NDSU Game Thread

[BCPanther]

1:00. ESPN+.

Biggest regular season game since, well, it's been a while.

Discuss.

[SteinPizza]

UNI generates enough time of possession to keep the D semi fresh at the end. Defense is able to load the box for most of the game to slow NDSU’s running game, and make NDSU move the ball thru the air.

UNI wins by a field goal in a low scoring game.

[Blue42]

Agree that our Achilles against the Bison has been leaving the D of the field too much and getting gassed late.

Offense needs to score and/or hold the ball.

Keep that D fresh enough to make some big plays late.

[ronfitch]

UNI generates enough time of possession to keep the D semi fresh at the end. Defense is able to load the box for most of the game to slow NDSU’s running game, and make NDSU move the ball thru the air.

UNI wins by a field goal in a low scoring game.

Need to convert on third downs - 0 for 8 last week, including 0 for 5 when first string was out there - and discipline, discipline, discipline.

[clenz]

UNI generates enough time of possession to keep the D semi fresh at the end. Defense is able to load the box for most of the game to slow NDSU’s running game, and make NDSU move the ball thru the air.

UNI wins by a field goal in a low scoring game.

Define enough? Even last week the defense was on the field for 34 minutes. It was actually the worst TOP game we've seen this seaon.

Having said that, there is a difference in quality of minutes on the field as well. Typically it's been 34+ minutes of "can't make a single mistake" compared to last week, or UST, or Sac State (Second half) of being allowed to be a big more relaxed in what is going on.

[Wxcpanther]

Define enough? Even last week the defense was on the field for 34 minutes. It was actually the worst TOP game we've seen this seaon.

Having said that, there is a difference in quality of minutes on the field as well. Typically it's been 34+ minutes of "can't make a single mistake" compared to last week, or UST, or Sac State (Second half) of being allowed to be a big more relaxed in what is going on.

I noticed that as well. Bigger thing last week was either we didn't move the ball at all, or when we did it was with huge chunk plays through the air and on the ground that lead to short possessions. Not ideal, but certainly an improvement in formula.

[clenz]

To an extent, the defense puts themselves on the field for long minutes as well. Typically don't give up big plays. Give up a small YPP meaning a team might end up punting they end up running 6-7 plays for 21 yards before punting, which will eat 2-3 minutes of clock. So there is some "nature of the beast" to how our defense operates.

[SteinPizza]

Define enough? Even last week the defense was on the field for 34 minutes. It was actually the worst TOP game we've seen this seaon.

Having said that, there is a difference in quality of minutes on the field as well. Typically it's been 34+ minutes of "can't make a single mistake" compared to last week, or UST, or Sac State (Second half) of being allowed to be a big more relaxed in what is going on.

“Enough” depends on the flow of the game, or game script to use a fantasy football term. It’s not necessarily some big numeric advantage, but more putting together drives at key points to rest your D. The Iowa State game is a good example. UNI held on to the ball at some key points to give the D a break. As a result, Breece Hall was contained for the most part and gave us a fighting chance at the end. The Iowa State game is another good analogy since the talent level will be far more comparable to NDSU than the other teams we’ve played, along with a comparable level of intensity.

[kochrab]

Here we go! Let's see if we can pull this off.

[kochrab]

Let's goo!!! Fumble recovery!

[sevelev711]

Turnover differential rules.

[sevelev711]

And two running plays on 1st/2nd and 15. Amazing. The more things change, the more things stay the same.

[kochrab]

Not a great start on our first offensive possession.... yikes.

[kochrab]

And two running plays on 1st/2nd and 15. Amazing.

You would've thought we could have taken a shot downfield right after the turnover... oh well. Lots of game to play.

[Blue42]

That play calling was a head scratcher.
No need to play it safe there. Get aggressive.