UND-FB-FAN

I apologize that the "word" desolidified my post. I didn't foresee its use having such grave consequences, although I would argue it is indeed a word.

Spring game needs to be where the games are held: Alerus Center. Pure and simple. UND's entire athletic department has dropped the ball on this recently. Put some damn effort and creativity into your job people.

My number one impression: Have the damn "game" at the place where the GAMES are played: THE ALERUS CENTER; when the crowd piles up, as it did yesterday, the HPC is horrible for viewing purposes. I think it is ridiculous that the HPC is used for the finale or spring game or spring scrimmage or whatever you wish to call it. It maybe made sense the first time around because it allowed everyone to see the building but now its just idiotic. Otherwise: Defense looked fast. Definitely potential to get after the QB and stop the run in 2018 like the defense traditionally has done. Austin Gordon was quick around the edge. Guys at ILB look good; need to stay healthy obviously. New batch of DL look good with potential. Mason Bennett could have a HUGE year. The defensive backfield is still the biggest defensive question mark in my opinion. UND's offense didn't give the DBs any real look in order to test the DBs ability. UND's offensive line was pathetic in pass blocking. NO time really at all. Rudolph is definitely *trying* to implement a screen game. We'll see how it goes. Ketteringham is still my favorite at QB but he didn't show anything overly special in the spring scrimmage. Still work to be done. UND's backfield trio of Santiago, Oliveira, and Johannesson remains very impressive; however, I remain unimpressed with the overall look of the offense. Hope it was just limited in the scrimmage setting and it will look better come fall. I just don't know if Rudolph's offensive system will ever be able to impress me. Too archaic and crude for my taste. There are definitely weapons (McKinney, Toivonen, Griebel, Adeoti, Wanzek, Cloyd) to utilize if Rudolph and offense would be a bit creative. I just don't think the offensive line will be physical enough to play the methodical, conservative style that Bubba and Rudolph have been running. We'll see. Good news: defense showed potential up front. Bad news: offensive line and passing game was poor. Bottom line: This is typically the spring ball narrative irregardless of how the fall subsequently turns out.

Personally, from what I've heard from some of the coaches, the outlook is quite simple: UND exceeded expectations a bit in 2016 and they had a rash of injuries in 2017. Things were never as good nor as bad as what they seemed to us "fans" in the short-term. There are plenty of holes/"unknowns" on the roster that need to be fixed. Offensive line, quarterback and the defensive backfield are currently the top 3 in my estimation. If the offense doesn't become more explosive and/or if the defense doesn't become more stingy (contain big plays better), 2018 will not go as planned.

I sure hope UND doesn't have another losing season in 2018, or else you folks on here will become damn salty to unbearable. Cheer up a bit. Fact of the matter is that some aspects of certain college football teams aren't always favorable or positive. Lastly, it's quite entertaining how I'm now being labeled an over-repetitive pessimist, particularly when my previous posts on this site are accessible for all to see. I've certainly been appropriately positive (sometimes excessively) when the outlook is realistically good. And realistically speaking, UND could yet have a winning season in 2018 - so lighten up folks.

Ketteringham has to be the guy. He looks the part. He has past FCS experience as a starting QB. He has the strongest arm. Zimmerman demonstrated he can be a capable back-up last season; I like him for that spot. Boltmann is quite limited on size. He can definitely move, but as we saw with Studsrud, that doesn't necessarily translate into great QB play. I think he will be 3rd string in 2018 and spend more time getting stronger and learning. Way too early QB depth chart: 1) Ketteringham 2) Zimmerman 3) Boltmann

This whole "repost" backlash I'm receiving is ridiculous. Again, even certain positive biases on this website can become excessive. Studsrud was a great leader but was more than underwhelming in terms of throwing ability. His backups (Bartels, Heidlebaugh) were even worse. Under Bubba, UND has tried to win while ignoring the most important position in sports - bad idea.

"Effective" doesn't win championships. Championship teams have good to great QB play (not necessarily stats, but ability to consistently make good decisions and clutch throws).

No sympathy here. The QB position has been grossly mismanaged by Bubba and his staff in my opinion. Let's hope Ketteringham is the real deal.

Your last sentence is very telling. North Dakota is largely ignored by all FBS schools. I mean, many in-state programs (including UND) have even been recently criticized for not focusing more on in-state talent.

I think we just support coaches and players and wait for the season to start. GO FIGHTING HAWKS!

Sometimes it's beyond the talent why FBS kids don't get playing time. In the right situation, FBS dropdowns can make a huge impact against FCS competition. Juco kids have plenty of faults too (mainly why did they have to go juco in the first place).

I think transfer Everett Williams (if he stays healthy of course) will make a huge impact. Schmidt and Bubba haven't had that type of body at ILB since they were at SIU, and that guy (Jayson DiManche) got a chance at the next level. Ratelle was obviously a great player at that spot for Schmidt but he was limited in height as we all know. Nevertheless, if Williams can play anywhere close to what Ratelle did, UND will instantly shoot up in run defense. I think the other inside spot will also be much improved with both Larson and Rodgers available. Outside backer, other than the knowns of Palmborg and Lawrence, is a little more iffy in terms of depth. Hopefully some guys surprise there, like Austin Gordon.

Or maybe your ridiculously optimistic comments could come back down to Earth a bit? Just a thought. My support for UND athletics has remained constant for years; and that hasn't changed. Some on this board have just become more sensitive with the football team's recent struggles.

More attrition means more excuses around here.

You sure do a nice job keeping track of everything. A lot of excuses on this board. Work hard, produce results. The fellow said it was his "biggest impression" - that shouldn't happen, even if you're as logical as @shep

The two aren't mutually exclusive. Both can be done. I dont feel posts on this board exclude one from helping the program with actions.

They better desire a national championship, or else what the hell is the point of working your ass off in off-season workouts? As a fan, I sure as hell want UND football to strive for a damn national title. If ag central U can win 5 in a row, UND better damn well be able to win one. C'mon people, support UND football and the goal to win it all. If this coaching staff and team can't do it, find one that can.

Women's hockey is horrible to watch.

Right - can't blame Studsrud's arm on having no screen game whatsoever.

I think it's more than fair to say Ketteringham has far more ability than Studsrud. Definitely a bigger arm and he has already put up numbers while playing FCS football for Sac State. What happens in UND's system with his new teammates, however, remains to be seen. The players around Ketteringham (offensive line and receivers particularly) need to be able to elevate their game too. Ultimately, my take on this is it's not as bad nor as good as it may seem. Last season surely won't happen again as far as only 3 wins are concerned (not as bad). However, I highly doubt the offensive line play and play-calling from Rudolph will improve enough to take UND into the playoffs (not as good). Early prediction for 2018 would be 6-5 or 7-4 with no playoffs. Still a disappointment from my standards as I feel UND should always be in the field of 24 for FCS playoffs. There's no reason why UND, with their history, *facilities, and support, shouldn't be in the top 24 FCS every single season. *HPC phase I and Alerus Center are definitely top 24. Locker room, player-coaches meeting rooms, and coaches offices are unfortunately not top 24. HPC phase II would firmly place UND as a top FCS program in terms of facilities.

I stopped reading after "First rule of fandom ..." Go UND

You mean this site actually attracts overly biased UND fans/alumni? Who would have thought such a novel concept possible? This site is anything but a credible democracy. In fact, the response to any form of criticism on this board is often exaggerated and illogical. It actually ruins the ability for fair two-sided discussion. I mean, this "issue" (or whatever you want to call it) now becoming the hot topic on this thread perfectly exemplifies both the current lull on UND football and the irrationality amongst many who call themselves UND fans. If you don't like what someone has to say, don't read it and/or certainly don't subscribe and comment.

Bit sensitive today, huh? Hope you're not too closely associated with the football program; UND football needs a lot more fortitude than that in order to rebound back from 2017.

It's going to be a prove it or lose it type of season for Bubba. Last season just plain sucked. Bubba and his program need to prove they can walk the walk and win some games. Unfortunatley, due to that, spring ball and fall camp will be minimally intriguing to many this year. I know I'm one of those who feel last year dug this program into a !@#$ hole. Top 10 preseason turned to league bottom feeder will do that to you. I also feel the support for football from an athletic administrative and financial level is iffy at best and that is discouraging. Bottomline: desperately need results (wins)