UND-FB-FAN

I would like to see the athletic department re-do the videos for each UND football coach. Would be nice to have up to date biographical videos for recruits. It all helps. The details matter.

Good

QB position is very important. Thus far, UND has Tommy Schuster and 1 high school recruit committed for 2020 roster. It is crucial Danny Freund brings in at least 1 FBS drop down, a JuCo standout, and maybe another high school recruit. I have faith Danny can coach ‘em up, but need the talent to start with. I say let’s get some FBS caliber guys.

UND's current system has flaws and it needs to be adjusted. Hopefully Bubba can put his thinking cap on and figure it out, or someone else will have to in a couple years. UND needs to better emphasize the offensive and defensive lines. UND could not run the ball nor stop the run in 2019. Fitting it led to their demise in the FCS playoffs. That is #1 area of concern for me. I certainly understand that this is not the goal of Bubba and UND, (i.e., they want to be physical) but they have to find better linemen and better refine their system to improve them. It is not good right now. The strength and conditioning program is #2 for me. I honestly think the system run by Baukol is not good enough and a change should be looked at. I don't have faith that he can do better. He is set in his ways. UND doesn't develop their players enough from their freshmen year to their senior year. They are consistently on the smaller side and unable to physically dominate in one on one battles like other MVFC programs' players are able. The physique of NDSU, SDSU, UNI and even Illinois State players is at a different level compared to the UND players.

Again, the program needs to be adjusted. It’s not good enough as is.

Bubba’s program needs a major adjustment. It has holes everywhere. Getting better players is a start. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. UND’s recruiting has not been good enough.

Bubba doesn’t have a well defined system, it appears. Too much chaos and reaction rather than proaction.

Too many limitations based purely on perception. Perception is reality. Expect UND to do better. UND needs to expect to do better.

Sort of a silly rant. I mean, I too believe UND should be hosting schools like Nicholls State. It is imperative for UND to do so if they want to be a title contender someday. But more importantly, if UND wants to be a title contender, they need to be better on the road. You can’t go 1-4 on the road and be worth a damn. UND’s coaches and players need to step it up.

UND’s offense isn’t going to get a whole lot better without a running game. UND will continue to falter in the red zone without the ability to run the ball. The next quarterback could be a dual threat. The receivers could have speed and be a threat to go 50+ on any play. The linemen could be able to run zone AND move people 2 to 3 yards down the field consistently. The backs could be able to run AND break tackles. There are a lot of areas within the offense that need to improve, not only the athleticism of the receivers. Overall, there needs to be more talent and development. The offensive line is where development is key; I’m not sure what Baukol and Pawlak are capable of together, but 2019 wasn’t a good round 1.

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.