What are the expectations for UND in 2007?

[SloStang]

The Sioux are coming off another big year. What do you expect for the 2007 season? I know you return a lot of skilled players on offense but must replace your QB. Who is the leading canidate for QB? How many starters return? What are some of the biggest position battles for this spring and fall? Who do you see as the biggest competition for the Sioux in the NCC next year. Which side of the ball will the Sioux be most dominate next season, offense or defense?

I have been following the Sioux at a distance since the forming of the GWFC. I thought back then that UND and USD would make great additions to the GWFC and think so even more now. I will be following the Sioux closely this year and pulling for you. It would be nice to add another DII NC before making the jump.

[HockeyMom]

Same expectation as every year, to win the national championship. I expect nothing less.

[Smoggy]

I expect to hand ndsu their asses. (and win a national title )

Oh...we're not playing? Guess I'll just keep the Nickel nice and warm!

[SloStang]

Same expectation as every year, to win the national championship. I expect nothing less.

Great answer. Any insights on UND's team in 2007? What player are you most excited about? With a new QB will you be more of a running team? Ect......

Cal Poly had a disappointing year in 2007 and finished 7-4 and missed the playoffs. They had four returning defensive All-Americans and there was some talk of a possible run at the National Championship. Cal Poly blew a 28-6 4th quarter lead against SDSU and lost 29-28 in the last minute and lost on the road to 3rd ranked Montana 10-9 on a field goal 5 seconds left in the game. Win either of those games and we would have made the playoffs. High points would be a win over I-A San Diego State and LB Kyle Shotwell winning the 2006 Buck Buchanan award given to the best defensive player in I-AA/FCS. It is the third staight winner from Cal Poly. LB Jordan Beck won it in 2004 and DE Chris Gocong won it in 2005. Beck plays for the Atlanta Falcons and Gocong with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The offense struggled in 2006, but returns 7 starters including RB James Noble, WR Ramses Barden and Center Stephen Field. James Noble ran for 1,578 yards (over 7 yd/carry) and 16 TDs his freshman year in 2005 and 1,009 yards and 7 TDs in 2006. Noble was I-AA.org's Freshman of the year in 2005. Ramses Barden, 6'6" 227 pounds, returns after catching 42 passes for 824 yards (19.6 yd/rec) and 5 TDs. Barden was named to the 2006 I-AA.org's Fab Fifty team. Center Stephen Fields returns for his junior year after 24 starts and is a two time All-GWFC player. Cal Poly will switch to a two slot back formation in 2007 to get both James Noble and Ryan Mole on the field at the same time. Ryan Mole is a transfer from Sac State who was the Big Sky Newcomer of the Year in 2004. Cal Poly also has a JC transfer, Jonathan Dally, who will challenge returning starting QB Matt Brennan for the position in 2007. The battle will continue into the fall as no starter was named coming out of spring.

The defense must replace 5 six starters. 3 DBs, 2 LBs and one DL. Top returners are Rover Mark Restelli, LB Jason Relyea and DE Ryan Shotwell (Kyle Shotwells brother). Restelli has over 80 tackles as a freshman in 2005 and led the GWFC in passes defended in 2006. Jason Relyea is a two year starters and had 71 tackles in 2006. DE Ryan Shotwell recorded 7 sacks and 51 tackles as a freshman in 2006.

I expect the offense to be much improved in 2007 and to carry the team early in the year until some very young and talented defensive players gain some experience. It should be a fun year and if the defense comes together I could see a deep run in the playoffs.

[Stromer]

It will be interesting to see how the offense adjusts to a new QB. We have a great group of receivers and a very good running game. There are many big playmakers at those positions. How it all comes together with a new QB, I am not sure. I think we will run the ball more which is fine, since we have a deep group of runningbacks and we like to use some of our receivers on running plays as well. The thing that will benefit the new QB is that the receivers are talented and that we like to have a short passing game. We really like screens and short crossing routes with some homerun balls thrown in. If we can use the short passing game and let the receiver use their speed to bust plays, the new QB shouldn't be a big problem. It will be tough to replace last years QB, Manke, as I think he was one of the better ones i have seen in a while.

The defense at times last year looked shaky and they lost some talent over on that side. The DB's were suspect at times last year while the line was pretty solid. I really don't know much about the new replacements on D, but I don't think it will be too hard to reach a level close to last years. They will need to fins some impact players however. Overall, I think we might do a tad bit worse this year. Maybe lose 2-3 games which still should get us into the playoffs.

[HockeyMom]

Great answer.

Thanks. I also expect the boys to look great in their football pants.

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm in hockey mode right now.......can't think about anything other than beating the Michigan Wolverines.....

[bincitysioux]

I don't think that the qb situation will be that big of a deal. Freund is very athletic and has a strong arm and throws a nice ball. He can run a little bit too. Coach Lennon's staff, and RT's staff before him always seemed to do an excellent job of preparing a new qb. It also won't hurt to have Chappel to carry the load. Hopefully the defense can return to form, as I view last year as somewhat of an off year. Definately need to improve the secondary. As usual, I expect UNO to be the stiffest competition in the NCC, and probably USD as well although they have to replace Logan who I feel was probably the best running back in DII the last two years. I also think Augustana could be a sleeper team in the NCC this year. They were pretty competetive last year and the qb from SDSU transferred to play for them this season.

[siouxfbfan]

do you expect chappell to be the best running back in the NCC this year? Who do you think will fill in for the number two spot occupied by strouth and beatty last year. brandon brady got playing time last year but will he be good enough to fill that spot?

[Lefty - UNO Fan]

Chappell is the best returning RB that I saw in the NCC last year. He should be 1st team all conference.

If the Sioux can get improved LB play from last year, their defense should be pretty good but not not outstanding like past years. If the LBs don't improve, they might be average. They lose some some good D-linemen, but I think Mannausau will get a good front put together as usual. The Sioux will ride Dressler as far as he can take them, but I have to question when he will finally get injured. He is one tough kid, but nobody that size can take the punishment he does forever.

UNO will probably use up Zach Miller by season's end and UND and UNO will play without their best players. USD wins the NCC crown.

[UND92,96]

Chappell is the best returning RB that I saw in the NCC last year. He should be 1st team all conference.

If the Sioux can get improved LB play from last year, their defense should be pretty good but not not outstanding like past years. If the LBs don't improve, they might be average. They lose some some good D-linemen, but I think Mannausau will get a good front put together as usual. The Sioux will ride Dressler as far as he can take them, but I have to question when he will finally get injured. He is one tough kid, but nobody that size can take the punishment he does forever.

UNO will probably use up Zach Miller by season's end and UND and UNO will play without their best players. USD wins the NCC crown.

Not if UNO takes care of business when they play USD in Omaha. You can generally count on USD to drop one road game against a team they shouldn't, so that, coupled with a loss at Omaha, would likely keep them from winning the NCC (at least from winning it outright).

[Lefty - UNO Fan]

Not if UNO takes care of business when they play USD in Omaha. You can generally count on USD to drop one road game against a team they shouldn't, so that, coupled with a loss at Omaha, would likely keep them from winning the NCC (at least from winning it outright).

UNO does not match up well with USD. I expect Miller to be injured by then too. He is a physical freak and may be WR in the NFL next year, but he's not bullet proof. UNO will run him too much without a Kasperbauer lining up behind him.

[UND92,96]

UNO does not match up well with USD. I expect Miller to be injured by then too. He is a physical freak and may be WR in the NFL next year, but he's not bullet proof. UNO will run him too much without a Kasperbauer lining up behind him.

Yeah, the way to beat USD is definitely by throwing the ball, and obviously that's not a UNO strength. I still would kind of expect UNO to find a way to win that one at home, though.

[SloStang]

I know that you do not have the final schedule, but you should have a good idea who you are playing next year. What do you think of the teams on your schedule? What games are you looking forward to the most?

Here is how I see Cal Poly's games in 2007:

Sept. 1 @ Texas State: Texas State will start 2007 under the direction of a new coach. Brad Wright replaces David Baliff who leaves to take over at Rice. Wright was on Baliff's staff and has only one coach from last years staff on his new staff. He does however have Cal Poly's 2006 LB coach Terrol Dillon on his staff. That should add some spice to the game. Wright is changing both his offense and defense next year so it is a good thing we get them early in the season. Cal Poly is 1-1 against Texas State winning 38-21 in SLO in 2004 and losing 14-7 in the playoffs in San Marcos in 2005. Texas State has some very talented athletes and should be a good team. It will very hot and humid in Texas in early Sept. Should be a great game, but one Cal Poly should win considering this will Texas States first game with a new offense, defense and coaching staff.

Sept. 8 @ Idaho: Second game in a row that Cal Poly will face a team with a new coaching staff. Dennis Erickson left after just one year to take the Arizonia State job and I do not know much about the new coach other than he come from Washington State and this is his first head coaching job. Cal Poly was 1-1 against I-A/FBS teams in 2006 losing to bowl bound and 9 win San Jose State 17-7 and winning against San Diego State 16-14. Idaho should be favored in this game, but this is a FBS game that Cal Poly could win.

Sept. 15 vs Weber State: Weber State is a well coached team led by former Utah coach Ron McBride. Cal Poly won on the road against Weber State in 2006 17-0. Cal Poly should be favored in this game, but I expect it will be a tough game.

Sept. 22 vs Western Oregon (DII): When I heard that Cal Poly was having a hard time getting another home FCS game to complete their schedule and that they would most likely play a DII team, I was hoping that it would be either UND or USD because both are probable future conference partners and quality DII teams that would give Cal Poly a good game. Western Oregon is not nearly as talented as either UND or USD and Cal Poly should win this one big.

Sept. 29 vs Northern Colorado: This once proud former NCC team has fallen on hard times since moving up to division I. I think they are getting it turned around and headed in the right direction, but they have a long way to go. Cal Poly should be favored in this game.

Oct. 13 @ UC Davis: This is Cal Poly's biggest rival and you can throw the records when these two teams meet. Davis is openning a new stadium in 2007 and Cal Poly would like nothing better than winning their first game in it. Should be a great game that could go either way. I think Cal Poly will win it, but I know I am very biased when it comes to Davis.

Oct. 20 @ South Dakota State: South Dakota rallied from being down 28-6 in the fourth quarter last year to come back to win with a TD and a 2 point conversion in the last minute of the game. That loss kept Cal Poly from the playoffs in 2006 and the players will want to get a little pay back. SDSU is tough at home and this should be another great game. SDSU at least must replace their QB who played like Joe Montana in the fourth quarter.

Oct. 27 @ Idaho State: This will be the third team that Cal Poly faces who will have a new coaching staff. This staff will be a big upgrade over the previous staff and by this point in the season they should be hitting their stride. I think that Cal Poly will be favored, but should be a good game.

Nov. 3 @ Southern Utah: This will be Cal Poly's fourth straight road game and SUU returns the most starter in the GWFC. SUU also added 17 scholarships in 2007 and will bring in a lot of JC transfer to plug holes and even out their recruiting classes. I think that SUU will be the most improved team in the GWFC and get a road weary Cal Poly team. This game worries me.

Nov. 10 vs North Dakota State: I know this wont be big with UND fans, but I think the Bison will be the best team Cal Poly faces in the regular season. Cal Poly suffered their worst loss in a long time last year in the Fargo Dome losing 51-14. Both Cal Poly and NDSU are better at home. Cal Poly beat NDSU at home in 2005 36-7. I am glad that this is a home game and it could decide the GWFC champion. Cal Poly players will definately have this game circled and should be a great game. I know the Mustangs would like nothing better than to send the Bison to the Gateway conference with a loss.

Nov. 17 vs Iona: Iona is a FCS non scholarship team and not a very good one at that. I am hoping that this will be a tune up game before a deep run in the playoffs. Should be over by half time, but on any given Saturday....

Anyone game to break down UND's games?

[NDSUFREAK10]

I know that you do not have the final schedule, but you should have a good idea who you are playing next year. What do you think of the teams on your schedule? What games are you looking forward to the most?

Here is how I see Cal Poly's games in 2007:

Sept. 1 @ Texas State: Texas State will start 2007 under the direction of a new coach. Brad Wright replaces David Baliff who leaves to take over at Rice. Wright was on Baliff's staff and has only one coach from last years staff on his new staff. He does however have Cal Poly's 2006 LB coach Terrol Dillon on his staff. That should add some spice to the game. Wright is changing both his offense and defense next year so it is a good thing we get them early in the season. Cal Poly is 1-1 against Texas State winning 38-21 in SLO in 2004 and losing 14-7 in the playoffs in San Marcos in 2005. Texas State has some very talented athletes and should be a good team. It will very hot and humid in Texas in early Sept. Should be a great game, but one Cal Poly should win considering this will Texas States first game with a new offense, defense and coaching staff.

Sept. 8 @ Idaho: Second game in a row that Cal Poly will face a team with a new coaching staff. Dennis Erickson left after just one year to take the Arizonia State job and I do not know much about the new coach other than he come from Washington State and this is his first head coaching job. Cal Poly was 1-1 against I-A/FBS teams in 2006 losing to bowl bound and 9 win San Jose State 17-7 and winning against San Diego State 16-14. Idaho should be favored in this game, but this is a FBS game that Cal Poly could win.

Sept. 15 vs Weber State: Weber State is a well coached team led by former Utah coach Ron McBride. Cal Poly won on the road against Weber State in 2006 17-0. Cal Poly should be favored in this game, but I expect it will be a tough game.

Sept. 22 vs Western Oregon (DII): When I heard that Cal Poly was having a hard time getting another home FCS game to complete their schedule and that they would most likely play a DII team, I was hoping that it would be either UND or USD because both are probable future conference partners and quality DII teams that would give Cal Poly a good game. Western Oregon is not nearly as talented as either UND or USD and Cal Poly should win this one big.

Sept. 29 vs Northern Colorado: This once proud former NCC team has fallen on hard times since moving up to division I. I think they are getting it turned around and headed in the right direction, but they have a long way to go. Cal Poly should be favored in this game.

Oct. 13 @ UC Davis: This is Cal Poly's biggest rival and you can throw the records when these two teams meet. Davis is openning a new stadium in 2007 and Cal Poly would like nothing better than winning their first game in it. Should be a great game that could go either way. I think Cal Poly will win it, but I know I am very biased when it comes to Davis.

Oct. 20 @ South Dakota State: South Dakota rallied from being down 28-6 in the fourth quarter last year to come back to win with a TD and a 2 point conversion in the last minute of the game. That loss kept Cal Poly from the playoffs in 2006 and the players will want to get a little pay back. SDSU is tough at home and this should be another great game. SDSU at least must replace their QB who played like Joe Montana in the fourth quarter.

Oct. 27 @ Idaho State: This will be the third team that Cal Poly faces who will have a new coaching staff. This staff will be a big upgrade over the previous staff and by this point in the season they should be hitting their stride. I think that Cal Poly will be favored, but should be a good game.

Nov. 3 @ Southern Utah: This will be Cal Poly's fourth straight road game and SUU returns the most starter in the GWFC. SUU also added 17 scholarships in 2007 and will bring in a lot of JC transfer to plug holes and even out their recruiting classes. I think that SUU will be the most improved team in the GWFC and get a road weary Cal Poly team. This game worries me.

Nov. 10 vs North Dakota State: I know this wont be big with UND fans, but I think the Bison will be the best team Cal Poly faces in the regular season. Cal Poly suffered their worst loss in a long time last year in the Fargo Dome losing 51-14. Both Cal Poly and NDSU are better at home. Cal Poly beat NDSU at home in 2005 36-7. I am glad that this is a home game and it could decide the GWFC champion. Cal Poly players will definately have this game circled and should be a great game. I know the Mustangs would like nothing better than to send the Bison to the Gateway conference with a loss.

Nov. 17 vs Iona: Iona is a FCS non scholarship team and not a very good one at that. I am hoping that this will be a tune up game before a deep run in the playoffs. Should be over by half time, but on any given Saturday....

Anyone game to break down UND's games?

Wow, SLO, looks like you are really looking forward for the firetrucks to join the GWFC I would also like to see them join it since I would love to see the GWFC keep on striving and to see the team that criticized NDSU about the new conference and said that it would be crap. (Look to the Final Conference GPI rankings to prove they were wrong.)

I too am looking forward to the game at SLO. Now that we have both gotten the ass kicking out of our systems I look forward to a close game on the 10th. The GWFC will be fun to follow come football season. +++

[SiouxMeNow]

Wow, SLO, looks like you are really looking forward for the firetrucks to join the GWFC I would also like to see them join it since I would love to see the GWFC keep on striving and to see the team that criticized NDSU about the new conference and said that it would be crap. (Look to the Final Conference GPI rankings to prove they were wrong.)

I too am looking forward to the game at SLO. Now that we have both gotten the ass kicking out of our systems I look forward to a close game on the 10th. The GWFC will be fun to follow come football season. +++

hmm...FIRETRUCKS?? This is SERIOUS disrespect but maybe we can shorten it (because I know ndsu grads have a hard time spelling big words - and you have MILES to go before you get a decent BB coach again ) Here's a shortcut to help you refer to us...FU!...I hope this is helpful

[SloStang]

NDSUFreak10, I am both looking foward to UND and USD joining the GWFC and the game this season against NDSU. Both UND and USD have outstanding programs and will be welcomed additions to the GWFC.

I understand why the state schools are leaving for the Gateway. I think that had they stayed, the GWFC would have been a better conference than the Gateway with the addition of UND and USD and possibly one or two other schools. Give the GWFC time and it will be right back to the top as the number one rated FCS conference.

[iramurphy]

NDSUFreak10, I am both looking foward to UND and USD joining the GWFC and the game this season against NDSU. Both UND and USD have outstanding programs and will be welcomed additions to the GWFC.

I understand why the state schools are leaving for the Gateway. I think that had they stayed, the GWFC would have been a better conference than the Gateway with the addition of UND and USD and possibly one or two other schools. Give the GWFC time and it will be right back to the top as the number one rated FCS conference.

Take this outside or to a different thread. There a number of conference threads or threads about other schools. This thread is supposed to be about the 2007 FB season. By the way, UND will be good again.

[SloStang]

Take this outside or to a different thread. There a number of conference threads or threads about other schools. This thread is supposed to be about the 2007 FB season. By the way, UND will be good again.

My bad.

Getting back to what this thread is about, do "you" have any thoughts on UND and why the will be good again in 2007?

[NDSUFREAK10]

hmm...FIRETRUCKS?? This is SERIOUS disrespect but maybe we can shorten it (because I know ndsu grads have a hard time spelling big words - and you have MILES to go before you get a decent BB coach again ) Here's a shortcut to help you refer to us...FU!...I hope this is helpful

I'm sure you're right......nobody would want to coach a team that have beaten Wisconsin and Marquette. Top 15 teams at the time.

My bad, continue on with the thread. I just had to reply to that.