UND-FB-FAN

Good players. But need a speed guy or two with how slow and poorly run the offense is. UND doesn’t have a big play speed threat at receiver and it hurts them on offense ... along with many other schematic/coaching issues.

Golladay and Hardin were recruited by UND, though, while UND was not winning much. The point is that fast receivers can be recruited if it becomes a focus. UND’s current philosophy appears focused on receivers that are not overly fast and cannot get separation.

And we will continue to have offenses that lack in explosiveness and cause fans to complain ...

I’d like to see UND have a team that could actually win a playoff game, though. Current coaching arrangement for UND completely limits their ability to win against good playoff-caliber teams. You won’t see the Northern Colorados and Portland States of the world in the playoffs.

Again, you have to look around the country at the average FCS receiver. UND needs receivers capable of going 50+. UND doesn’t have that and needs it with how anemic the offense is. UND isn’t explosive enough in scheme to have only possession receivers that can’t scare the coverage deep. The receivers on this team aren’t able to make plays downfield. Maag and Wanzek are fair but are not the complete package like Kenny Golladay and Greg Hardin were.

Okay, I’ll take that as too harsh; they are average at best. Wanzek and Maag are okay but there isn’t much after that. In general, they can’t get separation. Most BSC teams have far better talent at WR. UND’s guys are too slow. For as much crap as UND’s QBs get, can you imagine how improved they would look with fast receivers getting separation downfield? Remember Clive Georges in this offense? UND needs better (faster; more pure talent) receivers as well as better scheme/play calling.

The timing of the music being played is horrible. Absolutely horrible. UND is supposed to have a homefield advantage. Why boom the music when UND is in the huddle? Damn for dumb ...

Kettingham hasn’t played well of late, but the lack of quality coaching for the QBs (and offense as a whole) is blatant. Rudolph isn’t on the sideline. Plus Rudolph’s calls are some of the most unfriendly calls for QBs I’ve ever seen. Constantly put in difficult spots (3rd and long) and asked to drop back and throw to horrible receivers. How about throw some screens or play-action or run-pass options on 1st and 2nd down? UND runs an offense from 1950 during a modern era of innovative offensive football.

This is an understatement. I’m beyond happy for the seniors that UND won today. Also happy that UND got some breaks with many top 25 teams losing; this provides UND with still a chance to make playoffs. Just remember 2015 ... it won’t break your heart so much then when the committee again screws us. Most importantly, UND looked so unmotivated out there against an average at best Portland State team. If you want to defend PSU as a good team, get out. This just doesn’t bode well for immediate future. UND’s offense is so bad. Same narrative as last week, and week before, and before, etc. Once again there were no screens, no play-action shots, no bootlegs or rollouts, etc. Fiedler got one throw and was impressive with YAC. No more TE catches after that ... UND runs same crap every third and long (trips bunch) and mostly it’s junk. UND won but it would’ve been put away if they could’ve scored from red zone ... they couldn’t. Doesn’t say much for Bubba and Rudolph’s “smart and physical” team. Lots of work to do. Still want to see new offensive and special teams coordinators after this season. Schmidt struggled getting a spy look called today too. Damn. On to Northern Arizona University.

I’ve heard that before somewhere ... Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Might just replace “Day by Day”.

Yes, they all matter. But from playoff perspective, UND absolutely must win, yes.

There are only two games remaining for UND, including today’s game.

What is a nickel? What is 2 man under? What is cover 4? What is tailback slip screen? What is play-action to tight end? What is slot bubble screen? What is deep double move? What is punt max protection? What is this thing you call a place kicker?

Who are the salty mikes? Even with the issues ongoing, UND should win this game. UND has the better players. Unfortunately, I think the lack of a quality crowd/atmosphere and coming off a horrible loss puts UND behind the eight ball. The coaches need to get the guys ready to go - not much confidence in that. UND 35 Portland State 31

You are right; they absolutely deserve our thanks.

Need Portland State to provide the energy then, with a few turnovers right off the bat.

This team is what it is. I love the seniors and all the student-athletes; however, the coaches have shown what they are and this team is capped at what they can do as a result. That is what is disappointing. There’s no aggression or active innovation going on at all by the coaches. All three phases need a shot of new life.

What is the deal there? There has to be some mistake with shipping or something. Nice white uniforms for home and Kelly green for away. Not hard to figure out, Adidas.

Understood. In general, in the context of this discussion, less weight towards UND connections and local ties and more weight towards previous success.

As Ira mentioned, familiarity and ties should be a factor, just not the most important factor nor the deciding factor. I’m not sure anyone can prove that such ties have not been used as the deciding factor in the past at UND, however. My initial post simply warned of this and asked for an emphasis on a fair evaluation process.

Good point. If Wanzek hadn’t been injured, he likely would’ve been the one throwing it instead. At least that’s a strong possibility.

Wow. Nonsense? Really? As far as stirring the pot goes, you need to look in the mirror.

Rather than critical thinking, perhaps we should be speaking about comprehensive reading for you. I didn’t say Bubba definitively got the job due to his connections to UND, but rather that it was suspicious and thus a possibility considering past hiring practices at UND. Furthermore, you haven’t ruled that out. Also, I never questioned Bubba’s passion. Rather, you claiming his passion is great is actually an implied argument for that being the de facto tie breaker. We have differing opinions, but you certainly aren’t adding any facts to this whole tie-breaker discussion and are actually expanding it. You're apparently one of those folks that I predicted would be offended by claiming the hiring process relied too much on local ties. You also have an affinity for unnecessary argument. Have a good day.

The pass defense hasn’t been a strength of UND’s defense at all while Bubba has been head coach starting in 2014. Even in 2016 it was poor but the turnovers (interceptions) certainly helped offset that. Minus 2017, the run defense has been quite good, though.

So, you’re guessing? Don't be too critical of those also using critical thought then. The points brought up are fair. You may not agree with them but you have nothing to refute them. UND and local connections need to be weighed appropriately during hiring processes for important positions.