UND-FB-FAN

Eastern Washington lost 56-10 to Texas Tech. That is lopsided to say the least. I think Eastern will be down this season (lost too much in terms of coaches AND players); UND needs to take advantage and win the Big Sky Conference outright.

Did I say you couldn't look at other teams? No. I implied that there's no reason to build a team up just so you can feel better if UND loses. That has happened quite regularly since UND's loss to Utah. UND *should* beat Missouri State and South Dakota if they want another top 8 seed in the FCS playoffs. There's no guarantee that UND will go undefeated in-Conference again. I just like to say it how it is: South Dakota may be tough, but based on expectations (UND's rank), UND needs to beat Missouri State and South Dakota.

First Utah, now South Dakota? UND needs to clean things up and play well against Missouri State. Then it's on to the pups ... UND needs to go 2 - 0 to finish out the non-conference slate.

All the banter about Utah's team is interesting, but UND and Bubba should definitely not be about moral victories. Bottom line: UND received a negative result. They lost. UND needs to look at the tape and focus on improving what they did poorly; whether that's against Utah or Sacramento State, it doesn't matter. UND offense needs to work on the running game (fact is it was nonexistent), TE passing game, and RB screen game. That was deficient against Utah. UND defense needs to work on tackling, outside leverage on defense, defending read option runs, and pass coverage on third down. There is a lot to work on. If you get too caught up into the opponent quality, you will spiral downward fast. UND lost; that's all that matters. It sucks and it should feel !@#!$. Move on and feel better by not justifying the loss versus Utah, but rather by crushing Missouri State. Plenty of work to do for September 9th. Embrace the grind and get better. Go UND Fighting Hawks

Man, you are spot on. If UND's OC/QB coach would let UND's senior QB play some true 50/50 run-pass football, UND could legitimately put up a few more touchdowns per game. I understand and respect the run focus philosophy of Bubba and Rudolph, but you have to also play to your players. Studsrud showed against Utah that he can handle 5 to 10 more passes per game and UND's coaches owe it to the players to take more shots and be more aggressive. UND has weapons on offense; play 50-50 ball and not this 75-25 ball that is predictable and doesn't utilize UND's 2017 players. Trust me, Santiago, Oliveira, and Johannesson need their touches, but so does Studsrud via the passing game. He was impressive against Utah. He's a mature, 4th year starter who could carry UND far this season if given the opportunity.

Would be interesting to watch. That being said, UND needs to focus on themselves largely yet. They need to be able to run the ball better and play better pass coverage defensively. Also, the defensive pass rush didn't hit home enough. Lastly, need way more explosive plays offensively. Asking for a lot, I know, but tonight's game showed several areas of weakness that need to be addressed.

I couldn't agree more. I unfortunately sensed this as well, even leading up to the game. I didn't hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak, but I felt UND was undermining their chances against Utah the entire time. That is no good for this UND football program, considering they compete with a program only 70 miles away that consistently knocks off FBS teams. Be aggressive and go for the damn win. I fully endorse the physical, run-orientated philosophy of the offense, but when things aren't working, the offense needs to get far more diversified than it did tonight against Utah. Rudolph is probably partly to blame for this, but it is on the entire coaching staff, also.

This game could've been closer, and, dare I say it, UND could've threatened to win if they could've converted red zone opportunities to touchdowns and play better 3rd down defense. UND needs to get more explosive in the offensive passing game (c'mon offensive staff AND players) running game was non-existent; Utah is good but UND needs to get more push than what they showed UND needs to improve greatly in the red zone UNDs passing defense with the young corners has a ways to go Next two non-Conference games are definitely winnable; UND needs to execute and get the job done against Missouri State and South Dakota.

2 score game. UND needs to be aggressive and go for the TD now. Hopefully Studsrud has some momentum going now.

UND's offense hasn't done anything to where they should be exhausted ... they just need to score in the red zone which is on the execution and play design both. Defense has been rotating nicely with defensive line depth. D-line depth is FBS quality.

Yes, and Cloyd is a weapon but the offense hides tight ends Offense design (i. e. Rudolph) needs to be better

First Half Yards: Utah 261 UND 92 that is not good at all ... offense needs to get more diversified

Agree completely. Rudolph needs to think really (And I mean really) hard at halftime and get something put together

Studsrud missed Fiedler for a TD on 3rd down play due to pressure ... damn 17 - 9 at halftime ... Still a one score game which is good. UND gets the ball to start the second. Passing game and red zone offense needs to find fire for UND to win. Defense needs to keep it going - need more pressure and another turnover or two

UND's "strength" - the defensive line - needs to watch the ball and stop jumping offsides cost UND there ... damn

First things first ... get it done defense

If UND wins this game, it will be because UND opens up the offense and allows Studsrud to win the game

And no pass called ... in the end, UND still has the lead but UND eventually needs more points

Keaton looks confident with the WR corps back intact ... need to strike the young Utah secondary and get a early 2 score lead!

UND starting off damn good dodged a bullet with Utah holding call and then missed field goal Defense is rotating guys in nicely Need to tackle better though Go UND!

First 3rd down was great: Studsrud to Toivonen! second 3rd down was crap first points of the game, though! lets go UND defense

Pick by Holm! Hell yeah Go Hawks

GO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING HAWKS

PAC-12 Network

Huge opportunity today for UND's football program. It's certainly not just about the big stage and pay day, but mostly about the chance to elevate UND football to new heights. A win against a nationally ranked FBS opponent would do tremendous things for UND football. Bubba and his team are approaching tonight's game with this mindset, I hope. A win would be spectacular for UND. GO HAWKS