UND-FB-FAN

Well, if seeded, great - no worries. If UND isn't seeded, then UND needs to LEAVE NO DOUBT and make sure to outbid teams like Western Illinois and potentially SDSU, whose pockets are being just speculated on at this point.

I think we have to understand the population of this area - there aren't enough football fans to go around between both UND and NDSU. 15 years ago, when UND was dominanting in D2, NDSU football was not a hot ticket, especially compared to today. That left a large number of football fans open to coming to UND football games. Now, the vast majority of people are on the NDSU bandwagon. It will take time for UND to build up its fan base, but it is also unprecedented in terms of NDSU having this type of success during the Alerus Center era. NDSU needs to become less popular for UND to build attendance. I mean, let's be honest, there's not 2000 to 3000 UND football fans in hiding someplace Grand Forks. Now, UND can create that number out of casual fans with continual winning. Also, it's worth noting UND still doesn't have any big name wins this season. I heard several people on Saturday asking "where is Weber State?" or "how good are they?" Name recognition of opponents is still lacking in the Big Sky. UND needs to beat teams like NDSU and Montana - which all have local recognition - in order to spike in popularity. This is one key reason why a move to the MVFC should be largely considered; it would benefit locals and ultimately attendance. What better way to boost attendance than to host NDSU???

IF UND WINS THEIR NEXT TWO GAMES, Faison needs to bid appropriately, which means UND should be hosting a home playoff game (vs WIU or whoever). No excuse Faison if you understand the importance of football to a college athletic program. IAC said to increase funding to all programs so why not start here?

It is really convenient to blame the poor attendance on the football product on the field, but I'm afraid it isn't that simple. The exodus to Fargo for NDSU gameday is one important issue right now. Oh, and by the way, NDSU plays "boring" ground and pound football with solid defense but does fine with attendance. There's a perception issue. The diehard football fans with no specific allegiance go to NDSU football games. Many "UND fans" yet stick to only hockey and then, dare I say it, cheer for NDSU football. UND needs to create more UND-specific diehard football fans, which will take time and wins. NDSU has a bunch of butts in the seats AND people who stand all game and make noise. I guess you can have it both ways. Who would've known?

You guys are funny. Mollberg - the guy who hasn't taken a meaningful snap at QB in over 2 years and hasn't practiced with the current offense as a QB for a year - is in the discussion? That's embarrassing. You all know better. It would likely be Bartels if Studsrud can't go based on #6 finishing vs Weber State; however, I'd like to think Heidlebaugh should be the choice since Bartels couldnt get it done last year. Either way, I'm disappointed that Bubba doesn't bring in better QBs. The Edina kid he is bringing in for next year looks a little iffy too (small kid).

Couldn't agree more. I witnessed all of this. The 4th down noise with UND on offense got me the most pissed.

Need to win the last 2 regular season games. Would be huge for playoff positioning. Go Fighting Hawks!

I don't completely agree with you. Anyone can "call" a great game if they have the "horses" as you say. It's what coaches can do when their talent is "middle of the road" that describes them.

Absolutely. Just idiotic that this hasnt been drawn up and executed. There are several times where if Santiago, not Toivonen, had received the jet sweep, UND would've scored.

Embarrassing. UND deserves far better. UND obviously needs to continue winning for attendance to progressively improve, but the Alerus and UND marketing need to stay on their toes and keep innovating also. Last night, I got in a friendly argument at a local establishment with some "all North Dakots fans"; that is, they cheer for both UND and NDSU. They couldn't understand why I was hoping UNI would beat NDSU; my answer was simple: recruits can't play for both schools. If we want to see UND increase in popularity, NDSU has to drop some. Perhaps the best way is for UND to just beat them head-to-head. That opportunity may be coming ...

I do not agree. Oliveira is a powerful, physical back that plays more into UND's style (heavy personnel running game) than Santiago does; they need to keep the 50/50 split going.

Of course, from a reality standpoint, if EWU doesn't lose the rest of the way, that proves they will be damn near impossible for UND to beat. EWU has a darn good team ... easily could've beat NDSU in Fargo.

Yeah, the defense was far more questionable than the offense vs Idaho State. Hopefully the return of Cole Reyes sparks that unit on Saturday. Oh, and also being home and playing with crowd noise! GET TO THR ALERUS ON SATRUDAY, MAKE NOISE WHEN WEBER STATE'S OFFENSE IS ON THE FIELD, AND DISRUPT THEM! Go Hawks!

Been keeping an eye on this kid. He would be a great addition to UND's football family.

Odds are stacked against him. Heidlebaugh has a better shot than Bolinske, in my opinion.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-football/4144628-und-football-playoff-picture-starting-take-shape#.WBDS-s2bH0o.twitter Damn right! Go Hawks! UND Proud!

Marketing is picking up - 11,000 at the Alerus this Saturday. Close first half, crowd noise/defense/running game closes it out in second half: 38 - 17 UND

Pretty obvious why that is, right?

Well absolutely we need loud fans supporting this team, in fact, we need far more of that. None of this sit back, be quiet, and take a nap on 1st and 2nd down while UND is on defense; be loud the entire time UND is on defense! For those who haven't played or watched much football, it affects the opponent big-time! Think back to 2001 playoffs in the Alerus.

My group enjoyed it. Adds some uniqueness and homefield flavor for UND Fighting Hawks football.

*If* UND wins out, they'll be a top 10 seed. Hell, they're already ranked 12 and 17 in some polls with 3 games left to keep ascending.

It's only Monday - a large number of those will be taken by kickoff on Saturday. Walk ups, walk ups, walk ups ...

At this point, you have to understand that a huge number of walkups makes up the total attendance each and every week. Locals are noticing UND and I expect a good crowd (minimum of 10,000).

That would make a huge impact just in itself (referring to noise on all defensive downs).

At least 10,000 at the Alerus on Saturday. Too many pessimists on here. People are taking notice. Several NDSU faithful I spoke with recently have been impressed with the progress made by UND and Bubba. That kind of recognition does wonders for attendance. You win and they come. Marketing and game day experience helps too, though, despite what some delusional supporters think.