Please Start Nick Mertens Saturday.

[lakesbison]

1 Series won matter, but I hope BOHL and BISON NATION give Nick Mertens some respect and let him start saturday.

a couple of plays here or there earlier this year and things woulda changed drastically. I SAY START NICK MERTENS, THE GUY HAS ENDURED MORE PAIN THAN ANY NDSU PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF NDSU......... AGREE ???

[99Bison]

Nah, run up the score first then put him in :)

[bisoneer]

Ah, let me think about that for a while... Maybe the first 3 handoffs would be respectful enough.

[SDbison]

1 Series won matter, but I hope BOHL and BISON NATION give Nick Mertens some respect and let him start saturday.

a couple of plays here or there earlier this year and things woulda changed drastically. I SAY START NICK MERTENS, THE GUY HAS ENDURED MORE PAIN THAN ANY NDSU PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF NDSU......... AGREE ???
Not only no, but hell no! The fans and team have suffered enough. Let it go lakes.

[DORMIE]

Lakes, you have a very valid point. On volleyball senior night with the conference win streak at the line, Coach Hinterstocker started Matti Johnson instead of Jennifer Lopez for the first two games because it was senior night. When you have class programs, there are just some things you do for your athletes that have gone the distance for you. I would hope that Coach Bohl would use Nick for the first 2 series'.

[AllAboutBisonPride]

re. dic. u. lous. NDSU gave Nick a full ride, and a chance to lead an insanely talented team last year that he pissed down his leg. Like the wise beyond his years Ben Woodside once commented on, I think he owes NDSU more than they owe him.

[56BISON73]

NO NO NO NO. Hes not the starter now.

[RunDMc34]

Yeah I vote No on this let him take the final knee when we win the game YES! - Other than that NO MERTENS EVER AGAIN :)

[SDbison]

Mertens had all sorts of opportunities to start. All of last year and most of this one. He was unable to lead the team to victory. He had his chance and is done. This isn't volleyball its football. Let the best player start.
Is it Dormie or Softie?

[lakesbison]

You guys IM talking a 3 and FREAKIN 7 team, what the hell is the difference... yea, if this was a playoff game.. duh.

but give me a break, NDSU is about Class, Im loud and rowdy and cocky, but god dammit.. I am CLASSY.

let him play the 1st series.

[MNLonghorn10]

no.

ive seen enough of mertens.

[Bison_Pride]

Obviously Lakesbison has found some website running a betting line on the game and he's looking to make a big score by betting on the other team.

How about letting us in on the action, huh?

[lakesbison]

betus.com/sportsbook.

NDSU is +1

[OrygunBison]

Wow. Tough crowd. Seems kinda ridiculous with all of the blind hate. It is not like we have the playoffs on the line here, guys.

Show the guy some love. He's a Bison, like him or not. All seniors should see the field on Saturday, regardless of fan venom, and particularly because there is no real downside.

Good god, I just agreed with Lakes...ugh.

[NDSUstudent]

I don't think he should start, no offense to Nick but my opinion would be the same for any senior that was not a starter going into their last game.

[Jdubs21]

i also vote no

[IzzyFlexion]

I also vote no. A three game winning streak to end the season is terribly important for this team. The continuity of starting Jose gives them the best chance to get out of the gate quickly giving them the best chance to win. Also, need to get Jose the most reps possible to prepare for next year.

[NDSU1980]

Mertens should not start. Mertens should not play. Mertens can stay home for all I care.

I seriously want Bohl fired because he let Mertens the Wonder Dog into two games after Mohler was anointed the starter.

Mertens has had his chances. Way, way too many chances.

Mohler never got to play when Mertens was starting, so he can just sit on the sidelines now and watch a good QB in action. We have a chance to win this game and I don't want that guy on the field. Heck, Mertens couldn't ever win the coin toss for us, let alone a football game.

[GOB1SON]

Mertens should not start. Mertens should not play. Mertens can stay home for all I care.

I seriously want Bohl fired because he let Mertens the Wonder Dog into two games after Mohler was anointed the starter.

Mertens has had his chances. Way, way too many chances.

Mohler never got to play when Mertens was starting, so he can just sit on the sidelines now and watch a good QB in action. We have a chance to win this game and I don't want that guy on the field. Heck, Mertens couldn't ever win the coin toss for us, let alone a football game.

It's posts like this that keep me from typing www.bisonville.com (http://www.bisonville.com) into my browser more frequently.

Nothing but crap spewed from a two-year old that was just told they couldn't have another cookie.

Why does fandom and idiocy so often have to mix?

A little decorum would serve a lot of fans of the program well.

I don't think that Nick should start either. I like that Mohler is getting a chance to get some snaps and run the offense in real time. After last week, I am looking forward to seeing how he plays against YSU.

And I agree on Bohl. I was just as frustrated with the coaching staff as you are/were.

But I don't need to insult Mertens to say that. He has worked hard, been a great teammate and from what I can tell, a great guy. He just didn't have what it takes.

Anonymity is a powerful tool, isn't it?

I think that if you are going to post crap that purposely insults someone, you should have to include your real name and email address.

NDSU1980 I don't like your post. You need to grow up.
Travis Maddock
tdmaddock@gmail.com

[aces1180]

I think Mohler should start and Nick can enjoy getting recognized as a senior when he runs through the tunnel.

[HerdBot]

1 Series won matter, but I hope BOHL and BISON NATION give Nick Mertens some respect and let him start saturday.

a couple of plays here or there earlier this year and things woulda changed drastically. I SAY START NICK MERTENS, THE GUY HAS ENDURED MORE PAIN THAN ANY NDSU PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF NDSU......... AGREE ???

Here's what I think... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEkWH8DB7b0

Sorry I couldn't resist the link but seriously though... he's endured more pain than any player in the history of NDSU? Are you serous? I like the guy but c'mon, some of that pain was self inflicted. If you want to stop the pain and suffering, just stop TALKING about the guy so the negativity can be buried. We need to plan for the future and that means we need to put Jose in for a conference game. The only way I want to see him play is due to injury or a blowout. If you want to show him some respect, give him a nice cheer during introductions.

[Burnt_Secondary]

If Nick Mertens would have earned playing time he should get it.

Unfortunately we have all seen how he has handled the couple of series he has been giving since not being the starter.

You should earn playing time, not just be given it because you have had a hard time.

[Trampled]

Best post of the year GO1Bison!! I agree 100% . Where has civility gone? Lack of it by many on this board does nothing for the program or for Bisonville.

[HerdBot]

Wow. Tough crowd. Seems kinda ridiculous with all of the blind hate. It is not like we have the playoffs on the line here, guys.

Show the guy some love. He's a Bison, like him or not. All seniors should see the field on Saturday, regardless of fan venom, and particularly because there is no real downside.

Good god, I just agreed with Lakes...ugh.

Some of the negative comments are a bit over the top but he's not the starter therefore he shouldn't start. Just being a senior doesn't entitle you to anything. These guys all got a free ride.

[Notorious]

It's posts like this that keep me from typing www.bisonville.com (http://www.bisonville.com) into my browser more frequently.

Nothing but crap spewed from a two-year old that was just told they couldn't have another cookie.

Why does fandom and idiocy so often have to mix?

A little decorum would serve a lot of fans of the program well.

I don't think that Nick should start either. I like that Mohler is getting a chance to get some snaps and run the offense in real time. After last week, I am looking forward to seeing how he plays against YSU.

And I agree on Bohl. I was just as frustrated with the coaching staff as you are/were.

But I don't need to insult Mertens to say that. He has worked hard, been a great teammate and from what I can tell, a great guy. He just didn't have what it takes.

Anonymity is a powerful tool, isn't it?

I think that if you are going to post crap that purposely insults someone, you should have to include your real name and email address.

NDSU1980 I don't like your post. You need to grow up.
Travis Maddock
tdmaddock@gmail.com

Great post. The kid has given his best to NDSU. I would love to see him get a chance to play a bit...depending on how the game plays out, a series, or two, at some point, would be a great way for him to go out with pride.

[HandoEX]

He's played the last two games. I don't see Bohl not playing #18 on Saturday at some point in the game. Won't start though, at least I hope not.

[lakesbison]

we're 3 and freakin 7.

play him first series, then jose. its not that big of a deal, like it would change any of your lives, but it might just help in his life after the big full page spread on nick august on 2008 to what's happened the last 3-4 weeks.

thats LAKESBISON 3:16

[SDbison]

It's posts like this that keep me from typing www.bisonville.com (http://www.bisonville.com) into my browser more frequently.

Nothing but crap spewed from a two-year old that was just told they couldn't have another cookie.

Why does fandom and idiocy so often have to mix?

A little decorum would serve a lot of fans of the program well.

I don't think that Nick should start either. I like that Mohler is getting a chance to get some snaps and run the offense in real time. After last week, I am looking forward to seeing how he plays against YSU.

And I agree on Bohl. I was just as frustrated with the coaching staff as you are/were.

But I don't need to insult Mertens to say that. He has worked hard, been a great teammate and from what I can tell, a great guy. He just didn't have what it takes.

Anonymity is a powerful tool, isn't it?

I think that if you are going to post crap that purposely insults someone, you should have to include your real name and email address.

NDSU1980 I don't like your post. You need to grow up.
Travis Maddock
tdmaddock@gmail.com
This coming from a guy that has a picture of Jessica Simpson in his avatar.......talk about needing to grow up.
Nick had his chance and now he is done.......unless there is some code at NDSU that says every senior gets playtime in the final game of the year I totally disagree. Call me a hater if you want. I have my opinion and you have yours. College football at the DI level is certainly not a participation game.

[56BISON73]

Why should Mertens be afforded playing time when the rest of the Senoirs who arent starters sit on the bench???? He hasnt earned playing time unless its a blow out and the rest of the senoirs play also.

Once again Lakes finds another button to push.

[SDbison]

BTW, you defenders of Mertens are sure more aggressive in attacking people who disagree than they are trying to make their point. This argument is plain stupid. Start Nick, be sure Nick plays,.........if Bohl was worried about taking Nick out for even one series during a run of 17 games (even when he was screwing up) why the heck should Bohl be sure to get him in now and mess up the continuity of the game? Not to mention how it impacts Mohler and the other players.
This is DI football, not some NAIA game between two church schools. The real world doesn't pass you up on promotion then say, well here ya go, take over the head of the departments job for a few days just so you feel better. Unbelieveable how sappy some of Bisonvilles posters have become.

[DORMIE]

Doesn't really matter. Word is that the starter in 2010 will be Brock Jensen. 2011 will be a battle between Jensen and Elsey Thornton.

[dryash83]

To me, letting the FORMER starter, a Senior, start the last game diminishes the importance of competing for the position. Let's go through the roster and talk of the other seniors playing in a backup role. THAT'S WHY THEY HAVE SENIOR DAY. That's their recognition.

Heck, I would bet that if Mertens was asked if he'd want to start, he'd say Mohler earned the spot.

Let's play football!!!!

[GOB1SON]

This coming from a guy that has a picture of Jessica Simpson in his avatar.......talk about needing to grow up.
Nick had his chance and now he is done.......unless there is some code at NDSU that says every senior gets playtime in the final game of the year I totally disagree. Call me a hater if you want. I have my opinion and you have yours. College football at the DI level is certainly not a participation game.

You miss my whole point. Did you even read what I wrote?

I am not pro-Mertens. In fact, I support leaving him on the bench.

I just hate it when fans, who don't have to let anybody know who they are use profanity or call a player names. To what end? Does it make you feel like more of a true fan? Are you a better person for it? Is the team better because of what you wrote? Or do you just feel good about insulting someone?

Truthfully it just makes someone look petty and immature. And it should be beneath our fan base.

My question is: Why are you defending someone's right to drag somebody else down? To insult not just another human being, but a fellow NDSU Bison!!!!

Nick doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve to play on Saturday, but he also doesn't deserve to have someone make fun of him or address him in a derogatory way.

And those of you who claim he has had a "free-ride" to a college education, why don't you ask him how free it has been. These kids work awfully hard for that free-ride. And even if we have paid for his college, it still doesn't give us the right to insult him.

Oh and the only reason I have Simpson up there is because I am a rancher and an animal scientist and her t-shirt says "real girls eat meat". If Keanu Reeves had the same shirt, he would be my avatar.

I usually avoid this type of debate, but man, this whole Mertens bashing is getting to be really old.

Just knock it off.

[Bison55]

Our focus should be on winning and the QB that gives us the best chance to win should start..... Period

If that's Moller, then start Moller. If that's Mertens then start Mertens
A 3 game winning streak going into next season is a great thing to build on.

Remember Nick is, and always will be, a Bison. He's one of us... and doesn't deserve to be called names. IMO he gave his best which is all that we can ask for from him.

[rutlandbison]

No, he had his chance to start. He just needs to go away quietly.

[MNLonghorn10]

You miss my whole point. Did you even read what I wrote?

I am not pro-Mertens. In fact, I support leaving him on the bench.

I just hate it when fans, who don't have to let anybody know who they are use profanity or call a player names. To what end? Does it make you feel like more of a true fan? Are you a better person for it? Is the team better because of what you wrote? Or do you just feel good about insulting someone?

Truthfully it just makes someone look petty and immature. And it should be beneath our fan base.

My question is: Why are you defending someone's right to drag somebody else down? To insult not just another human being, but a fellow NDSU Bison!!!!

Nick doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve to play on Saturday, but he also doesn't deserve to have someone make fun of him or address him in a derogatory way.

And those of you who claim he has had a "free-ride" to a college education, why don't you ask him how free it has been. These kids work awfully hard for that free-ride. And even if we have paid for his college, it still doesn't give us the right to insult him.

Oh and the only reason I have Simpson up there is because I am a rancher and an animal scientist and her t-shirt says "real girls eat meat". If Keanu Reeves had the same shirt, he would be my avatar.

I usually avoid this type of debate, but man, this whole Mertens bashing is getting to be really old.

Just knock it off.

Are you related to mike gundy?

And how's it bashing when we answer to the original post that we don't agree he should start.

Hell you said the same things we are, but you need to call us out on it? Talk about a hypocrit.

Insult would be calling mertens a name. I don't think sucks is a name.

Stick to pop warner.

[bisonmike2]

I think he should play but not start. Let him come in and run a series or 2, or just run a couple of special plays. NDSU is in the Missouri Valley Football Conference not the Happy Fun Time League. Starting positions are earned, and Nick lost his. He can still contribute to the team without starting. I would venture to guess that Nick would probably be offended if he were offered the starting position just because he's a senior and not because he earned it.

[OrygunBison]

Are you related to mike gundy?

And how's it bashing when we answer to the original post that we don't agree he should start.

Hell you said the same things we are, but you need to call us out on it? Talk about a hypocrit.

Insult would be calling mertens a name. I don't think sucks is a name.

Stick to pop warner.

Dude, he wasn't calling everyone out. He was calling out some specific people for their venom. I don't think you were on that list. It is a short list but one that I agree with 300%. Nobody should ever make a personal attack like some of these guys have. Let's all be human to each other. It's only football and regardless of any player's good/bad contributions to the team effort, they ALL bleed Bison Green and Yellow. Let's support them. If you don't think that Nick should start or even play, that is your opinion and I respect that. What I don't respect is the blind hatred and any suggestions that these guys are less than honorable.

For what it's worth, I am not a Nick lover. I'm glad the change finally happened and honestly believe that it came several games too late. I DO, however, believe that Nick tried his best and should be honored for it, like all of the other seniors. I am waffling on whether or not he should start.

I'd sign with my own name but I am in my mom's basement switching off between BV and World of Warcraft and need to keep my internet anonymity. I am 5'-3", 125#, 13 years old but have a helluva left hook. Don't mess with me.

[OrygunBison]

If Keanu Reeves had the same shirt, he would be my avatar.

Man, you are so gay. (Not that there's anything wrong with that...)

[SDbison]

You miss my whole point. Did you even read what I wrote?

I am not pro-Mertens. In fact, I support leaving him on the bench.

I just hate it when fans, who don't have to let anybody know who they are use profanity or call a player names. To what end? Does it make you feel like more of a true fan? Are you a better person for it? Is the team better because of what you wrote? Or do you just feel good about insulting someone?

Truthfully it just makes someone look petty and immature. And it should be beneath our fan base.

My question is: Why are you defending someone's right to drag somebody else down? To insult not just another human being, but a fellow NDSU Bison!!!!

Nick doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve to play on Saturday, but he also doesn't deserve to have someone make fun of him or address him in a derogatory way.

And those of you who claim he has had a "free-ride" to a college education, why don't you ask him how free it has been. These kids work awfully hard for that free-ride. And even if we have paid for his college, it still doesn't give us the right to insult him.

Oh and the only reason I have Simpson up there is because I am a rancher and an animal scientist and her t-shirt says "real girls eat meat". If Keanu Reeves had the same shirt, he would be my avatar.

I usually avoid this type of debate, but man, this whole Mertens bashing is getting to be really old.

Just knock it off.
Not sorry about anything I said.....never bashing or hating as some imply........go take your self rightous arguments elsewhere.......

[MPLSbisonFAN]

Now way, he had his chance already and it passed period. Lakes you are classy and yet still crazy.

[koolaid]

Lakes, that is a terrible post. I am usually against writing on boards but seriously? Start Mertens out of pity? I totally agree that the guy has been through a ton and he's probably a helluva guy. That being said, this is Division I football. Starting people because he's been through a lot and a nice kid ended in junior high when your best players play...end of story. If your argument was to start Mertens because he gave us the best shot to win I would have been fine with that (I would have disagreed with it but I would have understood the statement). To start the guy because he deserves a good send off because he's been through a lot is ridiculous. He's a man, not a 12 year old kid with parents complaining cuz their kid isn't getting playing time. Sorry buddy, you're wrong. Put him in when we have the game wrapped up at the end.

[SDbison]

Lakes, that is a terrible post. I am usually against writing on boards but seriously? Start Mertens out of pity? I totally agree that the guy has been through a ton and he's probably a helluva guy. That being said, this is Division I football. Starting people because he's been through a lot and a nice kid ended in junior high when your best players play...end of story. If your argument was to start Mertens because he gave us the best shot to win I would have been fine with that (I would have disagreed with it but I would have understood the statement). To start the guy because he deserves a good send off because he's been through a lot is ridiculous. He's a man, not a 12 year old kid with parents complaining cuz their kid isn't getting playing time. Sorry buddy, you're wrong. Put him in when we have the game wrapped up at the end.
Everything you said.....right on! Pretty good post for the second one ever. Keep posting, we need people that look at things differently here.

[NDSU1980]

Mohler earned the right to start because he's shown what it takes to be leader. From his first throw against Wagner Jose has been a winner. This is what we need. If Mertens plays and we lose, it will be on his shoulders. I would rather go with Mohler, we are on a roll now, and let's keep it up into next year. Things will be different next year, we know that, so let's build on what we finish up with this year.

Mohler seems to be a unify element this year. Note to Bohl, don't do anything to kill the few bright spots we have.

[BlueBisonRock]

Mohler earned the right to start because he's shown what it takes to be leader. From his first throw against Wagner Jose has been a winner. This is what we need. If Mertens plays and we lose, it will be on his shoulders. I would rather go with Mohler, we are on a roll now, and let's keep it up into next year. Things will be different next year, we know that, so let's build on what we finish up with this year.

Mohler seems to be a unify element this year. Note to Bohl, don't do anything to kill the few bright spots we have.

Agree with this post!

[X-Factor]

Mohler should start. end of story

[chuckles]

Mohler should start. end of story
Yes +++++++++++++++++

[CaBisonFan]

Wrong message lakes. The team could use a 3-game streak to finish the year. They'd feel like they've started to build something. Mohler has become the field leader. One season builds to the next. I understand your point of view, and agree that Mertens was beat up on too much. But starting him would deliver the wrong message to the entire team. In college, you play to win. It's that simple. I don't always like that fact...but it 'is' a fact.

You have a good heart concerning Nick. In that respect...we agree. And let me add...I don't think that posting this was a bad thing. You expressed an opinion. That's what a forum is about.

Let me add...Bison recruits come to SU expecting to win. We recruit players that have displayed this attitude in high school.

[westnodak93bison]

yeah, we havent had a richocet off an offensive lineman pick in a long time

[X-Factor]

yeah, we havent had a richocet off an offensive lineman pick in a long time

good point. I wouldn't be the least surprised if #3 has a higher release point despite being several inches shorter. But we are mostly talking about an accuracy issue here when throwing the ball into a lineman's helmet.

[AKBison]

Start Mertens and let him play the first series. He is not just another ssenior but a captain.

[NDSU1980]

Start Mertens and let him play the first series. He is not just another ssenior but a captain.

Mohler outranks Mertens. He has more wins. Besides, one pass from Mertens and we could be down 6 just like that.

[dryash83]

i trust ndsu1980 you'll change your byline after the season, your campaign has irritated a few in the bisonville compound. Now you are bound to Mohler by the hip. I think the young land from Bismarck may give your savior some "run for his money"...

[tjbison]

i trust ndsu1980 you'll change your byline after the season, your campaign has irritated a few in the bisonville compound. Now you are bound to Mohler by the hip. I think the young land from Bismarck may give your savior some "run for his money"...

Don't rule out Brock next year either, who knows Dante may have something to throw in the mix too

[NDSU1980]

i trust ndsu1980 you'll change your byline after the season, your campaign has irritated a few in the bisonville compound. Now you are bound to Mohler by the hip. I think the young land from Bismarck may give your savior some "run for his money"...

I'm 100% behind Mohler for this season. If Jensen turns out to be better then Jose next season, more power to him. I've only proclaimed Jose our savior for this year. Let's take this one game and one season at a time. Who knows what our new coach has in mind for next year. :nod:

[OrygunBison]

i trust ndsu1980 you'll change your byline after the season, your campaign has irritated a few in the bisonville compound. Now you are bound to Mohler by the hip. I think the young land from Bismarck may give your savior some "run for his money"...

Meh...he'll just have something different pissy to say next year.

[BisonCardinal]

I don't think Tony Stauss got to start the last game of his senior year. Tony seems to have survived quite well. Life goes on.

[NDSUFREAK]

I have said bench mertens since the game at wyoming last year when he blew that one...i dont want to see the worst QB in BISON history throw another pass...sorry.

[SDbison]

i trust ndsu1980 you'll change your byline after the season, your campaign has irritated a few in the bisonville compound. Now you are bound to Mohler by the hip. I think the young land from Bismarck may give your savior some "run for his money"...
First of all those who are irritated are really just a few posters and are in a very small minority......I could give a big crap about you. You know my opinion counts too and I would bet a years salary the majority would want Mohler to start. So go piss up a rope. Mertens is done. He did his thing and it is better we just forget about it cause it was not good. Mohler is the deserving QB now and who knows about next year. Are you happy now?

[unbison]

First of all those who are irritated are really just a few posters and are in a very small minority......I could give a big crap about you. You know my opinion counts too and I would bet a years salary the majority would want Mohler to start. So go piss up a rope. Mertens is done. He did his thing and it is better we just forget about it cause it was not good. Mohler is the deserving QB now and who knows about next year. Are you happy now?

piss up a rope?

[NDSUFan_Sav]

First of all those who are irritated are really just a few posters and are in a very small minority......I could give a big crap about you. You know my opinion counts too and I would bet a years salary the majority would want Mohler to start. So go piss up a rope. Mertens is done. He did his thing and it is better we just forget about it cause it was not good. Mohler is the deserving QB now and who knows about next year. Are you happy now?

well he's irritated the hell out of me cuz he's annoying as F and never shuts up, shit gets old quick if you never flush, same goes for him his shit gets quite old when you have to constantly see it!!!

[BisoninNWMN]

I'm 100% behind Mohler for this season. If Jensen turns out to be better then Jose next season, more power to him. I've only proclaimed Jose our savior for this year. Let's take this one game and one season at a time. Who knows what our new coach has in mind for next year. :nod:


You're so full of sh**

Next year you'll just be pissing and moaning about whomever it is at whatever position......so bench a kid when he makes a mistake? No-one would be playing.

No Mertens doesn't deserve to start, IMO, but give him a series and let the crowd acknowledge him.

[NDSU1980]

Next year you'll just be pissing and moaning about whomever it is at whatever position......so bench a kid when he makes a mistake? No-one would be playing.

No Mertens doesn't deserve to start, IMO, but give him a series and let the crowd acknowledge him.

For the record, I didn't really come down on Mertens until near the end of last season. I let it ride for the most part. I'd say that our QB troubles are over when it comes to next year, but at any rate, any of them would get a year to prove themselves. Mertens had 2 years and look what he proved.

[80ALUM]

On the Craig Bohl show after the Indiana State game Mohler said he felt the most comfortable he has felt in the QB spot thus far. He is just getting into the swing of things for the Bison and has 2 wins. Mertens had his chance to get comfortable in that spot. Starting Mertens ahead of him now would be a mistake.

[SDbison]

well he's irritated the hell out of me cuz he's annoying as F and never shuts up, shit gets old quick if you never flush, same goes for him his shit gets quite old when you have to constantly see it!!!
Sav, I take it you are referring to dryash.........

As far as Mertens goes I feel bad for him......he gave it his best and you could tell at times he was trying to will things to happen as he tried to run over DB's, etc. I think Nick lacked enough consistency passing to give the rest of the team confidence and allow him to be a leader. Especially in crunch time when NDSU needed precise passing. Yes, there were all sorts of other issues too that caused NDSU to lose games (dropped passes, dumb penalties, sieve like defense), but as the starting QB you are the field general and must come though for the team.
In summary, Nick had more than a fair chance to prove himself. Last year NDSU had no back ups that were better so he was our best shot. Too bad there was no competition at QB as it may have made him better from the start. Then if he had issues and was replaced sooner there may have not been such a heated debate.
Finally, it's too bad some people here labeled me as a hater just because I expected more from NDSU football. I never personally attacked Nick and have seen many posters at Bisonville say much worse things about him. Because I am so visable at games I even got chewed out by Mertens mom at the SDSU game. I didn't say anything at the game to deserve her ire. I didn't respond to her and just walked away. I thought she was out of line.
Can't wait for this frustrating era in Bison football to be over.

[Bison Dan]

Sav, I take it you are referring to dryash.........

As far as Mertens goes I feel bad for him......he gave it his best and you could tell at times he was trying to will things to happen as he tried to run over DB's, etc. I think Nick lacked enough consistency passing to give the rest of the team confidence and allow him to be a leader. Especially in crunch time when NDSU needed precise passing. Yes, there were all sorts of other issues too that caused NDSU to lose games (dropped passes, dumb penalties, sieve like defense), but as the starting QB you are the field general and must come though for the team.
In summary, Nick had more than a fair chance to prove himself. Last year NDSU had no back ups that were better so he was our best shot. Too bad there was no competition at QB as it may have made him better from the start. Then if he had issues and was replaced sooner there may have not been such a heated debate.
Finally, it's too bad some people here labeled me as a hater just because I expected more from NDSU football. I never personally attacked Nick and have seen many posters at Bisonville say much worse things about him. Because I am so visable at games I even got chewed out by Mertens mom at the SDSU game. I didn't say anything at the game to deserve her ire. I didn't respond to her and just walked away. I thought she was out of line.
Can't wait for this frustrating era in Bison football to be over.

Good thing to remember there's always a mom in the crowd.... I'm glad you walked away and didn't bitch slap her for giving birth.

[Bisonfan1]

You're so full of sh**

Next year you'll just be pissing and moaning about whomever it is at whatever position......so bench a kid when he makes a mistake? No-one would be playing.

No Mertens doesn't deserve to start, IMO, but give him a series and let the crowd acknowledge him.

Dont they introduce all the seniors at the last game before the game starts ? He will get acknowledged there. I dont agree with a token appearance that could disrupt the offense unless totally necessary. I have absoulutely no problem with him playing the whole 4th quarter along with everyone else that doesnt start if the game is well in hand. I do appreciate all the hard work that Nick has put into the program.

[bisonbills]

Why the hell is this even an argument? Nick had his chance and it didn't work out. It's over. Let's look forward instead of trying to save someone's feelings. Support the future of Bison football and give all the seniors a round of applause. Don't throw him a bone.

And "Piss up a rope" is one of my favorite expressions.

[bisonhusker]

Good thing to remember there's always a mom in the crowd.... I'm glad you walked away and didn't bitch slap her for giving birth.

I just laughed out loud. WOW. That is funny.

Everyone wanted Nick to be a star. It didn't work. He was a poor decision maker and was not accurate. He is going to graduate with an amazing degree, with an amazing grade point average and by all accounts is a great person. If he gets to play, I hope the fans respect him and really support him. I would prefer to start Jose and continue the positive performance we had last week.

[RunDMc34]

It wouldnt shock me if mertens didnt get much of a reaction good or bad and when you live in ND thats about as bad as it will get. To hear much of the Fargodome boo a player (myself included), should have been a sign to Bohl that Mertens simply isnt getting it done. Did we boo the team during the 2-8 Babich year i honestly cant really remember, but I doubt it was as bad as this.

As far as parents go, it might suck to have people criticize your kid but get over it. No one is saying your kid is a horrible person, just not a very good football player.

[NorthernBison]

The whole Nick Mertens saga might just go down as the most collossal waste of athletic potential in Bison Football history. Five full years. Make no mistake about it, as a QB in our system he was not a good fit. The flipside is that athletically, he could have contributed somewhere else. Total fricking waste. Almost makes me sick.

Of course Nick should not start on Saturday. Jose "earned" the job, maybe by default but he earned it.

NDSU1980 has posted a number of things where I disagree with his venom but one sentence said it all and I do agree with him on that, "one Mertens pass could put us down 6." Unfortunate, but true.

Nick will be fine. Nick may not have earned my admiration but he has earned my respect for his effort and dedication.

[SDbison]

The whole Nick Mertens saga might just go down as the most collossal waste of athletic potential in Bison Football history. Five full years. Make no mistake about it, as a QB in our system he was not a good fit. The flipside is that athletically, he could have contributed somewhere else. Total fricking waste. Almost makes me sick.

Of course Nick should not start on Saturday. Jose "earned" the job, maybe by default but he earned it.

NDSU1980 has posted a number of things where I disagree with his venom but one sentence said it all and I do agree with him on that, "one Mertens pass could put us down 6." Unfortunate, but true.

Nick will be fine. Nick may not have earned my admiration but he has earned my respect for his effort and dedication.
The end of your post sums it all up very well.......now lets move on!

[dryash83]

First of all those who are irritated are really just a few posters and are in a very small minority......I could give a big crap about you. You know my opinion counts too and I would bet a years salary the majority would want Mohler to start. So go piss up a rope. Mertens is done. He did his thing and it is better we just forget about it cause it was not good. Mohler is the deserving QB now and who knows about next year. Are you happy now?

Wow. You are an easily irritated person. My point was NDSU1980 was a "point man" to remove Mertens. I don't disagree with him. I was on the bandwagon to replace Mertens. BUT, my point is this: As much as NDSU1980 is a pro Mohler person, I'm not sold on the Mohler experiment.

SDBison, you have such a negative, "in your face" attitude on this board. It's a component of why, after so few posts from me, I have no terrible desire to add my "opinion" to the fray.

Chill man. As to the response to SAV, count my posts. I can hardly think that at mine post count I can irritate someone. You, on the other hand.........

[dryash83]

Additionally SDBISON, i will refer you to post #32 in this thread. Thank you.