Dustin

AI Overview In college football, an elite defense typically has a points allowed per game (PPG) average of under 16 points, and the very best units often allow closer to 12-14 PPG. For perspective, here are the PPG numbers for top defenses from recent seasons: Top 3 (2024 Season): The top scoring defenses allowed approximately 12.9 to 15.3 PPG (Ohio State: 12.9 PPG, Ole Miss: 14.4 PPG, Texas: 15.3 PPG). Top 3 (Current 2025 Season as of late October): The leading defenses are currently allowing around 5.9 to 10.9 PPG, though these numbers may fluctuate as the season progresses. Historical Benchmark: A historically strong defense, such as Alabama's 2011 unit, allowed a remarkable 8.2 PPG throughout the entire season. Achieving a PPG average below the 16-point mark consistently places a team among the nation's elite defensive units in a given year.

If you take 28 points away from opponents, UND's starting defense is giving up 15.1 PPG (vs. 18.6 PPG when including all points).

I think UND will fair better in the long run, but I agree. I am not ready to say UND will do/win this and that this season. Honestly, I could see us getting swept at home by Duluth this weekend.

I think his point was that Minnesota isn't top tier, so yes, we did beat them, but even more concerning was that they beat us pretty handily.

Which games did we give up a late TD due to backups getting reps? PSU, UNI, SIU, ISU-blue. Any others? If our starters stay in against USD, I would be a little surprised if we give up more than 24. And I think our offense, which may be stunted a little because of USD/DakotaDome, should still be able to score more than 24.

Image on the "Bring Me the Sports" Facebook account after last night's Gopher loss.

Looks like Minnesota at Wisconsin coming up on BTN too.

When is the Schmidt interview? I skipped ahead 30 seconds at a time and didn’t hear his voice.

I didn’t realize the Heisman was open to all levels of college football.

yep

Doesn't look good for moving up much this week.

Is College Game Day only determined in the week ahead? I don't watch that show, so I am not sure what all factors into their broadcast decisions.

Glad someone put together a worthwhile read of new material. Thanks @siouxfan512

So, basically UND 31, USD 20. That sounds about right.

I think we all know it, but this game should tell us a lot about who we are. I can imagine 3 or 4 very plausible scenarios for this one: 1) Comfortable win (10-20%) 2) Narrow win (25-40%) 3) Narrow loss (15-25%) 4) Blowout by either team (5-10%)

I'll say 27-17 UND. Don't think our offense will be quite as potent in unfriendly confines, and our defense seems to be holding steady in that teens range, which is on par for USD's offense against most teams, save for really porous defenses (Murray, Drake).

While I try not to get too far ahead of ourselves, the fact that Nashville would be a true neutral venue would help UND’s chances in that game. No friendly familiar Frisco for them.

Nice one.

Did not realize another kicker was used for that attempt. Thanks.

Not sure exactly, but I think inside of 30 yards. Wasn't too reassuring if your hope was to have him replace CJ.

From what I saw yesterday (taking into account all relevant teams), I would be disappointed if UND lost to either South Dakota school. Not saying either game will be easy, but I expect wins in both.

I thought so too. We’ll probably be seeded 8 and have a matchup with NDSU right away.

https://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/24643

Even with qb1, would the Jacks been able to win that game? Hate to say it, but I think we’ll need something special to beat NDSU. Maybe that something special is the magic of the Alerus Center.

Is one (or both?!) of the SUs a poser??? May find out tonight.