WeAreNorthDakota

I don't think NDSU is overrated necessarily. Last night they got exposed for their weakness against the new rule changes but I think Saul is a good enough coach to adjust and have his team ready to dominate the Summit. Braun, Wright, and Bjorklund are very good players and I don't think there's anyone in the Summit that can match their talent at the top and come tournament time that's what is going to matter.

After his blazing start to the season Troy Huff is currently #6 nationally in scoring at 29 ppg. He's also the only player in the top 40 who's averaging more point than minutes played. National Scoring Leaders

Last update was last Monday so I assume we'll see the updated poll sometime today.

Pretty great opportunity for any UND fans out in Oregon this weekend. Volleyball in Portland and MBB in Eugene.

He really doesn't need to score. We're averaging 96 points per game with Webb averaging 2 points. Hopefully he can accept that he doesn't need to be a scorer to make this team better. If he can play solid defense at the point, force some turnovers, and be smart with the basketball he's going to be a huge part of this team's success without it showing up on the stat sheet.

The Betty has quite a few shortcomings but last night's crowd proved it can be a legitimate mid-major venue. We need to start getting those kinds of crowds consistently to show the people running the REA that upgrades are worth the investment. Things like video boards and upgraded bleacher seating are possible in the Betty. We just need to show the people in charge that there can be a return on their investment.

I think the biggest need in recruiting is cornerback. Seems like we've gotten at least one quality recruit at every other position group over the last two years.

I was really impressed with the students in the second half last night. They were into the game, creative, and were really active while NDSU was at the line. I know we can't expect two full bleachers of students for every game but if we can fill the side by the opponents bench consistently that'll be a huge improvement over previous years. Unfortunately the next game is against Presentation and the SDSU game is over winter break but let's hope the students come out in force once the conference season gets rolling.

I won't be putting a whole lot of stock into RPI ratings until the calendar turns but four of the five opponents on the upcoming road stretch are ranked ahead of us in ESPN's RPI. #14 Butler #23 Oregon #33 Bowling Green #44 Pacific If we can knock off two of those teams along with a win over Cal Poly we could be very high in the RPI all season.

If that's the way the refs are gonna call it all year we are going to be in good shape. Huff, Nash, and Anderson can all get to the rim consistently and it looks like those three guys are going to spend a lot of time at the free throw line. Also, having three guys to rotate at the center spot gives us 15 fouls to give so we just need those guys not to be liabilities on the defensive end.

I think NAU/SDSU is a great first round matchup with two of the best running backs in the FCS going at it. I like NAU at home but just slightly thanks to home field advantage. Should be one of the better first round games.

We have a very tough slate of games out in Oregon this weekend. Oregon and Pacific both come in unbeaten and Cal Poly, though only 1-3, has lost to three quality teams including an 11 point loss to #6 Arizona. I think we have a chance to come back with two wins but I'll be in no way discouraged if we only get one.

Bison fan at the game tonight commented on how good the UND logo looked on the wall. Too many teams in the Big Sky to have banners all the way across.

I look at guys like Brian Kelly and Jerry Kill and want to get a guy who's on a track like that. Keep winning and keep moving up a level. If Caruso or Wristen are on a similar career path I'd be completely ok with UND being one of their stops along the way.

I'm not familiar with his background prior to Montana but his success in Missoula would certainly point to him being a solid choice.

I want to see 4 or 5 wins and no blowout losses at the Alerus. That means improved play against Montana, Portland State, and NAU and I'd also like to see us win at least one game that we aren't supposed to. I don't remember a Mussman coached team ever beating a team that was significantly favored.

I would say the regular season means a lot more in the Big Sky than it does in the Summit. Not every team makes it and the regular season champ gets to host. Makes a big difference to get Weber or Montana away from their big home crowds.

I could see that happening too. The right guy could absolutely put a buzz into the fanbase.

I really don't see why Tibesar is so unrealistic. If the job had been open a year ago he would've been leaving Purdue to come to UND. He's in his first season as an NFL assistant and he got the job largely because of his history with Trestman. If Trestman hadn't gotten the Bears job Tim could just as easily be at another college job. The job posting seems to describe Bollinger but it could just as easily be describing Tibesar. I'm gonna continue to have my hopes up for Tibesar.

Muss being gone is enough for me to decide to renew my tickets. I was pretty fed up with watching Muss's team but with a new coach I'll want every opportunity to see what kind of a difference he'll make.

Lots of tweets out of the athletic department today on ticket updates. Looks like they're under 200 and it'll be sold out by the weekend.

A good AD always keeps an updated list of potential candidates for every job. You don't just start looking for potential replacements when you think you might fire somebody. What if Hakstol were to jump to an NHL job? I'm guessing Faison has a list of guys he'd call tomorrow if Hakstol were to be gone.

Aren't you the one who knocks us for having Canadians on our hockey team?

Spokane?

Athletically I don't think there are many teams on our schedule who will be able to match up with Huff and Nash. Anderson looked a lot more under control offensively and if he is able to step up to a 1st team big sky type player we are going to be tough to beat. Just have to hope our 5 spot doesn't start to cost us games.