UND-FB-FAN

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.

This isn’t a hockey forum. Who cares? Appears UND has an eye for talent despite what NDSU trolls think or say. The kid may be on a good football team but he will receive an inferior education; and who knows how this thing plays out when regularly scheduled conference play opens up between UND and NDSU again. We all know how conference play went between the two programs before.

Concept was contagious and really fun and entertaining for Miami Hurricanes defense in 2017. I think something should get introduced on sidelines for UND in 2018. There's no question that ability to create turnovers directly affects win count. Just look at 2016 versus 2017 ...

After 2017 there was justified criticism to go around and to ignore that is foolishness that I will not support. I hope for many wins in 2018 with better players on the field, less injuries, and rejuvenated coaching/schemes. Let’s see.

I happily embrace my new role as an easy target for up votes. Congrats to all who have discovered this.

Oh I get it, but I’m not going to allow simple redundancy arguments to affect an opportunity to post my opinion. Despite these arguements based on repetition, we all know there are folks who directly oppose my opinion; therefore, I continue to have an opportunity to expand on my stance. It would be far too convenient for opposers, and frankly quite boring, if “you’ve said that before” omitted participation on this board. That’s all from me on my “posting strategy” for now. Let’s see how 2018 goes. I’ll be in the stands supporting UND football like I always have. Go Hawks

That backhanded, microaggressive comment received a nice reaction from your groupies, but no thanks, I think I’ll stay and continue to be one of the few who provides reality-based commentary. Would sure be nice, though, living in UND fantasy land 24/7. Go UND

Zimmerman has been the most present for off-season workouts; has the support of the team. Ketteringham will have to out do him in fall camp and impress his teammates to win the job everyone expected he already had won.

Nice rant. Full of excuses as has been par for the course around here. 1st season doesn’t count, shortened recruiting season, snubbed by FCS playoff committee, NDSU fans feel sorry for us, injuries, etc. UND has won 52% of games in last 4 years; overall not playoff quality. 1 playoff season in 4 total; 25% up to your expectations? [insert excuse here] My final statement was 2018 will be a huge season for the direction of UND football; as such, as I said, let’s see what happens. Results speak far greater and louder than all this conjecture; all the talk in the world won’t change 52% and 25%. 2018’s results will change those numbers, though. If UND does well, there will be praise for the coaches and players (deservedly so). If UND does poorly, there will likely be new excuses. It’s been the pattern thus far.

Speaking of, here's an additional excuse (of many) that was recently posted. Man, one can't do wrong at UND unless you've been there for at least 5 years I guess. 2018 will be a huge season for the direction of UND's football program.

One may have to accept that playoffs could be a rarity for UND under Bubba. Is that acceptable with UND's administration? Most likely, football is vastly overlooked. When not the DI transition, Mussman, or injuries, one must find another excuse or embrace reality. Interestingly, and simultaneously disappointing, 7-4 without playoffs could be the reality many are content with regardless of excuses. Bubba has had 4 seasons (fair sample size) and has won 52% of his games (52% won't make postseason). Obviously there will be an additional season (2018) to add to him and his staff's record and I find it to be tremendously important in assessing the current trajectory of UND football.

I wouldn't look too far into the weights for the offensive linemen. I would, however, get caught up in the lack of production from the offensive line during the Bubba era. There has been a combination of physical inability from the players and lack of coordination/discipline coming from the coaching staff. Also, one could argue the scheme hasn't done the o-line any favors either. Lots of blame to go around. Football is based on results; I don't care how much the line weighs if UND can consistently run the ball and protect the passer. Last year, they couldn't do either and we saw a measly 3 wins.