UND-FB-FAN

I too have the same question as geaux_sioux. It would certainly help increase the energy and crowd excitement in the Alerus on Saturdays. Lights, smoke, awesome entrance song, etc. would go a long way.

It's only the most popular sport in the country.

Here are a couple new video features by UND’s athletic department on Coach Breitback and Coach Kotelnicki. Once again, these videos portray a new atmosphere for UND football! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLmwXx3ujB8&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhCFJX20YWA&feature=relmfu

Likely to remove the "Fighting Sioux" that's on the south side I believe. In addition, they likely will add some Big Sky logos in there.

Awesome work by the UND athletic department. Hope to see game highlights of that sort all of next season. The 'Big Sky Revolution' continues!

After reading the Bleacher Report preseason rankings, the one thing that stood out to me was that Cal Poly plays neither Montana nor Montana State. Considering that, the game we play against Cal Poly at home will be a very important game - much more important than last year’s homecoming game against them for sure. Cal Poly could easily end up with a really good conference record given their schedule, so beating them head-to-head will be very important.

I would have to agree with most others; it's very disappointing there is no interlocking ND at midfield. Besides for that issue, I like everything else. The material itself has been well publicized and will most definitely be an improvement. Also, I'm glad they incorporated the Big Sky Conference logos. I understand the reasoning why there needs to be Alerus Center logos, but why do they need to be so large and in the center of the field? - Especially when it takes away the possibility of having an interlocking ND logo at midfield. It’s disappointing that the Alerus Center desired to have such large, interfering logos. I somehow hope this gets changed but it’s doubtful; I guess the school down south won the turf-designing contest.

Does anyone know why WR Tyhre Ivery and OLB Dominique Bennett are not listed on either squad? I'm assuming injury issues. Hopefully nothing serious - those two will be important pieces this fall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0IgmsOnPns Good looking back; I believe he goes to the same high school P.J. Sparks went to. Hopefully Sparks will put in some good words for UND

I have been pulling for an FBS win the last couples of seasons, but to no prevail. The Fresno St. and Northern Illinois games were close but I guess that isn’t good enough. Really hoping we can get that signature, program-changing FBS win this season against SDSU. As for the nickname issue, it’s just another reason to get rid of it. This spring, the term 'bittersweet' could not describe my emotions any better. Entering the Big Sky*, new unis and turf, great talent IMO, rejuvenated media attention, playoff eligibility; it’s a great spring due to those aspects. However, if the nickname issue persists it pushes all of those accomplishments and pieces to the side. That’s the unfortunate part that just plain sucks. *YOU KNOW

Today brings forth an unfortunate set of emotions. In being optimistic, I hope the correct majority decision will be made; however, it is doubtful. It truthfully is horrible to think this state will have only one major (division I) athletic program in the next couple years if the correct actions are not taken. Individuals who support the nickname can speak within terms based on history, tradition, and hope if they want, but I anticipate they realize those are all subjective, imaginary concepts. They have no empirical form or objectivity. The realism in all this is we are fighting to keep a name. If you are an individual who believes our program’s recognition, success, and loyalty can only be persevered if we maintain the nickname, well, that is unfortunate. Ultimately, athletics will only continue to grow if we expand our target area to other states and areas of the country. We cannot successfully do that when we are an NCAA sanctioned school. To fight for only a name this long is unbearably incompetent, despite whatever history, tradition, and honor it contains. Ultimately, as University of North Dakota supporters, alumni, and students, we will continue to support the nickname- it just won’t be “official”. The NCAA is the governing body- to believe we can exist while acting against their rule is absurd. This is not just a bully. You can fight off a bully and win; you can’t win against the very individual that makes your existence (UND athletics) possible. It really is disturbing to focus on the mindset some individuals possess. Of course, I guess, we could remove ourselves from NCAA governed athletics? I for one do not fully agree with the “bully” analogy, but rather would like to focus on a subjective vs. objective example. The nickname is not what we focus our greatest pride and support on. The accomplishments of the student-athletes and the state of North Dakota are what we should pride ourselves on. If we put most of our pride into only the nickname, and not the empirical concepts and principles of the university, then we are not supporting expansion, higher education, decision-making, etc. I conclude with a very common yet, in my opinion, rational belief. Do we only want UND ATHLETICS to be known for its nickname, or do we want to support the student-athletes, coaches, and ability to grow and expand into the future. If you want to support the potential the UND athletic program possesses, focusing on a nickname will impede that ultimate goal. I can agree with some nickname supporters that overall athletic program degradation is not certain if the nickname is maintained, but I am certain that future progression and advancement will not be possible if it is kept. Hopefully, our state realizes the University of North Dakota athletic program represents much more than just a nickname. It represents a process that allows INDIVIDUALS to come together, accomplish great goals as a TEAM, and leave the university as better men and women. Obstructing the athletic program by keeping the nickname will only satisfy supporters from the immediate area- why not target our entire country’s population? To do that, profound decision-making must be exemplified.

A few impressions after watching practice: -Joey Bradley is looking good after a year in this offense. He definitely demonstrates good control and composure. However, despite a lack of system familiarity, the decisions made by Braden Hanson are the most impressive ones. He also can make all the throws, including a nice deep ball. There is no question he is still in the learning process in terms of the offense, but I still think he is the favorite to be starting August 30th. -Jake Miller is looking quick like usual. He’s made some nice cutbacks demonstrating his field vision. -Greg Hardin has been lighting it up. If Hanson or Bradley can efficiently deliver him the ball this fall, I expect big things from him. None of our DBs can cover him and he’s shown great hands. -Jameer Jackson is a physical specimen (230 lbs); however, he still runs very smooth at that size. Matched up against our smaller DBs, he is constantly at the advantage and usually always is open. I definitely think if he can understand the mental aspect of the position, he could make a huge splash as a freshman this season. -Transfer DL EJ Welch has good size and should help depth at the NT spot. -Look for sophomore MLB Ben Peters to see a lot of playing time this season, if not possibly sneak into the starting lineup. He has great size and could be that “designated” player the coaching staff wants to replace Dan Hendrickson’s physical play, which will certainly be missed. -K Zeb Miller and P Brett Cameron both are booming the ball well. Just like last year, our kicking game should be a definite strength of this team during the upcoming season. -Like the depth I am seeing at corner. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing about safety. This position could end up being a huge problem area this season, especially under the circumstances of an injury. Really hoping Javen Butler can rejoin the team.

Possible Offensive Philosophy Change? Is it possible we might be seeing an offensive philosophy change our first year in the Big Sky? I want to add this is merely speculation, but I think there are some interesting correlations. First off, we all know the emphasis we put on tall, athletic wide receivers this past recruiting season, and Mussman made no mistake to mention the Big Sky is a wide-open league which requires such athletes. Thus, after the previous couple recruiting classes the resulting roster is full of potential QB and WR talent. To such a point where this season’s WR corps may just be the best ever in UND football history. Not too bad of a thing going into our inaugural Big Sky season. Recruits of this category from the previous two recruiting classes include: Romon Bridges (WR), Jameer Jackson (WR), Casey Young (WR), Joe Mollberg (QB), Braden Hanson (transfer-QB), Ryan Bartels (QB), Kenny Golladay (WR), Anthony Fletcher (WR), and Zach Oliver (WR). If I didn’t know better, I’d say something is staring right at us. After looking briefly at the first couple spring practices, there has been a lot of throwing out of the gun. To the point where it has made me wonder: “Are we in store for an ‘air-raid’ this fall?” Now, of course the first two practices were not full pads so little work can be done running the ball, but I still have my inclinations. Not looking at what the coaches are planning for the future by examining the recent recruiting classes, but rather by looking at the current roster, I see a Sr. FBS-transfer QB and a returning starter, several experienced receivers (Hardin, McGill, Ivery, and Townsend), along with emerging talent (Jackson and Young). We may all just be in store for something exciting. We all know what Mussman was able to put together in terms of throwing the ball back during the days of Weston Dressler and Brady Trenbeath. So, my theory concludes with the possibility of us seeing the ball travel through the air a lot the next few seasons. Considering what Mussman also thinks the Big Sky is all about offensively (he has most certainly implied this) and our personnel situation, we may all be in store for some aerial football. How exciting!

Touché

Just a matter of personal opinion; I'm not a fan of their uniforms. In addition, I would like the athletic department to be homogeneous in terms of their supplier. Currently, Nike provides uniforms for all men's athletic teams with the exception being hockey.

I hope not with Adidas. Crossing my fingers for either Nike or Under Armour.

**Home Playoff Game

Critique this combination. I believe black pants and green jerseys look great together. Keep in mind, one of the most obvious problems the uniforms have had the past couple seasons is the mismatched green between the helmets and jerseys. By adding black helmets to this combination (green jerseys/black pants), I believe UND football would have a very sharp football uniform.

As far as I’m concerned, no argument is necessary within this topic. UND has yet to win a game against an FBS opponent whereas NDSU has made a habit of it. I’m frustrated by UND’s lack of success in that department, especially since UND has played several winnable FBS games the last couple years (Idaho x2, NIU, and Fresno State). Mussman has seemed to have an especially passive demeanor that is passed on to the rest of the team during FBS games, whereas Bohl is just the opposite.. The game against Idaho epitomizes this. UND just gave up in the second half, and Minnesota (who NDSU beat) was probably just as good as Idaho if not better this past season. I guess I just hate arguments within this topic because UND has underperformed horribly against FBS teams, especially compared to those punks down south.

I agree; the previous few seasons are an indication that students do not deserve three sections. If students can consistently fill-up two sections next season, then maybe consider moving back to three. The two fewer sections would not only improve the overall look of gameday in terms of filled seats, but also make available good seats to committed fans/alumni.

You spoiling the surprise would be perfectly fine with me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2zl0A2i7ZE Hope everything works out with this guy. He can sure hit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ksZ-eCKJIQ

If we don't represent our conference by placing Big Sky logos on the 25s, I'll be very upset. Schools much more likely to realign before us display them (e.g. Montana, Montana State). With all the glamour talk about the Big Sky, I find it slightly hypocritical to say we shouldn't display Big Sky logos because we may realign soon after. Here is what I hope UND decides on:

Well most schools place their logo at midfield, and currently our only logo is the interlocking ND. In addition, Notre Dame's logo is not interlocking and Notre Dame doesn’t use a logo at midfield anyways. I guess I would just hate to see a blank midfield.