UNDfan2013

I liked Jets when I read that comment above but it just doesn't sound all that great...North Dakota Jets or UND Jets. It doesn't roll off your tongue very well. I do like another suggestion above for the Thunder. Now that sounds good to me...North Dakota Thunder or UND Thunder. Not sure what the mascot would be for that though but announcers can say "lets hear some thunder". I have always liked Rough Riders too.

All good comments and great to hear that the OL is developing so quickly. I have been impressed so far with what the coaches have appeared to do so quickly with the current OL roster. I also believe the coaches are still trying to determine who fits best in which positions. This is the time to analyze that and see how it all looks during spring ball. I thought Meehan did a good job at T but agree that G is probably a better fit. Can't wait for April 25th.

Can't wait! We'll be there at the WY game also!

I agree. It isn't always the biggest that can get the job done. Jer hit the holes and made some impressive RB moves in motion,,,,that was why he was successful and priors were not IMO

When a new coaching staff and playbook comes on board, it takes longer for the offense to gel. There are a lot of timing issues (between QB & WR, between QB & RB, between QB & Center, and between all the lineman). I saw lot of positives with the line as the season went on, especially since they had three different QB's and four changes at RB's. I am encouraged about what they can continue to do and build on in the offseason. OL looses 2 seniors but the backups have all been working very hard and shadowing the starters. I had hoped that a couple more 2's would have been given live game reps. Plus there are true freshman and new recruits that will help build some depth.

OK so now can we all move on? Let's support the many, many players who have chosen to be with the team and play for UND. The returning players have dealt with many challenges over the past year...firing of their coaches, players leaving, the long drawn out hiring process, the unknowns of their new coaching staff until after returning from Christmas break, learning new playbooks, some changing positions, spring and fall ball, and now multiple injuries during the season. This has been a lot of disruption. Player changes happen when new coaches come in, bottom line. I am now hoping that the players will "show" all the fans (and doubters) that they are here to play competitive football. Will they win their last three game, I sure hope so but all season I have just wanted to see improvement, effort and competitive football. You cannot rebuild a program overnight. The player deflections and injuries have hurt the teams consistency this season but it is a building process and I have been pleased with the other players that have stepped up. Go UND!. I will continue to be rooting them on every game!

Attitude, actions and expectations are different with Bubba's coaching staff. That is a very good thing IMO. If they don't want to be here, then better they leave the program. There are a lot of other players that would kill for the opportunity to play D1 football. I am expecting to see some other players on the roster now step up.

I like the use of TE's and I think it is a very good option with a new QB and to just plug down the field (sounds like Bubba type of ball). Plus they need to be good blocking TE's to support the run game. There have been a few holding calls on one of TE's which typically means that blocking is not his strength. Seems like we threw to the TE more earlier in the season. Zach and Luke should be a viable option for Keaton.

Many on this forum were celebrating all the true freshman who were playing. However, I was very guarded. Yes the UND coaches had to do some of that since many players left after Mussman was fired and it took so long to hire a new coaching staff. BUT it is a big adjustment going from high school to college in many aspects...academically, being away from home, socially and then add demands of college D1 football and it is a huge adjustment. Personally I don't feel like most freshman should play their first year. This is a huge time demand on these players, their bodies usually are not ready for the physical demands and the Plus I think that one additional comment must be added. Many of these players were very good at the high school level and many are used to winning programs. Coming into a D1 football program (no matter what it's success) has a lot of similar players which were very good. Kids are not used to having to fight for their position and be challenged physically against their own players and other opponents. It is unfortunate if anyone leaves the program...for whatever reason...but leaving during mid-season shows me that they are not a team player. The positive note is this is an opportunity for another player to step up and shine.

Pass protection really has not been the problem that I have noticed. Center/snap issues RM game, timing or route issues with WR's, throwing accuracy. That said, QB's will struggle if they have confidence issues. The OC needs to call plays that can be completed so that Joe, WR's, OL and fans all get some confidence.

I sure hope that the offense can run up some points. Defense is important but you still have to put points on the board to win. 28-17 UND

Leaving right after work to head to the UND/SJSU game in CA. So excited that I can hardly concentrate at work. There are a lot of predictions on here, some optimistic some skeptical. I am actually looking forward to just seeing how the team and coaches perform. One thing is certain, you will all have more comments after Thursday's game

I agree with all your comments above and look forward to what is to come. I should have said the incident was just before the spring game. Happened the night prior. Cheatom did not play in the spring game. I was surprised that no one on this blog noticed that.

I heard Cheatom was no longer on the roster. There was an incident just before spring ball and he was kicked off the team. I agree that Bell is a OG. Also there were a couple other players who moved positions after spring ball so there are some #2 spots still not set.

I have heard of a few players that have been cut. Also there was a player suspended just prior to spring ball and not sure if he will return. I would expect there may be scholarship changes but haven't heard about any. I have also heard of a few position changes. All this is IMO is encouraging. It means that this coaching staff is evaluating and making changes they feel are best for the players, team and program.