UND-FB-FAN

Perhaps tainted may be too strong of a word for you, but my point was simply that with UND not on NDSU's schedule, there is something missing in those recent NDSU championship seasons. The hype and excitement of a UND-NDSU game would rival the NC game itself, and only ignorant, short-sided NDSU fans think differently. We've already seen the atmosphere for the basketball games, and they have been impressive thus far. And I disagree that younger fans do not care about UND-NDSU as a rivalry. If you grew up in North Dakota or Western Minnesota, you get it. The hype and competitive talk still goes on amongst the younger generations as they've been able to research the history of the two schools and witness the rivalry in other sports.

Whether the game is played now or in ten years, the game would be sold out with plenty of hype. Regardless of when the game is played, the rivalry will live on. It's embedded too far within the long-time supporters of both schools. Anyone who says differently is in the minority and just doesn't understand college football traditions. In my opinion, the NDSU national championships are tainted because they didn't play and beat their natural rival in UND. That's what makes it so special for Alabama-Auburn, USC-UCLA, Texas-Oklahoma, Ohio State-Michigan, etc. etc.; during their national championship seasons, they have to go through their arch rival. I have no doubt NDSU would have beat UND this year and the last two, but wouldn't those NC seasons have been more memorable with those rivalry victories as apart of the season? Any true college football fan would tell you yes.

Thank you for the logical post. Like Bohl said, they have maxed the thing out down there in Fargo. Add money to that and you've got a done deal. Now try talk some sense into your fellow fanbase member Jheria - I don't think he leaves the basement much.

The nickname did it and nothing else? Nope...it comes down to coaching

Bubba > Klieman Klieman inherits a better team, but Bubba will build a power-house with his North Dakota and Minnesota ties. Give it a few seasons and the tides will have turned.

The OC won't be running a up tempo air it out offense. Bubba's interview on 740 AM included him saying he wants a run-first offense that can create one-on-one match-ups on the outside. Also, with the explosiveness of the top offenses of the Big Sky, being able to control time of possession would also be important, Bubba mentioned.

Pflugrad's offensive style does not match Bubba's run-first, control time-of-possession philosophy. So, no.

The emotion Bubba is showing is awesome. Being a fellow North Dakotoan, I love it. The tradition will live on and we'll be back on top! Go Sioux!

I honestly expect Bubba to improve this team in terms of wins from 2013 to 2014. That means anywhere from 4 to 6 wins. There won't be any playoffs, but with the right defensive systems put in motion, I expect 2015 to be the first year we challenge for a postseason bid. Not to mention we'll have a junior quarterback that season - that goes a long way.

That's 100% correct.

No. He didn't get the job done here so why endorse him? If Bubba decides to go a different direction I'm perfectly fine with that.

He's OC at Slippery Rock now though. http://rockathletics.com/coaches.aspx?path=&rc=438

With wins and our CONFIRMED new IPF on the way, it'll happen. Oh, I guess we can only seat 13,500...that's such a big deal! Well with the IPF we don't ever have to practice in the brick Fargo bomb shelter.

We saw one in 2001 and 2003 you idiot. You sure as heck won't be practicing at this time of year next year. Have fun in Frisco - hopefully you don't p*ss off the Towson fans so bad they have to send you back in a casket, because you really sound like a first-class guy....

Very true. He did very well with more of a pro-style at SIU and UMD. You'd have to think Bubba would at least give him a call to gauge his interest. He had a very good running back at SIU that ran for over 1600 yards.

Phil Longo would be an impressive addition based on experience, but he runs a spread, air raid offense at Slippery Rock.... http://www.rockathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=627 Schlafke would bring in good experience as a position coach possibly. http://m.goleathernecks.com/mobile/ViewArticle.dbml?atclid=205923767&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=&SPID=&DB_OEM_ID=12000

Look at attendance numbers; that gives a good indication of the sports popularity. Plus it suggests revenue, which is what the athletic department thrives on. So, the athletic department will only invest in a sport according to what they will get out of it. With that logic, M hockey is #1 and football is #2.

The arrogance of the Fargo fans and administrators will keep the rivalry from getting renewed. Perhaps next year or the year after that, when the Ag School falls back down to earth and the fans/administrators get their heads out of the clouds, something can get done. This game should be played every year. Schools are both FCS, very close to each other, and the game has a vast history. Not to mention it would be sold out every time. It's the delusional Fargo administrators who think they're in the Big 12 or something that don't want to play.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!! Go Sioux!

Me too. I think the hard-nosed defense and solid running game that Bubba coaches will do wonders in the Big Sky. Gotta love defensive-minded head coaches!

You say some are "delusional" for thinking UND is a top FCS program, when clearly it was only stated UND needs to PRODUCE a top program in order to win the Big Sky, and you said an experienced FBS assistant would have to take a pay cut, which is not true. Just look at some of the applicants who applied this year and were coaching in the FBS. Instead of critiquing solid points of argument, you're focusing on the pronouns used. Perhaps instead of criticizing someone's ability to comprehend, you should clarify and organize your thoughts more effectively.

SIU also had winning seasons the last two years. UND hasn't had a winning season the past couple seasons since being in the Big Sky. Bottom line is JUCO and transfers could get us to .500 whereas otherwise we would be well below .500. Of course you need to recruit quality players in order to build a championship roster, but having a few JUCOs and transfers only can help.

How ironic would that be if Lennon becomes Bubba's D-coordinator in 2015?

I honestly agree. I think next year is 5-6 or 6-5 with no playoffs, but year #2 will include a legitimate playoff opportunity. Quick turnarounds in college football happen quite often, and Bubba's defensive mindset with facilitate just that I believe.

+5