UND-FB-FAN

I agree, don't do anything right now with the coaching situation. I mean, it's still possible to make the playoffs with a win against MSU and their back-up QB and a good stretch of wins to finish off the year! Most are penciling in EWU as a lost, as do I, but the rest of the games are winnable. UND could still lose 2 more games, go 7-4, and sneak into the playoffs. Now, in the likely event UND doesn't make the playoffs, Mussman should be relieved of his duties. This team has not shown legitimate talent accumulation since going DI and the nickname situation is nothing more than an excuse. Mussman and his staff have not been able to recruit talented players like NDSU and SDSU have, and that's resulted in UND getting blown out by the top Big Sky programs. Plus, Mussman's leadership and preparation skills appear to not be DI caliber; his coaching record speaks for itself.

It is what it is; that team won some DII games, barely beat the FCS teams they played (UC Davis, South Dakota, SUU, and UNC), almost lost to Sioux Falls, got embarrassed by a bad Idaho team (but that was okay by Mussman because Idaho is FBS and those games are meant to just be 'fun'), and lost to the one good FCS team they played in Cal Poly. That team won the majority of games they played, and that is good, but also that schedule was nothing like what we will see year in and year out in the Big Sky. Tim Brewster never put together any good seasons (15-30 in 4 seasons) - his confidence was fake. Bohl and Belichick both win consistently and have significant winning records. Throwing Brewster and Mussman into the same discussion as Bohl and Belichick is ridiculous. And by the way, I think Belichick handles the media just fine by simply deferring a lot of their questions. But, Belichick is a professional NFL coach, not an FCS college coach; not a good example for UND's coaching situation.

If the undisciplined play continues along with a couple more blowouts, then I fully suspect Mussman to be gone by the end of the season. The pressure would then be on Faison to go through a diligent process that results in the kind of coach and leader UND needs to compete for Big Sky titles and FCS national titles. Now, with that said, I don't believe firing Mussman during the season would do much good. Just as well let him coach it out, and while he does that, I will continue to support the program the best I can. After all, UND could still make the postseason mathematically speaking. The way last Saturday went, however, playoffs don't seem very realistic anymore. Certainly upsetting considering we're only 3 weeks into a highly anticipated season and already playoffs seem out of the question.

If anyone's curious, here's Mussman's W-L during his HC tenure: 2008: 6-5 overall; 2-4 vs. FCS 2009: 6-5 overall; 5-3 vs. FCS 2010: 3-8 overall; 2-6 vs. FCS 2011: 8-3 overall; 5-1 vs. FCS 2012: 5-6 overall; 4-5 vs. FCS 2013: 1-2 overall: 1-2 vs. FCS Overall: 29-29 vs. FCS: 19-21 __________________________________ Big Sky era: Overall: 6-8 vs. FCS: 5-7

For the most part, I agree with what you said. In regards to the practice schedule, I'm not too against it, just because this team needs rest and I'm not sure practicing hard an extra week would really have any effect on the MSU game. Now, on the preparation front, I don't think there is any question Mussman consistently gets out-prepared by the opposing coaching staff. Ever since he started his tenure as HC, it's been noticeable that his teams lack emotion (at least towards the game) just as he does. Furthermore, there isn't a swagger present that the good ones seem to have. Whether that swagger is expressed out loud or it's a quiet confidence, all the good ones seem to have some shape or form of that. The approach to FBS teams and good FCS teams is quite indicative of that. I understand respecting a good opponent, because over confidence and arrogance rarely helps anything, but it would be nice to hear Mussman talk about his team's capability once and while rather than brag up the opponent. As far as X's and O's go, I think this team is OK, but adjustments could be made there too. If I had to point out two major areas of concern, and they've been present for the past 5 years, it would be Mussman's leadership and the team's general direction. His teams don't play confident and smart, and UND's line of scrimmage players are outclassed in this conference.

spot on

Difference between UM and SDSU is Montana's quarterback. Johnson consistently makes bigger plays than Sumner does, and both are sort of asked to do the same thing. Both teams would rather line up and run down hill, and go play-action off of that. At least in our games against the two, Johnson capitalized off of the PA better than Sumner did. Not to mention Johnson has proved us all he can lead a team deep into the FCS playoffs, as he did so with UM in 2011 (semifinals vs Sam Houston). Plus the WRs, and possibly the entire OL, are better for Montana. Defenses are kinda a wash, but if I had to chose I'd take Montana's defense. Their front 7 (including Tripp - who is incredibly talented) is easily top 5 in the FCS.

Montana > SDSU UND < SDSU so, there you go...

As of right now, changing the general game plan is really irrelevant. When new leadership is put into place and a scheme/recruiting plan featuring tough, physical players is actually emphasized, then this team will be better off as a whole and actually compete for a Big Sky championship and an FCS playoff run. This season, with the current players and leadership in place, there's likely no playoffs (or even a winning season, for that matter!). When UND can once again consistently run the ball and stop the run (which requires proper tackling!) , then UND football is back to where it belongs.

Force the run until it works? Sounds like hitting your head against a brick wall until you make a hole to get through. You can't run the ball if you can't get a push up front. Right now, our OL gets knocked around most running play. Plus, you can't run every down when you're already down a couple TDs at the end of the 1st quarter and you're facing 1st &15 and 2&15 due to procedural penalties and lack of discipline. After MSU and EWU, everyone, including yourself, should notice there's no hope for this season. Or any other season Mussman tries to 'lead' and coach this team. He can't prepare a team because his players don't respect him and/or play hard for him. His leadership skills are horrific. It's that simple. And I guess our line of scrimmage and defensive players are not top tier talent. Need improvements in recruiting, including general philosophy/emphasis.

Probably an emotional statement, but this is pathetic. We need to fire this joke of a coaching staff. No discipline at all. Sorry everyone, no playoffs this year.

Probably an emotional statement, but this is pathetic. We need to fire this joke of a coaching staff. No discipline at all. Sorry everyone, no playoffs this year.

Likely gonna be a wet one tailgating. Oh, and how bout we beat them Griz? Go Sioux!

I would like to see Shaugabay and Sparks as the 1 and 2, but that's just my opinion. We haven't seen either one play except for the first game of the past two seasons, and well, they looked pretty good in those games...

Very true. Bottom line is Mollberg is starting Saturday and he's got his opportunity to lock up the spot.

Prepare for both? Montana could care less who's playing. They understand both are freshman and are going to look to bring pressure regardless. This "split QB practice reps" thing during our crucial tough home stretch is pure ridiculousness. This can only hurt UND; it has no effect on Montana other than our starter may not be prepared. Now, hopefully Mollberg plays good in the first half and we can let him play the entire game, because the sooner we find our full-time QB, the sooner this team has a shot at the playoffs (whether that's this season or next).

You should if your coaching staff is not blind and oblivious...not saying they are just stating a general opinion.

I actually have a good feeling about this game. I predicted UND to lose by a couple TDs last week, but I think UND can sneak by the Griz this week if they've learned their lesson and don't turnover the ball a bunch vs. Montana. I predict Mollberg plays the entire game (or at least I hope he does cause that means no turnovers) and we put up plenty of yards through the air. Also, I think the defense will stop the run better this weekend. UND 38 Montana 34

I agree, and that also was one of my concerns during fall camp. If you don't let the QB settle in and get the reps, the two QBs will make mistakes/turnovers that will lose you the game (see last week). Especially in the beginning of the season, where the schedule features the most difficult opponents. If Mollberg has the hot hand early on Saturday, Mussman better let him play the entire game!

Yeah, as much as we talk about how different the game would've been if we would've gone up 14-0, just think if we would've drove down the field to start the 2nd half and made it 21-14. Instead, in both opportunities, Bartels threw an interception and fumbled the ball, respectively. He definitely made some timely errors. That's why it is so important Mollberg protects the ball this weekend. If we can have 0 turnovers (maybe 1), I feel confident we can defeat Montana. Now, we have multiple turnovers again, we lose another one.

Well, everyone who wanted to see LB Goard play more after last weekend's game will get a chance now, its just too bad it's essentially through a trade for Goodman...

So does everyone leave in the 2nd or 3rd quarter this weekend? Because you know everyone leaves regardless of the score. Last year's Montana game was close throughout and there was no one left by the end of the game. The student section is absolutely horrible, and it p*sses me off unbelievably.

South Dakota State brought some good pressure last game; they have a very talented front 7. Ryan Bartels, our QB who started the first half against South Dakota State, is not very mobile and had some trouble with the pressure. However, Joe Mollberg, our QB who played the second half and nearly brought us back to tie the game, was also pressured but he's a very good athlete and can handle the pressure a little better it seems. I think I speak for most UND fans when I say I hope Mollberg gets the start on Saturday.

I feel confident our offense will put up points on Saturday, but so will the Griz. With Jordan Johnson returning, we know they can throw the ball, plus JJ can take off and run if given the opportunity. Not to mention Vann and Canada can run the ball well for Montana also. I feel both teams will score plenty, but the winner will be the team that takes care of the ball the best. Whoever turns the ball over the most on Saturday will lose - write it in stone!

He's better than any back we have on our roster.