Quote Originally Posted by CelticCat View Post
I agree with this assessment. We don't quite have the horses yet to beat a team like NDSU at their own game. We've won the 4th quarter in all of our wins, but haven't been able to do it consistently. However a sign of a mentally and physically strong team is that they get better as the year progresses and we certainly have. We are getting better.

The fact that we lost our 2 year starting QB after spring ball to academic issues, our starting MLB for the season in fall camp, one of our starting RBs from last year for most of the season (only returning RB with significant carries), a transfer RB/FB who had been playing well especially in the blocking game to a career ending injury part way through the season, converted a LB/RB hybrid to QB in summer who can't really throw (although he is getting a lot better), our starting slot WR partway through the year to a season ending injury, had a pro-style QB play well in a few OOC games then break his foot in practice when he was ready to take over for Andersen leaving only a true freshman to backup Andersen, the fact that we made the playoffs to me is a testament to the program Choate is building. Most teams have these kinds of things, to varying degrees, but only programs with a solid culture and depth can overcome them. No we aren't world beaters this year but I really think next year is going to be a pretty big step for the program.

Not counting guys out for the year, against UIW we were missing our starting blocking TE, both our starting corners, and both our DTs played very limited snaps. We were down about 5 of the starters that were crucial pieces to our November run. And we were still able to win by 21 points, albeit against a team who was also without their star QB. Our OL did struggle with their team speed and size initially but it became clear as the game wore on that we were the better conditioned team and ending up imposing our will by the 4th quarter.

But to circle back to your post, we are a team that is gutting out wins, finding ways to win ugly, and part if that is just being more physical and tougher than our opponents. We won't have that on our side on Saturday, and I think we are going to have a really hard time moving the ball, and a hard time stopping the NDSU run game.
It's pretty easy to see what you guys are trying to build. It just takes time. .... That monster running back that went out early in the season with a knee issue. that would be a huge difference maker right there.

I think that this game is going to be a great learning experience for your team and help them buy into what your coach is selling.

If he's smart he'll make sure the entire Administration is down in Fargo checking it out.

Would also be a good move to try and schedule ndsu. Too many on your side look to see what the Grizz are doing.... Yeah, I get that but if I were the cat's I'd be mimicking NDSU. I think your coach understands that, not sure if your fan base or the administration get it though