2018 Season

[Longtime fan]

1 hour ago, homer said:

I don't have as much time to look at the schedule but going off memory I would go back to the last three (maybe 4) games of 2015 and maybe around the same of 2016.  Even in the playoff game vs. Richmond, up until the double reverse the offense didn't look bad.  

The games you mentioned I have no idea.  2014 I have no idea who our QBs were at the time but Kyle Norberg was a running back and we likely didn't have a lot of weapons for a QB to throw to.  2015 vs. NDSU I really feel the coaches played not to get blown out.  I don't care who we threw out there we weren't beating them that year.  The offense didn't really start playing well anyhow until changes were made up front, Grady started playing more and guys like Michael Coe adjusted to FCS vs. DII.

I've already covered last year and stated our O-line wasn't very good and our QB was a very good game manager but didn't have the arm strength or consistent accuracy to throw the ball around 50 times a game.  I would have liked to see more hurry up because he seemed to play better at that tempo but at the end of the day we had 3 freshmen or sophomores starting on the o-line and a carousel at right tackle.  Not set up good for success.  

So to answer your question I was watching the same team/games you were.  Where I disagree is that while we have maybe had average talent at certain positions during Bubba's time there have been times that they have strung 3 or 4 good games together.  They have also battled injuries at QB during these years as well and didn't have great depth behind it.

Outside one or two teams the big sky defenses are worthless.  Playoffs prove that.    Sam Houston drops 50+ on any big sky yet gets crushed by the CAA and MVFC teams.   So when you speak of how they maybe strung together 3 -4 games in a row.....most anyone can vs big sky Ds   

 

You mentioned depth concerns ......is that part Rudy concern?  As an OC that should fall on his shoulders. 

We all would of liked to see some hurry up or something different!!!  That’s the issue! They are incapable of change or adjustments.  Glad you see it as well. 

Keaton didn’t have the arm strength or accuracy and was mostly injured yet continued to play??????  Zimmerman could of spelled him numerous times ....nope!!!!  That would be an adjustment.  Can’t do that.   

[bang]

11 hours ago, shep said:

I was ticked at lots of play calls last year and blamed Rudy for it. By the same token, I agree that the QB was not gonna win with his arm or feet and the OL didn't allow him to use either.

And I know the D was decimated by injuries, but the team gave up over 30 points a game and NO ONE talks about Schmidt.

 

There was a few and I was sorta one of them. I became extremely pissed at our D last year. Yes bad injuries, but what I tried to point out was there the depth issue. The ILB situation last year was terrible. My point was there is no excuse to give up on D what we're giving up. There is an explanation though. The difference last year between Schmidt and Rudy was that Schmidt had an explanation why the D was so bad. Rudy was still searching for answers in my opinion. Green_Sioux, I didn't play past High School and haven't coached anything higher than Middle School in football.  

[geaux_sioux]

4 minutes ago, bang said:

There was a few and I was sorta one of them. I became extremely pissed at our D last year. Yes bad injuries, but what I tried to point out was there the depth issue. The ILB situation last year was terrible. My point was there is no excuse to give up on D what we're giving up. There is an explanation though. The difference last year between Schmidt and Rudy was that Schmidt had an explanation why the D was so bad. Rudy was still searching for answers in my opinion. Green_Sioux, I didn't play past High School and haven't coached anything higher than Middle School in football.  

I’m not the one asking, I don’t care.

Also, leaving young cbs on an island over and over again is indefensible in my opinion.

[UND-FB-FAN]

48 minutes ago, homer said:

Were in my post did I even hint that I wanted UNDs offense to approach games like they did vs. NDSU?  Please point it out for me.

You’re good.

Just don’t agree with the “play not to lose by a lot” rather than “play to win” mindset that was obvious in that 2015 game. 

[homer]

9 minutes ago, Longtime fan said:

Outside one or two teams the big sky defenses are worthless.  Playoffs prove that.    Sam Houston drops 50+ on any big sky yet gets crushed by the CAA and MVFC teams.   So when you speak of how they maybe strung together 3 -4 games in a row.....most anyone can vs big sky Ds   

 

You mentioned depth concerns ......is that part Rudy concern?  As an OC that should fall on his shoulders. 

We all would of liked to some hurry up or something different!!!  That’s the issue! They are incapable of change or adjustments.  Glad you see it as well. 

Keaton didn’t have the arm strength or accuracy and was mostly injured yet continued to play??????  Zimmerman could of spelled him numerous times ....nope!!!!  That would be an adjustment.  Can’t do that.   

Listen, I’m not defending anyone except my observations.  

If Rudy gets blame for lack of depth at QB (and I would add oline) than he gets credit for improved depth at RB, WR and TE???

I can only think of a couple times Keaton played when injured.  

I did not watch any practices last year so I have no idea why Zimm wasn’t the backup but clearly was the 2nd best QB on the roster.  

[Longtime fan]

2 minutes ago, UND-FB-FAN said:

You’re good.

Just don’t agree with the “play not to lose by a lot” rather than “play to win” mindset that was obvious in that 2015 game. 

That just might be the most glaring issue. The offense plays like that every game. Then rides the coattails of the defense to bail them out 

[jdub27]

20 minutes ago, Longtime fan said:

Keaton didn’t have the arm strength or accuracy and was mostly injured yet continued to play??????  Zimmerman could of spelled him numerous times ....nope!!!!  That would be an adjustment.  Can’t do that.   

You don't think there was a reason for that.....?

I get people's frustration with the offense, but it's a ball control offense that Bubba wants to play. He would have made a change if the OC wasn't following the game plan that's laid out. UND isn't supposed to have an explosive offense (though that's not saying there is not room for improvement). 

I've posted the comparison of stats from 2016 to 2017, as a whole, the offense wasn't the issue. Lack of depth (injuries and attrition) on the OL has been the biggest issue holding the offense back. Yet despite that, somehow UND has managed to simultaneously have a 3x All-American and 2x All-Conference running back so something has to be slightly working.  

For the record on where the offense actually ranks:
2017: 51/123 in yard/game and 56/123 in points/game in 2017 (should be 66/123, removing 4 defensive TD's)
2016: 53/122 in yards/game and 37/122 (should actually be 54/122, removing 5 defensive TD's)

Conclusion: the offense is average. Hoping to see a bump this year, but will all depend on how the OL comes together. 

[Longtime fan]

22 minutes ago, homer said:

Listen, I’m not defending anyone except my observations.  

If Rudy gets blame for lack of depth at QB (and I would add oline) than he gets credit for improved depth at RB, WR and TE???

I can only think of a couple times Keaton played when injured.  

I did not watch any practices last year so I have no idea why Zimm wasn’t the backup but clearly was the 2nd best QB on the roster.  

Sure he take credit for that but how does he use that talent for improvement.  Santiago numbers have gone down each year as the DCs understand Rudy ball , TEs could just as well be bench warmers as they are never used.  The big possession WRs have trouble with separation and can’t a ball thrown their way.   There is plenty of talent amongst that group but its almost irrelevant with Rudy ball. 

[Longtime fan]

9 minutes ago, jdub27 said:

You don't think there was a reason for that.....?

I get people's frustration with the offense, but it's a ball control offense that Bubba wants to play. He would have made a change if the OC wasn't following the game plan that's laid out. UND isn't supposed to have an explosive offense (though that's not saying there is not room for improvement). 

I've posted the comparison of stats from 2016 to 2017, as a whole, the offense wasn't the issue. Lack of depth (injuries and attrition) on the OL has been the biggest issue holding the offense back. Yet despite that, somehow UND has managed to simultaneously have a 3x All-American and 2x All-Conference running back so something has to be slightly working.  

For the record on where the offense actually ranks:
2017: 51/123 in yard/game and 56/123 in points/game in 2017 (should be 66/123, removing 4 defensive TD's)
2016: 53/122 in yards/game and 37/122 (should actually be 54/122, removing 5 defensive TD's)

Conclusion: the offense is average. Hoping to see a bump this year, but will all depend on how the OL comes together. 

Don’t need an explosive offense....need an offfense that can make adjustments and use its personal that it has correctly.  No need to throw the ball 40-50 times.

 

Santiagos all American status the couple years has been on special teams not RB showing his talent there 

[jdub27]

11 minutes ago, Longtime fan said:

Santiagos all American status the couple years has been on special teams not RB showing his talent there 

All-purpose player his junior year, return specialist his sophomore year and running back his freshman year. He's also been 3x first-team all-conference as a running back (along with first team return specialist his sophomore year).

[Longtime fan]

7 minutes ago, jdub27 said:

All-purpose player his junior year, return specialist his sophomore year and running back his freshman year. He's also been 3x first-team all-conference as a running back (along with first team return specialist his sophomore year).

Right.   Goes from all American RB his freshman year to now being a bulldozer RB in Rudy ball.  DCs have adjusted Rudy hasn’t.  He’s taken a lot of punishment with the simplicity of this offense. He could of easily been an all american WR the last couple years if Rudy made some adjustments. The guy is a special talent with a garbage can for an OC. 

Again.....his talent alone warrants all conf/all American and playing in the big sky where every other team passes 65 times a game he should easily be 1st team all conf RB followed by all American at RB or WR or both.   

[Longtime fan]

2 hours ago, green_sioux said:

I'm not the one repeatedly saying  I know or get things our coaches don't.   I just said many people posting here do have that ability and asked them to step up.  Simple request.  A little sensitive are we?

But, OVC and the NCC

FYI.   Played college ball  “82-85” small school in SD.  ILB. 

[jdub27]

12 minutes ago, Longtime fan said:

Right.   Goes from all American RB his freshman year to now being a bulldozer RB in Rudy ball.  DCs have adjusted Rudy hasn’t.  He’s taken a lot of punishment with the simplicity of this offense. He could of easily been an all american WR the last couple years if Rudy made some adjustments. The guy is a special talent with a garbage can for an OC. 

Again.....his talent alone warrants all conf/all American and playing in the big sky where every other team passes 65 times a game he should easily be 1st team all conf RB followed by all American at RB or WR or both.   

I mean, you have to take into account Brady started getting quite a few more carries as well. Yes, they absolutely need to find a way to get John the ball in space but you need to have confidence the QB actually has time to do that and I'm not sure that's been the case the last year or two. I keep reiterating there is plenty of room for improvement, but I don't think it is as bad as some people claim (or at least the numbers don't back that up) and I think it's closer to what Bubba wants than what some people are willing to admit. This team will live and die by the defense as long as he's head coach. If/when he does make a change, I agree with the earlier comment that I think the answer is already on staff.

2015: 223/1,459, 6.5 ypc (Brady - 60 carries)
2016: 183/983, 5.4 ypc (Brady - 168 carries)
2017: 119/717, 6.0 ypc (Brady - 111 carries, JJ 41 - carries)

Also, he has to compete with Prothero for all-conference, so your comments on other Big Sky backs is void. 

[Longtime fan]

2 minutes ago, jdub27 said:

I mean, you have to take into account Brady started getting quite a few more carries as well. Yes, they absolutely need to find a way to get John the ball in space but you need to have confidence the QB actually has time to do that and I'm not sure that's been the case the last year or two. I keep reiterating there is plenty of room for improvement, but I don't think it is as bad as some people claim (or at least the numbers don't back that up) and I think it's closer to what Bubba wants than what some people are willing to admit. This team will live and die by the defense as long as he's head coach. If/when he does make a change, I agree with the earlier comment that I think the answer is already on staff.

2015: 223/1,459, 6.5 ypc (Brady - 60 carries)
2016: 183/983, 5.4 ypc (Brady - 168 carries)
2017: 119/717, 6.0 ypc (Brady - 111 carries, JJ 41 - carries)

Also, he has to compete with Prothero for all-conference, so your comments on other Big Sky backs is void. 

Lol.  Prothero does cause a road block for others to be top dog.  Lol. 

[jdub27]

17 minutes ago, Longtime fan said:

Lol.  Prothero does cause a road block for others to be top dog.  Lol. 

I hope that joke never gets old.

I think we can all agree the offense needs to show a bit more this year in terms of production and creativity. Keaton was a great game manager and did what he was asked, particuarly not turning the ball over. His replacements are going to add a spark to the offense, but we'll likely have to deal with a few more turnovers. If the defense stays healthy, I'm OK with that. However the majority of that will hinge on the OL coming together. Without that, playcalling will continue to be pretty straightforward and frustrating.

[UNDColorado]

It's true, the Prothero jokes never get old 

[gundy1124]

2 hours ago, geaux_sioux said:

I’m not the one asking, I don’t care.

Also, leaving young cbs on an island over and over again is indefensible in my opinion.

I did say something.  I suggested Mason Bennett at Outside Backer to essentially give us a 4-3 feel.  Staff thought we'd get killed in that flats with a passing game.  I countered that we can't cover anyone anyway plus the opposing offense will have to make that adjustment 1st.  So, I did feel we didn't at least try something different than catching running backs and getting drug for 5-7 yards per play.  

And in our system, we need really good cover corners (like we had in the 90's....ha ha) or the rest of the defense isn't allowed to get totally nuts and make plays.  

[Feff]

2 hours ago, geaux_sioux said:

I’m not the one asking, I don’t care.

Also, leaving young cbs on an island over and over again is indefensible in my opinion.

Last year was a no-win for Schmidt. Commit extra bodies to try and stop the sieve that is your run defense and leave your young corners on an island or drop more into coverage to protect those corners but let teams get 6-7 yards up the gut each run. Not to say the were times i was frustrated with his calls but the defense last year was so bad due to injuries that any coach would have looked bad. 

[gundy1124]

25 minutes ago, UNDColorado said:

It's true, the Prothero jokes never get old 

If we had a player half as good as Joe Prothero, Rudy would be at BAMA already!!

[the green team]

7 minutes ago, jdub27 said:

I hope that joke never gets old.

I think we can all agree the offense needs to show a bit more this year in terms of production and creativity. Keaton was a great game manager and did what he was asked, particuarly not turning the ball over. His replacements are going to add a spark to the offense, but we'll likely have to deal with a few more turnovers. If the defense stays healthy, I'm OK with that. However the majority of that will hinge on the OL coming together. Without that, playcalling will continue to be pretty straightforward and frustrating.

Keaton also didn't have a receiver essentially the last 2 years that had enough speed to drive safeties away from the line of scrimmage.  Also, Keaton in his career, had some fantastic designed TD runs.  We've also, had some dreadful drops at times (at Bowling Green, Carr, makes a very good catch, but drops the conversion).  should an interception count against a QB when it hits a receiver in the hands and is dropped or deflected and picked?  That happened more than a couple times over the last few years. (Last year GM 1 v Utah)  I agree that Keaton often did what he could within the framework of the offense.  

I really don't want to get in this argument of offensive philosophy, but in regards to mentioning that all these Big Sky teams spread it out and throw it,  and that Santiago should easily have been an all league player the past few years at RB, that may be true.  Let's keep in mind 2 years ago North Dakota was the team on top with it's balanced, if not at times vanilla attack.  And last year Weber State proved that in the end they most likely were the class of The Big Sky with a very similar offensive approach of being physical, limiting mistakes, etc... and you combo it with solid defense,  that's a formula that seems to be effective.  Maybe it's not always the most aesthetically pleasing offense, but I just want to win.  When North Dakota wins I'm happy.  Whether it be with 2 special team scores and a defensive score with no scores from the offense or if/when the offense were to put up 5 TDs.  As long as they win. 

In the end, I'm with you, as the numbers seem to indicate, offensively North Dakota hasn't been nearly as bad as many of us think.  Would some improvement help? I would certainly think so. And hopefully we'll see it this season.

If the Fighting Hawks are to lose at any time, I reserve the right to blame everyone

 

[UNDColorado]

9 minutes ago, gundy1124 said:

If we had a player half as good as Joe Prothero, Rudy would be at BAMA already!!

#WeWantBama

[dmksioux]

2 hours ago, jdub27 said:

You don't think there was a reason for that.....?

I get people's frustration with the offense, but it's a ball control offense that Bubba wants to play. He would have made a change if the OC wasn't following the game plan that's laid out. UND isn't supposed to have an explosive offense (though that's not saying there is not room for improvement). 

I've posted the comparison of stats from 2016 to 2017, as a whole, the offense wasn't the issue. Lack of depth (injuries and attrition) on the OL has been the biggest issue holding the offense back. Yet despite that, somehow UND has managed to simultaneously have a 3x All-American and 2x All-Conference running back so something has to be slightly working.  

For the record on where the offense actually ranks:
2017: 51/123 in yard/game and 56/123 in points/game in 2017 (should be 66/123, removing 4 defensive TD's)
2016: 53/122 in yards/game and 37/122 (should actually be 54/122, removing 5 defensive TD's)

Conclusion: the offense is average. Hoping to see a bump this year, but will all depend on how the OL comes together. 

The Offense is average in a conference where the defense is below average.  In 2017, the Big Sky had one team in the top 50 (WSU at #40).  A total of five in the top 100:  #74 NAU, #87 MSU, #89 Sac ST., and #97 Montana.  Over half the conference, 7 teams, were ranked between #101-123.

https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fcs/current/team/22/p1

EDIT:  I couldn't find the conference rankings, only individual teams.

[Ozzie82]

2 hours ago, homer said:

I can only think of a couple times Keaton played when injured.  

If people knew how much he was hurt in the NAU game in 2016 his name would be forever remembered by UND football fans. He couldn't lift his arm over his head in the second half yet he led them down 21 midway through the third quarter to the Big Sky championship. I'm not going to go into medical detail on a public forum but suffice it to say he knowingly potentially sacrificed the remainder of his career that day and led UND to its most memorable win of the D1 era.

[bang]

2 hours ago, geaux_sioux said:

I’m not the one asking, I don’t care.

Also, leaving young cbs on an island over and over again is indefensible in my opinion.

The last sentence was for Green_sioux not you. I agree on the CB's but everybody needed backup on that defense last year. Somebody was going to get left. Not sure on the decision of leaving the CB's vulnerable for the picking but lots of things last year weren't going right. I wouldn't have wanted DC job at UND last year. In my opinion he did ok with what he had. 

[shep]

1 hour ago, Longtime fan said:

Right.   Goes from all American RB his freshman year to now being a bulldozer RB in Rudy ball.  DCs have adjusted Rudy hasn’t.  He’s taken a lot of punishment with the simplicity of this offense. He could of easily been an all american WR the last couple years if Rudy made some adjustments. The guy is a special talent with a garbage can for an OC. 

Again.....his talent alone warrants all conf/all American and playing in the big sky where every other team passes 65 times a game he should easily be 1st team all conf RB followed by all American at RB or WR or both.   

I would dare say that player who misses Elijah Grady the most is John Santiago.