UND-FB-FAN

Portland State Vikings enter the game with a 2-3 record. Two of those loses came to Pac-12 schools in Oregon State (29-14) and Washington State (59-21). The other loss came to Big Sky Conference opponent Cal Poly in a blowout (42-14). Both of Portland State's victories came at home against Western Oregon (45-38) and UC Davis (23-14). The UC Davis game was their most recent game (Oct. 4). UND is coming off their most emotional loss of the season; it will be interesting to see how they respond. Do they play flat after the disappointing loss or do they play tough resilient football looking for that first conference win? One thing of note: Portland State has yet to win on the road and the Alerus has potential to be loud again as it is homecoming. Look forward to seeing great effort by UND's defense assisted by crowd noise, and hopefully improved offensive play. UND needs a win to get some confidence and move towards an overall .500 record (6-6) after two tough conference loses. Source: http://www.goviks.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

Exciting thing about the defense playing good is that the offense is improving enough to compliment them. Although the offense didn't score bunches yesterday, they were efficient. Also, most of the offensive mistakes are of the rhythm/timing variety, which means the offense should definitely continue improving with each week due to increased experience among the offensive lineup.

Feels like UND football tradition has been restored; although UND hasn't won that signature game yet this season, it does feel like UND should compete and expect to win every conference game they play in. That is encouraging and a huge improvement over last season.

Yeah, but if EWU is still ranked number 2 and we beat them because Vernon Adams is out, then that will still be a quality win that could perhaps get us into the playoffs if we finish 7-5.

Things are falling into place for UND. Bubba is doing a great job! Go UND!

UND should win more than 5. At least 6.

Hardly a cheap shot; Will Ratelle is not classless. It's not his fault the Montana quarterback is built like a punter. Plus, the refs babied the Griz with some late-hit/unnecessary roughness calls all game. Otherwise, things would've got even more physical. No question UND was the more physical team yesterday.

Encouraging that this team has come close to defeating a couple ranked FCS teams the past couple weeks and the only thing that held them back were penalties and mistakes (bad snaps). Why is that encouraging? Because they're correctable in the short-term; Bubba and UND could be going on a winning streak to close out this season if the necessary improvements are made.

Absolutely. From this point forward in terms of this season, UND should expect to win every game. As for next season, the team will have a lot of returning contributors, which usually always translates well to success.

Certainly the best way to look at it from a players and coaches' perspective. One game at a time; not going to argue that. Team should look to come out with a lot of energy on homecoming and get a much-needed rebound victory vs. Portland State.

7-5 is possible given the only top-10 FCS team remaining on UND's schedule is Eastern Washington. Given how poor Eastern Washington's defense is, that game is not impossible for UND, either. I see 6-6 because I think UND will drop a game @ Eastern Washingtona and @ another Big Sky team, perhaps SUU. For the playoffs, I think UND would have to win out and go 8-4 and get that win versus Eastern Washington. At 7-5 with a win vs. Eastern Washington, it is possible still I suppose. I think 7-5 with the one loss versus Eastern Washington would keep UND out of the playoffs but would sure build up hype for 2015 given how young UND is.

Defense is playing to the point where UND can win any Big Sky football game, including Eastern Washington. Offense is doing just enough to keep games close; if the offense could make a few more big plays, UND would be undefeated in conference play. Good news is the short-passing game is getting better with Mollberg and company.

The gap for next year's game is closing each and every week this season as UND continues to improve.

The defense is darn good. Plus they will only improve given the youth. Also, nice to see the offense is improving a little bit with a better short-passing game.

Didn't admit that. Point is, UND has played much closer to Montana and Montana State this season relative to last year; thus, they are showing improvement. Also, considering the lesser opponents UND plays coming up, wins should start to stack up. It's all just very promising given the outlook of the season, but by no way is yesterday's game satisfying morally. UND has a chance to be a winning football team this year which means 2015 is already looking like a possible playoff year.

Don't really agree with this. Hendrickson wasn't anything too special; Braden Hanson was better given his statistics. Plus, Hendrickson played poorly in a big game versus Cal Poly in 2012 that could have led to some big momentum.

Completely stupid comment. UND played a close game against Montana and had a very good opportunity to win. To sell that short is only typical of NDSU fans. UND is on the rise, and much sooner than most expected.

Someone thinks they're a realist when really they're just another pessimistic. Way to go

Absolutely! Go UND!

Montana should've lost. Both safety and refs really helped out Montana.

This one really hurts a guy. Oh well. This team is getting better. I know there are going to be people that are going to say the offense only scored 7 and the backup QB played for Montana, but I don't care. UND should end this season with a winning record. Go UND and good job Bubba

Yeah

After today, UND should win out at home. Bubba has this team ready for the playoffs. They're that good already. If not this year, next year is playoff time. Keep up the good work Bubba.

UND's defense is playing real good. UND's offense is playing real bad. What else is new?? Still anyone's game. Go UND!

Bold prediction: Griz don't score over 20.