UND-FB-FAN

Washington’s players are better than Sam Houston State’s players at every level. But I do agree with you on UND’s deficiencies and philosophical issues under Bubba. Defense consistently has played great, but they do wear out a lot with the offense doing absolutely nothing. More reason for the offense to try and be aggressive in the first quarter: deep shots, counters, trick plays, etc.

Very good point.

For some reason, the jump balls and back shoulders just aren’t being thrown anymore. Probably a combination of play-calling/Rudolph and Ketteringham just not having the timing down with Toivonen, Wanzek, and Maag yet. Remember: as a group, they’ve only played 2 games together! Passing offenses take time and rhythm!!

That’s a difficult throw (across the field over a defender) with not great separation by Wanzek (certainly wasn’t wide open). The UND receivers are below average FCS players and were completely overtaken by the above average to very good FBS defensive backs of Washington.

Darn, at least if they were holding back it would be intentional and not inherent incompetence.

Beating Washington or playing them close also would carry a lot of weight in the polls. And before you say “UND had no chance to win”, who would’ve thought the score would be 17-3 in the 3rd quarter? Very few if anyone on this website. And it easily could’ve been closer. YOU HAVE TO PLAY TO WIN EVERY GAME! The lack of aggression and portrayed confidence by Bubba was and is concerning.

He should be in the slot a lot more. Brady Oliveiria (when healthy) and Johannesson can handle the inside the tackles stuff while John Santiago is in the slot and, thus, on the field at the same time.

Agree

Injuries again a issue? Time will tell. After awhile these injury issues are, well, becoming an issue.

There’s fair criticism of the offense and implicitly of Rudolph as well from the 360 guys. UND was 3-18 on third down. Woof. we NEED more back-shoulder fades to our 6’4″ WR’s. I mean we need them, bad. It’s such a demoralizing route for the corner when it works and it moves the chains. Also, UND needed to threaten down the field a few times in the passing game. Have to take a few shots to loosen up the defense. Running back screen game has to get better. No excuses. UND tried a couple times unsuccessfully – even though we do think QB Nate Ketteringham gave up early on a RB screen that was setup nicely.

Damn truth right here Think Rudolph will be drawing up a play like that anytime soon to excite the boys? Hell no

Amen

Rudolph can’t really call a game. Proof is in the pudding now. It is unquestionably a factor in these anemic offenses under Bubba. Even Rudolph can get the job done, though, when Santiago up the middle consistently works. He might get away with it against Sam Houston State, but it certainly wasn’t going to work against Washington. In partial defense of Rudolph, the receiver talent on UND’s roster is lacking big time. It needs to get better. Makes it hard for one to call occasional aggressive down-the-field routes, but there absolutely needs to be some called per game with Santiago out wide, Izzy Adeoti, Cam McKinney, or even play-action to tight end Alex Cloyd. Toivonen and Wanzek just don’t scare DBs with speed downfield.

?? What the ...

Special teams coordinator Kostich recruited kicker Leach. Moorhead to Moorhead connection.

Although true to a degree, the balance of power between the two sides of the ball falls on a spectrum; it is not black and white. UND under Bubba has always relied far more on their defense than they should; thus, the “punt is not a bad play” and “we like to play close games” mentality. It’s obvious Bubba embraces a philosophy of super conservatism on offense.

Recruiting was and has been iffy for both. UND would have a playoff win by now if either could recruit top end players.

Yes, in 2016 the offense put up just enough to win games (nearly all close wins), but the defense was definitely the primary driver of success with turnovers and defensive touchdowns. The offense, with the current arrangement, will be a liability against Sam Houston State, not a strength. UND wins only if the defense gets key stops including huge turnovers; fortunatley this is possible.

The receivers are the issue in my opinion; no ability to separate, at least with the primary 3 players that Rudolph and Freund play consistently.

I completely agree. Just like week 3 last season, I think this week will set the general direction for the remainder of the season. We all know how week 3 went last season (@South Dakota) ... season pretty much followed suit after that.

Defensive staff has my vote of confidence offensive staff starting with Rudolph is a joke special teams ... blah

How about you ignore me and I’ll call it even and happily ignore you? I’m not applying for !@#$ on this website so I’ll keep the remainder of my CV concealed.

Takes one to know one

To say kicker Brady Leach's play in the first two games is concerning is an understatement. From a punter standout the YouTube sensation Warren Taylor looks perhaps better than Cade Peterson. Limited sample size with only 2 games but these special teams players are all freshmen and they sure look like it.

There was always a chance, I guess, that MVSU could just be improved. I agree with you though, they look like the same ol' MVSU. I'm concerned the philosophy and mindset of UND football right now doesn't allow for much aggression and/or big leads. Couldn't get separation against MVSU in the 2nd half (when UND was clearly more talented) and couldn't capitalize on opportunities calling for aggression against Washington (particularly 4th & 1 opportunity with punt decision, lack of red zone efficiency, etc.). UND had a legitimate opportunity to be in the game 17-14 in the 3rd QTR yesterday; from there anything can happen. Oh well, it didn't go that way.