UND vs Valpo

[jdub27]

Tough to get a read on the team from the game. I thought Bartels looked more comfortable in the pocket and made better reads/passes than Molberg, but not sure how much more Joe played with the 2nd team. I guess I shouldn't expect Valpo to not gain any yards, but it seemed like they got a better push than one would like to see quite a few times. Can't allow that against SDSU or Zenner will have a big day. Sumner is also going to be a much better QB and not bail the defense out with poor throws. Next weeks game be interesting. The offense looks like it can score along with some special teams magic (Hardin and Golladay as returners is a nightmare for opponents) but I'm still not sold on the defense.

[Wilbur]

I come away concerned with run defense as well after this one. Need to stiffen that area up or they won't need to worry about giving up pass plays next weekend against Bugs Bunny and co.

[MoSiouxFan]

Predictions on first touchdown?

I'll stick with Harden.

Now, don't go getting big-headed on us!

[homer]

Fun game tonight.

1) Good to see the student turnout. They were loud and into the game. Mass exodus after the kick return in the 2nd half. We will need them next weekend vs. SDSU.

2) Both QBs looked good. As others have mentioned Bartels looks more comfortable in the pocket and makes solid, early reads. Molberg makes all the throws look real easy and is more athletic, just doesn't seem as comfortable in the pocket or as quick to make reads. Both bring a lot to the table.

3) WRs looked good on offense. I think Sparks needs more touches. 2nd year in a row he has been real good in the opener. O-line needs to sharpen up next week or we won't have a run game. Looking forward to Jackson getting back on the field next week. Our short passing game may be our run game next week and he's a huge part of that. He'll be in the lineup next week.

4) Defense needs to improve. They better play with a chip on their shoulders next week cause I don't know if anyone left impressed.

5) I can't wait until next Saturday. I heard some real good things about the ticket sales for the next couple weeks. Its going to be full and a lot of fun next week. A lot to prove next week vs. an old NCC foe.

[MoSiouxFan]

Anyone hear how serious the injuries to Walker and Ratelle are? Needless to say, we need them both for SDSU.

[Oxbow6]

Game went as most expected.

Saw So. Utah beat FBS So. Alabama last night. With no win vs. a FBS school to date and none on schedule this year, beating a top 10 Jacks team next Saturday would be a huge win for this program.

Paging the DC...stop the run!!!

[UNDBIZ]

Any word on attendance last night?

[SiouxMD]

Any word on attendance last night?

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/271981/

9,269

[Siouxperfan7]

So does anyone know why Jameer Jackson didn't play?

[bincitysioux]

Run defense is still a concern it seems to me. Special teams were shakey.

[jdub27]

Per the GF Herald:

UND is expected to use two quarterbacks again next week against the Jackrabbits.

“You’ll continue to see both of them, Mussman said.

Not real excited about it, but it does give the Jacks a little something more to prepare for. I'd like to see Bartels start, get in a rhythm and play the majority of the game. Wouldn't mind seeing a read-option type package for Molberg for a series at the beginning of the 2nd quarter. What I hope doesn't happen is a rotation. Didn't work last year, don't see it working this year.

[Goon]

The thing that I took from the game is Hardin is way wicked fast. Other than that, can't tell much with watching UND play a team like Valpo.

[jdub27]

The thing that I took from the game is Hardin is way wicked fast. Other than that, can't tell much with watching UND play a team like Valpo.

Not sure where he gets that extra gear from when the ball is in the air. Thought he was overthrown by 5 yards in the 2nd quarter, no clue how he got under that.

[darell1976]

http://www.grandfork...icle/id/271981/

9,269

8,847 for the SD Mines opener last year.

[Matt]

Game thoughts:

-Great to see the specialists are picking up where they left off last year-making big plays.

-Bartels surpassed expectations. Not only did he make the read, and completed the throws, but he showed poise and a bit extra.

-Scoring defense met expectations, but somehow it didn't look as good as I expected. Don't know if that makes sense.

-Valpo just completely outmatched. And they should be.

Looking to next week:

-Jacks will bring a new level of athletes and complex coverage looks/blitz packages. How will Bartels handle that will be a big key.

-Very worried about run defense for next week. I don't think the Jacks have enough weapons on O to win in a shootout. They need Zenner to grind. This is an opportunity to prove something. No more talk about an improved D-time to show it.

[Matt]

8,847 for the SD Mines opener last year.

For anyone at the game-it seemed like the Valpo QB had no problem being heard signal calling. Not sure if that was a TV effect or if the crowd noise needs to improve?

[UND Fan]

UND student here. Lossed my voice, but had a great time. Hope to see everyone at the volleyball games this weekend.

Homer and others have provided some good recaps of their thoughts about the game and game experience last night.

108498 - I know that you are just getting back to UND and are very excited about our athletic programs. I am curious - from your perspective, how was the game experience: tailgating, music/atmosphere in the Alerus, crowd/student involvement, etc. Was it what you expected? Better, worse? Do you think students realize how big/important the SDSU game is next week?

[siouxfan512]

Does anyone know if the games will continue to be on FCS? Or was last night a one time thing?

[UNDColorado]

Does anyone know if the games will continue to be on FCS? Or was last night a one time thing?

I really hope so because the game will be in HD. I noticed on the directv guide this year that there is a FCSHD channel. I can't remember that channel being there last year...

[MafiaMan]

Yes, really. First of all, you can take Minneapolis and Mankato off your list as they are no longer in the same conference. Second, to me, it's easier to "follow" a team if I can easily watch all of the games at my home, which I can with UND football. With the new NCHC deal, there is no more FCS and only a few games on CBSSN. For webcasts, you have to pay to watch the home games and will be without any viewing options for most road games. So yes, while you will still be able to travel to watch games in St. Cloud and Duluth, I still think it's easier to "follow" UND football.

Hence my comment about 'going forward...' I respectfully disagree with your assessment that prior to the college hockey world re-shuffling the deck starting this season that it was easier to 'follow' North Dakota football from MSP than it was hockey.

[Siouxperfan7]

For anyone at the game-it seemed like the Valpo QB had no problem being heard signal calling. Not sure if that was a TV effect or if the crowd noise needs to improve?

Crowd was dead. Even afer Hardin scored the 75 yard bomb, people were already sitting down before the kickoff. Students attendance was great. Don't fault them for leaving early too much. Would happen at any school in that type of blowout. But, the students need to be louder. They are there, which is good, but the need to do more than just stand there. They need to be vocal!! If the students are loud then the rest of the crowd feeds off of it.

Yes the quality ofn opponent was poor. May be the reason for the dead crowd. But on the forst 3rd down on defense, there were aboiut 10 people standing in our section. Other than that people were just sitting there. With all the excitement for this season, it deffinitely doesn't translate to the crowd atmosphere. BLowout win against an inferior opponent...ok, I get it. But next week, the crowd needs to step up...BIG TIME!!

[homer]

I'm going to side with the students on this one. They started out pretty into the game but lets face it, it turned into a game of Madden after a while. I do agree with the post above though, next week the crowd has to be Alerus Center of old type of loud.

[dmksioux]

I think we need to start focusing on the crowd other than students. Students showed up in large numbers, the rest of the public, not so much...lots of empty seats on the home side stands. Early in the game, students did make some noise. On the first few third downs, they pounded on the backs of chairs and/or stomped their feet which was more than anyone else was doing. I wish the announcer would go back to saying "ok Sioux fans (insert North Dakota fans) on your feet for a third down" and same thing for the kickoffs. Perhaps the environment was stale due to the opponent. Next week is a big game and everyone will have to step it up a few notches to get the home field advantage going.

[Matt]

I don't think this is a criticism of the students in this situation. By all accounts they were great. It seems this is more of a general crowd noise/involvement thing. In my opinion, the place to start is third down. Every opponent third down, the crowd needs to be on their feet screaming.

[UND-1]

I think we need to start focusing on the crowd other than students. Students showed up in large numbers, the rest of the public, not so much...lots of empty seats on the home side stands. Early in the game, students did make some noise. On the first few third downs, they pounded on the backs of chairs and/or stomped their feet which was more than anyone else was doing. I wish the announcer would go back to saying "ok Sioux fans (insert North Dakota fans) on your feet for a third down" and same thing for the kickoffs. Perhaps the environment was stale due to the opponent. Next week is a big game and everyone will have to step it up a few notches to get the home field advantage going.

The announcer doesn't do that anymore on third downs? When did that stop?