UND-FB-FAN

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

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.