UND-FB-FAN

Bartels is not in full health. Studsrud will get an opportunity to play because the staff wants to see how he improves from game 1 to game 2. Like all games this year, if UND wins it will be because of their defense and special teams, not the offense. Too many holes in the offense to try mask with a change at only 1 position (QB).

I don't know all the details associated with Bartels' injury but the staff wishes to see how Studsrud does I believe. Also, Bartels is definitely not 100 % Will know more after today's press conference but this morning on Tim and Swyg it sounded like Studsrud will get the nod again.

Studsrud will be starting this Saturday vs. Weber State. Staff pulled his shirt so they figure they just as well see how he does these last 3 games.

Ironic scheduling; right now UND is more of a Weber State-type team than an Eastern Washington-type team. Sad truth for a once proud program (albeit never in the DI days). Trusting in Bubba's ability to recruit.

The offense is devastated by injuries, and prior to the injuries, the offense wasn't very productive to begin with. 2 QBs 3 RBs (Norberg didn't carry the ball vs EWU) 2 WRs (both starters) 1 TE (best receiving target) Offensive line is patchwork with questionable ability The positional depth needs to improve for this program before UND will be able to perservere through such adversity; not only offense but also defense. The recruiting moving forward is so key for Bubba and UND; thankfully, it appears this year's recruiting class is coming together alright. IPF doesn't hurt either.

Well Ira, I would prefer personal comments and credentials be an unnecessary prerequisite of this discussion, but if you want to imply such an inclusion so be it. I've coached and watched North Dakota HS football for years, and in my opinion, I don't believe Hanson is a DI quarterback. It is what it is. As for said comments, your balancing act between promoting Mollberg and equally criticizing the other UND quarterbacks is quite obvious. Coming after me because I'm familiar with North Dakota high school football and on record making a comment regarding a student-athlete I witnessed play ND HS football is a bit hypocritical, particularly because your familiarity with DL HS football is often recited by you. UND is what there record says it is; 3-6. They are not a good football club and they need to improve. That will come both with recruiting and getting injured players back healthy.

Big surprise today? You expected 54-3? I realized before the game that it would be very difficult to win, but losing this bad is horrible. How about 28-3? Or 35-10? This is an absolute horrible showing by UND today. Now, I understand the odds were stacked against UND today, but people need to stop making excuses so that they can still live in their own little customized world. Something needs to change for UND, and I'm hoping it will be the quality of recruits brought in. That can hopefully happen over the next couple years.

Eastern Washington's color analyst on Big Sky TV

I may be blamed for agreeing with the broadcast team or jumping to brash conclusions, but I really am not impressed with the play-calling. Rudolph has been inept all season doing it. Now, the offensive injuries are really hampering and I understand that, but I still think Bubba needs to be conscious of this and the jury should still be out on Rudolph.

I never expected UND to win this game, but this is tough to watch/listen to. I know it's a rebuilding year, but it's still really really hard to continually watch THE University of North Dakota continually get outplayed. It's really sickening.

17-0 EWU Game appears over before halftime.

It's not a waste. And Hanson is not a DI QB

I fully agree

Strength program has always been questionable at UND since going DI. Important to note that the strength staff is the one carry over from the horrible Mussman era. NDSU's strength and conditioning program has been spot on in recent years. IPF should help all this for UND though. Top facility that will get the players more excited about working and improving.

Just want to see how the team looks coming off a loss, facing a top-10 opponent on the road, and perhaps facing adversity at the QB position. If UND plays tough and competitive, that'll be telling in what Bubba is doing with his team's mental status and enthusiasm to play. If UND gets blown out of the water, I'll be a little concerned.

Right on. NDSU fans don't even realize they want the rivalry game played, like I mentioned earlier.

If someone accuses me of being insane, that's probably right on. UND 28 EWU 24

You tried it and didn't like it because NDSU usually lost?

You're that predictable person I was talking about; NDSU wins next season and you'll want the game every season. UND wins and you'll be even more against it.

Great link. If UND athletics is to stick with this (not considering timetable or financial requirements), the general order of funding allocation should be: 1) High Performance Center Phase II 2) Betty Sioux Center Electronics (scorer's table and center-hanging electronic scoreboard/display). 3) Memorial Stadium Renovation??

The fact this is even debated is foolish. UND is FCS; NDSU is FCS. They are 70 miles apart for goodness sake! They have an extensive history and tradition....play the damn game! I compare NDSU fans to very small children; they don't like something until they try it. I give Bubba credit for just getting this thing going again. Once everyone experiences this thing next season, NDSU and UND fans alike will forget all about these arguments and want the game annually. Trust me, it'll be that good.

Very good points. You've successfully added more shots to the thing NDSU fans call logic.

UND travels to #6 Eastern Washington this weekend to take on a traditional powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference. EWU (7-2, 4-1) lost it's first conference game of the season last weekend against Northern Arizona. EWU will again be without All-American quarterback Vernon Adams, or at least it appears that way. It will be his 4th straight game out. EWU will again start quarterback Jordan West. UND will be starting one of their backup quarterbacks as well; either Ryan Bartels or true freshman Keaton Studsrud. EWU's defense has been helping them win games now with QB Adams out. Senior linebacker Ronnie Hamlin (who had a pick-six last season vs. UND) is a stud who is 4th on the all-time Big Sky Conference tackles list. UND's offense will have to produce to get the win, young QB or not. UND's rushing defense will be challenged. EWU returned their top running back last weekend in Quincy Forte. He rushed for 219 yards in the loss to NAU. He will get plenty of touches versus UND. Ultimately, UND's defense will again have to be the difference if UND is to have a chance against the number six club in the country. They need to win the turnover battle and not give up explosive plays. The offense needs to help out by not turning the ball over and capitalizing on scoring opportunities when presented; field goals need to be made and need touchdowns when in the red zone. Like Bubba has said, UND has to look at this as an opportunity to make a huge splash. Nothing to lose; go out to Cheney and get the upset! http://www.spokesman.com/eagles/stories/2014/oct/30/big-sky-notes-vernon-adams-tries-to-stay-patient/

AA teams are bigger in terms of enrollment, but there are more A teams in North Dakota. As a result, the top 3 teams in Class A are often just as good as the top 3 teams in Class AA. Grafton's teams that recently participated in the state championship games were not overwhelming; top Class A football schools like Velva, Harvey, and Hazen are often as talented and are recruited just as heavily by college football recruiters.