Too bad we couldn’t even host a game against Nicholls fricken State or play up against NDSU next weekend. Just awful management of UND football on AND off the field. Damn

I’m upset that UND lost the game and squandered a great opportunity for a playoff game victory ... BUT ... I simply can’t stand the way Bubba coaches this team. It’s awful and just not smart football. I can’t take it. He’s not a great leader - which is the role of the head coach. UND football desperately needs new leadership. God damn

Difference in the game is the Ketteringham turnover. If UND wins, it’s because Ketteringham elevates his game.

Goes without saying, but this is a huge opportunity for UND football. Chance to get UND’s first ever DI playoff victory and then a chance to play NDSU in the DI postseason for the first time ever. A lot of great chances. I hope the team is focused and ready to play their best game of the season. Go University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks!

This is upsetting for UND to have to travel there. Those attendance numbers are less than UND’s in the Alerus Center. It tells you how much work there is yet to do in order to increase UND football attendance and the perception around the program. Simply winning is not the complete answer; having a good UND team AND a good gameday atmosphere is. UND should be hosting a school like Nicholls State. Oh well, go get the win Bubba.

We shouldn’t ignore the process and the facts. The bids are the way by which the hosting institution is determined. It is not (supposed to be) random. What you’re implying is even more preposterous: UND outbid Nicholls yet still is traveling?

Flop...

Should have been done years ago .....

Why are we traveling to frickin’ Nicholls State? That is awful. We are THE University of North Dakota. If we can’t host Nicholls State, we should go back down to DII. Upset about the bid situation. Happy UND gets a chance to prove themselves in the playoffs and an opportunity for their first DI playoff win.