UND-FB-FAN

Correct. But from an offensive scheme standpoint, Sam Houston State and Bowling Green are somewhat similar. So going off of purely that, along with Montana and others of the BSC, UND will eventually need to eliminate the "big play" of these teams. Bubba knows you can't give up 50+ yard chunk plays against these kind of up-tempo, spread attacks. EDIT: BGSU will provide UND an early opportunity to see how their defense has developed since last season's Montana and Montana State match-ups.

If UND does give up a bunch of yards against Bowling Green, which is more than possible, it will be because UND couldn't get pressure on the QB and the DBs couldn't tackle in open space. That type of situation, early in the season and out of conference, is good for the team in terms of experience before conference play. I think the fast-paced spread system that BGSU runs will prepare UND for most, if not all, of the up-tempo attacks UND will see in-conference ... which is a good thing. Remember, UND's main goal is to win the BSC.

So UND shouldn't have scheduled Sam Houston State to a non-conference home and home, either? You want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Thank God Bubba isn't shying away from winning every game on the schedule - that's the way it NEEDS to be. Lastly, Bowling Green is a MAC team; UND should be able to hang with most, if not all, from that mediocre FBS conference.

Well, in the past 10 years or so, with the advent of the spread no-huddle offenses, the defensive key still starts up front. I can recall watching a game about 5 years ago when Oregon's offense was the new big thing but they played a top LSU d-line and, subsequently, Oregon was handled. UND's great d-line depth will be absolutely critical against Bowling Green; rotate the big boys in and out and make Bowling Green protect. Despite the match-up issues, I still think UND has a very good chance to be far more physical and steal this one vs BGSU.

Agree. UND needs to pound the rock and control the clock with Santiago, Oliveira, Nevermann, etc.

... and/or UND gets to the QB a bunch. But I completely agree with your point (see last season's Idaho State game). UND will need big games out of Cole Reyes, Deion Harris, etc.

That's because the leader of UND football at the time would've implied something like "go out and try your best" i.e., "expect to lose". I'm am extraordinarily happy with Bubba and his staff. They have completely changed the direction of UND football, largely due to Bubba's vision, leadership, and dedication to UND.

BIG SKY PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM :http://www.bigskyconf.com/news/2016/7/12/FB_0712162556.aspx UND landed two on the team in RB John Santiago (unanimous selection) and S Cole Reyes; UND has a few more student-athletes that were at least considered, I'm sure.

I certainly agree hockey is well behind football in terms of general popularity and usefulness at the collegiate level, so good for NDSU. They have a tremendous football program; however, I don't lose any sleep at night admitting that (although some NDSU fans certainly could use a dose of similar humility). With all that, I still hope they lose several games every season. Here's to 2016 being a beautiful losing campaign for the ag school.

MAC football is really quite mediocre, even for FCS standards. I fully expect UND to be 2-0 going into the Potato Bowl game vs South Dakota; now, whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen. The games are played for a reason as execution is everything. Let's just remember that last year this time very few expected UND to beat Wyoming. If UND is 2-0 going into the Potato Bowl, I expect around 10,500 people.

I believe so. Both were around for the Bollinger passing camp.

With the chemistry that Studsrud and Georges have been building this summer, I expect Georges to easily be the top receiver in 2016. He just has that "it" factor with both his deep-ball speed and underneath quickness. If he stays healthy, 1000 yard season is possible.

Michael Coe is now on the UND roster. He played at Western New Mexico while Coach Knauf was there; Knauf was the offensive line coach during his first two seasons at the Division II school before being elevated to offensive coordinator in November of 2012. Coe should help the depth and may even push for a starting spot. His HUDL tape is pretty good.

2016 UND football Big Sky Kickoff Media Guide: http://www.undsports.com/fls/13500/pdf/2016-17/2016_FB_BigSky_Kickoff_Guide.pdf?ATCLID=211069047&SPSID=58640&SPID=6399&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=13500

Depth chart is coming together. Most exciting thing is that this year's team still is not senior heavy; as good as 2016 could be, 2017 should be even better. Credit to Bubba and his staff for really putting together a nice roster in terms of futuristic outlook for the entire program.

In all respect to the kid, because I believe he may have been playing hurt, Miller played quite poor against NDSU last season. One of several reasons the offense looked ridiculously bad in that game. Demon Taylor and Dan Bell have the potential to be very good players for UND; also, considering their position coach is a former Wisconsin guard, they'll have high expectations set for them, and rightfully so.

Noah Johnson played very well last year; he received all-conference Big Sky honors. The D-line looks very good in terms of the depth chart; the 2-deep and beyond can play some quality ball. Really excited to see Bubba Ball with the very high quality D-line play that is possible in 2016.

Don't know exact size, just will comment they are a very nice upgrade over the old ones. I like them a lot. Now the goal for UND and the Alerus Center should be to find more creative ways to use them.

Yes. It has been implied several times, if not addressed directly.

McFeeley is a major piece of work; completely biased and overprotective of ag school interests. He could at least try to appear a little more neutral. All in all, they're Fargo guys so I understand they're going to be a bit biased towards NDSU; nevertheless, I just don't care to listen to them spew their garbage.

Far too much speculation on this board about potential character. Lets give the student-athlete(s) a chance. Bubba and his staff will get the job done with them. If they don't fit in, they'll be dismissed and team will move forward.

UND confirms addition of punter Austin Dussold (Division II Missouri S&T) and wide receiver Demun Mercer (FBS DI Texas State) for 2016 season: http://www.undsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13500&ATCLID=211069047

Yes, he was a walk-on. I personally think Palmborg is the favorite to start alongside Reyes in the opener; however, plenty of time for Arnell or one of the younger players to prove me wrong.

Sounds like the staff is working on bringing in another FBS corner after the Walker situation. Will have to wait and see. Would help quite a bit, obviously depending directly on the player's experience and ability.

Have to think both Rich and Arnell are "wait and see situations" with fall camp. Good news is the inside linebacker spot has some quality guys that can pick up the slack (Connor O'Brien, Dylan Bakker, Dijon Murray, and Donnell Rodgers) if Rich still needs some time to rehab. Safety is a little bit more iffy, as we saw last season against Idaho State, Weber State, and Montana with Reyes out. If Arnell can't go, you'd be looking at Palmborg, Flowers, and Tucker along with the three true freshmen coming in. Lastly, you are right on Jawon Johnson. It sounds like he is going to be a terror rushing the passer from that outside backer spot, which is great with Disterhaupt and Labat also returning on the outside.