Dustin

True, but we may have not let it get to this point, either, if we had actually gotten to play them and lose a few times. There's only so many of those that UND people will stand for. Right now, if it's the end of the 2021 game in Grand Forks and we still haven't beaten them, heads are gonna roll.

So was the off-season decision to get lighter a bad one?

This is my assessment as well. Special teams did what was asked. Defensively, we gave up the number of points I had predicted in the prediction thread (38). Not going to win many games giving up 38, but hopefully this will be the most allowed all season. Offensively, I thought we'd be able to put together 3 drives like the one in the second quarter. My biggest hope is that Freund takes this game as a learning lesson, and we progress.

Not ready to write off the season yet, but no playoffs = new coach.

I am not hitting the panic button yet. We lost to the best team in the country. They’ve beaten us by that margin before even when we were essentially equals (1995 playoff game). Lopsided victories happen sometimes. Biggest disappointment to me was that I thought our offense would be capable of more. Season is young, and we throttled the easiest team in the schedule, and got throttled by the best. Good learning experience for everyone. Glad we’re going to see these guys every year, because that’s how we’ll learn how to beat ‘em.

In all honesty, does anyone in FCS pass that test? Maybe not right now, but in due time, FCS won’t be so one-sided.

Do we receive the second half kickoff?

So do they have other offensive weapons?

Whatever happened on our drive?

That will likely spell disaster for our chances.

Is the drive over?

Keep me updated- currently without tv or radio.

Agree on TOP. The way I see it happening (if it’s going to happen), is that UND is going to have to establish a passing game enough to open up the run. With their receiving core, I think it could happen. The run game stats will probably actually be small, with the majority of running back action coming on short passes to the outside. I see NDSU trying to attack us the opposite way - gain consistent ground in the run, but take select shots through the air once it’s established.

It was the 1995 regular season game.

Had another thought on Schuster. Freund is probably betting on Schuster being the QB that will lead UND to a victory over the Bison during his career, whether that be today, or over the course of the next 5 years. May as well get Tommy in the mindset right off the bat that the games against the Bison are going to be the most important of his time at UND.

Also got swept by Bryant :/ Not good.

That crossed my mind. I would definitely use him, even for just one spectacular play, if it means we’re put in a position to win. The other possibility is that Freund’s offensive game plan is better executed by Schuster than the other backups. Perhaps 2019 will be known as the Tommy Schuster game

Shirt can still be retained even if Schuster ends up playing tomorrow.

Volleyball got swept by Villanova earlier today. Plays again later against Bryant.

I think it will be an offensive shootout, NDSU running, and UND through the air. Based on that, NDSU will have an easier time controlling the clock, which I think is the key to winning the game, just like northern raider said. TOP leads to victory. I also will give a two scenario prediction: NDSU victory: 38-21 UND victory: 27-24

Doesn’t mean we can’t switch. The Sioux nickname change in 1930 was when we already had a nickname. I personally love the idea because it would be a big slap in the face to the powers that be who got us to end up with Fighting Hawks in the first place.

I like the comment: "If by Bull Moose you mean Teddy Roosevelt, the whole population of Bison would lose."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_college_team_nicknames_in_the_United_States Do a search for "Moose" and there NO results! Talk about unique. As for the Manitoba Moose, few college sports fans are going to say "Hey, there's already a moose nickname used in that area!"

To me, ultimately, time of possession would be biggest factor. Can we be offensively effective enough to possess the ball for 4+ minutes, and keep our defense, especially the run defense players, fresh. This was often our Achilles heal with Rudy as OC. Even if it doesn't end with points every time, because it won't, flipping the field will be an asset. God, I sound like Bubba! But, if we have the ball for that long, that means we're getting first downs and marching down the field. Some of those drives are going to results in points, probably through the air. If we can get our passing game established enough to be able to do a little running, I would consider that a success. And, oh yeah, outscoring their offense

I agree with this assessment. I believe our corners and safeties are capable of stymieing the passing game. But I also think the DL will be outmatched, so ultimately the linebackers are going to be the make or break position group.