UND-FB-FAN

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.

Patented Studsrud up the middle for a TD!

Big break. And then Matthewson - not use to carrying it - fumbles it out of bounds. Big gainer. Injuries starting to pile up. No Idowu, Reyes, or Iwarri Smith.

Offense is sputtering. Need more traditional football. Scrap jet sweep. Line up in 21 and 22 personnel and run power and sweeps. Then PA off that. Hopefully a run busts open soon.

10-6 Portland State with 0:33 remaining in 2nd quarter. I'd imagine that we'll take this thing into halftime. UND gets ball to start 2nd half.

Damn