UND-FB-FAN

If anyone's curious, here's Mussman's W-L during his HC tenure: 2008: 6-5 overall; 2-4 vs. FCS 2009: 6-5 overall; 5-3 vs. FCS 2010: 3-8 overall; 2-6 vs. FCS 2011: 8-3 overall; 5-1 vs. FCS 2012: 5-6 overall; 4-5 vs. FCS 2013: 1-2 overall: 1-2 vs. FCS Overall: 29-29 vs. FCS: 19-21 __________________________________ Big Sky era: Overall: 6-8 vs. FCS: 5-7

For the most part, I agree with what you said. In regards to the practice schedule, I'm not too against it, just because this team needs rest and I'm not sure practicing hard an extra week would really have any effect on the MSU game. Now, on the preparation front, I don't think there is any question Mussman consistently gets out-prepared by the opposing coaching staff. Ever since he started his tenure as HC, it's been noticeable that his teams lack emotion (at least towards the game) just as he does. Furthermore, there isn't a swagger present that the good ones seem to have. Whether that swagger is expressed out loud or it's a quiet confidence, all the good ones seem to have some shape or form of that. The approach to FBS teams and good FCS teams is quite indicative of that. I understand respecting a good opponent, because over confidence and arrogance rarely helps anything, but it would be nice to hear Mussman talk about his team's capability once and while rather than brag up the opponent. As far as X's and O's go, I think this team is OK, but adjustments could be made there too. If I had to point out two major areas of concern, and they've been present for the past 5 years, it would be Mussman's leadership and the team's general direction. His teams don't play confident and smart, and UND's line of scrimmage players are outclassed in this conference.

spot on

Difference between UM and SDSU is Montana's quarterback. Johnson consistently makes bigger plays than Sumner does, and both are sort of asked to do the same thing. Both teams would rather line up and run down hill, and go play-action off of that. At least in our games against the two, Johnson capitalized off of the PA better than Sumner did. Not to mention Johnson has proved us all he can lead a team deep into the FCS playoffs, as he did so with UM in 2011 (semifinals vs Sam Houston). Plus the WRs, and possibly the entire OL, are better for Montana. Defenses are kinda a wash, but if I had to chose I'd take Montana's defense. Their front 7 (including Tripp - who is incredibly talented) is easily top 5 in the FCS.

Montana > SDSU UND < SDSU so, there you go...

As of right now, changing the general game plan is really irrelevant. When new leadership is put into place and a scheme/recruiting plan featuring tough, physical players is actually emphasized, then this team will be better off as a whole and actually compete for a Big Sky championship and an FCS playoff run. This season, with the current players and leadership in place, there's likely no playoffs (or even a winning season, for that matter!). When UND can once again consistently run the ball and stop the run (which requires proper tackling!) , then UND football is back to where it belongs.

Force the run until it works? Sounds like hitting your head against a brick wall until you make a hole to get through. You can't run the ball if you can't get a push up front. Right now, our OL gets knocked around most running play. Plus, you can't run every down when you're already down a couple TDs at the end of the 1st quarter and you're facing 1st &15 and 2&15 due to procedural penalties and lack of discipline. After MSU and EWU, everyone, including yourself, should notice there's no hope for this season. Or any other season Mussman tries to 'lead' and coach this team. He can't prepare a team because his players don't respect him and/or play hard for him. His leadership skills are horrific. It's that simple. And I guess our line of scrimmage and defensive players are not top tier talent. Need improvements in recruiting, including general philosophy/emphasis.

Probably an emotional statement, but this is pathetic. We need to fire this joke of a coaching staff. No discipline at all. Sorry everyone, no playoffs this year.

Probably an emotional statement, but this is pathetic. We need to fire this joke of a coaching staff. No discipline at all. Sorry everyone, no playoffs this year.

Likely gonna be a wet one tailgating. Oh, and how bout we beat them Griz? Go Sioux!

I would like to see Shaugabay and Sparks as the 1 and 2, but that's just my opinion. We haven't seen either one play except for the first game of the past two seasons, and well, they looked pretty good in those games...

Very true. Bottom line is Mollberg is starting Saturday and he's got his opportunity to lock up the spot.

Prepare for both? Montana could care less who's playing. They understand both are freshman and are going to look to bring pressure regardless. This "split QB practice reps" thing during our crucial tough home stretch is pure ridiculousness. This can only hurt UND; it has no effect on Montana other than our starter may not be prepared. Now, hopefully Mollberg plays good in the first half and we can let him play the entire game, because the sooner we find our full-time QB, the sooner this team has a shot at the playoffs (whether that's this season or next).

You should if your coaching staff is not blind and oblivious...not saying they are just stating a general opinion.

I actually have a good feeling about this game. I predicted UND to lose by a couple TDs last week, but I think UND can sneak by the Griz this week if they've learned their lesson and don't turnover the ball a bunch vs. Montana. I predict Mollberg plays the entire game (or at least I hope he does cause that means no turnovers) and we put up plenty of yards through the air. Also, I think the defense will stop the run better this weekend. UND 38 Montana 34

I agree, and that also was one of my concerns during fall camp. If you don't let the QB settle in and get the reps, the two QBs will make mistakes/turnovers that will lose you the game (see last week). Especially in the beginning of the season, where the schedule features the most difficult opponents. If Mollberg has the hot hand early on Saturday, Mussman better let him play the entire game!

Yeah, as much as we talk about how different the game would've been if we would've gone up 14-0, just think if we would've drove down the field to start the 2nd half and made it 21-14. Instead, in both opportunities, Bartels threw an interception and fumbled the ball, respectively. He definitely made some timely errors. That's why it is so important Mollberg protects the ball this weekend. If we can have 0 turnovers (maybe 1), I feel confident we can defeat Montana. Now, we have multiple turnovers again, we lose another one.

Well, everyone who wanted to see LB Goard play more after last weekend's game will get a chance now, its just too bad it's essentially through a trade for Goodman...

So does everyone leave in the 2nd or 3rd quarter this weekend? Because you know everyone leaves regardless of the score. Last year's Montana game was close throughout and there was no one left by the end of the game. The student section is absolutely horrible, and it p*sses me off unbelievably.

South Dakota State brought some good pressure last game; they have a very talented front 7. Ryan Bartels, our QB who started the first half against South Dakota State, is not very mobile and had some trouble with the pressure. However, Joe Mollberg, our QB who played the second half and nearly brought us back to tie the game, was also pressured but he's a very good athlete and can handle the pressure a little better it seems. I think I speak for most UND fans when I say I hope Mollberg gets the start on Saturday.

I feel confident our offense will put up points on Saturday, but so will the Griz. With Jordan Johnson returning, we know they can throw the ball, plus JJ can take off and run if given the opportunity. Not to mention Vann and Canada can run the ball well for Montana also. I feel both teams will score plenty, but the winner will be the team that takes care of the ball the best. Whoever turns the ball over the most on Saturday will lose - write it in stone!

He's better than any back we have on our roster.

Sumner did not play very well, Zenner did – that’s really all there is too it. Of course, part of the reason Zenner did so well is because UND’s run defense is still quite terrible in my opinion. Hopefully the defense continues to improve. I’m actually somewhat okay with the offense, despite the significant difficulties running the ball. If we can get this QB situation smoothed out (hopefully Mollberg continues to play like he did in the 2nd half and locks up the spot) and the defense improves game by game, we could have a chance at a 7-4 season.

Our 2012 team was better than the 2011 team yet we had a worse record (8-3 vs. 5-6). In 2011, the schedule was everything. We didn't play opponents like Eastern Washington, South Dakota State, and Montana State in 2011.

Thoughts on the game: Both QBs made mistakes but you can't overlook Mollberg leading the attempted comeback in the second half. That was special, and his statistical numbers show that. Now, he did throw an interception when he had a chance to tie up the game, but he had already got the team from a 28-7 hole to a 35-28 trailing position. That is impressive given the situation and the team we were playing against. Give him an entire game and things could have gotten interesting. I say give him the start next weekend against Montana and see what happens - hopefully great things. His mobility, arm strength, and just pure athleticism are impressive. Running game was horrible. Need to rotate in Shaugabay and Sparks - Miller is not a Big Sky caliber running back. There is no room in the Big Sky, or any major FCS conference, for a 160 lbs. toothpick who can't make anything happen if perfect blocking is not provided. Need to see the bigger and more physical backs in there way more often! WRs are as advertised. Unbelievably special. That's all on that. O-line did pretty good considering how good the SDSU d-line is. Would have liked to have seen better production in the run game, but they pass protected alright. Could've been worse, and there were holes at times and Miller didn't really make the most of it. Defense needs to be better, but they made timely stops in the second half. 295 yards rushing is still way too much to give up, even if Zenner is an All-American. Anything over 200 is overkill. Next week, we'll get a break in the running department but the Griz passing attack will test out our secondary more than SDSU did. All in all, I'd say give Mollberg a starting shot at it and if he produces 4 qtrs like he did during the SDSU 2nd half, UND definitely has a shot against Montana.