UND-FB-FAN

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)

Yeah, Confidence is quite rare amongst the ol' Grand Forks folks. Be humble, right? Wrong - time to expect a winner.

Summit > BSC, especially for UND

Not much else screams cheap more than the head coach coaching a position group. Particularly when there is no other position coach in that role. The financial situation is less than ideal. Thin ice as far as I'm concerned.

Bubba's program took a complete nosedive during 2017 and the folks around the program can sense it. We'll eventually see if 2017 was an exception or the new norm for "Bubba Ball"; I'm not holding my breath. Hoping for a turnaround, though, obviously.

HPC phase II funding and the coaching deficits are two separate issues, but they are just that: issues. They need to both be addressed.

All great things to hear. Plenty of aims for current funding, both short-term and long-term: HPC Phase II (long-term), scholarships, coaches' salaries (short-term), uniforms and helmets (short-term)

Exactly my thoughts as well. Why disregard the extra opportunity to excite fans in the Alerus Center? Trial run for new, exciting in-game production for the fall? Instead, entire opportunity is being overlooked. Poor marketing.

Ain't this is the truth ... Damn

No spring game: confirmed. Not a huge deal in the overall scheme of things. Most important factor is on-the-field success (aka wins). Until UND can beat NDSU, they will remain second fiddle in the region. Has nothing to do with #1 team in country status, but rather #1 team in region. Just so happens that #1 team in region is also #1 in country. Was hoping 2017 was going to be the year. Of course, under such high expectations, UND choked big time instead.

The relatively unique (and utterly pathetic) lack of a true spring game in the Alerus Center will again occur, I'm sure.

These things require money, which the UND football program currently does not have. Have to reappropriate within the department, patiently wait for some mystery endowment, or continue to have UND football scrape by with the bare minimum. Adidas apparel contract does allow UND a few options, although not to the level of top tier FCS programs.