UND-FB-FAN

Studsrud has the most to offer given the current state of the roster. Studsrud is slowly but surely getting better throwing the ball, and his athleticism is a huge plus for the offense and the way Bubba wants to run the football. Bartels has no running ability and the WR corps isn't deep enough with Georges out to rely on the WRs consistently getting separation. Same with Mollberg - the injury last season has likely cost Mollberg a lot of his mobility. Its time to support Studsrud a bit more; the team is 4-1 (2-0) so apparently he is doing somethings right.

Cal Poly gashed Idaho State on the ground last night. Keys to the game are UND's running game/time of possession to keep Idaho State's offense off the field, and when they are on the field, the crowd needs to get into it and assist the defense as they get pressure on Idaho State's QB. Sack City needs to be present on Saturday!

Heck, this team could use a bye week now. Yesterday really beat up this team. Looks like RB Iwarri Smith, LG Brandon Anderson, LB Taj Rich, LB Dayo Idowu, and S Cole Reyes all got banged up. With Idaho State and their pass happy offense coming to town, the availability of Reyes is likely the most critical. Unfortunately, though, all five of those players are key contributors. Let's hope for a positive week of healing!

This is something that I have missed as well. I was hoping for more of this after the NDSU game, but it appears Rudolph hasn't installed it or at least hasn't called it. Hopefully that changes. I think bubble screens and quick slants, among other quick outside routes, would help stretch a defense out in order to open up the running game.

That is fine. I just think the reason UND is 4-1 is because they are successfully running the football and that complements the defense. UND's running game would not be as effective as it is if they were playing an immobile QB. UND needs to work with what they got, and because they have a solid defense, running the football, controlling time of possession, and preventing turnovers is the best way to go about it right now. When UND gets some better skill-position players, then a more traditional pro-style QB may make more sense. For now though, having a QB that potentially can run for over 100 yards in a game is something that the opposing defenses have to prepare for, and that's a good thing for UND football. When the passing game starts to click, then really watch out. As I said last week, lets focus on improvement rather than change. UND football was irrelevant for too long for there to be over-focusing on points of criticism. Rather, lets focus on the success and potential that Bubba has developed.

Studsrud has broke long runs for scores or significant first downs during critical points in games. Could Studsrud play better? Absolutely. Could he play worse? Absolutely. Remember, Bubba's philosophy - considering the defensive focus - is that the only bad offensive play is a turnover. Studsrud has protected the ball relatively well by not throwing many interceptions. Relatively speaking, the other QBs on the roster were turnover machines compared to Studsrud. Studsrud needs to improve his accuracy, timing, and general decision-making, but I believe he will. He looks night and day compared to where he was as true freshman, so why can't he improve from his true sophomore season to his junior season? The other issue I have with your assessment of the QB play is it assumes everything else on the offense is set. That is, the offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs are all doing their job at a high level; however, that simply isn't true. Offensive linemen are occasionally holding or missing blocks, wide receivers aren't consistently getting separation, and the RB's run blind or timid at times. All in all, the offense needs to improve beyond just the QB position. Nevertheless, UND has ran the football extremely well in 3 of their 5 games, and they have won 4 of their 5 games. The improvement that the offense has shown from 2014 to 2015 is considerable, and as a result, I think the offense is on the right path. Still need to clean up mistakes though, particularly penalties and turnovers from bad decisions. Rudolph may need to make some better play-calling choices as well.

Just because they pass heavy doesn't mean they will be effective at doing it. Idaho State has already lost handily a few times this season, including to Portland State (they went to Idaho and beat up on ISU 34-14). Whether or not Reyes is available for the homecoming game is of importance, though. Without Reyes, UND's secondary is far more vulnerable to big plays. Either way, I see UND running the ball successfully and UND's front 7 getting plenty of pressure on Idaho State's QB.

Montana State on October 31st will be a big game for UND. The injury situation from today's game will make a difference, but I think UND can get their running game going against MSU's porous defense. Also, UND defended Prukop and that offense quite well last season in Bozeman. A realistic and important goal for the football team should be to go undefeated in the Alerus Center.

I agree completely. Team played sloppy and the injuries only compounded everything. The injury situation will get more attention than the 4-1 start I'm afraid. I do expect UND to crack the top 25, but the injury situation may dictate whether or not they can maintain that ranking.

S Cole Reyes, LB Taj Rich, LB Dayo Idowu, and RB Iwarri Smith are some that come to mind. There are more though. This was a tough game in terms of injuries. Next weekend's Homecoming game against Idaho State will be tougher because of it. EDIT: I missed Brandon Anderson, as he was injured during the flea-flicker play. His absence on the offensive line would be a bad situation.

I feel UND is the better football team, but they sure made it closer than it needed to be. Turnovers and penalties were killers, and the injuries are a tough deal moving forward.

Well I officially forgive Rudolph and Studsrud now. Still a lot of work to do on the offense and injury concerns remain, but UND will take this one. Expect a ranked UND team for next weekend's homecoming match vs Idaho State.

I'll forgive a lot of the offense's mistakes if they come together here and win the damn thing. Just like last week vs. UC Davis.

doesn't look good

Olivera got the ball once and carried defenders over 5 yards and he hasn't got it since. I don't get that. That's poor coaching in my opinion.

More than enough speed (4.70ish). It's his height that's the concern. He's being looked at FB by NFL scouts.

This offense is ran so poorly.

Having no Reyes could end up losing UND this game.

Both play calling by Rudolph and decision making by Studsrud are piss poor. This needs to improve.

Power football aspect missing right now.

Statement run by Olivera!!!!!! Give him the ball!!! And play smashmouth football like you've preached! Santiago deserves it too. Between those two, that's what the offense needs to keep doing.

17-16 Portland State 3rd QTR last TD is on the offense. Bubba needs to get on the offensive staff and Studsrud for that decision.

Well Studrud just threw it into quadruple coverage. And an injured UND player as a result. Questionable play call by Rudolph and horrible decision by Studsrud.

This offense is so frustrating to watch. Need to keep it up though.

I hate to speculate but it's a possibility. He's out for the rest of this one. Biggest injury is by far the one to Cole Reyes. His replacement William James is a great kid but he's getting beat countless times from what I can see.