UND-FB-FAN

In regards to "seems too simple to say need to use the TE's more", let's explain then. Rudolph does not call very much play-action on early downs. That is, there are limited plays where the primary read is the TE, FB, or RB *when* the defense is expecting run (hence early downs). This is important because it stresses the defense while they are trying to play run; the same players that often have to tackle the ball carrier are asked to cover the TE, FB, or RB. On third and long, it is completely acceptable (and sometimes required) to keep the TE in to block and therefore focus on the receivers downfield. But if defensive pressure is the reason the TE can't be released on thrid and long, then the RBs should be used in the screen game way, way more ... and they are not being used in the screen game at all. Lastly, by being less predictable with play-action on early downs, UND wouldn't have to worry about their receiver injury situation so much due to less third and long situations. This whole "use the TE's more" is a short and simple way to say that UND needs to be more unpredictable with play-action on expected running downs to prevent the short gains on 1st and 2nd down that you speak of.

NDSU has only thrown the ball 203 times this season (due to their dominance on the scoreboard and with the running game), whereas UND has thrown the ball 264 times. Yet, the TE, FB, and RB positions are way underutilized in UND's passing game relative to NDSU or any other pro style running offense (Wisconsin, Iowa, etc.). That is not in UND's best interest in terms of winning offensive football. The situation at receiver when all were healthy still left much, much to be desired. Need to do better at that position. Maag has been a pleasant surprise as only a true freshman, though. Need more big play speed in the group.

TE and RB passing game has always been poor (to darn right embarrassing) under Rudolph, even when all the players are healthy and playing. Passing game has always been poor with Rudolph actually. And the run heavy ball control offense currently implemented doesn’t effectively close out games like it should (see 2018 Idaho game). I don't buy this continual infatuation with injuries as the cause for poor play and poor losses. It is a factor, but it can’t be continually emphasized as the cause for the lack of major success. Coach up and develop some quality backups. The track record for backups in this program could be better.

As I mentioned earlier, UND’s QB coaching and development is the #1 issue in my opinion. UND can run the ball and stop the run, but the passing game is horrible. UND’s QBs are consistently put in bad positions. As for 4th down, I get what you’re saying, but the team overall has to be more aggressive. The defense is aggressive, no doubt, but the offense often lacks that killer instinct. It appears the Montana game was an aberration.

“Too nice” is just a way to say the on-field philosophy needs to be more aggressive. The lack of deep shots when up or the decision to not go for it on 4th and short have occurred repeatedly this season and before. Perhaps you misinterpreted what I meant and I could’ve been more clear, but if you really feel that UND will beat top teams with their current level of aggression (or lack thereof), then I guess we do disagree on that component of “culture”.

Spot on. The QB coaching and development is my #1 concern, even over special teams.

Sure it matters, but it’s not the end all be all. Many of your beloved MVFC playoff bubble teams have only won 6 games. They need 7 wins and then they have to competitively compare to other 7 DI win teams. Don’t just skip the win total and head-to-head comparisons because the team happens to be in the MVFC, which is definitely skewed by its top team.

You’ve instantly lost all credibility with this first sentence. There is plenty wrong with ALL 6-4 teams — that’s why they have 4 losses! Dont place all MVFC teams on a pedestal just because of conference affiliation with cow college. The strength of schedule argument is incomplete. You can’t just get 4 to 5 teams from the MVFC every season because it’s “so hard to win games”. That is the most shortsighted and ignorant argument out there. Minus SDSU and NDSU, the MVFC is nothing special (it will be in 2020 though ... ha). The MVFC will get a 3rd team but don’t bring a bunch of crap from bisonville over here to try justify a 4th or 5th. It just doesn’t cut it this season. Damn

A lot of scenarios have to go right for UND. First and foremost UND has to win. Also UND has to overcome independence status and prior history of being overlooked. I think UND’s blowout win against Montana and playoff appearance in 2016 (better name recognition now than ‘15) could be the difference though and will allow UND entry. All in all, though, after 2015 nothing will surprise me. The Idaho loss would be the difference maker. As for the quality of play right now for UND, I absolutely agree with you. The offense and special teams are horrendous right now and it’s not all due to injuries (again the same discussion as last season folks). I’m also a bit concerned with the defensive play calling, unfortunately. Schmidt is really sticking with his base defense too much in my estimation. Would like to see some sub packages against pass happy offenses. We’ll see how it goes down in Flagstaff and go from there I guess.

MVFC will get a 3rd team into the playoff field due to reputation. If UND wins and also gets in, UND fans will likely get a little MVFC preview with that MVFC team playing in the Alerus Center for the first round of the playoffs. Bring on the Valley! Go UND

“ ... if you satisfy coaching and culture requirements, the wins will come and with the help of a committed athletic department, the wins and a few shiny facilities will aid in your recruiting, preserving your success.” This is a tremendous quote. Everyone read this and let it sink in. As for UND football, there are a few critical areas of this ongoing - coaching issues, culture (too “nice guy”) to finish games, and HPC phase II.

Brady motioned out of backfield and ran a rub route. No out of backfield routes or checkdowns at all; this is just not a part of UND’s 3rd and long offense, which is strange and unorthodox offensive football.

If true, then UND and it’s coach hiring practices are still greatly impaired. Certainly puts UND at a disadvantage.

He is not helped with this offense, at all. No early down passing to tight ends. No screen game to backs on third and long when the throws you mention are forced. And who knows what kind of instruction/coaching the QBs actually receive in regards to their progressions and reads. The passing plays have a horrible built in progression from a design standpoint; I mean, the backs aren’t even used as a checkdown which is third and long offensive football 101.

The major issue for potential applicants/candidates was open records which allowed the media to access communications and openly write about those who had applied. This is no longer an issue, fortunately.

I tend to agree with this, unfortunately.

Yes. Most, if not all, of us agree that the Idaho game will be the difference maker if UND beats NAU but still doesn’t get in to the playoffs. Not to mention the fashion that UND lost to Idaho ... I still firmly believe a couple UND coaches should lose their job as DI football coaches as a result of that debacle.

It should be happening even if the receiving corps wasn’t depleted. Play-action to tight ends and fullbacks is a staple of run heavy pro style offense. See NDSU offense, Wisconsin offense, Iowa offense, etc. UND’s steady running game on early downs naturally sets up play-action to tight ends and fullbacks. Also, as @UNDBIZ mentioned, running back screens and routes out of backfield need to be better utilized too. Tough to watch this offense when talented players currently on the team are being overlooked.

I obviously agree (and no one is disagreeing) that UND needs to beat Northern Arizona. However, like 2015, UND already dug itself a hole in the NCAA’s eyes by losing games they should’ve won. No complaining if UND is overlooked by the NCAA FCS playoff committee. I will say, though, that at least this UND team hasn’t lost to a 2-9 team like they did in 2015. That helps.

It’s horrible offensive coaching, that’s all there is to it. It’s especially bad with the lack of receiver depth and current receiver injuries; use Fiedler and Cloyd as a mismatch against linebackers and safeties on early downs (1st and 2nd down)!! The tight ends and fullbacks as a group should be getting at least a few catches every single game. But they don’t even get targeted. Is it a coincidence their position coach is our good friend Kostich? I also wouldn’t make a big deal of this if the UND offense could consistently move the ball and score touchdowns, but they can’t.

And then NCAA will screw us (again) like they did in 2015. Still hurts despite the past.

During his junior and senior seasons, Golladay was far more talented than any receiver Rudolph has ever had at his disposal. But yes, he almost certainly would’ve had limited touches at UND in Rudolph’s archaic offense.

I’d argue the nuances of the offensive and defensive scheme and the play-calling is right up there also ...

Injury excuse doesn’t work. I went big time a year ago about how I thought the coaching was horrible despite all the injuries, but I was almost banned from this forum cause of that. I was concerned that the backups were still put in poor position in 2017. Fast forward to 2018 and people are still contemplating injuries as the sole reason for this program’s shortcomings. Its obvious the coaches aren’t exactly putting the players in the best position. They fail to scheme properly and especially fail to make timely in-game adjustments. Finally, and possibly most importantly, the “nice guy” conservative philosophy implemented by Bubba(it trickles down from him) will never allow UND to beat aggressive minded teams that also have good players (ie other good teams).

Right, we would rather not make the playoffs ... Those poor “none top 2” mvfc teams would have to come to the Alerus Center and would then have a hell of a time leaving with a victory. Cool off, dude. You’re so biased it’s not even close.