UND-FB-FAN

Yes. Both Santiago and Olivera, as a 1-2 punch, are the real deal. UND's focus will be on them for the next few seasons. In the meantime, UND needs to continue to expand their passing game. Clive Georges is healthy for the first time since week 1, which apparently may give this passing game a shot in the arm.

The Portland State win could be more impressive than the Wyoming win (in actuality it certainly is, but also to the selection committee's standards). If Portland State wins their next three games, they will win the Big Sky Conference, be a top 10 FCS team, and their only loss will be to UND.....

What's wrong with a ND fighting hawk? It's an OFFICIAL logo that the athletic department and university can finally be associated with. The alternatives are no better.

That's too conservative for me. Yes, that interlocking ND logo already is in place, but why not look to improve UND's marketing situation, rather than be complacent and accept what's already in place. I for one am curious to see what could be produced to further expand UND athletics branding. If done correctly, a unique hawk logo could gain support. I'd buy apparel sporting a new unique UND hawk logo. Why not?

How about the ridiculous officiating going on within the Big Sky Conference right now. It has happened numerous times to UND, but let's just focus on the game vs. MSU: Intentional grounding and not a fumble? C'mon And that last extra point was good, I'm sure. What a time to blow that extra point call, jeez refs....

UND needs to execute coming out of the bye week and get it done. UNC is improved, but they still haven't played lights out on the road. UND needs a solid crowd at the Alerus Center for this game. I doubt there will be much over 7k or 8k due to deer hunting, but those that do attend need to get loud and help out the defense. UND needs to win at least one game handily this season; too many close games are a bit too draining. Execute early and often and put away UNC. GO UND!

It has the most logo potential, IMO. The logo makes or breaks this. If a top-notch, unique logo is produced, it will go over more smoothly. Plus, it is representative of the state, again, IMO. I'm voting Fighting Hawks.

The confusion never ends...

The Alerus Center needs to step up in several areas. Player safety with some custom turf sections over the concrete would be one area. Another area is [again] the pregame team entrance. Lights have to be off and they have to build it up better. It's embarrassing right now how poor the Alerus Center treats UND and the entire gameday situation. If they cared just a little bit, they would put effort into these things and get it fixed.

Close one. Thanks for the support.

foolish pessimists

Incorrect.

Need more balance offensively and can't give up the big play on defense. UND wins if they do that and win the turnover battle.

They're coming next season for UND.

That sounds logical to me. And perhaps hire a CB coach. This is where coaching salary again comes into play.

UND's support of football needs to improve. It is better than when Mussman was coaching, mainly through requests made by Bubba, but there still needs to be more improvements. Coaching salary and general athletic department coverage/support is lacking. I understand that UND can be successful at both football and hockey, but as of now, UND's support is still not evenly distributed between the two (not even close). Faison and the athletic department are the largest component in this issue/dynamic. Having an $100 million hockey facility is blinding to many; however, it just can't be anymore. It's time to begin focusing more on the primary sports of U.S. collegiate athletics: football and basketball.

Receiver is a weak spot in my opinion, also. The freshmen already committed look good at WR, but I still think another top WR prospect is necessary to add; even another RB. Bottom line, the skill positions are not set yet, including defense (defensive back).

Bartels hasn't started a game at home yet this season; coaches must be hoping that will make a difference, and I think it might. Also, Montana's States defense is not anything special. If Bartels cant move the ball against Montana State at home, then he is not capable and either Mollberg or Studsrud needs to start the remaining 2 games (vs Northern Colorado, @ Cal Poly). Also, I think UND really needs to look at bringing in a top QB recruit or transfer this off-season; I have a real hard time seeing that position group as set.

Then put someone in that can. Rudolph has been a part of "one and a half" offseasons; bring in a QB who can get the job done if you don't think the others can. He is the QB coach for crying out loud! He should assess these kids and get/choose one to perform. It's his job! Call plays that support their strengths, such as quick passes to TEs and FBs and screens to the quick WRs and RBs in space. The lack of adjustments out of the offensive playbook thus far is discouraging. I hope to see a better performance via BOTH better play-calling and better execution this weekend against Montana State. I agree the players need to execute better, but as the offensive coordinator, it is Rudolph's job to recruit capable players during the recruiting process and then develop them.

Keaton Studsrud was a true freshman when he started; not the case with the other three.

Quite the experience, huh? St. Cloud State and Minot State? That's a lack of DI experience. Rudolph is a problem in my opinion. If UND finds a way to consistently win with Rudolph calling plays and coaching the QBs, it will certainly be in spite of him. Need to recruit some really good offensive players in order to overcome the coaching ineptitude on offense.

Absolutely. UND was close this season, which means UND might be "there" next season. This team is young, so continual improvement should be readily seen over the next couple seasons. Also, have to imagine depth will get better with the incoming 2016 recruiting class.

Studsrud went 4-1 as the starter and it would have been 5-1 if he didn't exit against Idaho State; yet, you are now saying he is not good enough? He can improve during the offseason, you know? Do you think the receivers can improve too?

Damn

Your opinion is a safe one; hard to imagine Mollberg would play much worse than Bartels did against Montana. With that said, Mollberg's mobility may be significantly impaired, despite what some say on this board. The staff thought a lot of Mollberg last year for him to be named the starter over Bartels, so why did Bartels win the backup job over Mollberg this season? Seems to me that Mollberg just ain't the same ol' gunslinger some on this board thinks he is. Even with that, though, Bartels hasn't impressed and he may lose his spot because of it.