UND-FB-FAN

Only time will tell. As I’ve said, if Fruechte truthfully is a breakout coach, that only means good things for UND. Would Bubba get out of his way and let him into the head job?

You’re correct. James Madison won one championship, but they’re no longer an FCS school. Who would’ve thought that the standard would be South Dakota State and North Dakota State? Regionally speaking, that’s reassuring for UND, but the results aren’t reassuring. Vision and leadership matters.

Sometimes you win division 1 championships, unless you’re the University of North Dakota.

My official way too early prediction is that UND wins some games they’re not supposed to, and probably loses some games they’re not supposed to. Still finds a way to go 6-6 or 7-5 and sneak into the playoffs with an eventual early exit. The identity of this program with Bubba is so certain right now, that anyone who supports this facade (Chaves) is just blatantly satisfied with the status quo: some wins, some losses, no championships.

But DB guru bubble ball?! Hopefully the new facilities, and NIL deals, will somehow magically resolve these blatant schematic and instructional issues…

Fair

Don’t have to tell me twice. I’m not expecting good things in 2024. Already sort of pissed I renewed my season tickets, but figured after having them for decades, I better continue with it. Figured I’d type something sort of positive, since I’m routinely hated on here for being so pessimistic (i.e., realistic).

Coaching matters. No reason for excitement, unless new OC hire is destined for FBS program in 1-2 years.

What an exciting addition that would be … People can talk crap about Missouri State all they want, but in my opinion that program and location is superior to Northern Colorado and Greeley.

SDSU and NDSU are the bar, but you have to walk before you can run. UND can’t even win a playoff game, never mind do it on a consistent basis. The leadership is beyond suspect. This horse will continue to get beaten because the same outcome occurs every season and yet the same things are tried again and again in terms of leadership/staffing. Football is a major game of momentum, and it doesn’t take an expert to notice UND football has lost every ounce of momentum it ever once had since basically mailing it in after Oct. 14, 2023.

Nah, that’s complete bullcrap. Montana, Montana State, Sac State, Weber State, Villanova, Richmond, Idaho, Delaware, Youngstown all have won multiple playoff games over the past decade. UND isn’t even in that conversation. Again, actions speak louder than words. Nice try though.

My mind has been decided based on my own observations. I won’t apologize for producing my own opinion, even if in fact it is different than yours. The coaching staff budget could be improved, but again, I do not believe the salary inherently changes the passion or ability of the staff member. It does help hire new capable coaches, if that approach ever arises. It absolutely matters what is said or done, and I’ve made that abundantly clear. So, you’re dead wrong. Administration says they care about winning, but yet extend coaches that have won one playoff game in the past decade; and put UND in a vulnerable position, leading to UND alumni coaches and local student-athletes leaving to regional rivals. And yes, I think UND’s tough schedule will likely prove me right. I would rather UND win every game on their schedule and I head down to Frisco in January, but I’ll take being correct as consolation. All this lead up to the night game vs Montana in September will be likely deflated by a blowout loss (see 2013, which featured a “wonderful” home schedule). SDSU and NDSU are the benchmark, and UND has work to do to catch up.

Giving him a chance just now? What has the last decade been? Other FCS coaching staffs do far more with far less. And paying a pig a million bucks still means the pig is a pig. CFO also went on record stating that UND’s budget is at the top for FCS schools (which we knew), so can’t use that excuse either. They did mention that it is not an apples-to-apples comparison because other FCS schools don’t sponsor hockey, and of course shot down any idea that the REA - UND ticket revenue agreement is a problem. All in all, it seems that the repeated mention that the administration wants to win as bad as the supporters/fans do is pure garbage and just lip service. Sure, the facilities are improving, but the underlying regime continues to stay the same all while the results on the field are considerably subpar when compared to NDSU and SDSU. There certainly does not seem to be a true arms race. Actions speak louder than words, and UND’s current leaders have lost trust, in my opinion. I don’t believe them. Most in GF and the region want action and results, no more words and promises. Nothing is delivered on. And here we stand.

The majority of this forum is populated by the exact opposite sort of people I’d like to share any of that with. I’d be very surprised if UND football takes on a different identity in 2024, as the same ol’, same ol’ is still in the place. But hey, if you enjoy some wins here, some losses there, and an early playoff exit, then you should love 2024, just like all the other seasons (albeit playoffs might not even happen this season).

Trajectory appears to be “down” … time will tell.

This program is in mediocrity purgatory, and I won’t blindly agree with all the decisions that are obviously keeping UND football irrelevant. But, for everyone not throwing popcorn, carry on, and pretend all is well. Fairly low expectations at UND right now, it certainly appears, despite ”leaders” stating everyone wants to win. Anyone in a leadership position at UND right now needs to be looking at themselves in the mirror. Politically-correct town halls do not change that.

… of course. Incredibly predictable response. And my response is also very predictable: I didn’t need to ask any difficult questions; I’ve already done that behind closed doors. Fairly obvious any difficult questions that were raised during a “town hall” were not going to lead to any changes, particularly involving staffing. Still, I was curious to see what would transpire, and it was, like I said, generic.

Yes. Quite generic, but credit to the department for at least doing it.

Bubba Schweigert has lost this program. He was at the town hall meeting, and perhaps as such, no difficult questions were asked. I will hope for a miracle in 2024, but doesn’t look probable.

Sure seems that way. Will Bubba’s buddies ever see the light? Nice guy, but can’t compete at the highest level. Too nice; nervous guy vibes rub off on his teams, and he just wont retire…

If Dale Lennon was still here, the program would be able to win playoff games.

The UND football problem is complex/multifactorial, which makes any argument towards a single issue laughable. Need improvement across the board. I can clearly say the NIL and facility recent upgrades are moves toward improvement; but the coaching, recruiting and motivation is still beyond questionable.

The roster mostly consists of division 2 talent, not division 1 talent. A few talented students come to campus but don't stay. The new facilities may attract more top-end talent, which is essential for a championship-quality football team. Now, the leadership and motivation of the current talent (hence the exodus) is another issue … Current $ from NIL is of course factor too.

-2024 schedule is promising, but 2013-like disaster very possible. -Better players are crucial, especially after the transfer losses, but the coaches recruit/retain; falls back onto coaches. -Extending Bubba maintains status quo, no playoff success. -Passive change is only way UND improves to new level; that is, Bubba retirement only way things change. Bubba with apparent lifetime contract. Would like to see someone else get a chance at this point, maybe new OC ascends and Bubba allows him to have the job? Bubba's friends favor him over actual UND football results. Good for Bubba that he has made a lot of friends. -Bubba lacks leadership ability to compete regionally with big boys (NDSU, SDSU, Montana, Montana State)

New facilities are a positive, and will help, but the current coaching will continue to limit the overall success. The ceiling is set. The current coach's inability to lead UND football to a championship, despite his love and connections, is perpetuated by supporters prioritizing friendship over team success, hindering UND’s performance in big games.