Spring Game???

[NDSUFan_Sav]

What: Green vs Gold Spring Game
When: Sunday May 10th 3pm
Where: Fargodome
Who will be attending????


Count me in!!!

[DjKyRo]

I will be in the band. Lame, I know, but I'll still be there somewhere.

[tjbison]

I am undecided I have SOOOOOOO much crap to do outside and if its nice umm yeah I'll probably go:p






although if I see cops there I'm leaving:hide:

[DjKyRo]

although if I see cops there I'm leaving:hide:

Half the team will be right behind you. :D :D

...I kid, really.

[4mcruenomore]

We'll be there

[ndsubison1]

I'll be there...

[roadwarrior]

Is anyone after any of the items on the auction?

1. ACDC – Autographed NDSU Football signed by all members of ACDC

2. First Choice Apparel & Embroidery – Gift Bag Includes NDSU water bottle, t-shirt, bag and towel

3. Green Bay Packers- Autographed team football

4. Minnesota Lynx—Four $45 lower bowl tickets for Friday July 10 game

5. Minnesota Timberwolves—Timberwolves hat and t-shirt

6. Minnesota Twins--Signed baseball from Manager Ron Gardenhire

7. Minnesota Twins—Four Ticket Vouchers

8. Minnesota Twins – Authentic #33 Justin Morneau Jersey

9. Minnesota Vikings-Autographed Adrian Peterson photograph

10. Minnesota Vikings-Yellow Reebok polo

11. Minnesota Wild—Game used goalie stick, signed by 2009 All-Star goalie Niklas Backstrom #32

12. Minnesota Wild—Game used puck signed by Captain Mikko Koivu #9

13. Minnesota Wild—Game used puck signed by Cal Clutterbuck #22

14. Minnesota Wild—Game used puck signed by Andrew Brunette #15

15. Minnesota Wild – Minnesota Wild gift bag

16. NDSU--Autographed and framed Fargodome Panoramic signed by 2008 Team Captains and Coach Bohl

17. NDSU--Dakota Field Turf doormat

18. NDSU--Fargodome water painting

19. NDSU-- Bison vs. Gophers Metrodome water painting

20. NDSU--Putter set & Wedge

21. NDSU—Mountable Bison head logo

22. NDSU—Autographed and game used Tyler Roehl jersey

23. NDSU- Autographed Minnesota Game Football Signed by Tyler Roehl

24. NDSU- 2007-08 Team signed Men’s Basketball Jersey

25. NDSU-Baking pan with Bison logo

26. NDSU –Weather Vane with Bison logo

27. NDSU -- #10 Ben Woodside Autographed and Game Used Jersey

28. NDSU -- #22 Brett Winkleman Autographed and Game Used Jersey

29. NDSU -- # 31 Mike Nelson Autographed and Game Used Jersey

30. NDSU -- # 40 Lucas Moormann Autographed and Game Used Jersey

31. NDSU – Southern Illinois Game Ball

32. NDSU – Men’s Basketball Summit League Tournament Game Ball

33. NDSU – Commemorative NCAA Tournament Ticket signed by Saul Phillips

34. NDSU – Game ball hit by #23 Kenny Beese to beat Oral Roberts 4-3 in extra innings on 4/25 signed by head coach Tod Brown

35. NDSU – Autographed Bison Football helmet signed by members of the Senior PGA tour including Gary Player, Curtis Strange, Tom Kite, Chip Beck

36. NDSU – Autographed NDSU Golf Bag signed by members of the Senior PGA tour including Hal Sutton, Gary Player, Hale Irwin, Curtis Strange, Andy Bean

37. New York Giants – Autographed David Tyree Football

38. New York Jets- Autographed team football

39. Oakley’s – Oakley Sunglasses

40. Site Works – Engraved NDSU Landscaping headstone

41. Site Works – Engraved NDSU Coasters

[4mcruenomore]

The doormat, and the AC/DC ball, and on the football I'm willing to go HIGH...

[56BISON73]

Is anyone after any of the items on the auction?

1. ACDC – Autographed NDSU Football signed by all members of ACDC

2. First Choice Apparel & Embroidery – Gift Bag Includes NDSU water bottle, t-shirt, bag and towel

3. Green Bay Packers- Autographed team football

4. Minnesota Lynx—Four $45 lower bowl tickets for Friday July 10 game

5. Minnesota Timberwolves—Timberwolves hat and t-shirt

6. Minnesota Twins--Signed baseball from Manager Ron Gardenhire

7. Minnesota Twins—Four Ticket Vouchers

8. Minnesota Twins – Authentic #33 Justin Morneau Jersey

9. Minnesota Vikings-Autographed Adrian Peterson photograph

10. Minnesota Vikings-Yellow Reebok polo

11. Minnesota Wild—Game used goalie stick, signed by 2009 All-Star goalie Niklas Backstrom #32

12. Minnesota Wild—Game used puck signed by Captain Mikko Koivu #9

13. Minnesota Wild—Game used puck signed by Cal Clutterbuck #22

14. Minnesota Wild—Game used puck signed by Andrew Brunette #15

15. Minnesota Wild – Minnesota Wild gift bag

16. NDSU--Autographed and framed Fargodome Panoramic signed by 2008 Team Captains and Coach Bohl

17. NDSU--Dakota Field Turf doormat

18. NDSU--Fargodome water painting

19. NDSU-- Bison vs. Gophers Metrodome water painting

20. NDSU--Putter set & Wedge

21. NDSU—Mountable Bison head logo

22. NDSU—Autographed and game used Tyler Roehl jersey

23. NDSU- Autographed Minnesota Game Football Signed by Tyler Roehl

24. NDSU- 2007-08 Team signed Men’s Basketball Jersey

25. NDSU-Baking pan with Bison logo

26. NDSU –Weather Vane with Bison logo

27. NDSU -- #10 Ben Woodside Autographed and Game Used Jersey

28. NDSU -- #22 Brett Winkleman Autographed and Game Used Jersey

29. NDSU -- # 31 Mike Nelson Autographed and Game Used Jersey

30. NDSU -- # 40 Lucas Moormann Autographed and Game Used Jersey

31. NDSU – Southern Illinois Game Ball

32. NDSU – Men’s Basketball Summit League Tournament Game Ball

33. NDSU – Commemorative NCAA Tournament Ticket signed by Saul Phillips

34. NDSU – Game ball hit by #23 Kenny Beese to beat Oral Roberts 4-3 in extra innings on 4/25 signed by head coach Tod Brown

35. NDSU – Autographed Bison Football helmet signed by members of the Senior PGA tour including Gary Player, Curtis Strange, Tom Kite, Chip Beck

36. NDSU – Autographed NDSU Golf Bag signed by members of the Senior PGA tour including Hal Sutton, Gary Player, Hale Irwin, Curtis Strange, Andy Bean

37. New York Giants – Autographed David Tyree Football

38. New York Jets- Autographed team football

39. Oakley’s – Oakley Sunglasses

40. Site Works – Engraved NDSU Landscaping headstone

41. Site Works – Engraved NDSU Coasters


42 A Framed full sheet(50) of 6 cent Bison Stamps from 1970

43 20 leather coasters with each having a different lazer engraved Bison Logo. Some will have our custom designed logos. This will also include a walnut presentation case with a glass top for the coasters storage.


Added 42 and 43

[VanClubPres]

I will be there.

17, 19, 24, 27-30 any would be awesome.

[roadwarrior]

Thanks PL, they werent on the list i copied.

#32 would look good at home

[56BISON73]

Thanks PL, they werent on the list i copied.

#32 would look good at home

I just sent them off Monday so they should be there Thursday.

[SlickVic]

buisness must be good PL. from turkey feathers last year to 6 cent stamps and coasters??? what are you planning for the 2010 auction the fishing pole you used to catch that 9 pound 15 ounce 25 inch monstrosity with?

[BigBison]

I'm thinkin attendance will be low this year. Theres a ton of stuff going on this weekend: MN fishing opener, Mothers Day, Fargo Marathon, Finals week for students if its a nice weekend out then people will want to be outside plus that added troubles the last few weeks.


With that said I'll be there. Didn't last year we had a blizzard during the spring game of course that was April?

[huckleberry]

Slick vic, you crack me up, dont stop, cant stop.

[56BISON73]

buisness must be good PL. from turkey feathers last year to 6 cent stamps and coasters??? what are you planning for the 2010 auction the fishing pole you used to catch that 9 pound 15 ounce 25 inch monstrosity with?

Slick thats pretty good:D

As a matter of fact you have given me an idea. Next year I might donate a one or two day guided fishing trip. Thanks Buddy!!!!!!

[Tatanka]

In. And we'll be tailgating before the game.

[bisonhusker]

Slick vic, you crack me up, dont stop, cant stop.

Good to have you back Lakes.

[tjbison]

Good to have you back Lakes.


Maybe he should have picked Dingleberry instead for a screen name?

LOL

[VanClubPres]

Ok so it is nearly game day, and I have a daunting amount of cheering to do tommorow for the Marathon, and a daunting amount of post marathon celebrating to do tommorow night.

What I need to know, in all seriousness, is anyone tailgaiting, because I want to. I hope that some are going to. It is like the spring game for the west lotters. Helps us get our kinks out and lets us figure on what we need to change before the Kickoff gets around.

[BisonNeil]

Maybe he should have picked Dingleberry instead for a screen name?

LOL

No man, Huckleberry is good, real good.

If you remember the version of Wyatt Earp, where Kurt Russell plays Earp and Val Kilmer plays Doc Holliday, then Huckleberry is classic. "I'll be your huckleberry".

Lakes is, and there is no question in my mind, a huckleberry :)

[56BISON73]

No man, Huckleberry is good, real good.

If you remember the version of Wyatt Earp, where Kurt Russell plays Earp and Val Kilmer plays Doc Holliday, then Huckleberry is classic. "I'll be your huckleberry".

Lakes is, and there is no question in my mind, a huckleberry :)

So I guess Lakes basically flipped the admin off with their ban.:nod:

[Mr. Burgundy]

I am pretty pumped to get out and see the Spring game tomorrow. Should be fun to see how some of these position battles work out.

[BisonNeil]

I am pretty pumped to get out and see the Spring game tomorrow. Should be fun to see how some of these position battles work out.

Unfortunately I can't make it. Mother's Day is a traditional 'honey do' day around our house. You'll have to file a complete report Burg, take good notes!

[tjbison]

Unfortunately I can't make it. Mother's Day is a traditional 'honey do' day around our house. You'll have to file a complete report Burg, take good notes!

You can watch live on Gobison.com!!!!:nod: :nod:

[TheDoctor]

buisness must be good PL. from turkey feathers last year to 6 cent stamps and coasters??? what are you planning for the 2010 auction the fishing pole you used to catch that 9 pound 15 ounce 25 inch monstrosity with?

Slick! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: ;)

[MNLonghorn10]

Likely.

dont think we're tailgatin though

[Mr. Burgundy]

There will be some tailgating in the west lot. Bringing the family.

[TbonZach]

I will be in the band. Lame, I know, but I'll still be there somewhere.

I dunno. Seems pretty awesome to me. ;)

Be sure to look for me on bass drum.

[gobison.gsb]

I for one am excited to play in the band tomorrow. :D

[Mr. Burgundy]

Do you think you guys will play a new song this year? Or are we still playing the Moody Blues?

[TbonZach]

Do you think you guys will play a new song this year? Or are we still playing the Moody Blues?

For today's game we'll be playing more of the songs that we play at the basketball games than the football games.

I do hope, for all that his good and holy, that we get some decent songs for this upcoming year. 6+ years of the same ol' shiznit is getting pretty old. Bet it's worse for some of you guys, huh?

[TheDoctor]

Bet it's worse for some of you guys, huh?

Only in Your Wildest Deams! :rofl: ;)

[ndsubison1]

two breakout players today: DJ McNorton and Kevin Jackson... write it down

[GradBison]

We're f'ed without a better QB. Mertens doesn't know what an accurate pass is.

[Jdubs21]

so how is it lookin today for the spring game? im at home to visit mom for mothers day, is anyone watchin it on "all access"?

[GradBison]

so how is it lookin today for the spring game? im at home to visit mom for mothers day, is anyone watchin it on "all access"?
I'm watching in person. Mertens doesn't look improved from last year to me. It's half time, 2nd squad O leading 10-0. Good runs by Voigt and Pashal, decent O-line play. D doing pretty good both squads. The only TD so far was a pass by Voigt.

[KTF]

The #1 defense is looking down right scary. Talent from the sophmore class is starting to show(Kevin Jackson). The #1 offense is looking good but the o-line is not holding up well. Mertens has been sacked half a dozen times or so. Mertens has the same issues as last year as well as the wide recievers. Lots of dropped balls by the WR and overthrown balls by Mertens. Mertens is staring the reciever down and not looking the defender off.


Special teams look better, especially the return game. Horner is looking good on returns but the #1 special teams is stopping him pretty quickly. Number #64 (not on the roster yet) had a huge return for the #2 team offense right before half time.

The transfer WR looks good on offense. Several nice grabs

Shawn Bibeau has not kicked a ball yet in the game, both of the Obarski brothers are doing the kicking. Punts are good. John Obarski made a 39 yard FG that split the uprights.

Greg Reid has made some nice tackles, a few for a loss.

[56BISON73]

The #1 defense is looking down right scary. Talent from the sophmore class is starting to show(Kevin Jackson). The #1 offense is looking good but the o-line is not holding up well. Mertens has been sacked half a dozen times or so. Mertens has the same issues as last year as well as the wide recievers. Lots of dropped balls by the WR and overthrown balls by Mertens. Mertens is staring the reciever down and not looking the defender off.


Special teams look better, especially the return game. Horner is looking good on returns but the #1 special teams is stopping him pretty quickly. Number #64 (not on the roster yet) had a huge return for the #2 team offense right before half time.

The transfer WR looks good on offense. Several nice grabs

Shawn Bibeau has not kicked a ball yet in the game, both of the Obarski brothers are doing the kicking. Punts are good. John Obarski made a 39 yard FG that split the uprights.

Greg Reid has made some nice tackles, a few for a loss.

Im shocked:D

Thanks for the info!!!!!!!

[GradBison]

Is there a reason Mcnorton's not playing? Haven't seen #8 on the field.

[KTF]

Is there a reason Mcnorton's not playing? Haven't seen #8 on the field.

I am wondering the same thing.

[GradBison]

I am wondering the same thing.

I think I see him on the sideline, not in uniform. Hopefully he's not hurt.

[GradBison]

Mertens just threw an INT right before the end of the game. The other INT was deflected, this was just an awful throw.

[KTF]

Mertens threw 2 int in the 3rd qtr. Highlight of the 3rd qtr Mertens had a long pass (50 yards) completed to Sidney Hanes but the ball was stripped by Kevin Jackson.

Kevin Jackson (So. safety) is all over the place. Had an int. and several tackles, appears to be fastest guy on the team. Daniel Omo(SP?) is having a great day as well on defense.

Hushka is getting a lot of reps at tb.

Game is now over.

[MNLonghorn10]

Mertens just threw an INT right before the end of the game. The other INT was deflected, this was just an awful throw.

And this is any different from his other throws?

[North Side]

Just got back from the game. Mertens wasn't looking that sharp....... :smh:

[DjKyRo]

I am a little sketchy right now on the situation, Mertens had more incompletions than caught passes and there were a lot of dropped balls. A few really nice short catches that went for medium yardage, but it seemed like Mertens is still going for the medium-deep to deep ball way too often.

[NDSUFan_Sav]

Just got back from the game. Mertens wasn't looking that sharp....... :smh:

the starting Defense played very well....hopefully they can shut out other teams this year :)

That offense working against a good defense will only make things better hopefully.

[NDSUFan_Sav]

two breakout players today: DJ McNorton and Kevin Jackson... write it down

well you got one of them right

[NDSUstudent]

The defense is obviously ahead of the offense right now, they will be good. Not sure about Mertens, he obviously can't run in the spring game, but he didn't seem too sharp. The entire offense needs a lot of work, but I didn't really expect much with so many new players. The loss of Schultenover is looming pretty large right now and Williams was hurt, that is a big chunk of the depth chart gone.

[Tatanka]

Well, looks like more of the same at QB.

Voigtlander made a nice pass for a TD. Prevlitz looked good punting. Obarski used the force and willed a wounded duck through the uprights. Preston Evans is the real deal. Horner looked solid. Nice kickoff return after the FG in the first half by a player to be identified later (Flomo? unknown).

Veldman, if he can get open or out in the field like he did today, and we find a QB that can get him the ball in stride, will be virtually unstoppable.

McNorton didn't play. Don't know why. K-Jack was a blur on D.

[KTF]

Thoughts on the game.

TE - Looked great and nice depth. Expect good things from these guys. Veldman and Brown are going to be a nice tandem.
O-line - Starting crew looked improved, could tell they were starting to gel but d-line would man handle them occassionally.
WR - Sidney Hanes (transfer) looked good. He had some great catches in some tough traffic. Reed Duescher (RFr) and Victor Shurring made some nice catches as well. Holloway had some opportunites but Mertens was unable to deliver. Lots of good protection for the RB's.
TB - Pat Paschall ran hard, definitely #1. #2-4 is still up for grabs. Voigt had some great runs. DJ Mcnorton did not play from what I could tell. Drew Hushka got lots of reps towards the end of the game.

QB - Well lets just same I am hoping and praying for a transfer to come through.

Defense - definitely could tell that seems to be where the schoolies and money is going. Kevin Jackson was the star of the show, all over the place today.

DE- They were able to break the corners pretty quickly and get to the QB easily. Garret Johnson whos he?

CB - pretty quiet but steady today.

SS & FS - Lemon and Jackson made a number great plays. The speed of these guys are unreal. They will make some nice this fall and definitely in 2010.

LB's - Strong showing by the starters. Evans didn't play today that I noticed but Anderson and Henry were pretty strong. Not as strong as Humber and Maresh combo but that was an unbelievable tag team... I think they will come on throughout the season...


Special teams- improved from last year but considering last year would be hard to get worse!!

Get an improved QB and they will make a good run at the conference title in my opinion...

[NDSUFan_Sav]

The #1 defense is looking down right scary. Talent from the sophmore class is starting to show(Kevin Jackson). The #1 offense is looking good but the o-line is not holding up well. Mertens has been sacked half a dozen times or so. Mertens has the same issues as last year as well as the wide recievers. Lots of dropped balls by the WR and overthrown balls by Mertens. Mertens is staring the reciever down and not looking the defender off.


Special teams look better, especially the return game. Horner is looking good on returns but the #1 special teams is stopping him pretty quickly. Number #64 (not on the roster yet) had a huge return for the #2 team offense right before half time.

The transfer WR looks good on offense. Several nice grabs

Shawn Bibeau has not kicked a ball yet in the game, both of the Obarski brothers are doing the kicking. Punts are good. John Obarski made a 39 yard FG that split the uprights.

Greg Reid has made some nice tackles, a few for a loss.

thought the ball was marked at the 30??? so a 47 yard field goal?

[NDSUFan_Sav]

LB's - Strong showing by the starters. Evans didn't play today that I noticed but Anderson and Henry were pretty strong. Not as strong as Humber and Maresh combo but that was an unbelievable tag team... I think they will come on throughout the season...




Evans was out there and wow can that kid hit......he is going to be special could be better then mays and humber....kid never gave up!

that defense is looking really good didn't give that offense much of anything.

[bisonmike2]

Question for the guys who say the game? Does our defense look good because it really is good, or does it look good because it's going against Mertens and a shiatty offense? I've seen Mertens make some guys on defense look all-world at times.

[NDSUstudent]

Question for the guys who say the game? Does our defense look good because it really is good, or does it look good because it's going against Mertens and a shiatty offense? I've seen Mertens make some guys on defense look all-world at times.

Most of those guys on defense played last year and preformed well. The defense is good but the offense needs a lot of work. The 1st team is running out new starters at RB, FB, WR, WR, and TE and some lineman are playing new positions, it is going to take some time to get everything going, hopefully not too long though.

[VanClubPres]

Totally being a hometown homer here, went to my highschool, but...

#28 Joel Helbling DB Rfr. was doing a great job out there, and was in a quite a few tackles, and was decent in coverage. Looking forward to a great career from him.

Also, I think having Yuen back on punt protect is a good idea, should stop a couple of shooters from getting through.

[ndsubison1]

Some thoughts:

Defense looked pretty good I think they'll be very tough next season. Preston Evans is the next Joe Mays. Kevin Jackson/Daniel Eaves both looked good at safety, both were very aggressive, love to see that.. Jackson is just a ball hawk and has some speed I think he'll be the real deal back there. O-Line looked improved. Losing Shultenover did hurt our depth at WR but we still have the JUCO WR transfer and some freshmen coming in to help fill the void. More of the same at QB, I'm praying we get Stangel. I just want to see more depth at QB and competition. Both Paschall and Voit looked great at RB, both ran very hard. RB depth will be very good. Dont forget DJ McNorton. Not sure why he didnt play but I think we'll see him line up all over the place next year, out wide, in the slot and backfield, he'll be a real threat next season. I was impressed with our LBs Evans, Anderson, Henry, Kittleson along with the defensive front looked very, very tough... watch out for Greg Reid, kid's a beast... Offense wasn't the best but that's usually how it is in the spring and early on, takes a lot longer to adjust and get accustomed to things on that side of the ball...

If we can get some consistent offense and our WRs develop quickly we'll be a better squad than this past season. I think if we get Stangel that will change the aspect of the offense and we could be a real threat. But we have Mertens right now and we gotta play with what we got. No matter what I'll be backing them the whole way...

[stevdock]

Most of those guys on defense played last year and preformed well. The defense is good but the offense needs a lot of work. The 1st team is running out new starters at RB, FB, WR, WR, and TE and some lineman are playing new positions, it is going to take some time to get everything going, hopefully not too long though.

I agree with this. Defense is always way ahead of the offense at this point so it is really hard to tell. Mertens had throws that were right on the money, then he had others that weren't. I thought other than the last pick, he did a better job not forcing things. He did have the one run where he might have scored on, but was called down. I'm just praying the best defense he sees will be when he goes against our #1 defense. Probably not the case, but our defense could be very good.

[tjbison]

I agree with this. Defense is always way ahead of the offense at this point so it is really hard to tell. Mertens had throws that were right on the money, then he had others that weren't. I thought other than the last pick, he did a better job not forcing things. He did have the one run where he might have scored on, but was called down. I'm just praying the best defense he sees will be when he goes against our #1 defense. Probably not the case, but our defense could be very good.

He threw several passes into double coverage when there were other players open, but he picked and stuck with the #1 route, there was one instance he chose to throw a 5 yard pass instead of hitting the WIDE OPEN guy in the End zone!!!!!!!!!:mad: :mad:


I am pumped about the TE's, Haynes, Reid, Evans, Jackson, but if we don't improve the QB there is ZERO chance of improvement on the 6-5 record, sorry I seen nothing to indicate a difference from last year. I sat on the white side and noticed Pachall was not a happy camper after the game and neither were a couple others who will be key players, Just my observation and maybe someone from the band noticed the same:hide: :hide:

Lots of great talent, on both sides very athletic just a few switches and this is a playoff caliber team, anyways I spent a whopping 4 dollars at the Locker room sale and had 4 items!!!!!!!! thats was my bright spot for the day


Oh yeah who the hell was #65??????? short little guy built like Shamen? and anybody else see Mohler walking around like there was nothing wrong, he should be in the penalty box not roaming the field like he owns it

[ndsubison1]

Sidney Haynes will be a stud... he's the game breaker we need at WR. Had some nice grabs, caught that deep one in double coverage. Hopefully we can get him the ball...

[GradBison]

I really was hoping Mertens would at least improve slightly. If he's the starter, points are going to be hard to come by this season and we'll still have the turnover problem from last year.

Bleh.

[TransAmBison]

I went into the spring game with an open mind about Mertens. I heard the different reports during spring practice. After seeing the spring game my hopes for the season are at an all time low. Mertens can not do it. He throws an occasional real nice pass. Occasional. Maybe even two in a row. If we need a td pass we better keep Voit's arm loose. Mertens had enough passes way off target, behind receivers, blah, blah, blah. To his credit, there were some that bounced off receivers as well.

The thing is, our D isn't even playing like opposing defenses would. They are going to stack the line and make Mertens step up. I don't know if we can even go 6-5 at this point. Sorry for being such a downer. This has just been the worst spring game I've ever seen. (as far as offense)

[North Side]

and anybody else see Mohler walking around like there was nothing wrong, he should be in the penalty box not roaming the field like he owns it

I saw Mohler out there. He should have played in the game today and worn an orange jump suit instead of the usual red.

[Yo]

I went into the spring game with an open mind about Mertens. I heard the different reports during spring practice. After seeing the spring game my hopes for the season are at an all time low. Mertens can not do it. He throws an occasional real nice pass. Occasional. Maybe even two in a row. If we need a td pass we better keep Voit's arm loose. Mertens had enough passes way off target, behind receivers, blah, blah, blah. To his credit, there were some that bounced off receivers as well.

The thing is, our D isn't even playing like opposing defenses would. They are going to stack the line and make Mertens step up. I don't know if we can even go 6-5 at this point. Sorry for being such a downer. This has just been the worst spring game I've ever seen. (as far as offense)

Unfortunately, i could not agree more.:hide:

[NDSUstudent]

I went into the spring game with an open mind about Mertens. I heard the different reports during spring practice. After seeing the spring game my hopes for the season are at an all time low. Mertens can not do it. He throws an occasional real nice pass. Occasional. Maybe even two in a row. If we need a td pass we better keep Voit's arm loose. Mertens had enough passes way off target, behind receivers, blah, blah, blah. To his credit, there were some that bounced off receivers as well.

The thing is, our D isn't even playing like opposing defenses would. They are going to stack the line and make Mertens step up. I don't know if we can even go 6-5 at this point. Sorry for being such a downer. This has just been the worst spring game I've ever seen. (as far as offense)

What did you expect? A ton of new players, a messed up practice schedule, suspended/booted players fiasco, the offense is what I thought it would be. We just lost our best WR, or our third string receiver last year, this past week. The offense needs a ton of work, but it should. Perspective people, perspective.

[rutlandbison]

After reading all this I take it Mertens isn't improving and isn't looking good.

[tjbison]

What did you expect? A ton of new players, a messed up practice schedule, suspended/booted players fiasco, the offense is what I thought it would be. We just lost our best WR, or our third string receiver last year, this past week. The offense needs a ton of work, but it should. Perspective people, perspective.


not trying to start a whole deal here, but IMO Haynes is a better reciever than Shult, so thats no excuse, but how does an offense improve when their leader doesn't??? Wide open receivers are usless if the ball lands 20 yds behind or in front of them, or in the hands of the defender.

[Kermit]

What did you expect? A ton of new players, a messed up practice schedule, suspended/booted players fiasco, the offense is what I thought it would be. We just lost our best WR, or our third string receiver last year, this past week. The offense needs a ton of work, but it should. Perspective people, perspective.

All true, but..none of this fully explains the large number of wildly inaccurate passes from Mertens.

Preston Evans and Kevin Jackson were big bright spots on the defense. Evans really does hit like Joe Mays.

[TransAmBison]

not trying to start a whole deal here, but IMO Haynes is a better reciever than Shult, so thats no excuse, but how does an offense improve when their leader doesn't??? Wide open receivers are usless if the ball lands 20 yds behind or in front of them, or in the hands of the defender.
Exactly. Student's points are not points at all, except for the dropped balls. Mertens is the best weapon opposing teams have. When he is on the field opposing teams should be flagged for too many players on the field!

[tjbison]

Exactly. Student's points are not points at all, except for the dropped balls. Mertens is the best weapon opposing teams have. When he is on the field opposing teams should be flagged for too many players on the field!

you know TAB I went into the spring game with all the faults cleared from Mertens last year, afterall it was his first time starting since High school, but today just rebooted the entire system with the same errors!! I truely was hoping he had improved, I will still attened the games and support the Bison no matter who is throwing or not throwing the ball.

[KTF]

thought the ball was marked at the 30??? so a 47 yard field goal?

Could have been a 47 yarder, the all acess feed wasn't the greatest and the announcer was the farog dome announcer. Thanks for the update on the length, all that more impressive.

[Bison"FANatic"]

I went into the spring game with an open mind about Mertens. I heard the different reports during spring practice. After seeing the spring game my hopes for the season are at an all time low. Mertens can not do it. He throws an occasional real nice pass. Occasional. Maybe even two in a row. If we need a td pass we better keep Voit's arm loose. Mertens had enough passes way off target, behind receivers, blah, blah, blah. To his credit, there were some that bounced off receivers as well.

The thing is, our D isn't even playing like opposing defenses would. They are going to stack the line and make Mertens step up. I don't know if we can even go 6-5 at this point. Sorry for being such a downer. This has just been the worst spring game I've ever seen. (as far as offense)



You summed up my thoughts to. Tried to go and watch and not drink the coolaid and well...... I just hope Chase chooses us as he will be starting within the first 3 games. Mertens was just not good. He missed open 2nd recievers quite a few times. Was not sharp and had the recievers leaning back and or going high or low to get to the ball. Man I want to win next year but I just don't see it happening with our QB and I wanted to see him play well. He did have a few nice throws (one slant was perfect) but not good enough. The corner back on the opposite side that he looks to first might as well just drop back into a safety position because he didn't progress through receivers across the field.

I didn't see any glaring holes on D. I am happy to be going into next fall with them. Hopefully they have the depth to get through the injuries that are bound to happen and we will be ok.

Preston had some monster hits. One on about the 15 on the north end sounded like a freight train colliding with the running back.

As much as it pains me to say it. 6-5 may be lucky.

[56BISON73]

Exactly. Student's points are not points at all, except for the dropped balls. Mertens is the best weapon opposing teams have. When he is on the field opposing teams should be flagged for too many players on the field!

Ouch. Thats one of the best smacks Ive seen in a while. Its too bad that its true from what Ive been reading.

[tjbison]

Ouch. Thats one of the best smacks Ive seen in a while. Its too bad that its true from what Ive been reading.


Well PL here is the summary:

Our Sophmore RB (Voit) threw the only TD pass of the game, in the meantime out #1 starting QB played for both offenses and took EVERY SINGLE SNAP OF THE GAME, and threw 2 ints (1 was a tip) and well not sure the Completion % but I'll bet money its below 25%:hide:

[bisonmike2]

I went into the spring game with an open mind about Mertens. I heard the different reports during spring practice. After seeing the spring game my hopes for the season are at an all time low. Mertens can not do it. He throws an occasional real nice pass. Occasional. Maybe even two in a row. If we need a td pass we better keep Voit's arm loose. Mertens had enough passes way off target, behind receivers, blah, blah, blah. To his credit, there were some that bounced off receivers as well.

The thing is, our D isn't even playing like opposing defenses would. They are going to stack the line and make Mertens step up. I don't know if we can even go 6-5 at this point. Sorry for being such a downer. This has just been the worst spring game I've ever seen. (as far as offense)

So what you're saying is that we should all be looking forward to when basketball season starts? Ugh, I was holding out that there would be some marked improvement with Mertens. I know it's early, it's spring and we have 3 months to go until fall camp, 4 to go until our first game. But honestly, we are 6 months removed from a craptastic season and the main reason for that, our QB play, appears to have progressed very little in that time. Please, Chasen Stengel, if your reading this, come to NDSU. You will be a God if you can lead us to the playoffs.

[TheDoctor]

two breakout players today: DJ McNorton and Kevin Jackson... write it down

Sorry...forgot to tell before hand: DJ = hammy, I believe. ;)

[Bison"FANatic"]

Good to hear it was only a Hammy on McNorton. I was looking forward to seeing him play but Voight looked good and ran hard.

[KilldeerBison]

Well PL here is the summary:

Our Sophmore RB (Voit) threw the only TD pass of the game, in the meantime out #1 starting QB played for both offenses and took EVERY SINGLE SNAP OF THE GAME, and threw 2 ints (1 was a tip) and well not sure the Completion % but I'll bet money its below 25%:hide:

On Gobison it said 18/39, 2 int, 246 yards.

[56BISON73]

Well PL here is the summary:

Our Sophmore RB (Voit) threw the only TD pass of the game, in the meantime out #1 starting QB played for both offenses and took EVERY SINGLE SNAP OF THE GAME, and threw 2 ints (1 was a tip) and well not sure the Completion % but I'll bet money its below 25%:hide:

Wow what a great plan for breaking in a back up QB. :(

[NDSUstudent]

Exactly. Student's points are not points at all, except for the dropped balls. Mertens is the best weapon opposing teams have. When he is on the field opposing teams should be flagged for too many players on the field!

They aren't points? How do you know what plays our offense can run right now, what routes the receivers we have are comfortable running, how familiar our offensive line is with each other, and really how familiar the QB and WRs are with each other. But I bet they can get it all figured out in what a couple of weeks of practice, give me a break.

Whoever said Haynes is better the Schultenover, he might be, but Schultenover was a senior and was our best player in regards to familiarity with offense.

I'll formulate an opinion when the first game is done, this unit needs a lot of time together, and I'm more than ready to give it to them. One of the things Mertens can do well, run, is something that can't really be done in a game where the whistle is blown whenever somebody gets close. So I really doubt our offense will look like this in game one and if it does, god help us.

For the record I did say Mertens didn't look sharp at all, don't want to be accused of being a kool aid drinker, but at least I have some perspective.

I will add this, get a QB in here already, competition always leads to better play. Mertens is by no means a solid number one in my book, but I won't hold what happened today against him, right now I am seeing people taking a spring game way more seriously then they should.

[SlickVic]

theres no way that this team doesn't suck next year I don't think that they all even be competitve against good teams...4 wins would be a best case scenario

[tjbison]

On Gobison it said 18/39, 2 int, 246 yards.

thats not good considering he took what 60-70 snaps????

[KilldeerBison]

thats not good considering he took what 60-70 snaps????

I agree, I think it was a total of 77 snaps.

[cvbison1]

i wish i could stop my addiction to this board....because most of you people drive me crazy. all some people do is bit** bit** bi*ch

[tjbison]

i wish i could stop my addiction to this board....because most of you people drive me crazy. all some people do is bit** bit** bi*ch


so in your fantasy world there was a huge improvement from last year?????


one of the purposes of a spring game is to showcase position battles, bring out strengths and weakness. none of what has been said on here was Fabricated, so its perfectly fine to address the weak points and i will respect your opinion if you think the game went well for the offense

[bisonmike2]

On Gobison it said 18/39, 2 int, 246 yards.

wow, 46% in what is essentially an intense scrimmage. These are somewhat controlled circumstances and he's throwing less than 50%? I'm scared to think what's going to happen under game conditions.

[cvbison1]

so in your fantasy world there was a huge improvement from last year?????


one of the purposes of a spring game is to showcase position battles, bring out strengths and weakness. none of what has been said on here was Fabricated, so its perfectly fine to address the weak points and i will respect your opinion if you think the game went well for the offense

it's just a little sickening having to read the same negative post 10 times from the same group of 10 people i've read it from since November 22nd.

I appreciate the insight though....from the credible people......well the ones that i know and know to be credible

[NDSUstudent]

so in your fantasy world there was a huge improvement from last year?????


one of the purposes of a spring game is to showcase position battles, bring out strengths and weakness. none of what has been said on here was Fabricated, so its perfectly fine to address the weak points and i will respect your opinion if you think the game went well for the offense

I've made my opinion pretty clear but these guys practiced for what? Two weeks? I won't even get into how disrupted it was with everything that happened, but if you went into the game expecting improvement, you probably expected too much. This wasn't your typical spring game.

I do expect improvement in game one, the excuses end there, the offense has the entire summer to figure things out.

[cvbison1]

I've made my opinion pretty clear but these guys practiced for what? Two weeks? I won't even get into how disrupted it was with everything that happened, but if you went into the game expecting improvement, you probably expected too much. This wasn't your typical spring game.

I do expect improvement in game one, the excuses end there, the offense has the entire summer to figure things out.

YES!! NDSUstudent....you are the man. agree, agree, agree. you are one of the reasons bisonville is still gasping for air instead of dead

[56BISON73]

it's just a little sickening having to read the same negative post 10 times from the same group of 10 people i've read it from since November 22nd.

I appreciate the insight though....from the credible people......well the ones that i know and know to be credible

Im sure they were just as sick to watch the same problems as we experienced last year. I doubt that they take any pleasure in the current scenario and would be happy to report something more positive IF that were the case..

[Bisonfan1]

Just got back from my 200 mile roundtrip to see the spring game. Todays posts are accurate so I dont have to repeat whats been said. I have figuired out what to do however :#1 - Issue everyone on the offensive team the same playbook except the QB #2 - Issue QB a totally opposite playbook which will force him to look all over the field before releasing the ball, therefore confusing the oppossing defense, which will result in a high percentage of completions. It's just that simple - National Championship in 09 !!!!

[tjbison]

Im sure they were just as sick to watch the same problems as we experienced last year. I doubt that they take any pleasure in the current scenario and would be happy to report something more positive IF that were the case..

Exactly, there were lots who were unable to watch the game today and would like to know what went down! I guess you only report GOOD news on here and must be credible to make a opinion and state obvious facts on Bisonville

[bisonmike2]

Just got back from my 200 mile roundtrip to see the spring game. Todays posts are accurate so I dont have to repeat whats been said. I have figuired out what to do however :#1 - Issue everyone on the offensive team the same playbook except the QB #2 - Issue QB a totally opposite playbook which will force him to look all over the field before releasing the ball, therefore confusing the oppossing defense, which will result in a high percentage of completions. It's just that simple - National Championship in 09 !!!!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff308/20KMillionaire/Brilliant-02.jpg

[Twentysix]

Id rather have a steve walker autographed game jersey :'( unfortunately i could only pay in little bits of string.

[NDSUstudent]

Since everyone wants to treat this game like a real game, I thought having to play on both teams didn't really help Mertens, it is usually nice to have some time and talk to your coaches and teammates between drives. Going from team A right to team B probably isn't ideal.

[cvbison1]

Exactly, there were lots who were unable to watch the game today and would like to know what went down! I guess you only report GOOD news on here and must be credible to make a opinion and state obvious facts on Bisonville

don't worry. i've always ignored your posts haha.

all i'm saying is there are a handful of people on this site that i know.....and they are the ones i believe. got a problem with that?? you sound offended?

i'm sorry i don't come on here to read the tjbison report.

[Mr. Burgundy]

#24 Victor S. (no clue on his last name) is a walk on from South Dakota that I have liked for 2+ years....give the kid a scholly if he doesn't have one. Kid flat out gets open at WR. He made a double move to the far corner and burned the kid bad....the throw was out of reach and to the wrong shoulder.

The first half was ok for Mertens. He had 5 balls dropped. I thought he was fair to solid. 2nd half...brutal. Missed several open men. I have a man crush on Veldman and Haynes, and if I was a transfer QB....I would be going crazy to play with this talent, and this DEFENSE.

I don't recall all the details, but I am frustrated that we lifted the redshirt on Preston last year. That kid has a MOTOR. He just runs you over. That kid is a fan favorite...and our D Line is DEEP. Johnson is a beast in street clothes, and I think he and Colter are going to dominate. Colter is all over the place. Kevin Jackson is fast. Like faster than anyone we have ever had in the defensive backfield. Ball hawk. Eaves looks great too. Some nice talent out there.

I think we are DEEP at running back, and have some kids coming in at WR. I just think this team has been built to go deep in the playoffs, the O line is improving with their new positions....but we can't win with a QB being inaccurate. He puts it on the wrong shoulder and just doesn't give the receivers a chance to make a clean catch and move with the ball after the catch. I went into the game cheering for him big. I really wanted him to silence the fan base. I left praying for Chasen to choose NDSU!!!!

The defense will win games, and keep us in others. Nobody will run the ball.

[cvbison1]

#24 Victor S. (no clue on his last name) is a walk on from South Dakota that I have liked for 2+ years....give the kid a scholly if he doesn't have one. Kid flat out gets open at WR. He made a double move to the far corner and burned the kid bad....the throw was out of reach and to the wrong shoulder.

The first half was ok for Mertens. He had 5 balls dropped. I thought he was fair to solid. 2nd half...brutal. Missed several open men. I have a man crush on Veldman and Haynes, and if I was a transfer QB....I would be going crazy to play with this talent, and this DEFENSE.

I don't recall all the details, but I am frustrated that we lifted the redshirt on Preston last year. That kid has a MOTOR. He just runs you over. That kid is a fan favorite...and our D Line is DEEP. Johnson is a beast in street clothes, and I think he and Colter are going to dominate. Colter is all over the place. Kevin Jackson is fast. Like faster than anyone we have ever had in the defensive backfield. Ball hawk. Eaves looks great too. Some nice talent out there.

I think we are DEEP at running back, and have some kids coming in at WR. I just think this team has been built to go deep in the playoffs, the O line is improving with their new positions....but we can't win with a QB being inaccurate. He puts it on the wrong shoulder and just doesn't give the receivers a chance to make a clean catch and move with the ball after the catch. I went into the game cheering for him big. I really wanted him to silence the fan base. I left praying for Chasen to choose NDSU!!!!

The defense will win games, and keep us in others. Nobody will run the ball.


how old is kevin jackson?

and p.s. a little bird told me that Chasen ISN'T visiting UNI

[tjbison]

don't worry. i've always ignored your posts haha.

all i'm saying is there are a handful of people on this site that i know.....and they are the ones i believe. got a problem with that?? you sound offended?

i'm sorry i don't come on here to read the tjbison report.


http://www.kissforum.de/phpbb2/images/smiles/Kaffee.gif

[roadwarrior]

Kevin Jackson redshirted last year. Freshman.

[cvbison1]

Kevin Jackson redshirted last year. Freshman.

thats awesome. i think the next few seasons are looking really good. 09 will be dece....but we are going to be really tuff in a few years

[TransAmBison]

I disagree with Burgandy on the first half for Mertens. 5 drops? Maybe, I did have a toddler on my lap who was not too interested in the game. But I saw Mertens check off receivers a few times, which was good. Then he would stare down his man for the next how many plays.

He has improved...it just is from worse to bad.

[Kermit]

#24 Victor S. (no clue on his last name) is a walk on from South Dakota that I have liked for 2+ years....give the kid a scholly if he doesn't have one. Kid flat out gets open at WR. He made a double move to the far corner and burned the kid bad....the throw was out of reach and to the wrong shoulder.


Victor Schuring (http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=11845&SPID=695&DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=1244865&Q_SEASON=2009) was a walk-on place kicker his first year or two in the program. I noticed him for the first time at a spring practice a year ago as an unfamiliar number working with the wide receivers. Since then, it seems like he has managed to make it into the TV highlights of every Bison spring scrimmage. He definitely doesn't have the prototypical WR body, but he does appear to have a knack for getting open and catching the ball. Maybe he'll get a shot to show his stuff on the game field this fall. I will be pulling for him.

[Mr. Burgundy]

Victory Schuring....Kid is like the 7-11....He is always open.

Several dropped passes in the first half. most of them hot slants that hit the hands and were dropped. You sort of feel bad for Nick, as it seems like if he has drops, it goes to his head. (Wyoming).

I love the youth of this team. Glad the crap is gone...still hoping Jose gets his walking papers.

If in fact UNI is not getting a visit from Chasen....I like our chances even better. I mean, this kid can be named the STARTER TONIGHT if he makes the call to coach.

I left happy about the young kids. Jackson, Eaves, Preston, Voit, Haynes, etc....and was hoping for alot more out of Nick. Not sure what else he could ask for....and how DUMB does Jose have to feel. This would be a WIDE OPEN COMPETITION and he is too dumb to even have a chance to be in it.

[Kermit]

I don't recall all the details, but I am frustrated that we lifted the redshirt on Preston last year. That kid has a MOTOR. He just runs you over.

Preston Evans was forced into action at MLB at midseason last fall after a series of injuries to Beson, Henry, Bussey, and Anderson. He played great for 2 games, but went down with his own injury in the second game (Illinois State). So he lost a season for a little less than 2 games. He is a beast! Most noticeable player on the field today, IMHO.

[NDSU1980]

Well, since it looks like Mertens is a write off for 2009 (Everyone expected that anyway), I'd say we have 3 chances or choices. Pray we get Chase, find an excuse to let Mohler have a Get Out of Jail Free card, or pull the red shirt off of Brock Jensen.

I'm hoping for the first one, and can't decide which of the other two I prefer.

All I know is Mertens has to go. Obviously nothing has changed.

[56BISON73]

Since nobody is expounding about the spring game attendance I am guessing that the turn out wasnt that great.
Anybody?????

[DjKyRo]

My guess would be right near the 1000 mark, give or take. At one point roughly half the East side was packed.

[North Side]

Since nobody is expounding about the spring game attendance I am guessing that the turn out wasnt that great.
Anybody?????

It wasn't that bad. East side of the Fargo was the only section people were sitting at and the Fargodome parking like was 3/4 full of cars. Gold Star Band was on the west side of the field all by itself.

[IronRanger]

Since nobody is expounding about the spring game attendance I am guessing that the turn out wasnt that great.
Anybody?????

Hey PL attendance was 1,742 at the game, which I believe is down from last year, but still a good crowd turnout for mothers day.

http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=3736526

[BisonNolesFan77]

Jackson looked very good...pretty excited to see Gatlin from NDSCS join his this fall, could be pretty dang good...

Veldman could be a flat out stud if we have a QB that can get him the ball...

Like everyone else, the biggest concern after today is QB, the weapons are in place on Offense, just missing that one most vital piece...

[56BISON73]

Thanks guys for the info. Sounds as though the crowd wasnt bad.

[mgbison]

seriously, what do some of you guys expect from a spring game. What do they use, maybe 25% of their playbook. if the d doesn't dominate the spring game, the team will suck in the fall. I only saw the 1st half, but mertens had some good throws and well some bad throws. But if we are going to complain about mertens, lets complain about the receivers. the routes they ran sucked. give us a guy that runs a 4.7 that can run a good route and catch the ball. and they can't catch the ball.

[Bison"FANatic"]

I thought the turnout was great for it being Mothers day, Fishing opener weekend and Marathon weekend and actually a very nice spring day.

Also keep an close eye on Jackson for the next four years and enjoy the player as I think he will be seeing the next level if he can use all the tools he has and stay injury free. He was impressive and our staff knows how to groom a Safety.

[tcTatanka]

McNorton=high ankle sprain

[stevdock]

I have found this entire thread very interesting to read. I was at the game today and while Mertens did have his problems, there were improvements. First play of the game was a rollout pass. He had the option to run but hit the WR right between the numbers.

I thought a good portion of his short to medium passes were well placed. He did have a bunch of passes that were dropped in the first half. How many?? I don't know but that did frustrate me early.

He only connected on one deep pass that I remember and Haynes had to come back and get it (If pass interference was called like it should have that drive would have continued). And I would guess we threw deep about 8-10 times today.

While the reps were good, I honestly don't think in the second half that having all those plays helped him. The first interception was tipped. Don't know if the receiver could have come down with that one though. The second one was a bad read, probably his worst play of the game.

I thought that he could have made some plays with his legs today, especially the one that was blown dead when a DL was within 2 yards of him at best. I doubt it, but he might have scored on that one. The middle of the field was wide open to run.

Overall stats didn't look great, and some passes were not good. But I really did see some improvement out there. How much?? Enough to notice.

While he does have plenty of problems on his own, his biggest problem is probably he is the QB after Walker, who was in the stands today. Nobody is going to look as good as he did game after game.

Now if you compare this spring game to spring games in the past. They were very comparable. Last year, no offensive TD's. The year before there were 3 or 4 TD's in just a couple minutes time, but really nothing else the rest of the game. All in all both of the last two were very similar to today.

Now after saying all of that, I fully expect to be ripped apart. But that's what I did see and it was improvement I thought.

[scheelsguy]

Until he can get the ball to an open receiver further that 10-15 yards down the field we will see quite a few guy's playing up on the line on D. The offensive line, which did show improvement, can't stop that! The only thing that can is a passing threat. Throwing the ball 10+ yards past a WR on a deep route or even just a couple yeards ahead of a receiver in the middle of the field isn't going to cut it. Can he do better? Thats the question, and I don't have the answer.

[ndsubison1]

seriously, after watching all the talent we have today, I am drooling at the chance of getting Chase Stangel... we really, really need this kid... he would take us from a middle of the pack MVFC team to a championship contender...

[Civil06]

Lots of recruits were also in attendance today. One big kid in an Osh Kosh shirt stood out to me. Very fit looking and probably about 6-4 to 6-5 240+. Definitely an athlete who's been hitting the weights heavily for a few years already. He's probably the kid talked about in the recruiting thread but I couldn't read his name tag.

[VanClubPres]

I saw Mertens check off receivers a few times, which was good. Then he would stare down his man for the next how many plays.

I agree with that. Flashes of brilli.....somewhat lighted-ness. There were times that he checked off receivers really well, then many times where he laser beam death stared the WR before the ball was even in his hands.


My guess would be right near the 1000 mark, give or take. At one point roughly half the East side was packed.

that is about what I figured also, 1000 + or - 100

[4mcruenomore]

Josh Horner looked good IMO. I really think that Voigtlander should be the #1 back this fall, Pat just doesn't do it for me. D looked great. We need a quarterback and we will be fine. I love the fact that we all argue about who should be the star runningback, that means we are good, very good at that position.

[NDSUstudent]

Josh Horner looked good IMO. I really think that Voigtlander should be the #1 back this fall, Pat just doesn't do it for me. D looked great. We need a quarterback and we will be fine. I love the fact that we all argue about who should be the star runningback, that means we are good, very good at that position.

Horner is going to electric in returning kicks this year, he and Williams will be a great combo.

I agree with Voight as well, I love how that guy runs and is always trying to get the extra yard, he is like Steffes Jr.

[NDSUFan_Sav]

I went into the spring game with an open mind about Mertens. I heard the different reports during spring practice. After seeing the spring game my hopes for the season are at an all time low. Mertens can not do it. He throws an occasional real nice pass. Occasional. Maybe even two in a row. If we need a td pass we better keep Voit's arm loose. Mertens had enough passes way off target, behind receivers, blah, blah, blah. To his credit, there were some that bounced off receivers as well.

The thing is, our D isn't even playing like opposing defenses would. They are going to stack the line and make Mertens step up. I don't know if we can even go 6-5 at this point. Sorry for being such a downer. This has just been the worst spring game I've ever seen. (as far as offense)

He was looking better during practices and scrimmages then today.....not taking much away from him cuz he will be running more this year and they weren't letting him roll out and run...stuff you weren't able to see. Wrs dropped a good 6+ passes that last int was forced pass. Need to get our OL up to par and not having DJ in there hurt imo...when i watched practices and scrimmages they ran more hb screens....look what they did when the did the hb screen 30-40 yard gain or something???

Mertens needs to run more, we need to throw more hb screens.....everytime they did it in practice it went for yards..i've seen it stopped like 2 times out of 20 or so times ran.
Mertens won't be playing every down either....thanks to mohler he had to play every down. So imo once they get the OL fixed and the WR and Mertens connecting things should turn out better.

PLEASE STOP BASHING MERTENS.....do you see him out there getting in trouble??? NOOOO he's here to play football, he's here to play for the bison while growing as a person and getting an education....I'd rather see us go 0-11 with him QB then 11-0 with a troubled player. He needs us to behind him 100% and support him.

[NDSUFan_Sav]

wow, 46% in what is essentially an intense scrimmage. These are somewhat controlled circumstances and he's throwing less than 50%? I'm scared to think what's going to happen under game conditions.

add 6 passes that should of easily been caught and that's 61.5%....yes they took a lot of deep attempts because they're limited to plays right now....he will run more like he did against the sdsu game when he ran for around 70 yards or whatever it was.....things will change.

[NDSUFan_Sav]

#24 Victor S. (no clue on his last name) is a walk on from South Dakota that I have liked for 2+ years....give the kid a scholly if he doesn't have one. Kid flat out gets open at WR. He made a double move to the far corner and burned the kid bad

wes welker jr??? :)

yeah Mertens kept going for him when he was with the Green

[westnodak93bison]

Sounds like Mertens is one of those stellar practice players but when game time comes he cant do it. Most of us that have played sports probably know someone with the same traits. IMHO, the only thing that will get him to come around is some tough competition since he has been the annointed one for 3+yrs.

[mgbison]

the one thing i like about merten's over walker is the fact that he will throw the ball down field once in a while. off the top of my head, i can't remember walker ever throwing the ball over 20 yards. on his deep pass to veldman up the middle that drew the interfence call was a good throw in my book. it was 2nd or 3rd and long, and if you're going to throw a long deep pass into double coverage, so be it (basically like a punt).

[Bison"FANatic"]

add 6 passes that should of easily been caught and that's 61.5%....yes they took a lot of deep attempts because they're limited to plays right now....he will run more like he did against the sdsu game when he ran for around 70 yards or whatever it was.....things will change.

For every drop that the recievers had they had at least 1 or 1.5 plays that they had to stop their route, come back for the ball, reach behind them or go low for passes that were barely catchable. It evened out. Sorry I just have to take off the glasses and say what I see. I hope you are right and I am eating my words and Mertens is the MVFC first team QB but it isn't going to happen with what I saw yesterday. As for him looking better in Practice, that is what him has been said about him for years. He just can't bring it to the game.

[TransAmBison]

He was looking better during practices and scrimmages then today.....not taking much away from him cuz he will be running more this year and they weren't letting him roll out and run...stuff you weren't able to see. Wrs dropped a good 6+ passes that last int was forced pass. Need to get our OL up to par and not having DJ in there hurt imo...when i watched practices and scrimmages they ran more hb screens....look what they did when the did the hb screen 30-40 yard gain or something???

Mertens needs to run more, we need to throw more hb screens.....everytime they did it in practice it went for yards..i've seen it stopped like 2 times out of 20 or so times ran.
Mertens won't be playing every down either....thanks to mohler he had to play every down. So imo once they get the OL fixed and the WR and Mertens connecting things should turn out better.

PLEASE STOP BASHING MERTENS.....do you see him out there getting in trouble??? NOOOO he's here to play football, he's here to play for the bison while growing as a person and getting an education....I'd rather see us go 0-11 with him QB then 11-0 with a troubled player. He needs us to behind him 100% and support him.
That is total crap. So what if he's "rowing as a person and getting an education"??? That doesn't bring home a "W". He is expected to not get into trouble, that is not something to be commended. You wipe your butt (I hope :D ) you don't get applause for it I am guessing. It is expected.

Like I said before, our defense was not going after him like they will in conference play. Other teams do not respect him at all. They are going to load the box and crush the run. And then what will happen? Mertens will throw the ball. More of the same.

[Bison53]

Do we have a no 2 QB?
If not, we do not want Mertens running this season.

[Bison Dan]

That is total crap. So what if he's "rowing as a person and getting an education"??? That doesn't bring home a "W". He is expected to not get into trouble, that is not something to be commended. You wipe your butt (I hope :D ) you don't get applause for it I am guessing. It is expected.

Like I said before, our defense was not going after him like they will in conference play. Other teams do not respect him at all. They are going to load the box and crush the run. And then what will happen? Mertens will throw the ball. More of the same.

I hope they do put 7-8 in the box with our 6'-7" TE and with Haynes at WR we'll be able to get the ball to them. It only takes one or two plays to loosen up the D. It will be up to Vigen to have the plays for this. Offensively we have never looked very good at a spring game. The D looked real good. I think the keys to a successful 09 season will be:

1. An aggressive D with more take aways this year. (too few last year)
2. More consistent play from the QB. Looks good for a few plays then nothing
3. Special teams play sucked last year. I think evey field goal our opponents attempted last year was good. (bad luck)

[Grizzled]

I hope they do put 7-8 in the box with our 6'-7" TE and with Haynes at WR we'll be able to get the ball to them. It only takes one or two plays to loosen up the D. It will be up to Vigen to have the plays for this. Offensively we have never looked very good at a spring game. The D looked real good.


Yesterday though he wasn't reading real well presnap. There was a few sacks he took where you could see a blitz coming and he never got the ball off. And when he did get it off he made some poor throws. Doesn't matter if we have those weapons, we gotta be able to get them the ball.

I know yesterday was kept pretty vanilla both offensively and defensively, you don't show much during spring ball but I am still concerned that our only TD we scored was off a halfback pass. I don't know if our starting offense got the ball across the 35 all day, minus the catch and fumble by Sydney.

Up front of defense we are solid with our starting group. Our backups need a few more reps. Only thing that concerns me on defense is there where a number of times guys where wide open and the quarterback didn't make a throw.

[HerdBot]

seriously, what do some of you guys expect from a spring game. What do they use, maybe 25% of their playbook. if the d doesn't dominate the spring game, the team will suck in the fall. I only saw the 1st half, but mertens had some good throws and well some bad throws. But if we are going to complain about mertens, lets complain about the receivers. the routes they ran sucked. give us a guy that runs a 4.7 that can run a good route and catch the ball. and they can't catch the ball.

I don't expect much from the spring game. It's vanilla football and it's against our great defense. It's tough to judge from Mertens because he was playing with both first and second team.

Wanna see Steve Walkers stats in his last spring game?

Passing Att-Cmp-Int Yds TD Long Sack
-------------------------------------------------
Steve Walker 19-13-0 155 2 40 3

He got sacked 3 times.

That same year Mertens went

Passing Att-Cmp-Int Yds TD Long Sack
-------------------------------------------------
Nick Mertens 14-8-0 120 1 35 0

[OldBison]

One of the things Mertens can do well, run, is something that can't really be done in a game where the whistle is blown whenever somebody gets close.

You're right, that should be a solid part of a game plan when Mertens is at QB.

However, as it stands right now, I'm guessing that unless Chasen comes to NDSU the backup QB will be a true freshman for the first three games (this assumes Mohler is coming back and only getting a three game suspension). If that is the situation, can Vigen afford to do anything with Mertens against Iowa State, Sam Houston and Wagner that jepordizes the season? An interesting problem I think.

[aces1180]

Full-disclosure...I was only able to watch the first half of the spring game before I had to get on the road, but here are my thoughts....

1) Mertens doesn't have any confidence...I watched him closely and he had his head down a lot. Yeah, there were a lot of dropped balls, but he made some really poor throws.

2) Preston Evans is going to be the man...What a hitter.

3) Josh Horner is going to be a great player...You can tell he has heart and really wants to make an impact.

4) Voigtlander is a Kyle Steffes type runner and going be a great compliment to Paschall.

5) Vandall seems to be a gamer and I hope he can stay out of trouble.

6) I think there is a lot of talent on the field...If the guys work hard this summer, we'll be able to sneak up on some teams...We'll be picked to finish in the middle to bottom of the MVFC, but I think they will overachieve. Right now, they are a 6-5 team, but with some luck, they can end 8-3.

[BisonNeil]

#24 Victor S. (no clue on his last name) is a walk on from South Dakota that I have liked for 2+ years....give the kid a scholly if he doesn't have one. Kid flat out gets open at WR. He made a double move to the far corner and burned the kid bad....the throw was out of reach and to the wrong shoulder.

The first half was ok for Mertens. He had 5 balls dropped. I thought he was fair to solid. 2nd half...brutal. Missed several open men. I have a man crush on Veldman and Haynes, and if I was a transfer QB....I would be going crazy to play with this talent, and this DEFENSE.

I don't recall all the details, but I am frustrated that we lifted the redshirt on Preston last year. That kid has a MOTOR. He just runs you over. That kid is a fan favorite...and our D Line is DEEP. Johnson is a beast in street clothes, and I think he and Colter are going to dominate. Colter is all over the place. Kevin Jackson is fast. Like faster than anyone we have ever had in the defensive backfield. Ball hawk. Eaves looks great too. Some nice talent out there.

I think we are DEEP at running back, and have some kids coming in at WR. I just think this team has been built to go deep in the playoffs, the O line is improving with their new positions....but we can't win with a QB being inaccurate. He puts it on the wrong shoulder and just doesn't give the receivers a chance to make a clean catch and move with the ball after the catch. I went into the game cheering for him big. I really wanted him to silence the fan base. I left praying for Chasen to choose NDSU!!!!

The defense will win games, and keep us in others. Nobody will run the ball.

Thanks for the update Burgundy, we don't always agree but I respect your opinion on players.

Based on some of the comments that the OL struggled a bit, and since they were going up against the #2 DL, one would have to guess the DL is perhaps the strongest unit? Would you agree? You did say that no one will run the ball on us. If our DL is solid and deep the Bison will be solid I think.

Okay Chasen, want to play, want a good team to be on, NDSU is it buddy!! The door is open...

[G-city Bison Fan]

I don't expect much from the spring game. It's vanilla football and it's against our great defense. It's tough to judge from Mertens because he was playing with both first and second team.

Wanna see Steve Walkers stats in his last spring game?

Passing Att-Cmp-Int Yds TD Long Sack
-------------------------------------------------
Steve Walker 19-13-0 155 2 40 3

He got sacked 3 times.

That same year Mertens went

Passing Att-Cmp-Int Yds TD Long Sack
-------------------------------------------------
Nick Mertens 14-8-0 120 1 35 0


Gabe, this isn't meant to be a bashing quote at all, but numbers can be deceiving. However, the spring game is usually pretty damn telling of what the team is going to be like. Obviously there are exceptions, but Steve always looked sharp, and Mertens well not quite so sharp. This may be due to a lot of different things, o-line, dropped passes, etc. but if those things are happening at the spring game, you better be ready to see it during the regular season.

[BisonNeil]

PLEASE STOP BASHING MERTENS.....do you see him out there getting in trouble??? NOOOO he's here to play football, he's here to play for the bison while growing as a person and getting an education....I'd rather see us go 0-11 with him QB then 11-0 with a troubled player. He needs us to behind him 100% and support him.

Well said.

[DjKyRo]

Do we have a no 2 QB?
If not, we do not want Mertens running this season.

Mohler got suspended for whatever it was he did and our freshman QB is redshirting, so Mertens is all we've got....except for maybe Voit, his one pass looked better than several of Mertens' :D

[roadwarrior]

Mohler got suspended for whatever it was he did and our freshman QB is redshirting, so Mertens is all we've got....except for maybe Voit, his one pass looked better than several of Mertens' :D

Correction: Mohler is our freshman QB that redshirted and is currently suspended. Jackson was kicked off the team recently and the other QB, Fabry is injured. Redshirted players are not kept out of spring ball.

[Civil06]

the one thing i like about merten's over walker is the fact that he will throw the ball down field once in a while. off the top of my head, i can't remember walker ever throwing the ball over 20 yards. on his deep pass to veldman up the middle that drew the interfence call was a good throw in my book. it was 2nd or 3rd and long, and if you're going to throw a long deep pass into double coverage, so be it (basically like a punt).

Ask Cal Poly if Walker could throw more than 20.:nod:

[TransAmBison]

Ask Cal Poly if Walker could throw more than 20.:nod:
How about Sam Houston Institute of Technology.

[tcbison]

Ask Cal Poly if Walker could throw more than 20.:nod:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3XO4QBO4iY

[JacksFan06]

Since a certain someone is gone from the board, I figured I'd chime in for you guys.

EVERYONE stop worrying, MERTENS is a stud and will DOMINATE in 09.

MERTINS 09, MOHLER 10,11,12!!

[NDSU1980]

Mohler got suspended for whatever it was he did and our freshman QB is redshirting, so Mertens is all we've got....except for maybe Voit, his one pass looked better than several of Mertens' :D

Well, we could look at pulling the red shirt off of Jensen. Who knows, maybe lightning will strike twice. Look at how it turned out for Bentrim. National champs his true freshman year.

[56BISON73]

the one thing i like about merten's over walker is the fact that he will throw the ball down field once in a while. off the top of my head, i can't remember walker ever throwing the ball over 20 yards. on his deep pass to veldman up the middle that drew the interfence call was a good throw in my book. it was 2nd or 3rd and long, and if you're going to throw a long deep pass into double coverage, so be it (basically like a punt).

There were many times he threw the long ball. Remember the Cal Poly game?????

[tjbison]

There were many times he threw the long ball. Remember the Cal Poly game?????


How about the numerous 20+ balls Walker threw to Wurzbacher across the middle!!! man those were fun times:hide:

[Rockbear99]

PLEASE STOP BASHING MERTENS.....do you see him out there getting in trouble??? NOOOO he's here to play football, he's here to play for the bison while growing as a person and getting an education....I'd rather see us go 0-11 with him QB .

With Mertens that 0-11 just may happen.

[A1pigskin]

Walker threw to Heck, and Wurz many times past 20. This isn't even a valid debate. IMO Mertens has a stronger arm.

[56BISON73]

Walker threw to Heck, and Wurz many times past 20. This isn't even a valid debate. IMO Mertens has a stronger arm.

I know in the Cal Poly game the receiver had to slow down, stop and comeback for a few balls.
Merten is always over throwing his receivers on the long ball so you are correct in that respect.

[TransAmBison]

Some deep plays are good for stretching the defense. They are lower percentage plays so you don't want to see many of them. I do think it is funny that somebody said they liked something better about Mertens than Walker. I mean, that is funny, I don't care who you are.

[A1pigskin]

I know in the Cal Poly game the receiver had to slow down, stop and comeback for a few balls.
Merten is always over throwing his receivers on the long ball so you are correct in that respect.

Yep................

[bisonmike2]

Yep................

So in review, Walker had a weaker, more accurate arm and Mertens can throw really long inaccurate throws?

[56BISON73]

So in review, Walker had a weaker, more accurate arm and Mertens can throw really long inaccurate throws?

Yep:D How many long balls did he connect on last year?

[tjbison]

Walker threw smart bombs and Mertens is launching Scuds


You know the first gulf war!

[LifeLongBison]

Did anybody check out the Fullback play during the spring game?
I know there's a lot to check out during the game, but just curious if any of them stood out at all.
Vandal, Hushka, Papke, ...

Kind of wondering how Vandal is responding after the issues he went through last year.
I know he really laid some people on their butts last year when run-blocking.

Was the pressure on Mertens a result mainly of the O-Line, or are our Fullbacks also have problems with the pass rush?

[NDSUFan_Sav]

Did anybody check out the Fullback play during the spring game?
I know there's a lot to check out during the game, but just curious if any of them stood out at all.
Vandal, Hushka, Papke, ...

Kind of wondering how Vandal is responding after the issues he went through last year.
I know he really laid some people on their butts last year when run-blocking.

Was the pressure on Mertens a result mainly of the O-Line, or are our Fullbacks also have problems with the pass rush?


they all did fairly well....vandal didn't get many carries but would get blocks, hushka ran the ball a lot towards the end and would hit hard and had some decent blocks, papke had a drop or 2 and couldn't tell his blocking.

[BisonKent]

Here are some pictures from the game on Sunday.

http://sports.webshots.com/album/572041465NnWciV

[tjbison]

Thanks Kent!!!

BTW anybody know what the auction items went for is there as list, just curious thanks!!

[BisonCardinal]

I know in the Cal Poly game the receiver had to slow down, stop and comeback for a few balls.
Merten is always over throwing his receivers on the long ball so you are correct in that respect.

Sorry, have to disagree with you, 56B73 & A1.

I was disappointed in the "strength" of Merten's arm. Both the Western Ill and SDSU games last year ended with rainbow types of interceptions that my 90 yr old aunt could have gotten under. Rainbow does not equal strong, IMHO.

[56BISON73]

Sorry, have to disagree with you, 56B73 & A1.

I was disappointed in the "strength" of Merten's arm. Both the Western Ill and SDSU games last year ended with rainbow types of interceptions that my 90 yr old aunt could have gotten under. Rainbow does not equal strong, IMHO.

That may be true so did he under throw the receiver as opposed to having a weak arm? The games that I saw had Mertens over throwing his receivers on the long pattern and he was consistant at it.

[unbison]

lets see what should we do on bisonville today/
1 rip on mertens
2 make fun of lakes
3-100 rip on mertens some more......wow this gets old

[BisonCardinal]

lets see what should we do on bisonville today/
1 rip on mertens
2 make fun of lakes
3-100 rip on mertens some more......wow this gets old

I haven't posted in over 3 weeks. You'll get over it.

[AEBison1998]

The last interception in the SDSU game was long. He was trying to go between the linebacker and the safety and overshot the WR and it went right to the safety. I can't remember all of the interceptions, but I do remember that one. And I think that many of the other interceptions were the same thing. My QB experience is limited to one game as a nineth grader in ND 9 man football but I believe that the pass between the LB and Safety is the toughest pass to make.

One of the reasons I think Nick will do a better job next year is that
1.) He'll work on this pass over the off season because it was his weakest (in my opinion)
2.) He won't throw as many of these passes because he knows it's a weakness
3.) His ability to scramble and run will force the LB to cheat up and therfore allow a bigger target to hit.

If they run a lot of rollouts I think #3 may be a real possibility. At least I am hoping so.

Like you guys also said, he was long on the deep passes. The long pass he completed to Haynes he was short on. Haynes adjusted and out jumped the defenders who didn't have as good a sight on the ball. Walker did that a lot. I imagine sometimes it was on purpose and sometimes not. But with the height we have at reciever, this may be a good strategy. If the WR can sell the deep route and stop quick, the CB will go right by.