UND-FB-FAN

I've heard with my own ears that this true. However, the bottom line is people just want a winner.

I'll definitely take an improvement in most positions if it means detracting from one position. Football is the ultimate team game. I agree that the absolute two biggest things expected to improve should be QB play and defensive secondary play. With those two things better, this team has a chance to improve on its 2013 record by a few games. Also, the running game emphasis will be beneficial. Seeing the football alumni golf game today include guys like Chris Kuper, Tim Tibesar, and Dave Osborne get me excited for the future of UND football. It just kinda feels like the early 2000s when support was at a high - Bubba deserves a lot of credit for that.

It just seemed that you were considering the talent on this team to be very lacking, but that's not necessarily true. Last years freshmen class has talented players, the transfers are unknowns, and the QBs both are more experienced. All in all, the coaching staff may have a decent amount of talent to work with. And your last comment isn't necessarily true; depth is key.

Can we stop with this "scratch" talk? Half of the potential starters for 2014 weren't even on the team in 2013, so it's impossible to know what kind of team UND will have in 2014 until the games are being played.

I'm hoping the increased video board size will positively influence the game day atmosphere. And I think it will. Hope the audio is also improved.

WR Jake Smeltzer is a three-star recruit with several offers; hopefully the UND family connections work out! He would be a great addition to the 2015 recruiting class.

http://sportsjournalla.com/jc-football-smc-defensive-back-aaron-rogers-commits-to-north-dakota/ http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1387493/highlights/102611526

Via Twitter, here are some of the student-athletes who participated in today’s (July 26th) Elite Camp: DT Collin Race 6’2” 275 lbs Goodridge, MN http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2040275/ OG/OC Hunter Carlberg 6’1” 275 lbs Minneapolis, MN http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3309650/hunter-carlberg OC Joe Schons 6’3” 301 lbs Savage, MN http://www.hudl.com/athlete/39438/joe-schons WR Christian Phillips 6’5” Canada C/NG Ben Knutson 6’2” 265 lbs Glyndon, MN http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1841855/ben-knutson OLB/DB Zach Larson 5’11” 185 lbs West Fargo, ND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51nGUmWeEAk DE Mason Bennett (Offered today by UND) 6’4” 230 lbs Winnipeg, MB http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1488526/mason-bennett

http://und.edu/calendar/index.php/view/event/detail/28149/und-football-coaching-staff-meet-greet Go and meet the new staff as they get ready to embark on their inaugural season at THE University of North Dakota! Go UND and let's go Bubba!

Defense is different in terms of calls. Coverages are different.

Enough with the political correctness already. No one should get upset or discouraged if UND doesn't win or gets blown out in week 1; however, UND has talent and should go into the game with the goal of winning. And because I support UND athletics, I'd rather go into week 1 assessing reasons why UND could win rather than reasons why they could lose. I'm hoping for UND's first FBS win now that UND is being led by a competent coach in Bubba Schweigert.

In addition to intent, there is reason to believe we may be able to be a physical football team right away in Bubba's first season. Read my very optimistic preview to see how: Although it is early, I figured preseason would be the best time to take an optimistic (perhaps overly optimistic) look at the changeover from the 2013 roster to the 2014 roster. All in all, I think the transfers, returning starters, and those who gained valuable playing time last year are the ones who will contribute the most. For starters, however, I think it’s best to just look at the transfers as they are the most likely to surprise. On offense: RB Cedric Simmons (So. 6-1, 215) WR Miguel Cerriteno (Jr. 6-2, 195) OT Brendan Slaight (Jr. 6-7, 315) OG/OC Colton Boas (Jr. 6-1, 300) When I look at the four offensive transfers, and I consider the change in offensive philosophy as well as the increased experience of QBs Mollberg and Bartels, I believe our offense has a chance to be successful. I envision a nice balanced attack based on the running game of Simmons (and perhaps Patrick Sharp or Adam Shaugabay) behind a potentially good run blocking line. The line will include incumbent starter OG Brandon Anderson but also impressive JUCOS OT Slaight and OG/OC Boas. Throw in former Wisconsin OL Luke Knauf coaching them up, and there is potential for a much improved running game. That will help the offensive efficiency by assisting the QBs/play-action and resting the defense with improved time of possession. Let’s hope it works out that way! On defense: DE Jordan Hinojosa (So. 6-3 275) ILB Dylan Bakker (Jr. 6-2, 225) CB Dominique Blackmon (Jr. 6-0, 190) CB Charles Flowers (So. 5-11, 180) CB Alex Tillman (Sr. 5-10, 190) S Chris Hannible (Jr. 6-0, 195) The defensive transfers, in my opinion, are no slouches. And of course, the coaching staff must also think that or else they wouldn’t have brought them in. Starting up front, I see a very capable defensive lineman in Hinojosa, who definitely possesses FBS ability; he should help the run defense. At LB, Dylan Bakker will likely provide key depth at ILB, but he could eventually sneak into a starter role as well. The most turnover, and ultimately improvement, occurs in the secondary. Last year there wasn’t a CB who played over 180 lbs. and that severely hurt the physicality of UND’s defense. With Blackmon, Flowers, and Tillman (and possibly freshman Chris Carter), UND should have much improved cover skills and run support in the secondary. Also, Hannbile was specifically mentioned by Bubba Schweigert on signing day as someone he thought could contribute big-time this season. Overall, I see a much improved secondary that should allow for more sacks and more interceptions. With more sacks and turnovers, the defense will only be improved. Once again, we can only hope it works out this way. Now, with all this definitely comes a grain of salt (or many grains for that matter). I still only expect the 2014 UND football team to go 5-7 or 6-6 in 2014, but that would still be much improved over 2013’s 3-8. Also, if this year’s team goes near 0.500, there is a very good chance they would continue improving and 2015 would be a winning season. After all, this team is filled with underclassmen; therefore, if they successfully contribute this year, the team should only continue to improve under Bubba’s tutelage.

I agree. Just like most spread offense Big Sky teams, San Jose State may be susceptible to the physical style of play that Bubba is implementing.

UND's mindset should be to go down to California and win this game; after all, that should be the mindset going into every game. I'm not quite sure that was Mussman's mindset, however. I'm hoping for the W in this initial contest of 2014.

Us going under the radar, along with the positive work effort mentality, could make for a good season, given the initial expectations.

No wins while most familiar with UND think 5 to 6 wins? There's some major discrepancy there, partly because Mussman and his horrible teams did absolutely nothing the past couple seasons vs. Montana State. Actually, UND was horrible vs Montana State the past two seasons.

I'm assuming it's a replacement for the old video boards. These new boards should have higher resolution so they should be clearer. I'm wondering if the sound system will be improved this season?

If the colors (helmet and jersey) match, then a plain properly-fitted jersey is perfectly fine.

Neither am I, but most importantly, the players aren't either. I'm holding out hope a deal can be struck soon so UND can get some new uniforms and have supplied equipment.

What kind of uniform UND gets is dependent on the type of deal negotiated. A UCLA/Wisconsin/Louisville type deal is likely out of the question, unless UND's hockey team/reebok use allows for a big-time deal. If it's a small deal like South Dakota/Sacramento State/Southern Utah, then the uniforms could be quite crude. I'm hoping for the former, or perhaps something like what Northern Arizona has.

Appears to be heavily recruiting North Dakota, Minnesota (particularly Minneapolis area), and Illinois. Throw in Wisconsin and Detroit-area and I think we have ourselves a nice pipeline going. Also Canada

Although it is early, I figured preseason would be the best time to take an optimistic (perhaps overly optimistic) look at the changeover from the 2013 roster to the 2014 roster. All in all, I think the transfers, returning starters, and those who gained valuable playing time last year are the ones who will contribute the most. For starters, however, I think it’s best to just look at the transfers as they are the most likely to surprise. On offense: RB Cedric Simmons (So. 6-1, 215) WR Miguel Cerriteno (Jr. 6-2, 195) OT Brendan Slaight (Jr. 6-7, 315) OG/OC Colton Boas (Jr. 6-1, 300) When I look at the four offensive transfers, and I consider the change in offensive philosophy as well as the increased experience of QBs Mollberg and Bartels, I believe our offense has a chance to be successful. I envision a nice balanced attack based on the running game of Simmons (and perhaps Patrick Sharp or Adam Shaugabay) behind a potentially good run blocking line. The line will include incumbent starter OG Brandon Anderson but also impressive JUCOS OT Slaight and OG/OC Boas. Throw in former Wisconsin OL Luke Knauf coaching them up, and there is potential for a much improved running game. That will help the offensive efficiency by assisting the QBs/play-action and resting the defense with improved time of possession. Let’s hope it works out that way! On defense: DE Jordan Hinojosa (So. 6-3 275) ILB Dylan Bakker (Jr. 6-2, 225) CB Dominique Blackmon (Jr. 6-0, 190) CB Charles Flowers (So. 5-11, 180) CB Alex Tillman (Sr. 5-10, 190) S Chris Hannible (Jr. 6-0, 195) The defensive transfers, in my opinion, are no slouches. And of course, the coaching staff must also think that or else they wouldn’t have brought them in. Starting up front, I see a very capable defensive lineman in Hinojosa, who definitely possesses FBS ability; he should help the run defense. At LB, Dylan Bakker will likely provide key depth at ILB, but he could eventually sneak into a starter role as well. The most turnover, and ultimately improvement, occurs in the secondary. Last year there wasn’t a CB who played over 180 lbs. and that severely hurt the physicality of UND’s defense. With Blackmon, Flowers, and Tillman (and possibly freshman Chris Carter), UND should have much improved cover skills and run support in the secondary. Also, Hannbile was specifically mentioned by Bubba Schweigert on signing day as someone he thought could contribute big-time this season. Overall, I see a much improved secondary that should allow for more sacks and more interceptions. With more sacks and turnovers, the defense will only be improved. Once again, we can only hope it works out this way. Now, with all this definitely comes a grain of salt (or many grains for that matter). I still only expect the 2014 UND football team to go 5-7 or 6-6 in 2014, but that would still be much improved over 2013’s 3-8. Also, if this year’s team goes near 0.500, there is a very good chance they would continue improving and 2015 would be a winning season. After all, this team is filled with underclassmen; therefore, if they successfully contribute this year, the team should only continue to improve under Bubba’s tutelage.

With proper chemistry, we could be in the Big Sky title chase again.

There's no right way or wrong way if it works. Before everyone fell in love with NDSU's way of doing things, Eastern Washington won a national title with an FBS transfer at QB. As far as Im concerned, it goes on a case by case basis. If there are a lot of talented transfers, then go that way. If there are talented underclassmen that can develop, go that way. Bottom line is discipline, leadership, and philosophy is important from the coaching staff and we didn't have that with Mussman. Solid recruiting is always crucial to success, but a few top notch transfers can really improve a team so there's no use to ignore them.

I've always been an advocate for FBS transfers and JUCOs if they increase competition and make the team better; however, there are some on this board who are enamored with the NDSU blueprint and they dislike bringing in transfers. I for one agree that recruiting is the most important way to build a team, and I think Bubba's first freshmen recruiting class is a dandy, but the JUCOs and FBS transfers are also full of potential. In the end, Bubba's philosophy and discipline should be applicable to all players. The rest is up to the talent and mindset of the players.