On To The Griz

[UND1983]

The backup is always better.  You guys got all the Bartels you wanted.  Might as well get some Mollberg too.  Can't hurt after watching that

[BigGame]

There is nothing wrong with Mollberg, his family physician told me yesterday that he is healthy and ready to go.The irony is that, arguably, the most athletic quarterback on the team sits on the bench. I don't think they're mad at him, he's a terrific young man who hasn't complained a bit. It could be his style is geared more toward a wide open passing game instead of the conservative offense that Bubba wants.

His family physician wouldn't or shouldn't be the one clearing him to play.  It should be up to a specialist not a family med doc.  He isn't the most athletic QB on the roster, that is Studsrud, but before the injury he was certainly faster than Bartels.  Mollberg has the best arm and passing ability as long as he isn't throwing INT's. 

[Longtime fan]

   As my name suggests, I've been a long time fan of und football and have kept interest in this forum.  I'm as frustrated as most eveybody right now , but Bubba is the right hire for und.  He wil right the ship as will Schmitt,  but Rudolph??  I have complete faith in Bubba and Schmitt but zero in Rudolph.  Most of us fans lived painfully through the mussman era and wanted immediate change. He left this program in a complete mess.  As the saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day".  Bubba will have und formidable in a year or two.  I am excited for the future of this program. Having met and talked with Bubba numerous times, he is a class act and his love for und is unparalleled. Personally, I never thought they would be playoff material this year , as they are much to young and inexperienced and with the addition of all the unfortunate injuries, it's been tough.  One thing to remember is that the majority of the players und is working with are mussmans recruits !  Also, I don't think the corners are as bad as everyone thinks.  I believe the position coaching (db) needs to do better job of doing his job.  Never played that position but how is it that they never adjust to the wr eyes or actions!?!!?  Arms up, look back!? Many times the corners are on tight with wr but fail the fundamentals.  If I'm not mistaken, Deion Harris is one of the tops in the fcs in breakups.   As I recall on many of those breakups, they have been on slant patterns where the wr wasn't going straight up the field.  The issue seems to be when the wr are on go patterns.  Seems like he has the talent to be locked in on the wr but lacks the fundamentals.  And they are very very young. True fresh, true soph at corners and a banged up safety position.  Pretty sure Cole shouldn't be playing right now, but und lacks the depth at that position.   The depth will come with each recruiting class.  Now to the offense, Bubba needs to take a real hard look at Rudolph!  His play book is one page, the same 3 or 4 plays every damn time!  You would think after 20 games with him at the helm, there would be improvement.  Or something that indicates that he is capable of adjusting. The predictability is astonishing and very maddening. He play calling looks "ok" when leading but looks plain silly when they have fallen behind.  Santiago has single handily made up for his short beings. Santiago is an all American candidate but cannot do it alone.  Teams adjust, we don't!  When they adjust and stack 9 in the box, Rudolph keeps with same damn plays!!  Very frustrating !!  I think we all know what play will happen when iwarri is in. Way to predicatable !   How about using the te ? How about using iwarri as a catching wr?  You could argue the fact the offensive line is average ,qb is ave to below average, and receiving talent is ave but the play calling is just beyond predictable ! When we as fans can start calling most of the plays, pretty sure the opposing coach is catching on as well.  The offensive line is getting better, love the rb situation, and am excited to get Dulin out there next yr at wr.  Gut feeling, but thinking he could be very special.   Actually was hoping the coaches would have pulled his shirt this yr.  The kicking and punting are above ave but need to shore up the coverage teams!  That's all I have

[Siouxperman8]

There is nothing wrong with Mollberg, his family physician told me yesterday that he is healthy and ready to go.The irony is that, arguably, the most athletic quarterback on the team sits on the bench. I don't think they're mad at him, he's a terrific young man who hasn't complained a bit. It could be his style is geared more toward a wide open passing game instead of the conservative offense that Bubba wants.

I don't think they are mad at him either.  I said they must be mad at him as a back door way to say that there is no reason he shouldn't be given a shot.  I have heard great things about him as a person and have watched him on the sidelines this year.  He has been very into the games and appears genuinely exited for the team when the other QBs have done good things.

[Dagger]

If Mollberg is healthy, I do find it odd that he didn't play some yesterday considering the way the game went.  That is my only opinion on the QB situation.

[Matt]

I don't think keeping Mollberg on the bench has anything to do with how they feel (being mad) about him.  The coaches are trying to win football games.  If they believed Joe could do that yesterday they would have played him.  They do not believe they can win with Joe.

That being said, it would not surprise me at all if they go over film this week and decide what they are seeing out of Bartels isn't significantly better than what they've seen from Joe and give him a chance to come off the bench this week.  However, I think the team will have success the next two weeks and Joe won't be needed.

I don't think Joe will see the field this year.  His best chance would have been yesterday.  If they didn't pull the trigger then, looking at the schedule I don't see it happening.

[iramurphy]

His family physician wouldn't or shouldn't be the one clearing him to play.  It should be up to a specialist not a family med doc.  He isn't the most athletic QB on the roster, that is Studsrud, but before the injury he was certainly faster than Bartels.  Mollberg has the best arm and passing ability as long as he isn't throwing INT's. 

You are correct in that his "his family physician" would not be the one to clear him to play. That would be the team physician, who happens to be a family physician. Shows you know very little about sports medicine or family medicine.  Not all family physicians have any expertise in sports medicine, nor for that matter do all orthopedic physicians. I happen to know Joe's family physician quite well. I'm sure  he doesn't know sports like you do, but his resume includes taking care of high school, college, professional and former Olympic athletes as well as having been a team physician at the college or high school level for over 30 yrs.  I wouldn't go to him cuz he talks too much but he is capable of "clearing" an athlete to play. Having said that, he doesn't clear UND's athletes.  I believe he has said Joe has recovered from his Achilles injury and has been ready to play. Joe's orthopedic surgeon has cleared him to play as has UND's team physician.  How would you know how athletic he is?  He was a hell of a baseball player and though he hasn't played since 9th grade was throwing in mid 80's for UND's baseball coaches when they asked him to throw. He could have played small college basketball. He is very athletic.  

If you think the other two guys don't throw interceptions or fumble the ball then you haven't been watching this year. If you want a guy who is a better than average runner, and mediocre passer who doesn't have a strong arm we have one of those guys if he gets healthy.  Bartels if given time can be a Decent runner and passer.  If you want to talk about last year, they all struggled. If you want to talk about This year, Joe is the only one who hasn't thrown an interception nor fumbled the ball.  Bartels took a beating yesterday.  He and Mollberg took a beating the last two years. Who knows how Keaton would have done yesterday or how Joe would have done?  You apparently don't think Joe deserves a shot. I think with his potential and how he has played at times for us at times it is foolish not to see what he could do.

Edited October 25, 2015 by iramurphy
Wrong spelling

[CMSioux]

I'm not a nah-sayer and am in for the long haul but there are very few games this year where I felt that UND had the better quarterback on the field. Do I think Studs can lead us in the future - yes but we do need an upgrade at that position either through development or talent. I am on board that we are in year two of rebuilding the program and we are headed in the right direction.  

[Matt]

The disappointing thing about yesterday to me is the defense.  When a third string freshmen is making his first start you make him uncomfortable.  The opposite happened.

[geaux_sioux]

The one thing about our young corners is they weren't getting burned ala ol number 17. They were with their man on most of the long passing plays. They just need to make the next step and challenge for the ball with their eyes and hands. Once they do that we may be in business. I think they all have the talent and size to be pretty decent. 

[zonadub]

Stupid question, 'cause I don't know the answer...

 

When end the defense is stacking against the run, is Rudolph's offensive scheme so rigid that the quarterback is not allowed to call an audible? Shouldn't the quarterback recognize the defense and change the play at the line of scrimmage?

[Matt]

The one thing about our young corners is they weren't getting burned ala ol number 17. They were with their man on most of the long passing plays. They just need to make the next step and challenge for the ball with their eyes and hands. Once they do that we may be in business. I think they all have the talent and size to be pretty decent. 

Honestly, I'm less concerned with what happened in the secondary (although in general that position group is a big concern).  The Griz receiving corps made the ndsu secondary look foolish.

The young Griz QB should have been confused and shown happy feet because he didn't know where pressure was coming from and either bailed or couldn't step into his throws.  He looked like a veteran yesterday.

[iramurphy]

Stupid question, 'cause I don't know the answer...

 

When end the defense is stacking against the run, is Rudolph's offensive scheme so rigid that the quarterback is not allowed to call an audible? Shouldn't the quarterback recognize the defense and change the play at the line of scrimmage?

yes, and I think Keaton does a decent job doing this

[geaux_sioux]

Honestly, I'm less concerned with what happened in the secondary (although in general that position group is a big concern).  The Griz receiving corps made the ndsu secondary look foolish.

The young Griz QB should have been confused and shown happy feet because he didn't know where pressure was coming from and either bailed or couldn't step into his throws.  He looked like a veteran yesterday.

We do need to get more aggressive on defense again. With all the injuries we seem to have called the dogs off a bit. It's a tough situation. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[geaux_sioux]

yes, and I think Keaton does a decent job doing this

Bartels did not do very well at this yesterday. There were multiple times where the Griz showed blitz and we don't adjust and we get stuffed.

[geaux_sioux]

For everyone who is questioning our run oriented philosophy on offense and defense you need to realize that it's about more than the big sky. It's about playoffs and being able to win anywhere at any time. When the weather is bad you need to be able to run and stop the run. Against pro style teams from other conferences we will be built to handle it unlike other Big Sky teams who fizzle in the playoffs. Even in the Big Sky teams run the ball plenty and you need to be able to stop it. It's easier for passing plays to get screwed up so forcing teams to throw is the right plan. We're just not quite there yet. Just think about how much higher the expectations have been this year. We've gotten a lot better and have just come across some tough luck at some thin positions. 

[Longtime fan]

For everyone who is questioning our run oriented philosophy on offense and defense you need to realize that it's about more than the big sky. It's about playoffs and being able to win anywhere at any time. When the weather is bad you need to be able to run and stop the run. Against pro style teams from other conferences we will be built to handle it unlike other Big Sky teams who fizzle in the playoffs. Even in the Big Sky teams run the ball plenty and you need to be able to stop it. It's easier for passing plays to get screwed up so forcing teams to throw is the right plan. We're just not quite there yet. Just think about how much higher the expectations have been this year. We've gotten a lot better and have just come across some tough luck at some thin positions. 

Love Bubbas philosophy, but the ineptness of the passing game is troubling. I throw the majority of the blame on Rudolph as he will not or can not adjust to the game. Inexperience and injuries are another factor but I'm afraid Keaton just can't throw accurate enough and Bartles completely unravels with the slightest of pressure.  I've been a fan of mollberg since he arrived in gf, but I don't make those decisions.  You have to blend in the pass game occasionally to keep the opposing teams honest.  No need to pass for 400 yrds but sprinkle in some new looks.   They need to use their tight ends and iwarri needs to be more involved. He can be explosive and they did pull his shirt for a reason. Adler has hands of glue, use them.  

[bincitysioux]

DId Smith play yesterday?  Don't really recall seeing him.

[BigGame]

You are correct in that his "his family physician" would not be the one to clear him to play. That would be the team physician, who happens to be a family physician. Shows you know very little about sports medicine or family medicine.  Not all family physicians have any expertise in sports medicine, nor for that matter do all orthopedic physicians. I happen to know Joe's family physician quite well. I'm sure  he doesn't know sports like you do, but his resume includes taking care of high school, college, professional and former Olympic athletes as well as having been a team physician at the college or high school level for over 30 yrs.  I wouldn't go to him cuz he talks too much but he is capable of "clearing" an athlete to play. Having said that, he doesn't clear UND's athletes.  I believe he has said Joe has recovered from his Achilles injury and has been ready to play. Joe's orthopedic surgeon has cleared him to play as has UND's team physician.  How would you know how athletic he is?  He was a hell of a baseball player and though he hasn't played since 9th grade was throwing in mid 80's for UND's baseball coaches when they asked him to throw. He could have played small college basketball. He is very athletic.  

If you think the other two guys don't throw interceptions or fumble the ball then you haven't been watching this year. If you want a guy who is a better than average runner, and mediocre passer who doesn't have a strong arm we have one of those guys if he gets healthy.  Bartels if given time can be a Decent runner and passer.  If you want to talk about last year, they all struggled. If you want to talk about This year, Joe is the only one who hasn't thrown an interception nor fumbled the ball.  Bartels took a beating yesterday.  He and Mollberg took a beating the last two years. Who knows how Keaton would have done yesterday or how Joe would have done?  You apparently don't think Joe deserves a shot. I think with his potential and how he has played at times for us at times it is foolish not to see what he could do.

I watched he play for several years and you are right he may be "more athletic" but he certainly didn't use it when he was the starting QB at UND.  You need to calm down about your boy, I think he should get a shot as well but I doubt he is a 100% right now.  Being cleared to play and being close to your best ability are very different things.  I really didn't expect you to get defensive over what I posted but yeah zero attempts equals zero chance of throwing a pick.  I really do my best to try and let the coaches do the job they are hired to do even when things like the QB situation right now seem a little or a lot strange.  The fumbling of the RB's and center QB exchange has been a huge problem and that is something you put on the coaches but even so Bubba has stated it is something they have been working on yet the players still aren't getting it done.  If you read my comment I do think Joe should get a shot based upon how he played right before the injury last season, but I have serious doubts that he is 100% because clearly he isn't proving he is ready in practice.  I know coaches have some guys they like over others for a lot of different reasons but I do think they want to win and put the guys on the field they think give them the best chance to win.  Do I always agree, certainly not, but the coaches have a lot more information than I do. 

[Westside]

DId Smith play yesterday?  Don't really recall seeing him.

No. I kept looking for him on tv & never saw him. He was not listed in the post-game stats participation report either.

[Oxbow6]

Yesterday was a debacle......just hoping I don't witness a replay vs the Cats Saturday.

 

My Griz buddy who was at game said our QB play and secondary was as bad as he has seen in that stadium in years.

[Oxbow6]

If Rudolph/Bubba go with Bartels vs Cats can I at least not see this anymore.... #daybyday

[sprig]

Griz third string qb ties griz record for td passes in a game

[iramurphy]

I watched he play for several years and you are right he may be "more athletic" but he certainly didn't use it when he was the starting QB at UND.  You need to calm down about your boy, I think he should get a shot as well but I doubt he is a 100% right now.  Being cleared to play and being close to your best ability are very different things.  I really didn't expect you to get defensive over what I posted but yeah zero attempts equals zero chance of throwing a pick.  I really do my best to try and let the coaches do the job they are hired to do even when things like the QB situation right now seem a little or a lot strange.  The fumbling of the RB's and center QB exchange has been a huge problem and that is something you put on the coaches but even so Bubba has stated it is something they have been working on yet the players still aren't getting it done.  If you read my comment I do think Joe should get a shot based upon how he played right before the injury last season, but I have serious doubts that he is 100% because clearly he isn't proving he is ready in practice.  I know coaches have some guys they like over others for a lot of different reasons but I do think they want to win and put the guys on the field they think give them the best chance to win.  Do I always agree, certainly not, but the coaches have a lot more information than I do. 

he isn't my boy. I'm saying with Bartels struggling and Studsrud out he should get a shot. I stated my opinion. Nor more or less valid than others but I'm not going to debate with a cheerleader. 

[BigGame]

he isn't my boy. I'm saying with Bartels struggling and Studsrud out he should get a shot. I stated my opinion. Nor more or less valid than others but I'm not going to debate with a cheerleader. 

Cheerleader! LOL!