UND-FB-FAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLZ9f2Gg0Yg I'd have to agree. We could sure use a CB like him. If not him, hopefully there's somebody out there we end up signing. CB is quite possibly the weakest area on the team.

Those are all great things to hear!! Hopefully Labat can be a solid contributor for the defense in 2013!

Given the time of year it is, there has been a lot of attention on the construction of UND’s 2013 recruiting class. With that being said, the improvement of the defense in 2013 will largely rely on not this year’s recruiting class, but rather last year’s class. So, I decided to take a look at some redshirt freshmen who will have an opportunity to play on defense in 2013 year, and hopefully, be a part of a defensive rejuvenation. Defensive Line DE Alec Carrothers , 6-3, 240 I think Carrothers has an opportunity to see significant playing time, if not start at one of the vacated defensive end spots. I would expect him to be around 250+ by the start of fall camp and that makes for an intriguing prospect. Also, a word of caution in that we are losing three starting defensive linemen from the 2012 team – it will not be easy to simply plug in younger players and improve. With that said, Carrothers has the potential to be a real good one during his time at UND. NT Mike Edwards, 6-2, 290(++) Edwards has been receiving a lot of praise since his surprising and impressive play last fall. If it wasn’t for the 2-deep depth at NT with Benjamin and Henson, he likely would’ve got his redshirt pulled. Like Carrothers, he has an opportunity to be a major staple of the UND defensive line for the next 4 years. However, also like Carrothers, he is only a R. Fr. so it is important to understand he may not be overwhelmingly dominant right away, but for UND defense’s sake, everyone hopes so. ++ - Edwards is listed at 290, but that is a bit of an understatement DE Devon Hall, 6-3, 245 Hall has the size to contribute next year, but I’m not quite sure he is in the same category as Carrothers and Edwards. Like Carrothers, he likely has put on some weight and hopefully he can contribute some in 2013. * Although these three freshmen are talented, it is important to understand last year’s line was held down by three seniors. Because of that, I wouldn’t expect too much improvement immediately in 2013, but over time, the line could reach a level of play that is quite acceptable. In no particular order, Spencer Cummings, Aaron Hartung, Ben Henson, Seth Stanchik, EJ Welch, and Kyle Woodsmall will all be in the mix as well, so the DL has an opportunity to improve from last year due to simply increased experience. Linebackers LB JD Allen, 6-1, 195 This guy has his roots in Texas football, so I believe he has quality potential. In his case and all the other freshmen linebackers, playing time won’t come easy in 2013 due to a plethora of seniors and juniors at the linebacking corps. LB Brian Labat, 6-2, 200 A teammate of Joe Mollbergs back in high school, Labat is similar to Allen in that he has potential to be a good one at UND. In 2013, however, his playing time will be largely on special teams. EDIT: It appears Brian Labat has been really excelling during his time at UND thus far, both in the weight room and more importantly the classroom. There may be more opportunities for Labat this fall than I originally anticipated. LB Taj Rich, 6-2, 215 Rich could be a leading candidate to step in and fill Dominique Bennett’s, Damon Andrew’s, or Cordero Finley’s shoes after the 2013 season. He has the ability to be a good pass rusher from one of the 3-4 outside backer spots. *The freshmen linebackers have potential, but in 2013 the LB group will belong to the seniors and juniors. Last year, the LB play was not where it needed to be, but I have the upmost confidence that this group will return with valuable experience and improved play. The group for 2013 includes Damon Andrews, Dominique Bennett, Cordero Finley, Derrick Goard, Garrison Goodman, Brian Otto, and Ben Peters. With all of those experienced players returning for 2013, it’s hard not to expect increased linebacker play. Defensive Backs S Ryan Cain, 6-0, 190 Cain could see some valuable time at the safety spot next season. The starting spots will probably belong to Will Lewis and Baylee Carr, but including Cain in the rotation could largely improve the secondary. S Javen Butler, 6-2, 190 (sophomore) Butler will actually be a sophomore in 2013, but since he missed an entire semester, he has been a little behind and I consider him more a freshman for 2013 than a sophomore. If Butler can play along the lines of the reputation that preceded him back in high school, he could really be a difference maker. He has the size and ability to be a great run defender, and given last year’s run defense, having a good run support safety could really help out the defense in 2013. CB Dan Konowalski, 5-11, 170 Konowalski has an opportunity to help out on special teams in 2013, but he likely won’t see a lot of CB time until 2014, when Chris Hall and Chavon Mackey have departed. *The CB spot is quite cemented at the current time, which is somewhat of a disappointment given last year’s often horrific corner play. Jr. Daryl Brown along with seniors Chris Hall and Chavon Mackey will likely get most of the playing time. Wild cards include So Chris Brown, So Dwayne Brown, and So. Rumeal Harris – it would be a very good thing if one of those guys could step up and surprise. The safety spot is where we could see some new faces in the rotation. Cain and Butler will likely rotate in behind Carr and Lewis, but perhaps even true freshman Cole Reyes will see some time there. Nevertheless, this defensive secondary unit has to improve given the passing ability of Big Sky teams. Overall, I feel the experience coming back at LB is a huge strength for the defense in 2013. Hopefully, the LBs play like a new confident group, and the 2013 redshirt freshmen were the missing pieces needed to get higher quality defensive play.

Wow! Way to go Troy!! Good win.

Hopefully they can hang on; splitting this road series wouldn't be the worst thing. Also, this webcast is great - really good quality relative to most webcasts on Big Sky TV.

The only thing that was more embarrassing than Sacramento State's Jr. high gym was UND’s second half performance. This team is crap on the road and it really p*sses me off. It’s been like this too long and my patience has run thin in terms of waiting for it to change.

2 points in 10 minutes (half of the second half) !!! That is horrible. C'mon!

I think winning and hosting playoff games will be the "shot in the arm" the program needs to get recognition and get some attendance. With that said, simply winning might not work. For example, in 2011 when we hosted South Dakota for the conference championship, the attendance was horrid. Now, it was the Great West and there was no chance for playoffs, but I still think you have to consider situations like this. Furthermore, there is no reason we shouldn't have major attendance for the 2nd game against South Dakota State, and if we beat SDSU, we should see significant numbers for the Montana game. Now, whether that actually happens is another story. Last year everyone was quite confident for a sellout against Montana and how did that turn out?

Honestly, it's doubtful. First off, we have to win those games which will be a challenge in its self. Secondly, the fan base/ students have to realize the school has a football team, not only a hockey team. Last year at times I felt no matter what the situation, including post-season semi-final game, the Alerus will never be full. Hopefully I'm wrong. I guess if we played NDSU in Forks we'd see max capacity, but that's the only exception.

I'm not too sure we're going to see Dustin Adams in the starting lineup immediately during the 2013 season. Perhaps in the 2nd half of the 2013 season due to injuries, but most likely next season. Having to replace McGurran is not going to be an easy task considering his experience, work ethic, etc. I believe this O-line has enough depth to improve for the 2013 season, but I wouldn't bet on it. Furthermore, the running game from last season was unacceptable and this year's line should hope to improve in that area.

Hard to say where they project him. He could play either RB, WR or CB, and likely will return punts/kicks. According to http://espn.go.com/h...q-combine-recap, he ran a 4.49 40. In his highlights, he didn't play any defense from what I can tell. He could play CB, but I would assume he stays on the offensive side of the ball and could be a big time impact player as a return man.

According to Dan Hammer (voice of UND football) tweet, Carr's verbal to UND is confirmed and the SEC offer was from Ole Miss for track. "UND gets commitment from WR/Return Aeron Carr Red Mt HS Arizona. Big time speed. 24' long jumper" "Carr had offers from uc Davis, SDSU, USD, western ill and no col and track offer from Ole Miss"

well there you go

I don't have any insider information, but considering Freund recruits Arizona and Iverson favored Carr's tweet, I'm putting that together and thinking we got him. Let’s hope I'm right. It’s also impressive, if true, that he had interest from an SEC school.

According to Wiki, LB Kyle Norberg out of Illinois has committed to UND. If true, that is the only commitment I haven't heard about. Can anyone confirm that commitment?

T or F: When UND eventually plays NDSU in the Fargodome, the all-time single game attendance record is broken. I believe that record was just broken this season, and I feel it would likely be surpassed in the case of UND. vs. NDSU in the regular season or playoffs.

Damon Andrews was injured the last couple games and his loss was noticeable. With that being said, he didn't play at the level required of above average Big Sky linebackers. Of course, not many on the defense did last year. If the 2013 team is going to make a splash in the Big Sky, the linebackers will need to play better; it's just that simple. Thankfully all major contributors are returning and one has to imagine they will only be improved. Oh, and lets hope the injury bug doesn’t hit so that Goodman and Andrews can play the whole season. If Mollberg has the potential that warranted the attention from the Big 10, then he could easily put up above average numbers for a freshman quarterback. The major reason this is possible is the receiving corps - it’s unbelievably stacked. The negative, besides for the fact that he is a freshman, is the lack of a running game. Unless we get a late transfer or some real outstanding/surprising run blocking this season, I don't think the running game will be where it absolutely needs to be. As far as the Jake Miller question, I don't think he's a legitimate Big Sky running back - he is too small and fragile. If UND can't find a way to run the ball consistently in 2013, it will be another long, difficult season. The only RB on the roster who could be a surprise next season and carry the running game to success is PJ Sparks, in my opinion. I can't believe the coaches didn't give him more playing time after his good first game (all be it against SDSMT). Of course, like I mentioned before, if the O-line plays outstanding then Miller and Garman could end up performing well.

This should be an OOC rivalry game played every year. I don't agree that UND and NDSU, only 70 miles from each other, are suddenly better off not playing each other, no matter what the two programs have or haven't recently accomplished. The revenue the hosting institution would make for that weekend would dwarf any other regular season game and it would only rejuvenate interest in both UND and NDSU fan bases; although I do agree there is more potential in that department for UND. It was only a year ago when "sioux suck sh*t" chants were being yelled in Fargo. I'm pretty sure that indicates UND is not completely off the mind of NDSU fans and players. UND-NDSU should happen and I don't think there is any question it will eventually happen, but not in 2013.

Langdon-Munich share the same high school football team, but technically Travis Beck is from Munich, ND. QB Sam Riddle is a good get, especially for depth reasons. I find it interesting that we've offered three QBs who are all labeled as dual-threat. I guess one of them could be a position change. Riddle Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/...lights/35274447 Cole Reyes is a real good get at safety. His addition addresses a key need in the defensive secondary.

This team is not what we expected before the season started. With no Brekke, Traylor, and Nash, this team is middle of pack at best in terms of the Big Sky. Next season, if all three of those guys are able to play, then the conference title will be obtainable. As of right now, without three very important front court players, this team has no shot. And if it wasn't for the NCAA and unfortunate circumstances, this team could be equipped for that Big Sky title run this season. Oh well, this first year in the Big Sky hasn't been anywhere near perfect for both football and basketball, but hopefully next year.

I would expect nothing less in terms of the previous reactions by NDSU supporters. With that being said, I believe the issues regarding player behavior at NDSU have been more prevalent and significant than such issues at UND. For example, UND in my opinion has had no incidents in the past 10 years which compare to the Best Buy and signature forging incidents that occurred in Fargo. This is not an excuse for poor football performances as I have been critical over the past couple of seasons of the coaching and program leadership. With that being said, I do not believe NDSU's football program is greater than UND's program in all aspects. If NDSU supporters wish to continually proclaim their overall dominance so be it; they are in a position as back-to-back champions where they can get away with that. However, such success will not last forever and UND's course of development allows them to consistently improve. In other words, NDSU won't be #1 forever and UND will not be a non-playoff contender forever, and it may happen sooner than NDSU fans want to think.

Because winning is more important than teaching and implementing self-values, respect, and discipline? I agree Mussman has performed quite poorly when it comes to coaching and his on-the-field demeanor, but at least UND's football players are held to the same standards as any other athletic team at UND, which is an off-the-field victory in my own opinion. Although NDSU has had some great football seasons over the past years, there is no question that the player's actions and the subsequent disciplinary actions by the university have been questionable to say the least. I'm not one to criticize NDSU for their on-the-field successes over the past couple of seasons because their teams are very talented and successfully coached; however, I do question their identity and values as an athletic department relative to UND. I for one believe if you do all the right things, success will eventually find you. Although NDSU may have the better football product right now, UND's conscientious approach to building DI athletics will eventually lead to top tier on-the-field football success, which is consistent long-term.

C'mon people, back to reality. Alabama >>>>>>>>>> NDSU

And discipline is something UND football has been missing ever since Lennon left.

WR corps will be fine, but the QBs and OL will be the offensive areas to watch. And of course, this team won't compete for a 2013 Big Sky championship without substantial defensive improvement.