UND-FB-FAN

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.

He gets one more season! Huge for the basketball team! Hopefully Jones proves me wrong and he can successfully lead this team moving forward.

I always hear Eastern Washington, Montana State and Montana are the perennial powers of the Big Sky; however, in my opinion, there's no reason THE University of North Dakota shouldn't be a top 4 team in the conference every year too. We are THE flagship university of North Dakota and we have the support and resources to get the job done. Hopefully, over the next few years, Bubba helps us make that climb and stay there consistently.

People can throw JUCOs and FBS transfers under the bus all they want, but when it comes down to it, the transfers we got are gonna be the difference in us being an improved team this year or not. And of course development of the QBs and improved coaching/discipline. All in all, this program is much better off with Bubba and his staff than Mussman; or at least it appears that way thus far. Hope we surprise and jump over the 10th spot on the coaches preseason poll. At 6-6, that would put us in the middle of the pack. Then, improvement would only be the norm given the youth of this team.

Hope the deal is in the finalizing steps!

Yes, he is a senior, but I was suggesting he may simply have a breakout year and not that he will be in next year's position rankings. Having FBS talent at the cornerback spot is refreshing; CB was a glaring weakness during Mussman's tenure. I also think Fr. Chris Carter possesses FBS talent and will be a very good defensive back at some point for us.

Just the philosophy he's installing will improve the team, and of course that includes discipline. For whatever reason, Mussman's teams were sloppy when it came to the little things. Running the ball, minimizing mistakes, and being assignment sharp on defense will go a long way towards improvement.

Given what the University of North Dakota represents, there's no reason UND shouldn't be at the top of the Big Sky Conference every year - facilities, coaching, regional (MN, Wi, IL) recruiting, relative budget, etc. should all do that. Although this year may be a 5-7 or 6-6 year due to some rebuilding, I expect Bubba to have this thing roaring by 2015. Just no reason we shouldn't be in the same category as the Montanas and EWU every single season.

Hinojosa has the talent to be an absolute force on the d-line, so he's possible. I'm also expecting big things from Ratelle with Coach Schmidt coaching him up.

Absolutely. This fall, either Mollberg or Bartels needs to become The Guy and be the man behind center for the next 3 years. Solidifying that position will go a long way towards playoffs in 2015 and 2016.

Well, for starters, Baylee Carr is the senior whom Coach Schweigert chose to bring with him to the Big Sky Media Event. That likely means Carr will be in a leadership role.