SiouxTupa

SFI says they play 5 dbs mostly and a zone, which is different than UND usually sees. That could help Studs get into a rhythm with intermediate throws to the big possession receivers. Just a few short years ago UND's passing game was plagued by untimely drops. It's really nice to get these big kids in who almost always come down with it, even on marginal throws. It sounds like the spiders don't give up a ton of pass yards, but even just a few completions seems to give Studs a big boost.

Not making excuses, but MSU played such a clutch and grab defensive game. It was a throwback to the old wcha. Still, they kept the front of the net relatively clear, and transitioned well. UND isn't getting it done in any zone right now. They did last week, so we know it's possible. Wilkie may not score, but he's clearly faster than last year. He brings a lot more offensively than some (nobody not named Gersich is bringing it consistently). It's funny how many people were revising their scores after seeing the lineup. Hoff and Wilkie out, and neither have been offensive dynamos. I thought Peske and Gornall looked fine. I think Gornall earned another start with his play last night. Most players on this UND team seem to wait for a spark rather than create one. Once they learn to work hard and make their own breaks, they should start playing more consistently. If they were looking ahead to next week, let's hope they can prove that at MSG.

Yep, quality is great then just stops randomly. Restarting steam works, but it's annoying.

Awesome time, beautiful day for it. Not a major home crowd tailgate presence.

Studs has been so much better the last two seasons at securing the football. He doesn't turn it over much at all. If either of the backups can avoid turnovers and complete a few decent throws, we'll be in good shape. But there's something about the team when Studs is playing vs when he isn't... even Reyes said he's the team's most important player - in his opinion. Coming from the one player who might contend for that title, that says a lot.

Needed one yard to put it away, or even just a fg... That hurts

Also on ESPN3, SDSU and Ill St close too

The O line hasn't been getting nearly enough push to spring the run game. The last few teams haven't had great run D, but they've done fine against us. Put that together with an injured Studs and that's a recipe for the D needing to win the game. The pass rush was great in the 2nd half. And having Reyes back makes the secondary dangerous again.

I only remember glancing at it, but didn't Brad say UND hasn't swept Bemidji in 5 years? Either way, I'm basing my prediction on how UND played against a couple pretty bad teams. These early BSU games have been known to show UND what it takes to grind out wins. I'd love to see us push the pace and pop a few in early. But, if that does happen, don't expect BSU to quit early. UND will be the better team by year end, no question in my mind.

If BSU gets a win this weekend, I think it happens tonight. I'll agree with Yelo and say 3-1 BSU with an ENG to seal it.

The revenge factor should play into it. But you just know they're watching footage of the early 2nd half success SUU had with short throws. Getting Reyes back would be huge for defending those.

I completely believe in the talent and coaching that's in place, just noting some sloppiness/laziness defending. It'll get better. Early wakeup calls can be a good thing. Two wins would be swell, though!

Based on how lackadaisical UND has defended in the first few games, I bet BSU takes one. There have been a ton of open looks in front of Cam. Even though they're giving up about 15 shots a game, I'd bet more than half are grade-A chances. It's possible they'll raise their play for a regional rival who always plays them tough. Could be a rude awakening playing against someone like DU, who faced a brutal opening schedule.

Offense looking very good. D settling in...of course I say that and they rip off a big run, thankfully called back.

I agree about Alex. He sounded great, and if you didn't know it was his first hockey game, you may not have guessed. I watched the fb game too, and he was clearly more comfortable, but he did great during both. I loved his call of the Wanzek catch in the back of the end zone "You shut your mouth Ryan Kasowski!" Good hire by Midco!

UND should be solid this year, but last year was indeed special. Last year's team lost 6 games all season...that's crazy! Going strictly by winning percentage, very few teams in history have hit that high of a mark. After watching the Manitoba game, it sure looks like we're set in goal, and should have a nicely balanced forward group. The D will look pretty different, but I mentioned during the game that I'm glad Wolanin and Shaw don't have to split time this year. I think it's possible if Gersich doesn't click with the top line, Poganski switches with him.

I have a thing about staying until the end. I've experienced the struggle when the team is playing terrible and/or just gets throttled start to finish. But winning games like Saturday's helps a ton. People who don't have a thing about staying to the end will be more likely to next time. That is, unless they weren't into the game from the beginning. I was excited to see such a large crowd at the start. Last year and in recent years prior, we'd be lucky to get half that. Good scheduling to get a regional rival for the Potato Bowl. Good marketing by Bubba and staff to get people there. Maybe one day soon the Al will be full for a game like it was when I was in school, early 2000s.

It's pretty amazing how far the secondary has come in just a couple years. Muss' last year, any team that had even a mediocre air game was good for 35pts. I was at the Great West championship winning game in 2011, and almost feel bad for USD the similar way this ended. But UND needed the win so much more. Keaton needs his 4th quarter mojo to be there all game. But whatever the cause, it's pretty cool that this team can put points up when needed.

I chatted with a certain person (an insider, let's say ) who was very adamant that they won't be a 9 team conference. Granted, this was over a year ago when ASU was first starting hockey. So if the story is true, then they're probably waiting for that 10th team before they announce anything.

And their "rock" in net.

FWIW Pecknold said during one of the F4 press conferences that he was told the injury couldn't get any worse as he played through it. It was only about pain tolerance. I'd still call it gutty, and he did ring a couple posts in what ended up being a limited number of scoring chances for QU.

The semester started in January, I'm pretty sure if anyone wasn't going to class for three plus months, they wouldn't have been playing in the post-season. So I'm assuming people are asking if anyone on the team started missing class after Saturday.

If one of them could play C and win draws, a line of Wilkie, Gersich, JJ could have potential. That would be a really great line if it stays intact for a couple years.

I think of it like a two-fold interview questions 1. Do I miss college, the camaraderie, being the biggest show in town, etc? -YES, for sure 2. Was signing a pro contract the best step for my hockey career, financially as well as playing potential? - yes (in a majority of cases) A lot of guys when asked if they regret leaving are probably answering the first question. Let's be thankful to our coaching and training staff who treat these guys with respect, and wish them well making a really tough decision. There are many other coaches that don't look so kindly at early departures (looking at you, Red.)