Lafayette Game

[SDbison]

Three weeks from today at this time many of us will just be getting our tailgating underway for the first football game of the season. Let's discuss the Lafayette game in this thread. I attached a link below for the Lafayette football webpage. Some interesting articles in there including a 2011 season outlook that provides a position by postion review and a brief discussion of their schedule. There also is an article about an ironman competition they had at the conclusion of their summer workouts. This will be no ordinary warm-up game.

The Lafayette football program finds itself in unfamiliar territory, coming off an uncharacteristic 2-9 campaign. The Leopards had their streak of six straight seasons with a winning record and a Top 25 national ranking snapped in 2010. The team is out to prove last season was an aberration..................

http://www.goleopards.com/sports/m-footbl/lafa-m-footbl-body.html

[344Johnson]

This is not just another warmup, you are right SD. I don't like the vibe I'm getting from this game. They really struggled last year, but are generally a very respectable team. If we win, there will be none of the excitement generated that beating Georgia Southern would bring, and if we lost somehow, a lot of fans would be calling for Bohl's head.

[X-Factor]

this should be a quality opponent, and I think that will be good for the Bison before they play the Goofs instead of watching another CCSU or Peay beatdown. However the probability of a loss has got to be far beyond 3 standard deviations. Hopefully they bring some fans to enjoy our tailgating!

[BisoninNWMN]

Three weeks from today at this time many of us will just be getting our tailgating underway for the first football game of the season. Let's discuss the Lafayette game in this thread. I attached a link below for the Lafayette football webpage. Some interesting articles in there including a 2011 season outlook that provides a position by postion review and a brief discussion of their schedule. There also is an article about an ironman competition they had at the conclusion of their summer workouts. This will be no ordinary warm-up game.

The Lafayette football program finds itself in unfamiliar territory, coming off an uncharacteristic 2-9 campaign. The Leopards had their streak of six straight seasons with a winning record and a Top 25 national ranking snapped in 2010. The team is out to prove last season was an aberration..................

http://www.goleopards.com/sports/m-footbl/lafa-m-footbl-body.html



Good opener for the Bison. They do not play the competition the Bison have week in and week out.

They will probably keep it close in the 1st half but I fully expect the Bison to beat this team by 3 scores.

[No_Skill]

Shades of NDSU vs. Kansas maybe????

[BisoninNWMN]

Shades of NDSU vs. Kansas maybe????


I doubt it.

Interesting read for their season preview.

As mentioned earlier, the competition they face is nowhere near ours. Their O-Line is big but we'll see how athletic they are.

Coach Bohl will have the Bison ready and not overlooking this team.


Bison win by at least 3 scores.

[MOTBison]

I don't think Lafayette will be an easy game, last year they had a poor year and lost to Lehigh, who won their conference, by only 7 points. (The same point spread as Lehigh vs. UNI in the playoffs.) I believe we should win the game but it won't be a walk in the park.

[HerdBot]

They are a good solid opponent. Lots of experience. Good passing game. Huge on-line. Perrenially ranked. We can't take them lightly.

[Tatanka]

this should be a quality opponent, and I think that will be good for the Bison before they play the Goofs instead of watching another CCSU or Peay beatdown. However the probability of a loss has got to be far beyond 3 standard deviations. Hopefully they bring some fans to enjoy our tailgating!

this. Anyone heard anything regarding their fan base making the trip? The game day scene will be well worth their effort...

[Gully]

this. Anyone heard anything regarding their fan base making the trip? The game day scene will be well worth their effort...

I doubt they'll have more than 150 people there.

[ndsubison1]

we should likely beat these guys pretty handily

[TheBisonator]

It'll be a close game thru 2 and a half quarters, then the Bison will pull away in the last 20 minutes or so.

Don't be surprised to see Lafayette leading by a few points late in the first half. Bison will still win by 14-17.

[NDSUstudent]

this. Anyone heard anything regarding their fan base making the trip? The game day scene will be well worth their effort...

Sounds like one of the Lafayette fans that posts on AGS is making the trip, they have a small but pretty passionate fanbase so it might be better than some of the other east coast schools that we have played.

[SamsRams]

I doubt they'll have more than 150 people there.

they'll be lucky to have 150 counting everyone on their sideline

[CHADSTAUS]

I think there is a bit of unrest in Bisonville do to the thought of starting 0-1. Not gonna happen. Bison win in a rout. Take it to the bank. These guys are hungry and motivated after last year. We will be 3-0 going into week 5.

[BisoninNWMN]

I think there is a bit of unrest in Bisonville do to the thought of starting 0-1. Not gonna happen. Bison win in a rout. Take it to the bank. These guys are hungry and motivated after last year. We will be 3-0 going into week 5.


:judges: :judges: :judges: :judges:


100% agree with this!!!

[BisoninNWMN]

My prediction:



Bison 35-10

[DjKyRo]

Football Gameplan previews the 2011 Patriot League, some good info on the Leopards in here. Emory Hunt ("EmDiggy" in here) picks Lafayette's QB as conference quarterback. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_twFNCPITUY&feature=channel_video_title

[17>1]

I see this game being competitive in the first 30 minutes with a close score going into halftime. But, I think our depth starts to show in the later stages of this game. With them being on the road, and with limited scholarships, we'll begin to wear them down and pull away late. Something similar to the game with Bob Morris.

Bison 34
Leopards 17

[JSUBison]

NDSU 16
Lafayette 6

A win, but questions and concerns about offense play calling/capability remain.

[DjKyRo]

NDSU 16
Lafayette 6

A win, but questions and concerns about offense play calling/capability remain.

Over-under on how many "Fire Vigen" posts we get out of it?

[coldspot]

Over-under on how many "Fire Vigen" posts we get out of it?

not sure on post counts, but at least 5 separate threads with the words "fire" and "vigen" in them, and a handful of posts about bohl's job being on the line.

[DjKyRo]

not sure on post counts, but at least 5 separate threads with the words "fire" and "vigen" in them, and a handful of posts about bohl's job being on the line.

Don't forget Gene Taylor, Dean Bresciani, and Denny Walaker.

[coldspot]

Don't forget Gene Taylor, Dean Bresciani, and Denny Walaker.

and a post about how it's all chapman's fault.

[SamsRams]

and a post about how it's all chapman's fault.

Plus we still dont have hoockey

[bri-dog]

NDSU 16
Lafayette 6

A win, but questions and concerns about offense play calling/capability remain.


Jeez, you guys DID see this article on Sunday, right?

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/330487/

I'm pretty sure our playcalling problem is fixed.

[Notorious]

Jeez, you guys DID see this article on Sunday, right?

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/330487/

I'm pretty sure our playcalling problem is fixed.

And a shot at Rock..


"What do they say … most guys in the stands know how to coach Little League baseball and call football plays?” said head coach Craig Bohl.

My prediction:

Bizons - 41
Lafayettes - 21

[CAS4127]

Jeez, you guys DID see this article on Sunday, right?

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/330487/

I'm pretty sure our playcalling problem is fixed.

Reading that article almost made me puke!! Vigen coaches on intellect rather than emotion??!!!:facepalm2: And it then goes on to say that the offense hasn't changed much since Bohl became coach. How the hell is Vigen coaching on "intellect" if the offense hasn't changed??!! Even if what is stated is true (that play calling was limited due to talent/leadership) at least be creative (think intellectual) in what you are calling. Sorry, I ain't buying the "intellect" thing.

[bri-dog]

Reading that article almost made me puke!! Vigen coaches on intellect rather than emotion??!!!:facepalm2: And it then goes on to say that the offense hasn't changed much since Bohl became coach. How the hell is Vigen coaching on "intellect" if the offense hasn't changed??!! Even if what is stated is true (that play calling was limited due to talent/leadership) at least be creative (think intellectual) in what you are calling. Sorry, I ain't buying the "intellect" thing.

LOL -- that's why I used the "sarcasm font".:p

Well, at least now we know he's aware that there was a lot of dissatisfaction with his playcalling last year. No excuses this year. Although there is time for him to think of some new ones.:facepalm2: Time will tell -- I'm hopeful but not overly optimistic...

[BlueBisonRock]

And a shot at Rock..


"What do they say … most guys in the stands know how to coach Little League baseball and call football plays?” said head coach Craig Bohl.



Saw that, smiled, and went on with life as I learned long ago to ignore the critics and support the team / kids.

[sway1331]

Per GoBison.com and their new ticket software, there are 1,450 seats available + what ever general admission is available. Let's hope the students stay in town and fill their sections.

[Tatanka]

Let's hope the students stay in town and fill their sections.

Let's hope, yes. I'm personally not holding my breath.

[DjKyRo]

Per GoBison.com and their new ticket software, there are 1,450 seats available + what ever general admission is available. Let's hope the students stay in town and fill their sections.

I know the marketing department is hitting the dorms HARD in the next two weeks, so expect plenty of freshmen, at least.

[BadlandsBison]

I know the marketing department is hitting the dorms HARD in the next two weeks, so expect plenty of freshmen, at least.

:D ;) :D ;)

[Scooter1]

Just for you stats guys....

Top 25 wins for each team for last 5 years using final Sagarin ratings rank

Sagarin rates the 247 D1 schools

Team/Year/Sagarin Rank
1...Penn........2009...111
2...Penn........2008...116
3...Liberty......2008...127
4...Holy Cross..2007...133
5...Fordham....2006...148
6...Penn.........2007...151
7...Harvard......2009...152
8...Colgate......2006...155
9...Lehigh........2007...160
10..Colgate......2009...167
11..Lehigh.......2006....171
12...Yale.........2009....177
13..StonyBrook..2010...179
14...Columbia....2008...180
15...Fordham....2008...188
16...Fordham....2009...201
17...Bucknell ...2008....202
18...Columbia...2007....204
19...Columbia...2009....210
20...Bucknell ...2006....214
21...Marist......2008.....217
22.Georgetown..2009...217
23..Bucknell......2008....221
24..Georgetown.2007....225
25...Marist........2007....226

NDSU
....Team / Year / Final sagarin rating
1.....Cent Mich...2007.....82
2.....UC Davis.....2006.....92
3.....Ball State.....2006....98
4.....SDSU..........2006....106
5......Cal Poly......2006....107
6..Montana State..2010...109
7......S Ill ............2008....118
8.....Kansas.........2010....119
9....W Illinois........2007....122
10...SDSU............2010....123
11...Minnesota......2007....123
12...Northeastern...2006...125
13...S Illinois.........2010....137
14....Cal Poly........2007.....138
15...Robert Morris...2010....143
16...SHSU.............2007....144
17...UC Davis........2007.....146
18....Illinois St.......2007.....147
19...Indiana st.......2010.....148
20...Youngstown....2010.....159
21....SFA ..............2006.....162
22....Georgia s.......2006......169
23...South dakota...2010.....171
24...Southern utah ..2006....177
25...Cent Conn........2008....187

[IzzyFlexion]

I know the marketing department is hitting the dorms HARD in the next two weeks, so expect plenty of freshmen, at least.

My freshman son has already been warned several times that if he doesn't attend the opener, daddy's magic money tree goes through the wood chipper.

-which is overkill really. A more appropriate metaphor would be....daddy's magic Lincoln penny twig going through the pencil sharpener.

[Tatanka]

a more appropriate metaphor would be....daddy's magic Lincoln penny twig going through the pencil sharpener.

:eek: Giggity

[mnriverbison]

Just for you stats guys....

All of those stats



Could someone please tell me what that post means? I feel like I would be interested in it, if only I knew what I was reading.

[EndZoneQB]

Could someone please tell me what that post means? I feel like I would be interested in it, if only I knew what I was reading.

It's the best 25 wins in the last 5 years for each program.

[Tatanka]

Could someone please tell me what that post means? I feel like I would be interested in it, if only I knew what I was reading.

The way I'm interpreting it is that SoS is a pretty solid advantage Bison.

[Pards Rule]

Good opener for the Bison. They do not play the competition the Bison have week in and week out.

They will probably keep it close in the 1st half but I fully expect the Bison to beat this team by 3 scores.

Plus 21 or plus 9?? Inquiring Leopards want to know ;)

[CAS4127]

Plus 21 or plus 9?? Inquiring Leopards want to know ;)

17!

TAB is gay!

[Scooter1]

Preview of Lafayette vs NDSU

We all know that it is impossible to predict how the season is going to play out. Teams that on paper should win most of their games sometimes don't come together as a team on the field and wind up going 3-8 instead of 8-3. All we can do is look at past performances, who is coming back and go from there. In this post I will be referencing previous performances from both teams. I will reference only the prior three seasons since this is the time frame that the current seniors were able to make a contribution to the outcome for each team. When a team is referenced in this post, I will follow that team with the final Sagarin rating for that season. Even though I hate the Sagarin ranking, NDSU has played games up a division so the Gridiron Power Index (GPI) will not work because obviously, Kansas, Wyoming and Iowa St would not have a GPI index. The format for referencing teams will be... Year/ Team/(rating). Again, when I talk about previous years, I will go back only three years. This is the time period that the seniors for the 2011 season were considered R-Freshmen through Juniors and had the opportunity to contribute for their school. Anything before this would fall into the tradition category which both teams have... so it would be a wash, anyway.

Quality wins and Bad Losses - For analysis purpose, a quality win will be considered a win over an opponent who finished the season ranked in the top 150 (Sagarin). When comparing the two schools, NDSU has won more games against teams considered quality opponents over the three year period. Lafayette can claim some wins in the past three seasons as being quality wins. These Lafayette wins being: 2009 Penn (111), 2008 Penn (116), and 2008 Liberty (127). During this time, NDSU had these quality wins: 2010 Montana St (109), 2010 Kansas (119), 2010 SDSU (123), 2010 S Ill (137), and 2008 S Ill (118). Clearly, NDSU has had more quality wins. The argument can be made that Lafayette hasn't had the opportunity to play as many higher ranked teams, so their number of quality wins will be less. To get a clear picture of NDSU / Lafayette, let's look at the teams Lafayette and NDSU have lost to in the past three years. Referenced will be all teams that have a final Sagarin ranking of 205-245 (the bottom 40 in FCS). For Lafayette, these games are: 2010 Georgetown (234), 2010 Princeton (229), 2010 Columbia (210). Under these criteria, NDSU does not have a loss in this category.

Having a down year - In 2010, Lafayette had a down season going 2-9. Lafayette can say that they are in the same spot that NDSU was last season when they went 3-8 in 2009. But, there is a difference. This was not a young Lafayette team in 2010. They had 42 players on the roster that were Juniors or Seniors. In 2010, Lafayette had a Junior dominated team (27 seniors on the 2011 roster) yet they had 3 losses to teams that a top program should never lose. Actually, six of Lafayette's 9 losses last season came to teams ranked below 165. In 2009, NDSU went 3-8. Only one of those losses were to a team ranked below 165. In my opinion, I can see players making an improvement from one year to the next, I do not see a team improving on a level that it would take for Lafayette to beat NDSU on a consistent basis. In 2010, Lafayette played Lehigh and Penn tough making the potential for Lafayette to find a win in Fargo possible. However, Lafayette will always play Lehigh tough and the games will be close due to familiarity and rivalry factors.

Defenses- Both teams bring back the majority of their core defense. The bottom line for a defense is points the other team puts up on the board. In 2010, NDSU was a bend but don't break defense that finished the season with an impressive (18.21 PPG) #7 ranking in FCS. Lafayette came in at #76 giving up 27.09 PPG. Lafayette loses two defensive linemen and their top tackler from last season. How Lafayette replaces these three will be a huge factor. NDSU faces the same situation trying to replace Gratzek, Gatlin, Anderson and Banks. What should be interesting is watching the DE position for the Bison. The Bison had a back up DE named Cole Jirik that had seven sacks last season and some say that he could start on the majority of teams in the MVC. He has some quality game experience and was expected to challenge hard for the starting spot his sophomore year. Out of nowhere comes RFR Kyle Emanuel to take a strangle hold on the DE spot opposite Coulter Boyer. Scott Stockzynski started last season and is a more than adequate DE and performed well on a team that went deep in the playoffs. The Bison have the luxury of being able to rotate four very good DE in and out of the game. Fatigue for these guys shouldn't be a factor. This is a luxury that very few teams in the FCS have. NDSU is deep, deep, deep at linebacker and should be able to rotate 6 or 7 quality guys in throughout the game. Huge advantage to the Bison.

Offenses- On paper, Lafayette has a better QB than the Bison. He has not turned that completion percentage into what is most important, that being points on the board and ultimately, wins. The Lafayette Leopards scored 33 points twice last season. Both times they came against teams that were bad. By bad, I mean really bad. These two teams were Princeton (229) and Bucknell (237). Lafayette lost their top offensive weapon, a WR who was first team all Patriot league. They should have an improved running attack over last season. They are sporting one of the largest offensive lines they have ever had with each lineman over the 300 lb mark. Four Seniors and 1 sophomore fill the offensive line for the Leopards. NDSU sports a very physical offensive line that wears down defenses. The Bison have a very good running game. DJ McNorton is one of the best in the FCS and probably the best that Lafayette will face this season. The problem for Lafayette is that Ojuri may be the second best back they will see this season. For NDSU, they need to prove they can pass the ball. NDSU has young unproven talent at WR in Smith, Wahlo, Gebhart and Vraa. If NDSU can force Lafayette to respect the pass, DJ and Ojuri should be dangerous. NDSU should not have to pass the ball often in this game but they need to make an effort. Even if NDSU struggles passing, DJ McNorton and Ojuri should be able to take over this game running behind Cornick, Lund, Gimmestad, Richards and Turner. Advantage - Bison

Special Teams- Don't know much about the special teams for Lafayette. Lafayette lost both their kicker and punter so I would have to say that the edge definitely should tilt toward the Bison in this category. I do know that our punter can kick their punter's ass. Look for a fake punt or two this season. There is a huge difference between trying to tackle Voitlander and trying to tackle Prelvits. Ryan Smith is back to return punts and was one of the best in the FCS. Lafayette's returners are yet to be determined. Advantage - Bison

Intangibles-
1. Turnovers, you can't predict them. Last year Lafayette had some games where turnovers killed them. I feel they will have to play a perfect game or be +3 in the turnover battle to win against the Bison.

2. Lafayette is not used to traveling far to play an away game. It makes a difference. We all know it does.

3. 18000+ fans. Lafayette averages a respectable 8700 fans per home game. It can get loud in the dome if you aren't prepared for the noise it can cost you.

4. Confidence. Lafayette tried a different approach by going off campus in an attempt to bring the team closer together. NDSU is coming off a good year with most the team returning and a lot of confidence, Lafayette is searching for that confidence.

5. The Bison rarely lose at home.

Prediction... Like the Robert Morris game, the Bison will pull away. If the Bison pull away in this game, they will need to prove they are capable of putting the game out of reach.

NDSU 38 Lafayette 17

Then again, I could be completely wrong.

[SDbison]

Great analysis Scooter! I have to agree on most everything including the predicted score. If a few things come together for the Bison such as the passing game, and Ojuri really becomes the perfect compliment to DJ nothing will stop the Bison offense. On defense the only question is the middle of the line. Are the Bison stout enough, tough enough and deep enough there? The Bison need to build on every game this season and make necessary adjustments to make it further into the playoffs. The UNI game is huge and a couple of the road contests will be critical to show if the Bison truly have swagger and capability to finish off a team in tough situations.