Griz football, rapists, The Big Sky and UND.......

[NorthernBison]

This I can get behind. I think UND has plenty of talent there, and as you stated the huge questions are the QB and secondary. I haven't seen enough of the QBs to say that UND has the answer in Braden Hanson, but the secondary looked poor again in the spring game, although a RS Freshman who will likely push for a starting corner role was out. I just can't get the visions of UNC burning our guys out of my mind (I mean, c'mon, one receiver with over 300 yards? For UNC?) I've stated in a few forums that I really don't know what to expect out of UND this year in the Big Sky (which is a better conference than most here give it credit for), but think that UND could go anywhere from 3-7 to 7-3 in their DI games this year. The schedule is pretty tough, as they play most of the top teams this year, so that may hold them down. If they can go 6-4 in DI games, I will be satisfied, although I will likely be more pissed that SD Mines is on the schedule than I have been

The age old scrimmage conundrum: If your passing game lights up your defense, are you loaded at QB and receiver OR does your defense suck gas?

[cbline]

To date, I have questions about the coaching staff. Players' ability is one thing, but how that is used is another. Given und's struggles with lower division opponents, I question the coaching staff.

[4mcruenomore]

We are talking about the GRIZ. They will re-group and be just fine.

[Bison"FANatic"]

If they can go 6-4 in DI games, I will be satisfied, although I will likely be more pissed that SD Mines is on the schedule than I have been

If I were a UND fan I totally couldn't handle a 6-4 D1 record as that would mean that the SD mines game possibly kept you out of the playoffs and was a utter failure in scheduling for your AD. Some may give us crap about a cupcake or two each year but they at least count towards the ultimate goal of the playoffs. The SD mines game is just unjustifiable.

[The_Sicatoka]

UND used to be able to make up for suspect secondary play by knocking down the opponent's QB. I miss the days of "curvy numbers" on the student section sack counter. So I guess my defensive concern is two-fold: the secondary and the pass rush.

Offensively, QB play last year (and the year before) was below average. Even coming up to average QB play from the position will make this offense dangerous because the stable of backs has opposing teams looking to stop the run first.

Like I said earlier this year, how does UND win in the Big Sky?

Pound the rock
Pound the rock
Over the top
Repeat

That formula plays to UND's strengths (line play) and keeps the suspect UND secondary resting on the sidelines.

[The_Sicatoka]

To date, I have questions about the coaching staff. Players' ability is one thing, but how that is used is another. Given und's struggles with lower division opponents, I question the coaching staff.

I do believe Mussman will be under some tough scrutiny this year.

[The_Sicatoka]

We are talking about the GRIZ. They will re-group and be just fine.

You're probably right, but who knows what all the probing (NCAA, FBI, etc.) will do to team psyche and team chemistry.

[Bison bison]

I do believe Mussman will be under some tough scrutiny this year.

Hell be fine.

UND is sure to finish the season rated in the top 20 as NDSU will be a top four seed in the playoffs.

[The_Sicatoka]

Hell be fine.

UND is sure to finish the season rated in the top 20 as NDSU will be a top four seed in the playoffs.

Back to that old saw, eh? Go with what you've got I guess ...

By the way, how do the pollsters keep Montana and Montana State straight?

[Bison"FANatic"]

Back to that old saw, eh? Go with what you've got I guess ...

By the way, how do the pollsters keep Montana and Montana State straight?

They both have mascots that they can refer to!!!!!