UND-FB-FAN

Useless offensive mind = Paul Rudolph i feel bad for the players and especially seniors like Keaton Studsrud; they could've been used in a far more diverse yet effective offense. Lastly, the multidimensional use of the best players on offense (Santiago, Oliveria, Johannesson) is nonexistent.

But, but, but ... tempo and competent passing offense are not right for UND football and Bubba ball {major sarcasm}

Sorry to all those gentle ears out there, but when you win only 3 games in Division I college football, coaches and players lose their spot. Time to take a hard look at things Bubba and get better coaches and players. This type of a season should not be tolerated by UND fans - it's ridiculous.

He hasn't had a head coaching job since those superb USF years; who knows what he could do if given the chance to lead a Division I football team as head coach.

Wow, you really took that a different direction. Family? That's a ridiculous stretch on your end. If you burn easy, stay out of the heat. Thin-skinned folks are part of the problem, not the solution. You can question my background all you want, but in the end you are just stating your own personal opinions like everyone else. Go UND

... but, but, but ... one more year, please ... Got to love that attitude. I'll be taking a dirt nap by the time UND football makes it back to the playoffs. I'm just asking for raised expectations and for people to put their money where their mouth (typing) is. I donate in order to see a proud winning program belonging to my alma mater, not a hesitant overly-modest roller coaster of a program. Let's hope this year is just a fluke. This season is over and done with after Saturday, I agree with that much. What should happen to rectify the situation and the 2018 expectations is a different situation and is interesting. Better coaches and players is an obvious answer but I think it's also legitimate. Bubba shouldn't and won't go anywhere. Changes can be made beneath him. People don't want to hear but it is what it is. Let's see how Saturday goes and then on to productive, proactive changes for 2018.

So what's the plan now with Reyes' eligibility expired and Harris' post-injury ability in question? Blame the injuries for any of 2018's potential flaws? You can only attribute so much of this to injuries. I'm sorry you feel it is that simple, but then again, some find solace in thinking that way. UND's senior QB and two all-conference RBs have been healthy all season. Studsrud's receiving corps returned intact from 2016 and those guys have played in most all the games. In the preseason, UND's offensive line was looked at as bening more experienced relative to 2016. Heck, the defensive line (which was supposed to be the strength of the defense) has been deep and remained healthy all season. All in all, I think this team has bought into this injury explanation as much as some gullible fans have, and as such, mailed it in a few games ago. The second half of this season has been embarrassing and it goes beyond injuries. It extends to the young guys (who are available) putting in the work and the coaches guiding them along the way to improve game by game. I haven't seen much improvement; in fact, its been quite the roller coaster ride in that regard. This season has been horrid, but that is only partially due to injuries. The injury situation has revealed several other deficiencies within this program. To think everything will be just fine in 2018 while going about the same flawed tactics is insanity. I think we've witnessed how UND and Bubba handle success, and its not good. There needs to adjustments to the way everyone in the program goes about their business (and the health of the players is only part of that).

Unfortunately, this is true. Another reason for a top-notch state-of-the-art (not reduced budget form) phase 2 to get completed for UND as soon as possible.

Cue the reallocation vs. increased fundraising efforts discussion ... Obviously something needs to happen so that Phase 2 of the HPC gets done as soon as possible. The new athletic director should have that task immediately placed at the top of his to do list. UND is the flagship and that needs to be maintained. Frustrating how NDSU and their athletic department has captured so much $$$ of late. Good grief.

Damn isn't that the truth ... man has this program slipped this season.

There's a patten. Some have a problem smelling the difference between roses and !@#$ on this board because they wear their extra Kelly green-tinted glasses regularly. Changes are needed.

Agree with this - get better depth!

The fault in this thought process is simple. UND shouldn't have to suffer through a losing season or two before having a winning campaign. UND needs to prepare their kids to sustain success, not teeter-totter on results. This is the sign of a program and staff that over-relies on experience and talent and not schemes and teambuilding, which Is why the season was lost as soon as a few key injuries occurred. Top programs sustain success, not hope for one good year every few seasons by letting poor players "play it out". What you've described is a rebuild, which doesn't happen after a 9-3 championship season or even after a few injuries. Unfortunately, UND has found themselves in that situation, somehow.

Congrats, you're an outlier. Doesn't change the fact the masses are not conditioned to winning. If you don't like the truth, don't read it. A lot of ignorance around here in order to handle this disaster of a season. Deal with it and don't resort to pure banter. The folks on this board are the exception, not the norm; don't forget that. It's the GF community and UND alumni base that needs to rally around UND football more.

A lot of DBs looked lost against those teams. We're talking 2017 Sac State and 2017 Southern Utah here - they embarrassed UND's secondary.

I agree Mussman actually recruited some good players, but as a team they were dysfunctional. So far, Bubba's recruits have been nothing special as far as physical ability goes. Hard to argue against Mussman getting Ratelle and Reyes. For your information, though, my post was in regards to Blubaugh, who I think doesn't have what it takes to be a good defensive back in Division I. Bubba and his staff need to do a better job recruiting. You don't see this dumpster fire of a season if the backups are more talented.

A sieve on 2015's 7-4 team? Wow, who were you watching? I disagree completely.

No, it's not and you have to stop reading into that. I completely understand Bubba is going nowhere nor should he, but there needs to be changes and that can happen under Bubba's watch. Only with those changes will your bounce back happen.

Yeah, that points to a player, scheme, AND leadership deficit in my opinion. Multifactorial - a single excuse (like let's say ... injuries) won't cut it.

What injuries does the defensive line have to where that deep unit isn't getting pressure? And you're telling me that the 2014 defense was loaded or was at least better equipped than this unit? Good grief, I understand this season is tough and you want to find a silver lining, but call it what it is. I don't think some of these guys will turn out and the results show that. Right now, this team, and quite frankly, this program is hurting and needs changes all over the place. I think the players that are out there are part of the issue, obviously, and I think some of these kids will unfortunately not end up being good college football players. Recruiting is hard and sometimes kids don't pan out. Don't apologize for everything; the last thing this program needs is justifying of loses. UND football fans severely lack expectations, and that too needs to be fixed. 3 wins during an expected top 10 year is just horrible, despite injuries and whatever other excuses folks can come up with.

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