**Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

[ronfitch]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

If you really stop and think about it this is terrible money. If NDSU is first to twenty its smart money as we do not possess the offensive game plan, pass protection, route running, or throwing ability to play catch up.

If we are the first to twenty, at no point in time in the last decade has this coaching staff shown it can close out games with a lead, including our last two heartbreaking, devastating trips to the Fargo Dome.

Do I believe we can win? Sure, will I be celebrating in the second quarter when we take a 21-14 lead, hell no.

Do you think either team will be hitting 20 before the fourth quarter? I was reading it in that light.

[jegbomb52]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

Do you think either team will be hitting 20 before the fourth quarter? I was reading it in that light.

I think we have twenty in the first half.

[BCPanther]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I will say one thing though, I think that for the first time in a long time (years), I think this team and coaching staff have found an actual identity and are committed to it, specifically on offense. This is a good thing and has helped our team immensely.

Specifically how we are doing it, I do not necessarily agree with, as I would prefer to see much more of a balance between run and pass. We have an elite running QB and a huge RB, and the coaching staff has just decided we are going to gash you for 4 quarters, and just attack you on defense.

How far can it take us? We shall see.

I can totally agree with this. I may hate the identity, but I like winning more.

We'll see how well it works on Saturday.

[panther-state]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I can totally agree with this. I may hate the identity, but I like winning more.

We'll see how well it works on Saturday.

It beats the hell out of running 3-4 different QB/RB combos each game. No one had time to get into a flow. Bailey looks bad enough when he only gets 15-20 passes in a game. It looked worse when he was getting even fewer reps.

It's just sad that it took a career ending concussion to Sawyer to force that change.

[igo4uni]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I think we have twenty in the first half.

Hopefully we get some quality offense from Bailey and Smith.

[Gocats15]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I hope the beast of 2014 McNeil comes to play this week.

I hope so too. I was hoping he'd get a chance to redeem himself this season after getting hurt on a celebration last year. He was our best pass rusher before getting hurt and always brought energy to the defense. He hasn't really had many opportunities this year though with the great play from Schult and Ales, and the interior combo of of Reth and Woods. I have a feeling he could have a huge game. Wonder if Allen will get the start a Dexter's spot? Or will we opt with the bigger Jennings to stuff the run?

[runtheoption]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

Safe travels to everyone coming to Fargo. Forecast is for about 1 inch of snow in the area starting Friday afternoon into Friday evening, with temps right around the freezing mark -- assuming this is when most of you would be traveling up nord. Could be some slick roads.

Tailgating starts at 5:30 am in the reserved lots, and 6:00 in the general admission lot, just like the Oct. 10 game. Pretty typical rules (no glass, booze has to be in a plastic cup, no open fires, no kegs). Temps look to be in the 20's for tailgating, which is decent for Fargo this time of year. There will be a lot of tents set up with heaters going inside, so you shouldn't have to bundle up too much. Just poke your head in a tent, and hopefully someone notices you. If they do, they will shove a bunch of food and drink in your face. Enjoy!

[The Herd]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I will say one thing though, I think that for the first time in a long time (years), I think this team and coaching staff have found an actual identity and are committed to it, specifically on offense. This is a good thing and has helped our team immensely.

Specifically how we are doing it, I do not necessarily agree with, as I would prefer to see much more of a balance between run and pass. We have an elite running QB and a huge RB, and the coaching staff has just decided we are going to gash you for 4 quarters, and just attack you on defense.

How far can it take us? We shall see.

That philosophy can take ya all the way to Frisco......thats basically what we did in 2011 on our run to the first of four. Kicker is you need a hell of an O-line and a kick ass D, which I would say you boys have.

[Purrrrrfect]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

Hopefully schult is feeling better from being dinged up. Gonna need every one of his QB hurries, TFL and sacks in this one.

[Purrrrrfect]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

Since both Bailey and Smith went over 200 yards last game..its interesting to note..its the first time in school history UNI has had 2 1000 yard rushers in the same season. Also to note...Bailey is 253 yards shy of breaking DJs single season record.

[UNIdad]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I will say one thing though, I think that for the first time in a long time (years), I think this team and coaching staff have found an actual identity and are committed to it, specifically on offense. This is a good thing and has helped our team immensely.

Specifically how we are doing it, I do not necessarily agree with, as I would prefer to see much more of a balance between run and pass. We have an elite running QB and a huge RB, and the coaching staff has just decided we are going to gash you for 4 quarters, and just attack you on defense.

How far can it take us? We shall see.

Do we really have an offensive identity? Or have we just been really fortunate to break a few big ones?

It is hard to "decide" that you are going to have an offensive identity that includes 80 yard touchdowns. If you know how to coach that, you can earn more than Nick Satan.

[achrist70]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

I think we have developed an idea of a power running team, we run very little true read option, most of Bailey's runs are designed. In a lot of ways we run almost a wing t without a qb handing the ball off.

[ronfitch]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

Since both Bailey and Smith went over 200 yards last game..its interesting to note..its the first time in school history UNI has had 2 1000 yard rushers in the same season. Also to note...Bailey is 253 yards shy of breaking DJs single season record.

Came close in '85 when Carl Boyd hit 12xx and Errol Peebles finished four yards shy of 1,000 yards rushing.

[11>1]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

What's the ticket situation for UNI fans and this game? Are you having a hard time getting one?

[UNIdad]

Re: **Game Thread NDSU--quarterfinals**

Predictions? I think turnovers are going to plague the Bison. UNI 28-13