Dustin

I agree that the passing game is going to have to be solid. If we can't connect on passes, our run game isn't going to be able to win it on its own against their defense. (Against most other defenses, I would not say that). How prolific our air attack will need to be, that I'm not sure of. It may be just a few key situations, or we may need to be a pass-happy offense. We have to make their defense respect our passing game. The good thing is that I feel our passing game is dangerous enough that we can overcome a hard day on the ground.

If you listen to the UNDFootball360 pre-game podcasts, they were pretty much in line with this opinion prior to the first game as well. It's like a "practice season." But really, it is the 2020 season being played in 2021. Now, yes, there are some differences. Some schools aren't playing. The playoff field is fewer teams (which makes it tougher). But there's no asterisk next to it. If Montana, Montana State, and Indiana State didn't play in the fall, would that make that season illegitimate? Not to me. If they're conceding a chance to win a championship, that's on them, not the season.

Same score as the 1994 game in the Fargodome.

You basically just said the same thing I did, so I'm not sure that you really do disagree. In the context of this season, NDSU has more to play for. In the context of a whole program/university/community, UND has WAY more to play for.

You said it. In the context of one season’s playoffs and positioning, this game is more important for NDSU to win than for UND. however, In the context of what it means to the psyche of a whole university and its community, this game is huge for UND, even if it doesn’t cost them anything for the postseason.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: the whole FCS was handed a gift when the fall season was postponed and Trey Lance bolted. Leveled the playing field immediately.

Well, they are the NCHC broadcast partner, so it may even be part of the contract.

Ok, so like normal.

When is the selection show?

In that case, are you expecting NDSU to sell out to stop the run?

Say our rush attack is stymied and we have to throw the ball - are we prepared to win through the air? I would say "yes" from what I've seen so far.

Don't we have incredible depth and talent at Cornerback? Or is it against other positions in which opponents are having success? It seems strange that, of all things, this would be our vulnerability.

The pass was actually slowed down by a Denver stick, which probably made it easier for Hain to get all of it.

His good play was very noticeable last night.

Oh, I thought there would also be one for the afternoon game.

Has this been posted?

CBS Sports Network cannot be watched online with a Midco subscription. I was hoping to have the first semi-final on in the background at work this afternoon.

Can the same be said of our O-line, the best that NDSU will face? Interesting matchup there. How about their O-line vs. our D? Are we gonna be a lot more aggressive towards the QB compared to WIU (more like the first 3 games)?

Did they dictate that UND play the late game?

Great listen. I feel our program is in a really good spot right now.

Hopefully Tommy is a good recruiter!

Couple of questions: How vulnerable are the Bison? I haven't watched them (nor have I ever watched them), but I know they've had some offensive struggles. I've heard some compare their defense to ours, which means points will probably be hard to come by. First to 21 wins? In UND's two games where we've won handily (SUI and WIU), our defense gave up a touchdown late in the game. Does anyone know - were we playing our reserves at those times? I'll even take what @AJS said about turnovers one step further - if we win the turnover battle, we will win. I think the squads are pretty even, but UND's offense is better. Keep the ball in our hands on offense and we're in good shape.

More accurately, whoever wins this game controls their destiny to win the Valley. I don’t want to assume any wins.

No. Once UND got up 24-7, they never lead by less than 17.

Obviously should’ve had one more score in there.