UND-FB-FAN

Tremendous! Prior to these changes (particularly two years ago and before), everything was done half ass and anyone who has been to other college football games for comparison knows this. Glad the initiative was made to improve UND football gameday to what it should be.

Ketteringham must be an improvement over Studsrud. If he isn’t or simply equals his play, UND’s offense will remain the same. There has been no pleasant surprises (yet) on the offensive line to indicate the running game alone can carry the offense. Ultimately, it takes an entire team to win games, so UND’s defense improving is also a huge factor in win total for 2018.

I stand by what I said. He was a tough player and a good leader; doesn’t mean he was a great overall QB via arm talent. In fact, he wasn’t. Some people on this board can’t handle the damn truth and are way too sensitive. Get over it and move on. Talk football rather than making me a personal target; plenty of professional losers on this board. If UND’s football program actually reflected this level of sensitivity and ignorance, they wouldn’t win a playoff game before 2030.

Studsrud was an average QB, even relative to FCS competition. With that said, I think the UND offensive system could’ve better fit his skill sets. Nevertheless, he certainly had certain intangibles which I think gets people biased emotionally. From an X’s and O’s and ability standpoint, Studsrud was not all-conference caliber. His arm strength and accuracy were both limited and his reads were at times poor. His toughness and ability to move were positives, but let’s not talk Studsrud into something he was not on here.

You’re good. Just don’t agree with the “play not to lose by a lot” rather than “play to win” mindset that was obvious in that 2015 game.

UND’s offense was pathetic against NDSU; no hint of aggression or creativity. If you want UND to approach games like that as you described, then UND will be a perennial laughing stock against top FCS teams. That was a joke and expectations need adjusting there. We’ll see how it goes the next time around (2019). Those 3 to 4 game stretches you describe were against average to below average teams. I’m not worried when UND has better talent, it’s when the opponent’s talent is equal or even better. Studsrud was consistently UND’s starting QB from 2015 to 2017. He played the final four games of 2014.

So, which team/program were you watching? I can say with full confidence that UND's offense has never been anything above average during Bubba's tenure; certainly not "really good". Against above average football teams, UND has consistently been unable to make big plays or out-scheme the opponent. Examples: 2014 Montana, 2014 EWU, 2015 NDSU, 2016 did not play a single team with a decent defense other than Stony Brook, 2017 we all know. The wins under Bubba have consisted of wins versus below average teams with a few good wins coming because of UND's defense, certainly not the offense.

Yeah, they could be poor. Offensive line? Quarterback? Scheme? We’ll see.

Yes! A few common denominators since then! We’ll see how it goes in 2018.

I agree. But there will be/should be concern that the offense won’t be as improved from last season as it needs to be. Far too early to get too worked up, though, with there not even being a starting quarterback named.

I think we should expect to win versus ANY FCS opponent. If UND loses to Sam Houston State, so be it, everyone outside of UND expects that. But those within the program need to expect to win or else ... well, you all know but only some will actually express it. Realistically (ie conservatively) UND will be expected to go approximately 6-5 this season (5 to 7 wins). That would mean no playoffs for 2nd consecutive season during year 5 of current coaching regime. I don’t think UND football, given its alumni base, fans, facilities, and tradition should ever consider a non-playoff season a successful season. If lack of playoffs becomes the norm, well, yeah ... Fan inside me says UND surprises, wins 8 games, and makes postseason. Realisitically/conservatively looking at schedule, though, I see UND missing playoffs making it 4 of 5 previous seasons a dud ...

Idaho is NOT better than Sam Houston. If UND can get a win versus Sam Houston, then the Idaho game should also be a win. Also, a loss versus Northern Arizona? Maybe with injuries late in the season I could see loss of progress.

Last year this time those same rumors were floating around, then the 2017 season started and we got, well, yeah. I'll believe it when I see it.

I don't know how the final depth chart will pan out for this season, although think it will go #1 Ketteringham #2 Zimmerman #3 Boltman. You're right, Cedric Case is the real deal. Man I hope UND actually signs him; for the first time under Bubba, UND would have a competent quarterback group. Jury is still out on the QB coaching, though, in my opinion.

A lot of camp left, but I sure hope we can see a quarterback who can throw the deep ball. Studsrud was just plain bad at it. I fear Boltman is similar in that sense. UND offense needs that capability (deep passing game) in their offense after having it completely absent the past few season. We all know Zimmerman can throw a nice deep ball; watch his performance versus Sacramento State in 2017. Ketteringham also has the build and length to sling it.

I mentioned elsewhere that he is the guy who put in the work this summer with the team. He has a special level of support from his teammates. Still doesn’t mean he will win the competition from fall camp and the coaches standpoint, which ultimately decides the starter.

Talk about a teeter totter those first two weeks: start out at home against possibly the worst team in FCS and then go on the road against a top 5 FBS team ... WOW That 3rd game against Sam Houston State, considered one of the best FCS teams (#4 in ranking), is huge ... that is where we want UND to be (top of FCS); therefore, we absolutely need to expect UND to win that game. I for one am also really looking forward to UND competing and potentially beating both Montana and Idaho (would be huge for playoff chances). DISCLAIMER: As we saw in 2016, UND can start the season 1-2 and yet make the playoffs (not ideal by any means).

No question, would be huge for UND to win that game versus Sam Houston State. Opportunity is there with this game being scheduled; is UND up to the task??

There’s no question that the athletic department allocates the majority of their brain power towards hockey. If just one or two employees (with experience) were told to solely focus their efforts towards just football and basketball, it would go a long way. Always hearing the excuse of “if football won more, it would take care of itself”. I get that, but it does indeed go both ways. Football can win, but administration can aid that process from their level as well.

Obviously weight isn’t everything. Morrison (the 250 lb student-athlete you referenced) is tremendously athletic (played RB in high school). If he continues to put weight and strength on the right way, watch out. Will be fun to see how he looks this season. Like @gundy1124 said, Greer is also available for depth. Nice to be able to go 3-deep at nose.

You should perhaps check out the Harvard and Yale fan forums then; let us know what you think. This is just a little Sunday fun on a UND fan forum, relax.

Now we transition from law school to accounting? You really are desperate to find some inkling of academic superiority. Since you referenced US News: #192 ranked national university: UND https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-north-dakota-3005 #198 ranked national university: NDSU https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/north-dakota-state-9265 Certainly room for both universities to improve, but between the two I know where I want my children to attend.

Right, because NDSU’s law school is so spectacular? Give me a break. One can’t even the compare the two institutions academically as it’s so lopsided.

As do I - many are great, intelligent people. But I still went there because I support UND’s academics before NDSU’s, and, well, because the comparison is considered by many. Only a few dare say their thoughts on the matter, though. Oh screw the political correctness. I said what I said. Enjoy And I didn’t slam NDSU’s education; merely stated UND is superior. Always jumping to conclusions around here.

UND needs all the big bodies up the middle they can get after last season. Would like to see heavier nose tackles. Tank Harris is by far the best on the roster but still under 300 lbs. and the backup situation is grossly underweight. The overhaul at inside backer will definitely help this season, though. Can’t afford even one or two injures at that spot however.