UND-FB-FAN

Yeah, so I'd say it wouldn't be a particular blackout game if they wore them before Oct. 20th. The only chance we'll see the new blacks is if someone "leaks" an image (i.e. Twitter); otherwise, it'll be one of many factors used to get the Alerus excited and rocking when Montana comes to town, and we'll have to wait until then.

Dustin Iverson Jr. Season Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibwQy2BImBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvxJrufpmlo Fluid-looking athlete; could end up being a real good FCS quarterback.

There's no question; if Hanson plays like a former North Carolina Gatorade High School Player of the Year and a FBS quarterback, and our deepest unit on the team (wide receiver) does big things, this year's team could be drastically improved from last year's team. However, there are so many other variables to consider, including injuries, O-line play, system familiarity and the learning-curve, defensive back play, etc. This season really is a tossup when you look at it that way.

Yeah, I find it kind of funny and naively biased that people continue to overlook that as we go into this season (directed towards people who think we're going to win the dang thing). It certainly is possible and I hope it happens, but let’s be competently cautious....

If the 2001, 2003, 2006, and especially the early 70s teams are more talented than this year's team, it will be a disappointing year. This team needs to end up being either the most talented or 2nd most talented team in UND history to even make the playoffs this season. If we're really that down on this team to the point where four or maybe five D2 UND teams are considered more talented, well, it will be a middle of the pack in the Big Sky type season. I don't know if I would buy this team being the best just yet - it’s too early, but there is no way this team is the fifth or sixth most talented team. It has to be top 3 given the D1 talent. If it is as mediocre as some think it is, there will be no playoffs, honest truth. Remember, in 2001 and 2003 we were playing teams like Grand Valley St., St. Cloud St. and Augustana, NOT teams like Montana, Eastern Washington, and San Diego State! I'm just trying to put this in perspective. If this year's team is considerably less talented than some of our D2 teams, this will be a .500 season. Hope the talent on the team is at least top 3 all time and we get into the playoffs. I mean, as good as our 2001 team was, it likely wouldn’t have beat teams like Montana, Montana State, and Eastern Washington. Of course, this is all just hypothetical; let’s just wait for the season and hope everything turns out BETTER than we expect!

Pondering Fall Camp Battles and Intrigues Here are some questions I feel each position group will face this fall camp and on into the season. I thought it would be interesting to hear opinions and possible answers to each. QB 1. How much better will the quarterback position be this year from last year? 2. Will Braden Hanson run away with the job? 3. And will the playcalling this season be more wide open than last season? – Because it’s difficult to put up big passing numbers and produce explosive plays with only a conservative running game as the focus. RB 1. Will Jake Miller be the feature back, or will there be a fairly equal 3-back rotation? 2. Any chance either freshman, Romon Bridges orPJ Sparks, makes an impact and sees consistent playing time (offense or special teams)? Bridges is listed as RB but plays a lot of receiver. 3. Miller is listed at only 170 lbs, can he take a whole season of Big Sky competition and stay healty? FB Big question, who plays more at FB: Adler or Magstadt? One of them, or rotation of both? WR What will be the frequency of three, four, and five WR sets? Does Jameer Jackson live up to the spring ball hype? Will there be two or more receivers with more than 500 yards receiving? Does Hardin deserve preseason all-Big Sky recognition and make the postseason all-Big Sky team? TE What will be the effectiveness of Seth Nichols in the passing game? Does Adler or Grant contribute at the position in terms of receiving? OL Is the offensive line set with LT Deneui, LG Kleason, C McGurran, RG Lynch, RT Gillson, or will there be a surprise with one of the younger players: Shea Walker, Darren Peteson, Sean Meehan, Brandon Anderson, or Ross Windfeld? DL Does Ross Brenneman end up on postseason all-Big Sky team? Which backup will look the most impressive and get the most reps: Spencer Cummings, EJ Welch, Seth Stanchick, Ben Henson, or Kyle Woodsmall? LB Who are the OLB starters: Dominique Bennett, Cordero Finley, Damon Andrews? Who starts at the two MLB spots: Ben Peters, Garrison Goodman, Brian Otto, Derrick Goard? Who is the most effective tackler and leads the team in tackles? Who is the most impressive pass rusher? DB Who are the two starting CBs: Daryl Brown, Dwayne Brown, Chris Hall, Chavon Mackey? Who leads the team in interceptions and is it more than last year (team high 2 last year)? Will one of the two JUCO safeties, Clordion Kennedy or Will Lewis, start? Is Javen Butler familiar enough with the defense and in good enough shape to make an impact this season? Special Teams Does Zeb Miller kick a better percentage than last year? Does Miller improve his kicking distance, both field goals and kickoffs? Does Brett Cameron end up being good enough to end up on postseason all-Big Sky team? Who is the best return man? Jer Garmin, Eric Mersereau, Romon Bridges? With lose of Broc Bellmore; is field goal block unit still as effective? Some questions relate to fall camp, while others are purely speculative; however, this is still a fun way to talk UND football as we wait for fall camp and the season.

I agree; I'm not a fan of the “wildcat” offense either. It’s typically a momentum killer (i.e. drive killer), but Mussman/Breitbach do have a history of using it so we'll see.

It might change mid-season, but to start the year either Chris Hall or Chavon Mackey will start at the other corner spot. Of course, Kenny Watkins was the other CB last season so really anyway you look at it there will be 3 new starters...

Sell. Only other position he would play is wide receiver, and there he won't crack the top 5 (Hardin, McGill, Ivery, Townsend, & Jackson). However, one thing that I could see happening is a change-up offensive package with him at QB executing designed QB runs. It would be similar to what Mussman had Goska do when Landry and Bradley were the starting QBs and Goska was the backup with running ability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0BG-c9xKRM August 30th can't come soon enough...

Apparently you were lost.

Figures; leave it to who else but the Ag School Buffaloes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otdHbA4GlSI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GstVB6u2QiY Personal Favorite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3R22Co4eEU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAanhXDd2Qc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBQ0_9IFzU0&feature=related This would be great for the Montana game given the potential attire...

Billings Gazette with their 2012 Big Sky Position Rankings - Defensive Linemen: http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/big-sky-position-rankings-defensive-line/article_1ce13ec2-cd41-11e1-8a24-0019bb2963f4.html No surprise, Ross Brenneman made the list. He's listed as the fourth best defensive linemen, and the three listed above him certainly aren't a whole lot better. Looking forward to big things out of Ross this season!

Yes, he was one question mark. His addition is a big one though. He was a two-star recruit coming out of high school and UND needs as much depth at the safety spot as possible. A few weeks ago the safety position was a big area of concern. Now, with Butler on the team and two JUCO transfers, the safety position has a chance to be alright.

buy

Well said, I couldn't agree more. If you want more fans and students to show up, you need to promote an intense atmosphere. Football is an intense game, that’s why people love it. So when the atmosphere is dull and boring, it's hard for fans/students to get into it. The in-game marketing crew (and they are supposedly working on this) needs to do their part, as well as the team in just putting a good product out on the field. If those things happen, and a few others, the Alerus could easily be a great place for football in terms of atmosphere and excitement this season.

It appears tent space for the Montana game is sold out and the Cal Poly game and NAU homecoming game are not far behind - this is a great sign that these games will yield great attendance, especially the Montana game.

Mussman mentioned a few interesting things this morning on 740 The Fan. *They ordered all blacks uniforms (both jerseys and pants) and they should be in by August 1st *They expect to reveal the black uniforms on media day, which is typically sometime during first week of camp. First practice of fall camp this season is Aug. 2nd *Also, Mussman said they will order all-green pants next season and they plan to use a "Oregon-type" switchup in terms of uniforms. That means they'll have black/green/white jerseys and black/green/white pants and will be able to use various uniform combos. This might not sit well with traditionalists but players, and more importantly potential recruits, LOVE that sort of thing. Just look at Oregon, Oklahoma St. etc. and how it's affected recruiting for them. As an FCS school, such a uniform aspect could be huge for recruiting. The excitement for this season just keeps growing and growing! Can't Wait!

They sell replicas of the green home jerseys in number 6. Big Sky shop is one place: http://www.bigskyshop.com/COLLEGE_N_Dakota_Fighting_Sioux/Nike_North_Dakota__Number_6_Replica_Football_Jersey_-_Green

Speaking of basketball, they already remodeled the court in the Betty and the old Big Sky logos were put in place. Hopefully they are re-done....

It's only a matter of time before they get new whites and greens. For right now, the new metallic green helmets and black alternate jerseys are most definitely an upgrade over what the situation was last year.