UND-FB-FAN

I'm starting to doubt that Blubaugh will ever be "good". Harris was never this bad during his true freshman season. I do see some potential with Hunt yet. He plays aggressive at times. No plays lately but he made some nice plays earlier. As for Blubaugh no sign of playmaking.

As bad as the offense has been, the defense has consistently been the worst part of the team this season. Horrible for a Bubba program that is supposed to be about smart, physical football and defense.

Blubaugh couldn't stand his ground at the goal line ... SUU ball carrier goes right through him

Wrong - Harris did not look nearly that bad. I can see natural talent and instinct and he doesn't have it; Harris had the feet, instinct, and obviously the frame early on. As I type, he commits a stupid penalty. He's just not good enough.

I agree with you completely. Blubaugh just doesn't have it. screw up on the recruiting trail with that one. Sorry to be tough on the kid - strictly a football assessment

Too bad the defense is nonexistent. Isn't that supposed to be Bubba's MO? I'll bet my house that Blubaugh will end up being a bust at corner. No instincts at all, which even freshmen with potential should have. He won't last or at least won't end up being an all-Conference type. Disappointing.

Fortunately the Buffaloes of Fargo still end up losing, 33 - 14 Now the UND Fighting Hawks need to make my day and beat the dirty birds of Southern Utah

It's unreal. And ... surprise, surprise ... South Dakota State wins

Well, that's interesting ...

UND has a chance to finish strong with a couple big spoiling upsets against SUU and EWU. That momentum could then be used going into 2018. Get it done! Go UND!

Think what you wish. You obviously have it all figured out, to the point where you must educate us all on here. I'll continue to point to the 3-6 record while you point at how it's "supposed" to be done or how it "probably" happened.

Plenty of random ideas are getting thrown around for the offense and its ineptitudes. Maybe folks should focus on the things that are a bit more objective, especially for those playing devil's advocate by only replying with unsubstantiated guesses.

Yes, that is how *most* pro style offenses do it around the country, but that's not what Rudolph is doing here at UND. Apparently someone didn't catch on ... whenever Keaton turns around to communicate to the back, its a run. The entire conference has caught onto that by now I'm sure. Very little flexibility in the offense.

I don't recall much "in the right spot" going on. Most of the complaints have been regarding calls that never happen or players not playing.

Lots of issues need to be corrected, as obviously evidenced by 3-6. New instruction (coaching) is needed in some areas. Bubba best figure out where for when the time comes (end of season).

No one said we should play tempo all the time against every opponent, but rather it should be used when UND has the momentum and/or the opposing defense is struggling with substitutions. The closed-mindedness you're showing right now is the potential problem with the staff.

Exactly. If UND takes a minute to score vs. 5 minutes to punt, which is better? C'mon folks, this is the major issue UND's philosophy entails.

Really? How can you claim to know what you're talking about? UND is 3-6. The offense is not putting up big points this season and the defense is not helping them out. Last season the defense was competent, this season its been a different story. I agree with playing conservative offense and somehow acknowledging 3 and outs if the defense is getting stops consistently, but that isn't happening. UND needs to compensate, not play stubborn Bubba ball. Tempo can still embody a running offense. When you're going three and out often and/or the defense is not effective, the rhythm produced from tempo can increase QB play. Look around the country and see what it has done. I'm not saying UND needs to go to an air raid type Texas Tech system or go up-tempo all the time, but it could be done at times to help give UND advantage. Right now, it's not even considered. The issue I have is the potential stubbornness of the coaching staff; when things aren't working, try new things.

You I completely agree with this. Although Rudolph's playcalling gets criticized the most, its actually his QB coaching that should be looked at the closest. It's embarrassing how UND has tried to devalue the QB position while every other winning program from high school to college to the NFL understands it's the most important position. UND needs a better QB coach and also a coach that knows how call a game to better favor the QB. Add some quick passes and play-action on first down. Have personnel that actually has the best players on the field at the same time (Santiago split out with Oliveria and Johannesson in the backfield). Allow for some tempo to get the QB in a rhythm while the defense is on their heels. When the defense is "guns a blazing" and blitzing, actually call screen passes to help out the offensive line and QB. There is so much this team could try to help out the QB position (most important in football) that just isn't there. Rudolph needs to go in order for better playcalling AND better QB recruiting, assessment, and development.

To say this team has lost its mojo is an understatement.

Need two as far as I'm concerned. One of several positions that has had piss poor recruiting.

That's a long, detailed analysis and I appreciate the work you did there. I agree with some of that from a recruiting standpoint, but I still think there should be more juniors and sophomores in the two-deep. The fact that those classes have been almost completely disregarded is very troublesome. Based on these analyses, most coaches should take 5 or more years to achieve consistent success; however, that is not the case. Most successful coaches can change the culture and implement their scheme in a way that allows for success in two to three years. Bubba did that at UND (5-7 to 7-4 to 9-3) and that was promising. However, this season of injury shows that the lapses in recruiting are problematic and it needs to be addressed. Additionally, and probably most worrisome, is that the scheme has not been adjusted to best fit the available players. It has been a case of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. I am confident that changes and subsequent improvement can and hopefully will occur, because 2-6 is not acceptable at UND even given the circumstances.

Weird, did you say playoffs? UND has eliminated that word from their vocabulary this season.

This results of this UND football season are not acceptable. Please acknowledge that before using "doom and gloom" accusations as a way to get through it. Changes are a must and I'm articulating why. What changes remain to be seen. I'm not implying a complete implosion of the current staff or methodology. So, recognize that ... please.

Well, why are there freshmen on the two deep, then? Bubba has been here four seasons, not one or two. There should be better depth. It's not there - that's on some or all of the coaching staff for failing to recruit, retain, develop, and improvise. Stop making excuses. It's not unrealistic to expect UND to be able to win every season (UNI, SDSU, EWU caliber). If you want UND to be a program of Portland State or Southern Utah's caliber, then keep up the current banter.