UND-FB-FAN

Football is the most popular sport in America, which includes North Dakota. Grand Forks is a bit of a hockey niche, with hockey being a type of cultural favorite, but even so, UND football can draw a ton of fans if it wins consistently. How? Because it is football -- that simple; most popular sport overall. NDSU football has exploded in popularity because it has done "big time" things that the football fans of this region and state have always been primed to support. UND can join those ranks, too. From strictly a UND supporter standpoint, football can consistently draw large crowds if the product on the field is consistently winning. UND fans, alumni, and students would love to be associated with a top 10 FCS football program that gets positive publicity on a regular basis.

#2 Cal Poly @ #5 UND this Saturday. I hope the next edition of this has UND in the top 2 due to a UND victory.

I agree. This, to a degree, lines up with my last post above. Although I am not advocating for fans to be upset and always calling for backups, I do strongly believe UND needs to simply improve the talent in the two-deep. With that, the competition will naturally improve the capability of the starters. The few places on this team where we see this is running back, defensive line, and linebacker; not coincidentally, those spots are the most complete and productive.

I do not disagree with you, at all. Essentially, the offense just needs more personnel and, with that, more competition. The offense is thin in many spots and that has resulted in the quality of play at those spots being average to below average (namely OL, WR, and QB). Competition produces better players, which is partly why attrition to even backup players hurts the overall team and program so much. Have to recruit kids that will stick it out the ENTIRE 4 to 5 YEARS, even if they are not tops on the depth chart. Remember, there are two ways to improve personnel: development and recruiting. Recruiting more depth is essential (even players that are of the same style we have now), so there's that; but developing the young guys on this team is also key. I expect the offensive line and receivers on this team to continue to improve as the season progresses just because of their youth and inexperience; that bodes well for UND.

He caught a TD as a wide out against South Dakota, so yes, he has played some receiver in certain packages. It is his only career touchdown reception at UND, though. However, given the UND offensive struggles at times, I think it would be worth it to try Santiago out wide or in the slot more with Brady Oliveira in the backfield.

Spot on

From a preference standpoint, I'm fine with first getting in the necessary numbers of offensive linemen, but you can't overlook the skill positions either. That's partly why UND's offense is so anemic right now. Youth and lack of speed on perimeter and disorganized line play. It's a team game -- need BOTH offensive line play and guys who are good in space or have a way about them of getting into the end zone. Right now, UND has limited play in both areas and the result is a "points are hard to come by" offense.

Brady and Santiago both having success is not mutually exclusive. In other words, it's possible to get both of them involved (and have big days) by playing Santiago more out wide or in the slot while Brady (or any other back) is in the backfield.

4 to 5 offensive linemen is a fine number, as long as UND can also get in 4 to 5 offensive skill players also (QB, RB,WR,TE). The entire offense needs more talent, in general; that is offensive linemen with good feet and big play ability from the skill guys. Given how UND wants to play football, and also considering the type of recruits in the region, UND will continue to build depth on defense and I think they have to. That's how Bubba and Schmidt are ultimately going to win games here at UND, so its important to not forget that.

This offense is still begging for more talent -- at least one more player at each offensive unit (OL, TE/FB, RB, QB, WR).

The last time a No.16 ranked Cal Poly team visited the Alerus Center (2009), this happened: Let's hope for a similar result for UND. Go Hawks!

Our slow tight ends? We just pulled the redshirt on Cloyd for what? So he can go on some nice western U.S. vacations? Some seem to think our personnel is the next best thing to what Mayville State is putting out there. You can keep a defense honest with some quick passes and PA passes to the TEs and FBs without abandoning the philosophy of ball control. At some point in time, continually banging your head against the wall will be bad; fortunately, that bad outcome was narrowly avoided by UND vs Montana State. I understand that everyone wants to look insightful and wise by playing the "trust the coaches" and "be patient" cards; however, it is normal for people - including the UND coaches - to make mistakes. Furthermore, it's okay for them to be called out on it. The offense hasn't produced yet. Is it all on the coaches? No. The penalties are bad and that's largely against the players. Nevertheless, the offensive coaching hasn't been better than average either. To dismiss that doesn't bolster your "wisdom" or fidelity. Call a spade a spade.

Have to beat ranked teams. UND has that opportunity on Saturday. If UND wants to compete for conference championships and make the playoffs, these are the type of games UND needs to win. Get it done Hawks

That's fair. I hope the team can stay healthy and UND surprises us with a couple comfortable wins (10-14 point margin).

I was not knocking the kid. If anything it was a knock on the makeup of UND teams under Mussman. Golladay made a commitment to the University of North Dakota when very few others gave him an opportunity, played on two poor teams, and then left when the times got tough. It undeniably hurt UND further. Some of his UND teammates were explicit in displaying their displeasure regarding Golladay's decision. Maybe he wanted to be closer to his family, but that just augments the fact that UND shouldn't recruit a large number of players from out of this area. Fortunately, Bubba has emphasized recruiting North Dakota and Minnesota far more than Mussman did. Best of luck to Golladay; he has been putting up great numbers and he is a special talent. Would've been nice to see him finish out at UND.

That Wentz character came off an FCS squad. Will Ratelle received an opportunity. Cooper Kupp is currently playing in the BSC and he'll be playing on Sundays next year. It is possible for the FCS to produce capable NFL players, not to mention Golladay had to sit a year because of his move.

Well, football is the ultimate team game. Someone forgot to tell Mr.Golladay that.

But they were last season? 45-14 vs No. Colorado; 45-21 vs Cal Poly. Didn't know regression was the objective this season. Expectations need to be higher than that.

Where do you see the other 2 losses then? If UND can beat Cal Poly, they shouldn't lose more than 1 more game the rest of regular schedule unless injuries and poor play calls pile up.

That group was talented? I just remember seeing them get blown out game after game against legitimate FCS teams.

Winning this game would allow UND to be ranked and in playoff position (with many games left). Thinking outside of the Bubba Box and actually winning by a bit of a healthy margin would help our rankings even more. Get it done, boys.

Strength (UND's run D) against strength (Cal Poly's rushing attack). These are the kind of teams you need to beat if you want to be a champion (conference, national, etc.). Tough matchup, but I expect Bubba to coach them up and get it done. Have to win the few home games you get, cause road games can be brutal. Big game on Saturday -- get to the Alerus and be loud! Go Fighting Hawks!

I remember back in December 2013, when Bubba had his introductory press conference, he emphasized that it is important to do what is best for the team, not the individuals. That is why true freshmen and other young players play if they are the best player on the team. It's also why I would hope, if the offense continues to struggle for the remainder of the season, that Bubba would at least entertain the idea of going a different direction at offensive coordinator. A lot of season left so no use to harp on this a bunch, but just something to ponder.

Interesting thought if nothing else.

Damn let's hope not