UND-FB-FAN

Bent over? Good god people, the games still need to be played. Just try to believe that UND can win the game, regardless of location. The Ag school trolls have really got into the heads of a lot of supposed UND fans... Again, want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Making this deal gives UND that opportunity. Arguing over contract terms for another 5 years does not.

NDSU 9-3 UND 5-7 9+5 = 14; so, I guess I go UNDER 14.5

Oh it's changing, hell, it's already changed. There's 7, maybe more, true freshman playing this year! That definitely indicates a change in philosophy as far as playing time goes. With that, we'll finally see some championship quality football.

There's no question ball control helps a lot of fronts. It's helps the defense with increased TOP, it prevents penalties due to less opportunities/less snaps, and of course it prevents turnovers. Nevertheless, some teams prefer points due to a porous defense and they have the athletes to play up-tempo no huddle but not the bruising backs and offensive linemen to pound the ball.

Although the right side of the line is a bit shaky, the left side of Devin Barton and Brandon Anderson is more than capable. With that, I expect UND to have at least moderate success running the ball. UND has to or else it will be hard to have success offensively. Plus, no reason San Jose State should give our offensive line too many fits; their defensive line is more of a pass rushing line than run stopping line, IMO.

To be noted, the following players will be making their first college start for San Jose State on Thursday: QB Blake Jurich, Sr. LG Jeremiah Kolone, Fr. RG Nate Velichko, Fr. RT Evan Sarver, So. RB Thomas Tucker, So. DE Adrian Blake, Sr. LB William Ossai, Fr. SS Akeem King, 5th yr Sr. P Michael Carrizosa, Fr. What this tells me is that San Jose State's offensive line will be young and inexperienced; that should certainly help out UND's defense. Also, San Jose State's defense will have a few new faces on a unit that was not very good last year (35.1 ppg allowed in 2013; 105th in FBS). Lastly, UND will not be the only team in the game relying on a freshman punter. GO UND!!

Well said; I agree.

Just listened to the Monday press conference; featured MLB Will Ratelle and Bubba. Both Ratelle and Bubba emphasized increased discipline from the beginning of fall camp to now. Ratelle even went as far as to say that from last year to this year, the defense is more disciplined and runs to the ball better (gang tackling will greatly improve run defense). Bubba said the team has greatly improved in the penalty department since the beginning of camp, as well. I expect the team to be ready and produce a close game on Thursday; both Bubba and Ratelle seemed confident, but yet unsure what the team will ultimately look like come Thursday. It was reassuring in my mind to hear Bubba say that the coaching staff is ready to make adjustments come game time; that in itself is an improvement from Mussman. I'm not sure Mussman and his staff were regularly prepared for the chess match that occurs between football coaches on gameday. The unknown factor is very suspenseful but yet exciting at the same time! Go UND!

Mussman screwed that game up. Idaho went 2-10 that season and yet we got blown out. The defense self-destructed and the offense couldn't produce.

RJ McGill and Brandon Walker are talented players. McGill was always "better" than Young due to his playing time even when Hardin and Jameer Jackson were around. Young will play a lot this year; he's technically 3rd on the depth chart.

Can look at it two ways: 1)Offensive line is poor so they have to throw it. 2) Look at big picture and hope defense keeps game close so the offense can still run the ball. Last year's staff gave up on the run, but Bubba won't do that. They understand they need to run to ensure solid defense due to TOP. Plus the o-line should be more physical than last year cause they understand the run game emphasis.

Also remember, we are playing an FBS team on the road. If we at least play them tough (especially if we win or lose by single digits), then there's a legitimate chance we win the next 3 and start 3-1. Point is, have faith in the leadership and philosophy of Bubba. Let's not celebrate or panic til we see the product on the field.

We'll play tough and compete right to the end. With that effort, I'm sure the San Jose State game will be relatively close. Hopefully in a close game, we end up on top.

That's based on last year's 3-8 team. I expect this year's squad to be around 0.500, but you never know...

Carr didn't make the two-deep, and of those that did, 2 are true freshman and the other true freshman (Luke Stanley) almost had his shirt pulled too. The position should be okay to good moving forward. Remember, Casey Young and RJ McGill are capable too.

San Jose State has plenty of youth on their squad, including a first time starting QB, a young o-line, and their leading rusher from last year is suspended. And to top it off, I think UND's best unit this season will definitely be their defense due to the coaching emphasis and talent (Carrothers, Hinojosa, Ratelle, Tillman, Reyes, etc.). I expect a win or a close game; nothing else. Remember, no more Mussman; there's an actual leader in charge now in Bubba. Go UND!

Any places in Grand Forks that will be streaming the game live on TVs? Gonna make for a fun Thursday night. Go UND!

The deal is certainly not perfect due to no home and home; that makes no sense whatsoever and it demonstrates the arrogant mindset of the NDSU athletic program. Anyone, especially NDSU fans, thinking NDSU deserves two games in Fargo are oblivious to the general rules of college football scheduling. Nevertheless, there is one positive from this and that is the game finally will be played. UND supporters who continue to make this a big issue exude a lack of confidence in UND's football program. Continuing to bicker and bash UND's athletic's department only demonstrates your lack of confidence in the trajectory of UND football. If Coach Schweigert, the IPF, and the increased coaching salary are worth anything at all, we should see improvement this season and further improvement in 2015 - the season we play NDSU. With that, it's time to support UND football and hope for steady and sure improvement. If that happens, 2015 will be closer than anyone on here predicts and 2019 could be a completely different scenario in terms of the program's respective perceptions. Bottom line: Let's just hope that the football program is improving year in and year out and that UND football will be a top 4 Big Sky team (Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington, UND) within a few years. If not, the administration is then doing something wrong. I guess I care more about the on-the-field product than the lousy administrative crap. Eventually, UND will even things out with NDSU on the field. If not 2015, likely 2019. If production doesn't happen in a few years, then obviously more changes need to be made (renovations, coaching salary, etc.).

UND will beat Weber State this year and from now on. In terms of football, UND is the way better program. Again, you're delusional if you think Weber State has the better program. Weber State All-time record: 262–275–3(.488) North Dakota All-time record: 603–356–30(.625)

It's a new season; a lot can happen in one year. Not saying this season will have a winning record or anything, but the brand of football should be significantly better than the Mussman era.

I agree wholeheartedly with Bubba's philosophy. The Big Sky Conference consists mainly of air raid/spread offenses and hybrid defenses built to stop the air attacks, so being as physical outlier would really ascend the program quickly. That is, by establishing a physical, ball control offense and a pressure defense, UND has a chance to be "that" physical team in the Big Sky. Montana went from spread to pro style from 2012 to 2013 and they instantly turned around from 5 to 10 wins. Of course, they also gained their QB Jordan Johnson back too. Nevertheless, Bubba's plan should work great in the Big Sky Conference. Goal needs to be to win the Bog Sky Conference every season, as it's an automatic qualifying league that should include 3 to 4 teams in the playoffs annually.

I wouldn't say Alabama-LSU is that big of rivalry since its interstate; now, Alabama and Auburn on the other hand is a different story.... Auburn beating Alabama last year on that ridiculous final play will always be a memory for Alabama....

The "national championship rings hollowing" statement is a quote from Rocky Hager, coach of NDSU football from 1987 to 1996.

Absolutely. In my perfect world, UND makes football just as big as their hockey. In order to do that, they need to keep on adding on. That means indoor practice facility, both phase I and phase II, along with increased coaching salary pool and Alerus Center football renovations. In reality, all of these things have improved or are online as of now, so one would like to think improvement is imminent.

Yeah, and sometimes there's a combination of both.... absolutely horrid....