Dustin

I waited for a defensive or special teams score to bail out the offense last week and it never came. Hope this week is different.

That one hurts. Glad we got the points, but we might not have a chance to sniff the end zone again.

Probably too much to overcome now.

Didn’t think we would surrender points there. Shoot.

We have a few super seniors. I would think one of them.

Pretty much.

Is something wrong with Stage?

Well, at least we got 3.

As I was typing asking whether Smith had been in the game, he came in, but we didn’t use him.

Sounds like we are all pretty much on the same page - UND wins by about a touchdown +/- a field goal.

Someone else mentioned that as well. I agree.

Yep. Definitely the most important game of our season right now.

Are these good "gets"? I rely totally on other people about how excited I should get for a recruiting commitment.

Is Malachi McNeal playing yet? I can't remember having heard his name called on a broadcast or SS people talking about him.

I keep coming back to this idea that if you run Weah on first down, Smith on second down, how much would there be left to pick up on third down? I think this strategy will only get more effective as the O-line gels later into the season.

I think we may a have a defense you can hang your hat on. Hope to see that continue.

Agree. Leading up to the game, I wrote that I didn't think we could run it down their (or maybe anybody's) throats, as much as the coaches may want that to be our style. Now, I'm not so sure. Smith looked great in his limited use. (He needed to get double digit carries) Otis was close to breaking free many times. Skokna is kind of a Swiss Army Knife, and can be involved in several interesting looks (running, receiving, trick plays, etc.) I think we could have a punishing run game if we rotate our RBs and keep them fresh.

Yes. As long as the hold wasn't in the end zone, it wouldn't be a safety, right? May as well risk that every time. Kind of like jumping the snap on an extra point attempt if you're desperately trying to block it.

I'm pretty sure one of those players was Skokna. He will need to be taught better situational awareness.

Ultimately, this was the mistake in this situation. I don’t mind trying to draw the defense off sides, if that’s what they were trying to do. Go ahead and run the play while catching the defense off guard, even. But once it was obvious they had accurately schemed against your desired play call, it’s time to shut it down.

For those pinning the loss squarely on the coaches, This play had nothing to do with coaching or coaches, and was just as crucial to the outcome of the game. Win together, lose together.

Thanks for this post. Was thinking of writing something like this myself.

Agreed. I expect a win.

Maybe Holinka after what we saw yesterday.

Same sentiment from me.