LionFan

UND could definitely use the size advantage in the trenches to do just that. On the other hand, UNA just finished holding the nation's top rushing offense last week in Carson-Newman to only nine points, and six of those was a cheap TD late when UNA already had the second string in. So, UNA is tough against the run. In my opinion, the team that gave UNA the most trouble this year was Arkansas-Monticello. They had a very elusive and athletic quarterback who could make plays happen in the air, and on the ground. UNA would the DBs back anticipating pass, then the guy (I think his name was Cory Allred) would take off. Very fast for a QB. Does UND have anybody like that? If you do, I instantly grow a little more worried about this game.

It's F-L-O-R-E-N-C-E, first of all. I believe GVSU has a game in Kingsville, Texas to win before you can start talking about the championship game. The Javelinas are always tough, so GVSU better take their A game down there. GVSU is a great team, but the Javs will give you everything they've got. Good luck to the Lakers, if y'all win we'll welcome you to Florence with open arms, just like last year. Just glad the two teams here on December 13 will be decided on the field, and not by computers! Go Lions! Chris H. Florence, AL

Ah... you've got a good point there!

Didn't Hudspeth used to be at Delta State? Yes, Coach Hudspeth was the offensive coordinator for their championship team a few years ago (2000?) that broke all sorts of offensive records. I believe they scored 63 in the championship game. Coach Hud also spent a year as offensive coordinator for Navy until he came to UNA in 2002, his first head coaching position. Incredibly, UNA only went 4-7 last year, which shows the great job this coaching staff has done this year. I'm afraid we won't have Hudspeth for very long, but I'm hoping we can get in another 3-peat before he leaves!

I believe I was one who said that the UNA defense is small. I was really comparing them to Division I teams, I suppose. Compared to other DII teams, we may be average. Here's a look at UNA's starting 11 on D... DE Patrick Craig 6'3" 240 DT Jonathan Taylor 6'3" 310 DE Skipper Best 6'4" 280 LB Courtney Wright 6'0" 205 LB Harold Wisdom 5'11" 220 LB Donald Tharpe 5'10" 205 R Jay Snipes 5'10" 180 CB Blake Farris 6'0" 195 CB Evan Oglesby 6'0" 180 FS Lacy Hill 6-0" 160 SS Terrance Walden 6'2" 205 Are they small? Maybe it's just a matter of opinion. I'm used to watching SEC games, so when you go to a DII game and see these guys, they do look small. They've got the job done for us though, and that's all that matters. How do they compare to the Sioux? Go Lions! Chris H. Florence, AL

Redwing- Thanks for the comments. I realize the stuff said about Alabama is all in fun, I just usually find myself on the defensive out of habit. I've seen Fargo, and it does have some funny moments, if you don't mind me saying. But I understand it's in no way an accurate picture of how life really is in ND. Doesn't that movie actually take place in Brainerd, Minnesota? Never understood the title. As for as some of the ignorant UNA "fans" I've seen on here, I apologize. They embarass me. Every school has them, unfortunately, as you guys surely know. It just makes it hard to appear to be a classy University and fan base when you have morons running off their mouths when they really don't have a clue. Anyway, sorry for the rambling post. Already having flame wars on Monday, sheesh. I don't care what you say, I think you people DO take football as seriously as us . Good luck Sioux! Go Lions! Chris H. Florence, AL

Good morning Sioux fans... To follow up on what Sandram was just saying, here is a link from our local paper, the Florence TimesDaily. http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...333/1011/NEWS01 It basically says the same thing. Playing a provisional DII opponent in Stillman, and a 1-AA opponent in Jacksonville State made the difference in our strength of schedule. Personally, I don't see how they can penalize our strength of schedule for playing (and BEATING) an eventual conference champion in 1-AA, but I guess that's a rant for another time. Also, one more link if you are interested, with Coach Mark Hudspeth talking about the decision and the game. http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../312010336/1019 Good luck on Saturday. Go Lions! Chris H. Florence, AL

I would say that the UNA offense passes first to set up the run, but Coach Hudspeth has been very good with adjusting the gameplan to counter the opponent's D. You will just as often see the Lions run a deep post on first down as a draw from the shotgun. UNA also likes to run the option from the shotgun, and will either line up with an extra superback or tight end Ches Dye to act as a lead blocker. It's an offense that has been very successful for us. The GSC has a good mix when it comes to the offenses teams use. Southern Arkansas runs the triple option, yet we held them to only 14 points in our first meeting. In the first round of the playoffs we held them to only seventy odd yards rushing. So UNA is formidable against the run. At the same time you have a team like Valdosta State, who loves to pass. We held them to only 10 points. We blitz occasionally, but mostly use a "read and react" type of D, as I've heard it called. The five DB set obviously works good against passing teams. They will play like linebackers against the run, though. They are not afraid to hit you. If you have any more questions, just let me know. What should we expect from UND? Go Lions! Chris H. FLorence, AL

I don't have any numbers in front of me, but I'll try to give y'all a look at what to expect. On offense, UNA runs mostly out of the shotgun, with a "superback" lining up next to the quarterback, along with four wide receivers. Although you would think this would lead to us being a pass-happy team, the stats indicate that UNA has been very balanced on offense. I think I read that we average 199 yards a game on the ground. We have two very capable running backs in DeMarcus Blount and Randy Vickers. Our quaterback, Will Hall, leads the nation in passing efficiency. He has shattered almost every UNA passing record. He also has two tall receivers to throw it to, in Martin Huggins and David Mooneyham. On defense, first year defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt installed a 3-3-5 defense that helped turn one of the worst defenses in the Gulf South Conference last year, into the league's best D this year. They are small, but yes, fast. They love to hit you. Special teams have been solid as well. Kicker/punter Travis Johnston has been very reliable. We've also developed a good kick returner in Anthony Merritt, who returned a kick 93 yards for a TD in the West Georgia game and has numerous other long returns. It's hard to give you an analysis of the team without wearing purple and gold tinted glasses, but maybe that halped some. I'm just so proud of the team this year, as the entire community is. Should be a great game Saturday, I personally can't wait. Good luck to your team. Go Lions! Chris H. Florence, AL

Hey Sioux fans... I must say that as a big UNA fan, I am excited about the game this weekend. I was a little surprised that the game will be played in Grand Forks, but that's alright. UNA has won tough games on the road this season. We beat D-1AA Jacksonville State, Southern Arkansas, and Valdosta State at their places. So it should defintely be fun for the Lions to come into the Alerus Center and play a team with the tradition of UND. It should be one heckuva battle! Now, as for the post on AL.com that started this thread. Please don't pay attention to anything posted on that website. It is FILLED with thirteen year old, immature punks who wouldn't know how to treat an opponent with class if their life depended on it. Finally, I know it's mostly done for fun, but I hope none of you actually believe some of the stuff you say about the state of Alabama. We have all our teeth, we wear shoes, we date outside of the family, we even have high-speed internet! And as far as race relations go, Alabama is COMPLETELY different from the state you may have seen on TV in the 60s. We still have a long way to go to have true racial equality, as the rest of the nation does. But I would say that life in Alabama today is not too terribly different than life in North Dakota. Except, you know... a little bit warmer . I've never been to ND, but would like to go someday. Unfortunately I can't make this trip. Maybe some of you who have not been to Alabama can make it down here one day, if not in the championship game this year, then some other time. Anyway, sorry to ramble on. I'll try to stay on the board here this week, if y'all will have me. Good luck to the Sioux, and may the best team win! Go Lions! Chris H. Florence, AL