UNDfan2013

Does anyone think that there could be a disadvantage to an 8pm CT (9p ET) game this Saturday as it relates to the playoff selection? I am reading the FCS Stats Q&A with the selection chair that Tom Miller retweeted and it says that the announcement will start at 11am ET on Sunday. Our game may not be over until after 11pm ET. Will they already have made their selections prior to all games being final?

Sure not terribly original but it was time to select one and move on. I personally feel like there could be some really cool logo and chant options for the Fighting Hawks.

UNC made a couple adjustments at half. After the first two UND series after half time, Bubba put in the 2's and some 3's. Would have been nice to keep UNC scoreless but those reps in a game situation are very valuable for the program, gives starters a rest and no chance of getting hurt. Bubba did the right thing and if he hadn't, there would be people complaining about that too.

Well said. True fans stand by their team during good times and bad. I have analyzed as the season has progressed and seen good things, strengths and weaknesses. I believe that they are moving in the right direction and that there is a lot of promise for the team and program. The ISU and WSU games were frustrating and we were soooo close to making those a W. I am sure all would agree that we let those two slip away. Injuries are going to occur in sports and can change the team dynamics but I like what I am seeing. Other players are working hard and contributing. Coaches have been moving some players around to different positions to try to always put the best game plan on the field. I will continue to attend and watch games, cheer for the team and support the players through thick and thin.

Makes me nervous but have some confidence 24-14 UND

I am nervous too. ISU has some offensive talent and if they get some things to go right, they could surprise UND. Our defense must be on fire and I sure hope that Cole will be ready. If not, I believe in next man up, just a little nervous of our secondary with their QB/WR ability. I hope to be impressed with our D and really want the offense to continue to improve this game, control the game and hold onto the ball. We are going to need points to win.

All you naysayers need to get out to the Alerus and cheer on the team. Confidence and fan support does amazing things to raise up good teams to be better.

It will be interesting to see if there will be changes in the offensive personnel. I found it puzzling that yesterday's depth changes only were on defense (except for an OR for wide receiver position). I guess I could see that they may give the current line, QB and RB's this week to prove they deserve their spots (since NDSU was last game and were clearly a very good team)

Bottom line is that you have to put points on the scoreboard in order to win. Defense is great but the opponent will make some plays and score points, just like Drake and NDSU did. Plus in regards to offense, UND needs a balanced mix of plays (run and pass). We obviously don't have a stud RB right now so we can't rely on just that. Plus a balanced attack is the only way to keep the opposing defense honest.

I agree with you....the word is yet and I believe UND is moving in the right direction.

I expect this will probably be a NDSU win. I hope I am wrong (like I was for WYO) but more importantly, I want to see a good performance from UND.

The time and commitment the UND athletes make (and are "required" to commit) is HUGE!!! That is time on top of their classes, homework, eating and sleeping. I agree with the comment in the article that these student athletes can't get a job during the season (which is pretty much full time, year round now days). IMO, UND cannot take the wait and see on this. IF UND wants to compete on a serious level, then they need to do this for all sports (football, volleyball, basketball, softball etc are all important to the university, not just hockey) . I hope that Bubba is voicing his opinion. He just got here and the entire coaching staff has been busting their butts to turn this football program around with recruiting and building the program back up. Not offering FCOA in going to be a step backwards.

Very good point!!

FB and TE both are extensions of the line and need to be good blockers for the run and pass game. IMO both have been a little weak at blocking role in the past. Concerned about the game suspensions.

There will always be new starters...but all got game reps last year. Maybe the OL coach this year will do some rotations this season to keep players fresh and also allow depth to gain field experience?

Some surprises....sure to be interesting.

I like them....classy but not too flashy! Crisp!

Thanks for the daily updates Teeder11. Really enjoy reading them and hearing about the team development. Wish I could be there for the scrimmage tomorrow but live many states away. Making plans to go to the UND/UW game so looking forward to seeing the team in live action then.

8/6 is compliance meeting. 8/8 is first day on the field.

I would like to applaud the sophomore group. Those players were recruited by the prior coaching staff, came into 2013 fall camp and fall season, their coach and staff got fired, no new coach was announced until two months later, then entered spring ball with a new coaching staff and had to learn a new playbook and coaching philosophy. You always loose some players (of all ages) when coaching changes happen and also when the coaches evaluate their roster, plus some players will leave the program for a number of other reasons. Actually, I am going to correct myself. I would like to applaud all the sophomore and older players who have bought into and endured the transition. They have worked very hard in the meeting rooms, in the weight room and on the field. They are all focused and want UND football program to be successful.

Do any of you realize that UND is being ridiculed by the media and other teams for NOT having a nickname??? I understood the need during the cooling off period but having no nickname going forward is the stupidest idea ever.

I believe I saw where the committee has 9-10 criteria that they now have to evaluate each of these fifteen. I agree that the logo and marketing are very important beside the obvious way the nickname sounds when you say it verbally or in a cheer. The intangible ones are weak options IMO (blaze, force, pride, spirit). I am not in favor of North Dakota either since it is time to move on and also students and athletes want a nickname identity.

Sure an FBS transfer or JUCO may be able to come in and help a team immediately but that is not a guarantee. I understand why coaches keep this option open with the hope to fill some immediate gap but I agree that quality recruiting and then more importantly developing players when they get into the program is the most important. Likewise, all the talk about incoming recruits paying right away is just as unlikely. Sure there may be 2 or 3 that get some playing time but that typically doesn't happen, especially in a D-1 program. The game is faster, players are bigger and competition is greater than most have experienced in any high school environment. Support should be given to all players.

Originally I thought it was smart to have the Champions Ball and football spring game on the same weekend. Again, added alumni and fans in town, enthusiasm with the IPF. I thought it was brilliant.....but then they don't even capitalize on it by promoting the game. People have been squawking that football games need to be back on campus....well. They have totally missed the boat on this one IMO.

I really don't understand why the UND athletic department won't rally around the football program and create some excitement. Hockey is over and this is prime time to expand beyond just one sport. I understood last spring game since the roster was a bit thin and incoming coaching staff only had a few weeks to work with the team. But this year is different. Coaches have had 3 sessions now (last spring, fall season, this spring). Off season workouts were really positive. Team and player development is leaps ahead. Players are excited. Who cares it is at Memorial, plus they have the new IPF in the background. To me it is a great way to promote the team, players, coaches and IPF (maybe get some donations). Plus they have people in town for the Champions Ball so why not promote this and get alumni and local fans out to the game. It makes me wonder if this low key, just a scrimmage, talk is being directed from Bubba. His interviews are always so low key....it is ok to show some enthusiasm.