North Dakota - Quality Win

[topiarydan]

UNI not getting in at 6-5 so we need them to lose

 

[crazzymark]

We all know the Coach Spack doesn't like to run up the score, but ISU has a have a chance to really roll over them a 35 or 40 point win will be needed to make the playoffs.

 

[fourthandshort]

We all know the Coach Spack doesn't like to run up the score, but ISU has a have a chance to really roll over them a 35 or 40 point win will be needed to make the playoffs.

Moonwalking this one back ?

Michael Jackson would be impressed !!

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

UNI not getting in at 6-5 so we need them to lose

Illinois State, YSU, & Southern Illinois all Win, which of the teams have a better resume than UNI?

 

[CaliRdBrd]

Knowing we have no shot at the playoffs, I’d recommend tanking the UND game to improve our draft status.

 

[Redbird222]

Illinois State, YSU, & Southern Illinois all Win, which of the teams have a better resume than UNI?

SIU

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

This seems like a VERY evenly matched game and winnable. If ISU was to win this and finish with 7 wins, would you guys consider this season a W even if the birds are not in the playoffs? It would be a shame that 1 point against EIU, of all schools, would be the dividing line for playoffs vs not, but it looks like it may be.

Still, I think this was a low expectation season and winning 7 games, IMO certainly logs as a plus season in my book.

 

[Redbird222]

This seems like a VERY evenly matched game and winnable. If ISU was to win this and finish with 7 wins, would you guys consider this season a W even if the birds are not in the playoffs? It would be a shame that 1 point against EIU, of all schools, would be the dividing line for playoffs vs not, but it looks like it may be.

Still, I think this was a low expectation season and winning 7 games, IMO certainly logs as a plus season in my book.

Yes given the experience of our defense. I Still think 8 - 3 was doable though ... the six games we won, plus EIU, and win one of ND, YSU, and UNI.

We said this last year but our kicking game has to be addressed. It may cost us a playoff spot this year.

 

[DaveBird10]

This seems like a VERY evenly matched game and winnable. If ISU was to win this and finish with 7 wins, would you guys consider this season a W even if the birds are not in the playoffs? It would be a shame that 1 point against EIU, of all schools, would be the dividing line for playoffs vs not, but it looks like it may be.

Still, I think this was a low expectation season and winning 7 games, IMO certainly logs as a plus season in my book.

I definitely would consider this season a W with a win on Saturday. The leading tackler on our defense is a redshirt freshman up for the Jerry Rice award and 10 starters could come back from a team that leads the FCS in sacks. 7-4 with 3 losses by a combined 7 points is frustrating but its something to look forward to and something the guys in that locker room can carry to the off-season workouts.
A 7-4 record would also mean another good start by Tommy Rittenhouse with a bunch of guys coming back on an already potent offense.

 

[fourthandshort]

In August, the near consensus was that this needed to be a 8-3 season. Oddly enough, the offense overachieved, but the defense held us back agianst he tougher part of our schedule. Most of us figured the defense would be questionable going into MVFC season. But it was less ready and slower developing than we thought. So even with a win tomorrow, and maybe finding out we are on the first 4 out list, this would of course way to be great way to finish this season. Though obviously very disappointing that we finally have an offense, but couldn't make the playoffs. An EIU win and a healthy Annexstad could have had us heading into playoffs at 8-3 and cause for optimism in playoffs.

But whether we win tomorrow for 7-4 and are a near playoff bid, or lose tomorrow ... there is still reason for optimism next fall. We have a lot coming back, and Rittenhouse just may be an viable option at QB .. trust me, I always have my doubts on this front.

So assuming playoffs are not going to happen (very slim), the most important things tomorrow are IMO:

1. Quality road win for the program, for the seniors, and for all the returnees .. it will help us keep some kids from enter portal.
2. QB position - Rittenhouse's development. it will also help us keep some kids from enter portal.
3. Defense - stronger signs our defense is continuing to progress against another offense that can run and pass. In particular looking for a more "stout" 1st half against the UND offense. We've lost the signature "stoutness, and have to get this back

SO this UND road game is great opportunity to carry us into this offseason and next season. Then keep as many as we can, recruit the HS's and a few Portal transfers. And then get ready for 2024 with our new IPF .. which will also help us retain and recruit.

That said, we are still playing for a playoff spot .. however slim ... that has to be the mindset. But if not, there is legit case for optimism, despite this year's disappointment it wasn't better.

 

[RedbirdFanatic32]

This seems like a VERY evenly matched game and winnable. If ISU was to win this and finish with 7 wins, would you guys consider this season a W even if the birds are not in the playoffs? It would be a shame that 1 point against EIU, of all schools, would be the dividing line for playoffs vs not, but it looks like it may be.

Still, I think this was a low expectation season and winning 7 games, IMO certainly logs as a plus season in my book.

I think its a mix. It's a W of a season I suppose, but Spack built the program to where not making the playoffs is a disappointment and a winning season is the expectation (for which I'm eternally grateful). Glad to get the winning season, but can't help but be frustrated if we don't make the playoffs.

 

[fourthandshort]

somebody posted on AGS how UND ha just 2 losses at home in last 5 seasons. So I looked it up ...UND is 33-2 at home since the 2019 season. And the 2 losses were both to eventual National champs .. one to 14-1 SDSU by 7 and the other to 14-1 NDSU by 14.

These guys defend the home fort very well ....

 

[MadBird]

Unrelated to anything, I see UND has a highly regarded freshman QB, Jerry Kaminski, from Josh Dinga's alma mater, Sun Prairie HS, a few miles up the road from Madison.

 

[Total Red]

Unrelated to anything, I see UND has a highly regarded freshman QB, Jerry Kaminski, from Josh Dinga's alma mater, Sun Prairie HS, a few miles up the road from Madison.

Dinga has been getting after it down the stretch of his senior season. He may not get a chance to get his mitts on Kaminski but I hope he goes out with a sack today. We'll need it.

 

[topiarydan]

Dinga has been getting after it down the stretch of his senior season. He may not get a chance to get his mitts on Kaminski but I hope he goes out with a sack today. We'll need it.

We beat UND (ranked 13) on the road - a UND team which beat NDSt - we are getting in

 

[crazzymark]

Would love to see DT3 get more playing time. Betcha he plays like his dad did for the Bills.

 

[Dmills]

Would love to see DT3 get more playing time. Betcha he plays like his dad did for the Bills.

Devin Taylor? I hope so too. He would be a big boost to the secondary.

 

[Dmills]

Almost a great opening series. Sucks to come away empty. Penalties completely killed the momentum. I thought the holding on Bussone was questionable. Oline needs to get the penalties under control.

 

[Dmills]

Indiana State up on SIU 3-0. YSU tied with Murray State 7-7. Very early but good starts.

 

[fourthandshort]

Uh .. someone came to play .. up 6-0 .. kicking game off. We should/could be up 10-0 or 14-0 .. total yards 131 to 0 after 2 drives for both teams.