Sioux94

So based on those guys that played and are remaining it might be something like LT - Mortel, LG - Tobin, C - Rooney, RG - Blair, RT - ? Obviously some of those guys might not have been much ahead of some of the others and might get beat out. Anybody have an predictions on who the starting OL will be and/or thoughts?

While the play calling and offensive overall scheme needs to improve from the coaching standpoint, I definitely agree with this as well. The OL is as strong as it's weakest link, because like you said if one guy wiffs on his block or misses his assignment that play gets blown up and the coordinator looks like an idiot for calling that play. I can't remember with injuries and everything last year, who was starting or mostly playing at OL the last two games. And of those, who were seniors that are no longer on the team?

I think there will be a few more adjustments on offense this year too. Bubba knows it was his decision to keep Rudy and it's not just Rudy's butt if the offense stinks, it's his as well. He gave up his position coaching responsibility to get more involved with the offense. I'm hoping this translates to some good changes on offense.

I really don't think the players or coaches will be thinking of 2018 as a rebuilding season. More like a get back to the trajectory we were on after our 2016 season, meaning playoffs at a minimum. There is no way guys like Santiago and Brady are going to go into this season with a mindset.........ahhh we are just rebuilding. As for a 7-4 season being a failure from the other post, I don't see us finishing the season at 7-4. If we finish regular season 7-4 I'd say 90% chance we are in the playoffs and would end up either 7-5 or 8-5. Yes I realize it is possible to not make the playoffs at 7-4, we already lived that one once. But an FBS loss to a good program, and potentially a second loss Sam Houston, I think if we end up with 2 other losses we are more than likely still in. But I think there may be a pretty big bubble this year of teams with 7-4 record....so who knows. Let's just knock of Sam Houston though, we'd be in a much better position.

Totally agree!!

There has been a series of interesting articles as to who should be voted #3 this year. Below is one paragraph from the article. If only we had an offensive coordinator who would adapt to the current roster instead of trying to fit square pegs into round holes at times. Here is a link to full article: https://herosports.com/fcs/football-south-dakota-state-preseason-no-3-jackrabbits-bzbz Don’t be surprised, though, to see a revamped SDSU offense. Offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness has shown the ability to adapt and alter his offense, like after 2014 with the graduation of Zach Zenner in a power-run system. While Mengarelli led the Jacks in rushing, Isaac Wallace showed plenty of explosion and Mikey Daniel brings the power. SDSU may benefit from a more balanced offensive approach this season.

Triple Reverse....

Reading the news about Slater this weekend, ugh what a buzz kill. This time of the year no news is good news!!

Stealing from the Buy or Sell question about RB and WR Production, which RB do you think will have the most rushing yards this year.......Santiago, Brady, or JJ?

I think we will go back to at least a 7 on defense this year, potentially an 8 if I put my Kelly Green glasses on. Secondary as usual will be the biggest concern, particularly Safety. If Harris is healthy, having him and Holm at corner should be pretty solid and some of the backups will have experience. Reyes leaves a big hole to fill, but since he was often banged up it's maybe not as big of a loss as it would have been if you look at a full season.

I agree, should definitely be more than a few times during the year. Should be multiple times each game. I'm hoping now that Bubba is more involved with the offense he will pull Rudolph out of his shell more. I am cautiously optimistic about it......but also not holding my breathe on it either.

First offensive play of the year........Santiago out wide.....with Brady and JJ in the backfield. Ok, probably don't waste that surprise on the first game of the year....or maybe not even the second game. But hope we see something like that a few times this year.

Definitely sell on the WR getting 1,000. None of our WR's are head and shoulders above the rest, I mean if you were going to pick a guy to get 1,000 yards....not even sure who you would pick. Too many good options at RB I agree, which is a good thing. For RB's I'd love to see all 3 get over 700 yards! Santiago can hopefully break off a couple big ones this year like when he was a freshman. But hopefully they will be doing some other things with him to get him in space, screens etc., but still think he can get 700 on ground.

No doubt.....by midway through the third quarter, or maybe even by the end of halftime.....I knew our season was pretty much over. Having your season basically be over by the end of September was very very hard to swallow.

UNDColorado and I saw his parents at the Utah game last year, talked with them for a bit walking from the tailgate into the stadium. Was cool to see that they made the trip even though he was only a true freshman and likely wouldn't play. I sure am looking forward to having a lot more depth on defense this year and us bouncing back on defense. Was such a helpless feeling watching our defense last year.

We have a couple big games early, Washington and Sam Houston........question.....which games after that are you most excited about? For me I think it is Montana........not sure I can handle another loss to them.

I almost wish they would try starting Johannasson or Brady on our first series. Both of those guys will power there way for some positive yardage almost every carry. It's kind of demoralizing when you go 3 and out on the first drive, I'd like to see positive yards and at least a couple of first downs on our first drive. Pound up the middle with the big guys on the first series (since we always seem to run up the gut anyway), then bring in Santiago on the second or third series and hope he can find a seem and break a big one.

Maybe we just need to bring Mussman in as our recruiting coordinator. And yes I am kidding....apparently emojis in my posts won't post while in Mexico for some reason, couldn't put a laughing face.

In other news.....I found a fellow Fighting Hawk today in Cancun

5600 for a playoff game is sad. What did we draw for our playoff game for Richmond....8,500 - 9,000 and some people were going ballistic about how pathetic our fan base is. To me outdoor football in the fall when the weather is nice is literally the best thing in the world. Even so, I think we need to be inside when it comes to the big picture, but yes we need to improve that experience. Nobody is telling NDSU they need to start playing outdoors.

As long as he keeps it between the snap and the whistle......it's all good! He seems to make it his personal goal to knock someone on their ass each play lol. This freshman OL class could be a good one....him....Slater etc..

Getting hurt again during Senior Bowl and not being able to play......unfortunately probably cemented the fact that he is injury prone. Would still like to see him get a camp invite or something.

What a great athlete and all around great kid, looking forward to seeing him play. It's kids like this that can help us get to the next level, they don't have to be 3 star recruits. At 6'1 with his speed and athleticism he could become a lock down corner for us.......let's hope.

I'd be completely shocked if he got drafted, unless there are some recent very positive reports about him out there or something that I haven't seen. He has history of being injured, and he is FCS level.....two strikes against him, unfortunately. Getting hurt for the Senior Bowl (or whichever one it was) was kind of the icing on the cake in my opinion regarding his injury history. Hope he gets a shot somewhere though, I'm sure he will at least get a chance. I would love to see him play on Sundays, even if it was for the Vikings

As is almost every other school. If a guy has 4 offers......that means he doesn't choose 3 of them. Can't expect every guy we want to come on board. Hopefully if we bounce back and have a couple of successful years that will increase the likely hood that they do still choose us, but even then sometimes they won't.