UND-FB-FAN

I bet you would bet that.

Possibly RB Simmons and maybe even OL AJ Stockwell. I'm not sure.

Realistically, very high.

UND has a legitimate opportunity to finish in the top half of the Big Sky this season. That would exceed expectations and really mean well for UND under Bubba moving forward. Have to see how the team does moving forward, but if they build off their play vs. Montana State, UND will definitely win a few more games this season.

That pick six he threw in the second quarter was a killer. Have to protect the football and not give away easy scores, especially with how the offense has been playing. The offense did okay in the second half when Norberg was having success running the ball though. Very imperative the offensive line plays well for the offense to be successful.

Montana State didn't have the ball much in the 2nd half relative to UND; that is, they didn't have the opportunity to play conservative. UND outplayed Montana State in second half, simple as that. However, as we all know, football is a four quarter game and UND did not win the first half. One thing to be optimistic about is mistakes. Mistakes can be corrected, and if the offense plays with less mistakes (no turnovers, botched handoffs and center-QB exchanges, etc.), UND will be even better. How good? This team is a 0.500 team if the defense keeps playing the way it is and the offense improves its timing and discipline.

Montana next week is more than winnable. Again comes down to turnovers. If crowd noise is a factor and Montana turns the ball over some, UND will have a solid chance.

I'd say you were right; playbook was opened up a bit more. More pistol was used today.

Eastern Washington's defense is bad but let's not carried away here...

I agree. That 6-6 mark is very obtainable. I think winning seasons are right around the corner, folks!

According to the predictions thread, UND exceeded expectations today. That's always a good thing towards decreasing the rebuild time.

The offense has been anemic, but ultimately the TEAM has been playing much better than they did last year. Bubba has the TEAM improving, especially the defense. If this young team can play like they did today, just imagine after a year or two and UND has additional talent.

Defense plays well enough at home that UND will have a chance in all home games, including next weekend's tilt versus Montana. As for the road, the only very tough game is versus Eastern Washington. UND is 2-3 after 5 games, so I'm certainly not going to complain. I honestly see this team getting way better. I just don't get how you can see a team that has been blown out in Big Sky road games the past couple seasons now play tough against a top 25 FCS team on the road and yet complain. This team is honestly improving game by game. Just imagine next season with all of the returners.

The fact UND's defense scored off a top 10 FCS offense should be something to get happy about. Oh, and UND has shown to be able to win with 11 or so offensive points at home in the Alerus this year.

Absolutely! Given how Montana State ran away with the last two games vs. UND, everyone should be very pleased. Bubba has already turned around the defense and the rest of the team is not far behind. Good things lie ahead.

The defense is top-notch. Montana State is a top 10 FCS offense. With the defense playing the way it is, UND will win at least a couple more games this year. Offense showed improvement in the second half. They looked alright and balanced when Norberg was running the ball okay. They'll actually improve as the season goes on. With the way this young team looked today, good things are ahead. Everyone needs to show up and cheer the defense on against Montana next Saturday. UND can win that game at home in the Alerus.

Wow. Sure hope you're kidding.

Bubba and his defense are really good. Just imagine how good they'll be in a couple years... Rudolph and his offense have work to do... Starts with the offensive line and quarterback, IMO.

According to weather.com there will definitely be rain for today's game. Not sure exactly how it affects the game, but it MAY help UND's defense and offense...

It's okay to have an honest conversation with fans and alumni about the progress of the team; however, from there it's important to respect the student-athletes and the coaches' willingness to be honest. I will say, though, that this is a website that has no direct connection to the University of North Dakota. If student-athletes are looking on this site, they best be prepared to see criticism, because that's what comes with the territory of being a collegiate athlete. Lastly, in terms of performance, the offensive linemen should embrace what was said about them and try to improve rather than be sensitive about it; up to this point, they've played poor. It is what it is.

Coach Luke Knauf comes from a proud culture of capable offensive linemen at Wisconsin. I have no doubt he will eventually shape UND's offensive line into that mold. Wisconsin, still to this day, relies on effective offensive line play and a successful running game. Also, good to hear regarding Studsrud.

All of these predictions are just that, predictions. There's no way to know exactly how the team will do and exactly how the attendance will be. However, it is certain winning teams draw crowds. It would be a real shame if several seats were left empty at the 50 yard line when the rest of the Alerus is filled and UND is playing winning football. I suppose you could be a "rebel" and sit in those student section seats then in order to appease your plan.

There won't always be 7,000 people at games. Even last year there was 10,000 at a game and this year 9,000. When there's 5 digit attendance, having an empty student section is a real bad deal.

Makes sense since UND has a contractual lease agreement with the Alerus Center. I know UND's athletics department has noticed the student attendance issue. I honestly think both the size and location of the student section are too lenient towards the students. The student section should be moved over to the 20 or 30 yard line (let season ticket holders be on the 50 yard line on both sides) and the student section should be decreased in size. Right now, there are very good seating spots that are not even occupied on game day.

Due to the "walk-over" areas above the end zone, I absolutely agree that the Alerus should sell "standing-only" tickets for the end zones. Only reason the Alerus would never currently do that is because they would likely have to charge less for the "standing-only" tickets and that would leave them taking a financial hit. Obviously, if the Alerus was actually selling out, then the "standing-only" tickets would be a good idea - not to that point though. As for the student section, if that is decreased in size, then the Alerus would theoretically make more. The student section should be decreased in size. Of course, UND athletics are factored into this thing financially, also.