Lehigh at North Dakota State - Quarterfinals

[NoDak 4 Ever]

What is the playing surface at the UNI Dome? That looked similar to AstroTurf, but I don't recall.

Something called Mondoturf....

http://www.northern-iowan.org/new-turf-blankets-uni-dome-1.1872973#.Ttz2C1b3Jn8

[RichH2]

You realize NDSU was still division II then and all of these kids were in elementary school in 2000, right?

xnodxxnodx
Good answer but point is not current players just referring to LU experience with MV teams.;)

[LEHIGH61]

Yes, but the ATTITUDE of the MV teams has not changed.

[Doc QB]

After Lehigh beat the CAA champ at there place, respect and props need to be given to that team and whether or not CAA is a little down this year doesn't matter one bit. The CAA is one of the top three conferences every year, so beating Towson at thier house tells me that we are in for a dog fight. I look forward to seeing how our D does against a team that likes to throw it all over the field. As I said in a an earlier post..if we get pressure(not necessarily sacks, but pressure) with just our front four I think we win, but if we have to blitz to get pressure its gonna get interesting. Obviously I like our chances, but it is clear that Lehigh is good enough to come in here and get a w if we don't play well. Turn overs are always a big factor in any game and even more so in the playoffs, so if either team has two or more to's they are probably gonna lose and everything else goes out the window.

The Herd, appreciate the thoughtful post, commentary based on team strengths/weaknesss, game strategy (and not redundant, irrelevant conference strength pi$$ing matches). Wish I could get to the Dome and see the game.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

NDSU shouldn't have an attitude because they are from the MVFC, they should have an attitude because they are 11-1 and the #2 seed. You seem to want to extrapolate a lot from last year's win at UNI. Lehigh won by a touchdown at UNI then lost by 3 TDs at Delaware. NDSU beat Robert Morris by 26 pts and Montana State by 25 before losing on an iffy play at the eventual champion EWU.

Moral of the story, LU's win at UNI last year is worth as much as a lakesbison post.

[LehighGuy]

Ask Tirrell Rennie about whether he was thinking about all those turf conditions when he could only go 3 quarters. This isn't Johnny Unitas stadium. This is the cold steel, brick and painted concrete of the Fargodome where you will be greeted by 8000 more fans cranking up 100+ decibels.

So all of your scary vernacular aside, it is just AstroTurf laid down on top of concrete?


The offense won't beat you with speed. They will beat you by running you over at the LOS and making holes for 2 very talented running backs. The passing game is generally very conservative...but can be good when needed (22-25 vs. UNI). Our QB has definitely not been as accurate since his turf-toe injury but still a pretty accurate guy. He doesn't make many mistakes. He is a very capable player. A big reason you won't see NDSU throw for many yards or TD's is because as soon as we get a lead, we run the ball A LOT.

On defense, we hit the quarterback quite a bit...not always a ton of sacks, but if you keep dropping back, typically we get to you. Our D-Line doesn't really get tired because we are able to rotate 8-9 guys consistently. We give up our share of yards...as it has been stated on here about a million times, Tampa 2 gives up yards....not points. Very opportunistic as well, we have quite a few interceptions. You guys might not buy the Marcus Williams hype, but he is good. He dropped a couple of picks last game...but typically if he gets his hands on it, it is going the other way, often times for 6.

The crowd...we like to bring us up because we like to feel important. But ask any team who has came into the dome this year (UNI and JMU especially) how it can get in there. When your team has a 3rd down....it can be deafening. It will provide a different feel to it than any other venue in the country...not necessarily better, but definitely different. Anyone who makes the trip out to Fargo from Lehigh(South Mountain area? Pretty close to Gettysburg?) will thoroughly enjoy the trip barring NDSU blowing out Lehigh(unlikely).

I definitely believe the Marcus Williams hype. The only thing that makes me feel better is that we have lots of options to throw at. Furthermore, Spadola lines up all over the field and Tampa-2 doesn't allow Williams to really chase him around. I'm more concerned about the battles up front.

Lehigh will practice with simulated noise this week, just as they did for UNI last year. I'm making the trip out and am really looking forward to the atmosphere. It will be the biggest crowd I've ever seen Lehigh play in front of. I also have a feeling that NDSU fans are not nearly obnoxious as they let on. :-)

I'll be flying into MPS and landing around 8:30AM. Should leave me plenty of time to get to Fargo. Any traffic snafus I should be worried about?

[LehighGuy]

NDSU shouldn't have an attitude because they are from the MVFC, they should have an attitude because they are 11-1 and the #2 seed. You seem to want to extrapolate a lot from last year's win at UNI. Lehigh won by a touchdown at UNI then lost by 3 TDs at Delaware. NDSU beat Robert Morris by 26 pts and Montana State by 25 before losing on an iffy play at the eventual champion EWU.

Moral of the story, LU's win at UNI last year is worth as much as a lakesbison post.

In case anyone on this board hasn't learned by now, common-opponents and conference strength arguments mean ZERO during playoff time.

[FargoBison]

An interesting thing about this game is that our secondary coach was UNI's D-Cord last year, it appears they did a decent job in containing Lehigh but couldn't capitalize offensively....having him on staff could definitely pay off for this game. I know a lot of people are talking about Lum but if Lehigh can't run the ball, they won't beat NDSU. Our nickle package is oustanding...third and long vs our defense is very tough and we put our ball hawks back in the secondary. Pike and MWill have been especially opportunistic in those instances.

I told the JMU guys last week, you gotta be balanced to beat NDSU.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

So all of your scary vernacular aside, it is just AstroTurf laid down on top of concrete?



I definitely believe the Marcus Williams hype. The only thing that makes me feel better is that we have lots of options to throw at. Furthermore, Spadola lines up all over the field and Tampa-2 doesn't allow Williams to really chase him around. I'm more concerned about the battles up front.

Lehigh will practice with simulated noise this week, just as they did for UNI last year. I'm making the trip out and am really looking forward to the atmosphere. It will be the biggest crowd I've ever seen Lehigh play in front of. I also have a feeling that NDSU fans are not nearly obnoxious as they let on. :-)

I'll be flying into MPS and landing around 8:30AM. Should leave me plenty of time to get to Fargo. Any traffic snafus I should be worried about?

Once you are out of Minneapolis, I94 is a breeze, weather permitting.

[LehighGuy]

An interesting thing about this game is that our secondary coach was UNI's D-Cord last year, it appears they did a decent job in containing Lehigh but couldn't capitalize offensively....having him on staff could definitely pay off for this game. I know a lot of people are talking about Lum but if Lehigh can't run the ball, they won't beat NDSU. Our nickle package is oustanding...third and long vs our defense is very tough and we put our ball hawks back in the secondary. Pike and MWill have been especially opportunistic in those instances.

I told the JMU guys last week, you gotta be balanced to beat NDSU.

Lehigh can play a balanced offense. If Lum gets time, I'm not worried about the NDSU secondary. He's very smart with the football. All the stat-trolls will yell, "BUT LEHIGH GUY, LUM THREW 15 INTS THIS YEAR". Yes, that's true. But he also threw like 470 passes this year. That's about 3%.

[Professor Chaos]

One of Jensen's (NDSU QB) strengths this year has been his accuracy. He was completing well over 70% of his passes until the final few weeks of the season. Last season that was his weakness so he's improved greatly in that regard. McNorton is not a burner and Ojuri isn't either (although he is the faster of the two) but they are both slippery in traffic. McNorton looked faster to me in the JMU game than he has since early in the season. NDSU has some burners at WR, both Holloway and Smith (if his hamstring is healed up) are fast and dynamic in the open field.

NDSU's defense is prone to give up yards through the air, I don't see this game being any different. However, they've been very stout in the red zone, for the most part, and have been pretty successful in limiting the big plays. If teams score on them it's on 10+ play drives. Lehigh is certainly capable of doing that but if it's a 10 play drive that yields 3 points I'll take that every possession. I think Lehigh will struggle with NDSU's running game as much as NDSU will struggle with Lehigh's passing game. Your defense needs to be ultra-conditioned to keep NDSU's power run game contained all day. A few teams have had success at that this year but when they have Jensen has found ways to burn them through the air.

I like this matchup from NDSU's perspective more than I liked the JMU matchup. I'm not trying to knock Lehigh that's just my honest opinion. Our back 7 will need to play well but I think they're capable of limiting Lehigh in the red zone and getting a few turnovers, those will be the big keys.

[LehighGuy]

Once you are out of Minneapolis, I94 is a breeze, weather permitting.

I don't like that part one bit.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I don't like that part one bit.

My in-laws live in Mpls and my mom lives in Fargo, they have all reported an unseasonably nice winter so far. Still waiting for significant snow I guess.

[344Johnson]

I don't like that part one bit.

Most years, I'd say you should be very worried. You'll be alright this year though it seems, no snow on the ground yet!

[LehighGuy]

Weather channel says when I land in MPS it's going to be about 19 degrees......"unseasonably nice" eh?

[Professor Chaos]

Weather looks pretty good right now:

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3248/forecast.jpg

37 degrees on December 10th is shortsleeve weather in Fargo.

[The Historian]

One thing about a dome is that there is no weather to affect the passing. The noise may impact signal calling, but if the game was played in conditions with high winds, rain, snow, etc. it would be a definite plus for North Dakota State.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Here in Ohio they think 10 degrees is "bitterly cold".

Fun fact? The weekend weather guy here in Columbus is none other than former WDAY meteorologist, Dana Turtle! Still wears his Concordia ring even though he has forgotten what cold really is.

[LehighGuy]

Weather looks pretty good right now:

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3248/forecast.jpg

37 degrees on December 10th is shortsleeve weather in Fargo.

UGHH...When are going to draw Key West University in the playoffs?!?!

[Clambake]

Any recommendations for Lehigh fans coming out to Fargo for good places to go out and watch the Friday night game between Northern Iowa and Montana and then where to go out Saturday night after our game? Thanks.

[LehighGuy]

Any recommendations for Lehigh fans coming out to Fargo for good places to go out and watch the Friday night game between Northern Iowa and Montana and then where to go out Saturday night after our game? Thanks.

+1 on where to go Saturday night

[Professor Chaos]

Any recommendations for Lehigh fans coming out to Fargo for good places to go out and watch the Friday night game between Northern Iowa and Montana and then where to go out Saturday night after our game? Thanks.

+1 on where to go Saturday night
Depends on what part of town you're staying at or where you want to go. If you're going to be north up by the dome I'd recommend Labby's Bar and Grill or Buffalo Wild Wings on 19th Ave N. Both have tons of TVs and are a few blocks from the Fargodome. If you're downtown OB Sports Zone would be your best bet but it'll be a young crowd there. South Fargo is loaded with good food/drink locations to watch sports. I'd recommend the Gastropub Billiards, BWW on 42nd St S, or the sports bar at The Hub.

[DJKyR0]

Lehigh will practice with simulated noise this week, just as they did for UNI last year

A lot of fanbases have cited this as reason to brush off the fact that we're playing in the Fargodome. You guys aren't the first ones to do this and James Madison fans found that out last week. Per the Fargo Forum: http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/342772/

"With Northern Iowa’s 28-21 win over Wofford, the Valley went 2-0 Saturday. The Colonial, meanwhile, went 1-4 – with only Maine advancing to the quarterfinals.

“We were all happy to get into the playoffs, but four of the five (Colonial) teams had to travel,” said James Madison head coach Mickey Matthews, whose team won three road games in 2004 to win a national title. “Don’t get me wrong. We didn’t deserve to play at home. But we had to play in the toughest place in FCS football.”

They had another quote somewhere about their QB nearly losing his voice in the first quarter from having to scream the plays out for them to be heard.

The home field WILL make a difference. I very much doubt that, for as good a team as Lehigh is, they have faced a defense of our caliber yet this season and have not faced a combination of offensive and defensive line play that will be as consistently good as ours has been the last few home games. If that's ignorant or arrogant, then label me the village idiot.

[bisonnation]

This is going to be a great game. Great Bison defense vs Great Lehigh offense. Not to sure about the Lehigh defense though. They have played 2 really good teams with really good offenses but didn't fare too well. I say the home crowd is the difference and the Bison win a close one.

[RichH2]

Not discounting home field for NDSU but that is a fact we can do nothing about just like concrete floor . How about we just come out and play some football.

[Gil Dobie]

Depends on what part of town you're staying at or where you want to go. If you're going to be north up by the dome I'd recommend Labby's Bar and Grill or Buffalo Wild Wings on 19th Ave N. Both have tons of TVs and are a few blocks from the Fargodome. If you're downtown OB Sports Zone would be your best bet but it'll be a young crowd there. South Fargo is loaded with good food/drink locations to watch sports. I'd recommend the Gastropub Billiards, BWW on 42nd St S, or the sports bar at The Hub.

Several of the local hotels have legal Blackjack. If you play at the Holiday Inn, which is nice for a Holiday Inn, NDSU Team Makers thank you

[WestRiverBison]

I don't like that part one bit.

I beleive you said you were arriving at MSP at 8:30am? It's about 250 miles to Fargo. Game is at 3:00pm. Don't sweat it. It would take a MASSIVE storm for you to not make it to Fargo in 6.5 hours. I've made the trip muiltiple times in total crap and it hasn't taken nearly that long.

[AmsterBison]

Weather channel says when I land in MPS it's going to be about 19 degrees......"unseasonably nice" eh?

That can be beautiful if it's not breezy*. Of course, MSP is usually at least 10 degrees warmer than Fargo.

* "breezy" as in


Breezy, with a south southwest wind between 13 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

If they say it's going to be "windy", put on your diving boots and safety goggles.

[LehighGuy]

Several of the local hotels have legal Blackjack. If you play at the Holiday Inn, which is nice for a Holiday Inn, NDSU Team Makers thank you

Oh that's cool....wait...what? "Hello, This is Lehigh Guy in room 117. I'd like a couple extra pillows and for you to split my aces. Thanks."

[Vitojr130]

Oh that's cool....wait...what? "Hello, This is Lehigh Guy in room 117. I'd like a couple extra pillows and for you to split my aces. Thanks."

In North Dakota, gambling is legal basically everywhere and anywhere that wants to support it. However, one must be 21 or older to do so in this state. If you are between 18-21, this problem can be averted with a short 1 hour drive over to Mahnomen, Minnesota, where gambling is only legal on Indian reservations (not including lottery tickets). Personally, I like Grand Casino, Mille Lacs. Won $550 off of some penny slots about two years ago. Best $10 investment of my life.

[Thunderstruck]

Jenna Jameson will be at the northern gentlemans club from 9:30-10:30 pm on saturday then she is going over to the Hub for the sexiest pajama party.

[LehighGuy]

Way to be late the party, Thunderstruck! I already told my wife she could come along. Thanks a lot..... xsmhx

[Thunderstruck]

Way to be late the party, Thunderstruck! I already told my wife she could come along. Thanks a lot..... xsmhx

So bring her with also? Whats the problem there? :)

[NoDak 4 Ever]

So bring her with also? Whats the problem there? :)

Indeed, I worked at the Northern once upon a time. If there is one thing that strippers LOVE, it is female customers.

[Thunderstruck]

or the hub has 5 bars? you could lose her in there.

[DJKyR0]

Lakes, one of your comments on the Bison Media Blog absolutely killed me.


MUST WIN.FOR NDSU.

CANT GO 2 YEARS WITHOUT ESPN2 SEMIFINAL GAME AT DOME!!!

Get yo asses out there and stand on defense and make.some noise!!

Put MWILL on thier #1 and roll eaves/heagle to dudziks side!!

It's the must-win part. Go figure that a team playing in a single-elimination playoff postseason finds itself in a must-win situation. Don't ever change, buddy. xthumbsupx

[Engineer86]

Some excellent perspectives in here. I agree the pass rush will and our ability to withstand the ponding running game will be two keys to the game. The home crowd does worry me.

[LakesBison]

DJ cuz if we dont win thats 2 god.dam years that NDSU was 1 game away from ESPN2 semi's to showcase fargodome.
I dont think people.realize how important that would be. I could handle.losing in semi's BUT ILL FREAK IF WE LOSE THIS.CHANCE AGAIN...SO YEA, ITS A MUST WIN

[NoDak 4 Ever]

DJ cuz if we dont win thats 2 god.dam years that NDSU was 1 game away from ESPN2 semi's to showcase fargodome.
I dont think people.realize how important that would be. I could handle.losing in semi's BUT ILL FREAK IF WE LOSE THIS.CHANCE AGAIN...SO YEA, ITS A MUST WIN

Really? so getting on ESPN2 is the goal? Do they have a "I got on ESPN2" room somewhere in the FD?

[LakesBison]

Actually, yes the Semi's & Finals of FCS on ESPN 2 is the crown jewel.
People, players, the nation watch it!

Until we are FBS, this is as high as we get for exposure

[DJKyR0]

I would think a national championship is goal #1 right now.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Actually, yes the Semi's & Finals of FCS on ESPN 2 is the crown jewel.
People, players, the nation watch it!

Until we are FBS, this is as high as we get for exposure

Ugh, I know I shouldn't do this but why don't you ask Western Kentucky how FBS is working out for them. 7 wins and no bowl. Woo!

[344Johnson]

Let Lakes live in his fantasy world where the FCS isn't good enough. Big Ten or Bust right Lakes? ;) Going FBS would be cool and all but isn't really practicable right now. I digress.

Like KyRo said, I think winning a championship is goal #3. And if we get that...then I am happy, the state is happy, the fanbase is happy, and the Missouri Valley can have something to have a boner over for the first time in awhile. First things first however, get by Lehigh, a deceptively tough team. Then get by GaSo/Maine, then get through to a National Championship which NDSU faithful have been waiting for since a year before my mom was pregnant and I was still a glimmer in my dad's eye.

[AmsterBison]

+1 on where to go Saturday night

Depends on what you are looking for. College kids usually end up downtown... just walk up and down Broadway and see what's there. You could start at Rhombus Guys Pizza near Broadway and Main and work your way North (be sure to glance down side streets to see what's up.)

For the person asking about Friday night - really, there are a lot of sports bars / restaurants - I'd just pick the closest to my hotel but I really hate driving to bars.

Actually, this would be a good question to post at bisonville.com - man, we really have to put a visitors' guide together over there.

[tojo70]

Here's a whole bunch of crap (most of it personal observations so take it for what it's worth.)
History: NDSU had great success in the 80's with a veer option offense and bend, but don't break defense. The midwestern farm kids would piss pound (i love that term) the hell out of other teams. Basically they would wear them down into submission. Then NDSU got the dome, and in my opinion said, hey, we play in a dome now, we don't need the big farm kids, we need quick speedy guys and an awesome passing game, forget about the run. This, along with "the knitting club" buying tickets for the game led to some down years in the late 90's early 2000's.
Then along came Bohl. One poster on here earlier said that NDSU's offense doesn't seem very fast. They aren't, but they are quick (there is a difference between quick and fast) and they are agile. I think (again just my opinion) that Bohl decided to take those big midwestern farm kid line men and stress agility and quickness to make them into great O-lineman that can pull and open up massive holes. One of the problems is that DJ has been hurt (ankle) and hasn't been able to hit the holes fast enough before they close. I think this may have been rectified a little, but still saw some massive holes opened then closed before DJ can get through them during the JMU game. Ojuri has helped bring another dimension to the running game, and am in awe of his running style. Hit's you head on, spins and pumps his legs picking up another 5 yards backwards with 1 or 2 defenders on him.
Jensen has been down the last few weeks (relatively). Many have blamed it on his turf toe. I think that had a lot to do with it, but I think that the JMU game had more to do with the WR corp being out with injuries. Jensen's good, but the WR's have made some amazing catches in coverage. If we can get them back (I think 2 or 3 are going to be back for this game) Jensen will shine again.
On Defense, I think the biggest key is getting Heagle back. Some say Heagle's definitely back, but Bohl said he's questionable. If he's back, the defense will be stout.
Speaking of the defense, we've given up big passes over the middle too often. I think that has some to do with Heagle being out, and I think that also has to do with the "chances" the DB's take. Many times this year I've seen what I thought were wide open receivers, and then a DB comes in and picks it, or it gets knocked down. I look at it and say "where the hell did he come from." That's just my observation, but I think it's a case of disguising the coverage. They're very good at it, but they can get burned for the big one if it's not executed correctly.
Lastly, the 12th man. Say what you want, but the dome is as one NDSU player tweeted "stupid loud." I've been at games at WA-Griz and NDSU, they're both as I'd put it distractingly loud. If the crowd is even crazier than last week, it's going to be a factor.
Overall, if Heagle plays, and we get 2-3 of the WR's back, I predict a 17 point win by NDSU. Not being cocky, I just think we've "coasted" through the last few games and our depth at many positions has helped us win those games. With some more starters healthy, I see NDSU starting to put a beat down...not a piss pounding yet, but getting close.

[LakesBison]

Lehigh guy after game.chubs, then Ft nox, sports bar, OB were insane last saturday.
Cmon downtown, we will buy ya drinks!!

Friday goto JT CIGARROS and chill and enjoy the scenery

[Unbison]

by we he means he will put it on my tab.........................lets party

[LehighGuy]

Here's a whole bunch of crap (most of it personal observations so take it for what it's worth.)
History: NDSU had great success in the 80's with a veer option offense and bend, but don't break defense. The midwestern farm kids would piss pound (i love that term) the hell out of other teams. Basically they would wear them down into submission. Then NDSU got the dome, and in my opinion said, hey, we play in a dome now, we don't need the big farm kids, we need quick speedy guys and an awesome passing game, forget about the run. This, along with "the knitting club" buying tickets for the game led to some down years in the late 90's early 2000's.
Then along came Bohl. One poster on here earlier said that NDSU's offense doesn't seem very fast. They aren't, but they are quick (there is a difference between quick and fast) and they are agile. I think (again just my opinion) that Bohl decided to take those big midwestern farm kid line men and stress agility and quickness to make them into great O-lineman that can pull and open up massive holes. One of the problems is that DJ has been hurt (ankle) and hasn't been able to hit the holes fast enough before they close. I think this may have been rectified a little, but still saw some massive holes opened then closed before DJ can get through them during the JMU game. Ojuri has helped bring another dimension to the running game, and am in awe of his running style. Hit's you head on, spins and pumps his legs picking up another 5 yards backwards with 1 or 2 defenders on him.
Jensen has been down the last few weeks (relatively). Many have blamed it on his turf toe. I think that had a lot to do with it, but I think that the JMU game had more to do with the WR corp being out with injuries. Jensen's good, but the WR's have made some amazing catches in coverage. If we can get them back (I think 2 or 3 are going to be back for this game) Jensen will shine again.
On Defense, I think the biggest key is getting Heagle back. Some say Heagle's definitely back, but Bohl said he's questionable. If he's back, the defense will be stout.
Speaking of the defense, we've given up big passes over the middle too often. I think that has some to do with Heagle being out, and I think that also has to do with the "chances" the DB's take. Many times this year I've seen what I thought were wide open receivers, and then a DB comes in and picks it, or it gets knocked down. I look at it and say "where the hell did he come from." That's just my observation, but I think it's a case of disguising the coverage. They're very good at it, but they can get burned for the big one if it's not executed correctly.
Lastly, the 12th man. Say what you want, but the dome is as one NDSU player tweeted "stupid loud." I've been at games at WA-Griz and NDSU, they're both as I'd put it distractingly loud. If the crowd is even crazier than last week, it's going to be a factor.
Overall, if Heagle plays, and we get 2-3 of the WR's back, I predict a 17 point win by NDSU. Not being cocky, I just think we've "coasted" through the last few games and our depth at many positions has helped us win those games. With some more starters healthy, I see NDSU starting to put a beat down...not a piss pounding yet, but getting close.

Holy wall of text...thanks for the commentary but next time take a break to use the enter key once in awhile.

[tojo70]

Holy wall of text...thanks for the commentary but next time take a break to use the enter key once in awhile.

I tried dude....The whiskey got the better of me. For the record, I started out by saying it's a bunch of crap.

[ngineer]

NDSU plays on the concrete Astroturf. If you aren't used to playing on it, getting tackled hurts something awful. It is something that the Lehigh players will notice it (or forget everything) the first time they smack their head on it. It also causes a lot of injuries.

Then why is is allowed? Seems to me the NCAA would have minimal standards for artificial surfaces. If conditions are as bad as you imply, then it seems NDSU (or whoever owns the joint) would be open for various lawsuits for knowingly having an unsafe playing surface. How many turf related injuries has the Bison incurred this year?

[FargoBison]

Then why is is allowed? Seems to me the NCAA would have minimal standards for artificial surfaces. If conditions are as bad as you imply, then it seems NDSU (or whoever owns the joint) would be open for various lawsuits for knowingly having an unsafe playing surface. How many turf related injuries has the Bison incurred this year?

People are embellishing....NDSU would not play on a unsafe surface. If anything the dome's turf may create more nagging injuries....turf toe would be an example and especially turf burns. Signficant injuries seem to be more of a 50/50 split between home and away.

[Squealofthepig]

Turf is a silly thing to focus on, especially if you're using an injury perspective, as it just doesn't make sense. Even assuming familiarity, what team in their right mind would make their team play on a field likely to cause injury?*

* Outside of eyesight injury, before EWU fans/detractors pipe up

[ngineer]

People are embellishing....NDSU would not play on a unsafe surface. If anything the dome's turf may create more nagging injuries....turf toe would be an example and especially turf burns. Signficant injuries seem to be more of a 50/50 split between home and away.

Figured. I remember Penn's old Astroturf field at Franklin Field back in the early '70's. Brutal on the skin. While we will certainl have to put up with all the razzmatazz about the fans/noise, I'd take that over playing in subfreezing temps and wind--especially with our offense. So on balance, I think the Dome does us a favor and I think that's how our guys will look at it. There might be a hiccup or two with the noise, but I suspect our OC and Lum & Co. are working on some alternative communications. These guys have been playing pitch and catch a long time together, so I exect them to adapt. I'm more concerned about our D keeping the Bison offense in check, i.e. getting off the field. Need big stops on third down. That's the key. I sure wish I could get out there. Just too much goin' on here on the homefront. At least the game is not on Friday night opposite the Lehigh/Penn State wrestling match--The 100th Dual Meet between the two teams before an expected sellout (5,800) at Lehigh's Stabler Arena.

[Twentysix]

The Fargodome(NDSU) made a top 50 college football stadiums list. I believe 3 FCS teams made it, Yalebowl, Wa-Griz, Fargodome.

[BisonBacker]

Had to laugh when I found the Lehigh message board. Fanboy has pissed off his fellow lehigh fans and one specifically called him out. He even gets into pissing matches with lehigh fans xcrazyx What a rube.
If you want a good laugh here ya go xlolx

http://www.lehighsportsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=907&sid=b735a4e6e7cd3fc89a6124f769153fa8&start=10

[Drblankstare]

Good lord, that is funny. He's about to run off, his own teams fanpage.

[Professor Chaos]

I'm still waiting for the subpoenas.... Fanboi said more than two weeks that in two weeks this site would be ablaze with subpoenas and everyone would have their assets frozen off.

[TwoFeathers]

Lehigh played very well this week, and beat a strong Towson team on the road. NDSU didn't play as well as I expected at home against a pretty weak JMU team. I expect Lehigh to take this one down to the wire. Tossup who wins.

[Drblankstare]

The major concern for this game from NDSU's pov, has to be stopping the 20 to 30 yard pass in the middle of the field. Last week Thorpe kind of did what he wanted at times against the Bison secondary and Lum is alot better thrower than Thorpe. It will be a lot of fun to see exactly how good the Bison D is.

[RichH2]

Tampa 2 D relies on Lbs to cover mid field, the 15-30 yd area usually open. Since Dave loves pick routes with Spadola and Drwal , one or the other will be open most every play. Key is Lum having enuf time, altho lehigh runs these plays quickly

[Professor Chaos]

Lehigh played very well this week, and beat a strong Towson team on the road. NDSU didn't play as well as I expected at home against a pretty weak JMU team. I expect Lehigh to take this one down to the wire. Tossup who wins.
I think NDSU played pretty well last Saturday but I'm used to watching their style of play. They held a team that averages will over 200 yards rushing to 84 (and 20 of those were on the last garbage drive). They ran for over 200 yards against a team gave up less than 100 on average throughout the season. They never trailed and they didn't turn the ball over. The passing game outside of Holloway was not very good and there were some missed opportunities for turnovers on the defensive side but you're never going to play a perfect game, especially in the passing game with 3 of your top 4 WRs out. All in all, that was one of the better games the Bison have played all year IMO.

Our guys aren't flashy and they won't wow anyone but they will play solid and won't beat themselves. Lehigh's offense will impress you more watching them on tape but NDSU's offense if very potent in their own right.

[TwoFeathers]

I think NDSU played pretty well last Saturday but I'm used to watching their style of play. They held a team that averages will over 200 yards rushing to 84 (and 20 of those were on the last garbage drive). They ran for over 200 yards against a team gave up less than 100 on average throughout the season. They never trailed and they didn't turn the ball over. The passing game outside of Holloway was not very good and there were some missed opportunities for turnovers on the defensive side but you're never going to play a perfect game, especially in the passing game with 3 of your top 4 WRs out. All in all, that was one of the better games the Bison have played all year IMO.

Our guys aren't flashy and they won't wow anyone but they will play solid and won't beat themselves. Lehigh's offense will impress you more watching them on tape but NDSU's offense if very potent in their own right.

You are probably right, Prof. I am just biased because we see/hear alot about JMU in the CAA, and they are not regarded that highly. At least in the past couple of years. Once they figure out their offense, they will be a top program again. But lately it's been clumsy at best. No real strategy or direction.

[DJKyR0]

You are probably right, Prof. I am just biased because we see/hear alot about JMU in the CAA, and they are not regarded that highly. At least in the past couple of years. Once they figure out their offense, they will be a top program again. But lately it's been clumsy at best. No real strategy or direction.

All leading up to the game last week we heard about JMU was going to run the ball all over us and that with their guy Thorpe back they would be unstoppable. What's with all the backpedaling and sandbagging now?

[Twentysix]

All leading up to the game last week we heard about JMU was going to run the ball all over us and that with their guy Thorpe back they would be unstoppable. What's with all the backpedaling and sandbagging now?

They don't do being called out, in the east. xrotatehx

[Vitojr130]

Is it just me or has the halfback pass killed us 3 out of the 3 times that our defense has seen it this season? And by killed us, I mean the opposing team threw for a touchdown. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is correct.

There cannot be holes in our coverage like this, or Lum will eat that up. He will make it a hard day for the Bison if our pass coverage isn't having a great day. MWILLs NEEDS to come up BIG and catch the balls that are thrown right to him... you know... make up for last Saturday..

[Twentysix]

There is only one superman and his name is Dj Mcnorton. Lum is a pretender.

[Vitojr130]

There is only one superman and his name is Dj Mcnorton. Lum is a pretender.

Lum is definitely not a pretender. I was just looking at some of his highlight reels and he looks pretty darn good at what he is supposed to do... There's a reason he is up for the Walter Payton or w/e it's called.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Lum is definitely not a pretender. I was just looking at some of his highlight reels and he looks pretty darn good at what he is supposed to do... There's a reason he is up for the Walter Payton or w/e it's called.

I saw the highlights of the Towson game. I hope they don't think it will be like that on Saturday.

[Vitojr130]

I saw the highlights of the Towson game. I hope they don't think it will be like that on Saturday.

Personally, I think Towson was extremely overrated, just like the rest of the CAA. The only thing I am worried about is our pass defense against one of the best. I would give us an "average" rating for pass defense at the moment. However, maybe out d-line will completely dominate their o-line and make their QB get acquainted with Mr. AstroTurf.

[RichH2]

I saw the highlights of the Towson game. I hope they don't think it will be like that on Saturday.

After watching video of NDSU D , no reason to expect our O to be the same. Few sideline or up routes as at TU, lots of crosses and pick plays. Hback and TE in vacant middle for yards. If your MWILL sits on Spadola he will run clear routes for the flat . We have no problem not throwing to RS. Gate very effective with one over the top coverage on him so everyone else had career days

[RichH2]

Personally, I think Towson was extremely overrated, just like the rest of the CAA. The only thing I am worried about is our pass defense against one of the best. I would give us an "average" rating for pass defense at the moment. However, maybe out d-line will completely dominate their o-line and make their QB get acquainted with Mr. AstroTurf.

Your DL is pretty good but it would be silly for you to think it will dominate our OL. I anticipate they will be very effective limiting the run from what I've seen on video they dont figure to have much impact on passing absent blitzing. We pass block very well

[NoDak 4 Ever]

After watching video of NDSU D , no reason to expect our O to be the same. Few sideline or up routes as at TU, lots of crosses and pick plays. Hback and TE in vacant middle for yards. If your MWILL sits on Spadola he will run clear routes for the flat . We have no problem not throwing to RS. Gate very effective with one over the top coverage on him so everyone else had career days

We have another kid, John Pike who has 4 INTs this season. Oh yeah, Colton Heagle has 2 picks too, I saw him make one of those with a cast on his hand. This is a ball-hawking defense that lives for the turnover.

[RichH2]

We have another kid, John Pike who has 4 INTs this season. Oh yeah, Colton Heagle has 2 picks too, I saw him make one of those with a cast on his hand. This is a ball-hawking defense that lives for the turnover.

In going thru the video, no knock on your D but you did not face a plethora of good passers. My comments were addressed at the defensive scheme not the individuals talents of the players. A tampa2 by its nature leaves large underneath gaps.

[344Johnson]

In going thru the video, no knock on your D but you did not face a plethora of good passers. My comments were addressed at the defensive scheme not the individuals talents of the players. A tampa2 by its nature leaves large underneath gaps.

Haters gonna hate. MVFC had plenty of solid-good passers this season.

[RichH2]

Haters gonna hate. MVFC had plenty of solid-good passers this season.

Not hating just observing.
Solid may be but certainly no good passing attacks in your conference.

[Vitojr130]

Your DL is pretty good but it would be silly for you to think it will dominate our OL. I anticipate they will be very effective limiting the run from what I've seen on video they dont figure to have much impact on passing absent blitzing. We pass block very well

JMU fans said the same exact thing... Remind me where they are again?

[DJKyR0]

Solid may be but certainly no good passing attacks in your conference.

You're starting to sound like TheFan - next thing you know our defense will be bad.

Both South Dakota State and Youngstown St. rank in the top 50 of total passing offense in the nation (and only because one was led by a freshman, the other had a great running attack to take snaps from). Two capable quarterbacks that may not have led top-5 passing attacks but if you want to assert that they "aren't good" then you're barking up the wrong tree.

[van]

You're starting to sound like TheFan - next thing you know our defense will be bad.

Both South Dakota State and Youngstown St. rank in the top 50 of total passing offense in the nation (and only because one was led by a freshman, the other had a great running attack to take snaps from). Two capable quarterbacks that may not have led top-5 passing attacks but if you want to assert that they "aren't good" then you're barking up the wrong tree.

You're not going up against top 50 this week. Think bigger.

[DJKyR0]

You're not going up against top 50 this week. Think bigger.

Wait, what? Lehigh has one of the better passing attacks in the FCS?

Since when?

[Vitojr130]

You're not going up against top 50 this week. Think bigger.

Doubtful. You played in the Patriot League. Any team that is remaining in the playoffs would have had the success that Lehigh has had in that league... For the most part, it is a joke from the top to the bottom, with one exception.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

You're not going up against top 50 this week. Think bigger.

and you are going against the highest rated opponent by a longshot this season. Think things won't be different?

[BisonBacker]

You're not going up against top 50 this week. Think bigger.

Your playing the #2 ranked team in the nation who also held the #1 rank. Think Bigger!!!:D

[LehighU11]

Your playing the #2 ranked team in the nation who also held the #1 rank. Think Bigger!!!:D

And as TheFan would be quick to point out, that #1 ranking slipped after losing to an unranked (oh boy, how many times have we seen that in italics xrolleyesx) Youngstown St. team. Should be a very tough game for us, but NDSU is not invincible...

[PAllen]

Doubtful. You played in the Patriot League. Any team that is remaining in the playoffs would have had the success that Lehigh has had in that league... For the most part, it is a joke from the top to the bottom, with one exception.

Yup, we're weak. Our schedule is a joke. We haven't played anybody. In act, you guys could beat us in your pajamas. Heck, you should just treat Saturday like a practice in preparation for Georgia Southern. It will be a good chance for you to get reps for that defensive scheme you're working on to stop the triple option. xnutsxxnutsxxnutsx

[Vitojr130]

Yup, we're weak. Our schedule is a joke. We haven't played anybody. In act, you guys could beat us in your pajamas. Heck, you should just treat Saturday like a practice in preparation for Georgia Southern. It will be a good chance for you to get reps for that defensive scheme you're working on to stop the triple option. xnutsxxnutsxxnutsx

Sounds like a plan to me.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

There's no way Lehigh, the little school on the hill, can beat mighty, mighty, unbeatable North Dakota State.

[Vitojr130]

There's no way Lehigh, the little school on the hill, can beat mighty, mighty, unbeatable North Dakota State.

Deal.

[Thunderstruck]

What is the line on the game?

[AmsterBison]

There's no way Lehigh, the little school on the hill, can beat mighty, mighty, unbeatable North Dakota State.

A team with Lum and Spadola can outscore any FCS team. Plus you beat UNI last year. Of course, NDSU fans are going to be confident in our team but this game could go either way.

[FargoBison]

Is it just me or has the halfback pass killed us 3 out of the 3 times that our defense has seen it this season? And by killed us, I mean the opposing team threw for a touchdown. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is correct.

There cannot be holes in our coverage like this, or Lum will eat that up. He will make it a hard day for the Bison if our pass coverage isn't having a great day. MWILLs NEEDS to come up BIG and catch the balls that are thrown right to him... you know... make up for last Saturday..

When you are selling out vs the run, you are vulnerable to that play. We definitely didn't have a lot of respect for JMU's passing attack...

[FargoBison]

You're starting to sound like TheFan - next thing you know our defense will be bad.

Both South Dakota State and Youngstown St. rank in the top 50 of total passing offense in the nation (and only because one was led by a freshman, the other had a great running attack to take snaps from). Two capable quarterbacks that may not have led top-5 passing attacks but if you want to assert that they "aren't good" then you're barking up the wrong tree.

SDSU has the #13 ranked passing offense but all they had was a one dimensional attack. Thus they were destroyed, I told the JMU guys you can't beat NDSU being one dimensional. If Lehigh can't run our DL will be licking their chops....and the Fargodome crowd noise will be their dinner bell.

[LehighLarry]

Lehigh runs a spread set, tons of motion, plays very smart, are very well coached, and can run the ball to boot. Have not seen SDSU, but I think you should watch Lehigh before you compare them to anyone you have played. Lum is a very good quarterback and is supported by two very good receivers. He will spread the ball around and hit the open guy.

Two former Towson football players were sitting behind me at the game this weekend and said, "Wow, the TE throwback screen. You don't see that very often." I proceeded to explain that with Lehigh you do when it is offered up by the defense. I guarantee you'll see a whole lot of stuff you have never seen before. Heck, Lehigh should have scored on a play where Lum lined up split out left with 3 lineman in front of him and the Back-up, Colvin, at QB. Colvin threw left to Lum, Lum faked down field and threw back across the field to Colvin (who dropped the pass - I think he was literally too excited by all the green grass in front of him) with 3 blockers in front and absolutely no one on that side of the field.

I have not seen NDSU play this year so can't really talk about match-ups, but, assuming they execute their game plan, Lehigh's offense will surprise you with its efficiency, intelligent scheme, opportunism, and athleticism. I hope you guys just think we are a pushover who plays in a crappy league (point taken), but I have been following I-AA football for 30 years and this Lehigh team, and more particularily, their offense is the real deal.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Lehigh runs a spread set, tons of motion, plays very smart, are very well coached, and can run the ball to boot. Have not seen SDSU, but I think you should watch Lehigh before you compare them to anyone you have played. Lum is a very good quarterback and is supported by two very good receivers. He will spread the ball around and hit the open guy.

Two former Towson football players were sitting behind me at the game this weekend and said, "Wow, the TE throwback screen. You don't see that very often." I proceeded to explain that with Lehigh you do when it is offered up by the defense. I guarantee you'll see a whole lot of stuff you have never seen before. Heck, Lehigh should have scored on a play where Lum lined up split out left with 3 lineman in front of him and the Back-up, Colvin, at QB. Colvin threw left to Lum, Lum faked down field and threw back across the field to Colvin (who dropped the pass - I think he was literally too excited by all the green grass in front of him) with 3 blockers in front and absolutely no one on that side of the field.

I have not seen NDSU play this year so can't really talk about match-ups, but, assuming they execute their game plan, Lehigh's offense will surprise you with its efficiency, intelligent scheme, opportunism, and athleticism. I hope you guys just think we are a pushover who plays in a crappy league (point taken), but I have been following I-AA football for 30 years and this Lehigh team, and more particularily, their offense is the real deal.


Good.

Our defense is the real deal also. I'm looking forward to this matchup.

Lum cannot throw TDs if he is on the bench. Our offense will grind it out with running and short passing attack. Your defense better be ready or they will get pushed around by the 2nd half.

[Pard4Life]

Good lord... 35 post pages and it's TUESDAY??

[DJKyR0]

Good lord... 35 post pages and it's TUESDAY??

We can outdo the NDSU-JMU thread for sure.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Good lord... 35 post pages and it's TUESDAY??


We're "slackin".......lol

[FargoBison]

Lehigh runs a spread set, tons of motion, plays very smart, are very well coached, and can run the ball to boot. Have not seen SDSU, but I think you should watch Lehigh before you compare them to anyone you have played. Lum is a very good quarterback and is supported by two very good receivers. He will spread the ball around and hit the open guy.

Two former Towson football players were sitting behind me at the game this weekend and said, "Wow, the TE throwback screen. You don't see that very often." I proceeded to explain that with Lehigh you do when it is offered up by the defense. I guarantee you'll see a whole lot of stuff you have never seen before. Heck, Lehigh should have scored on a play where Lum lined up split out left with 3 lineman in front of him and the Back-up, Colvin, at QB. Colvin threw left to Lum, Lum faked down field and threw back across the field to Colvin (who dropped the pass - I think he was literally too excited by all the green grass in front of him) with 3 blockers in front and absolutely no one on that side of the field.

I have not seen NDSU play this year so can't really talk about match-ups, but, assuming they execute their game plan, Lehigh's offense will surprise you with its efficiency, intelligent scheme, opportunism, and athleticism. I hope you guys just think we are a pushover who plays in a crappy league (point taken), but I have been following I-AA football for 30 years and this Lehigh team, and more particularily, their offense is the real deal.

Does Lehigh even have a running back? Not sure his name has been mentioned in 35 pages worth of posts...

[Pard4Life]

Does Lehigh even have a running back? Not sure his name has been mentioned in 35 pages worth of posts...

Zach Barket is the usual RB but broke his leg the week before the Lafayette game in November. I think the back-up is Richman and is a short, quick kid. Nothing spectacular but will get the job done on his carries. Lehigh's prolific passing opens up the run, so to be honest I don't know the true capabilities of their ground game.

[Engineer86]

A team with Lum and Spadola can outscore any FCS team. Plus you beat UNI last year. Of course, NDSU fans are going to be confident in our team but this game could go either way.

Don't start throwing logic in here. They are on a roll. The Patriot League is terrible and that is the only reason our offense ran up big yards. And remember the CAA is weak this year so those two games don't count either. Lehigh's big weakness last year vs UD was the pass defense and it is still our weakness this year. We have been able to run enough to keep defenses honest.

[Engineer86]

SDSU has the #13 ranked passing offense but all they had was a one dimensional attack. Thus they were destroyed, I told the JMU guys you can't beat NDSU being one dimensional. If Lehigh can't run our DL will be licking their chops....and the Fargodome crowd noise will be their dinner bell.

I looked at the box score and write up of the SDSU game. This is a perfect example of the bend but don't break. SDSU out gains you and is losing 38-7 before a real late TD. Lehigh must find a way to get in the end zone. Early FGs or nothing drives will be a telling sign

[DJKyR0]

Don't start throwing logic in here. They are on a roll. The Patriot League is terrible and that is the only reason our offense ran up big yards. And remember the CAA is weak this year so those two games don't count either. Lehigh's big weakness last year vs UD was the pass defense and it is still our weakness this year. We have been able to run enough to keep defenses honest.

I don't think anyone has outrightly said that the sole benefactor of Lehigh's success is a weak Patriot League. I think your team's performance against Towson proved that, and a strong showing against UNH did the same. No one's saying NDSU is going to tear through Lehigh like toilet paper because they played in the Patriot, so quit getting all butt-hurt about it and playing the downtrodden card. We may be just fans of a public institution but we're not outright dim-witted.

That said, facts are facts - the Patriot is not as strong as the MVFC, SoCon, Big Sky, or CAA top to bottom. Some of the stats that Lehigh fans are using to justify a Lehigh romp aren't accurate - such as TheFan predicting Lum throwing for 380 and 5 because he did it versus a soft Patriot schedule.

The Patriot isn't a strong conference. That's logic. But every member of the football program respects what your team is capable of and will play at a level worthy of that competition (if you don't believe me, listen to Bohl talk about Lum in his weekly presser).

[hawkineer]

I don't think anyone has outrightly said that the sole benefactor of Lehigh's success is a weak Patriot League. I think your team's performance against Towson proved that, and a strong showing against UNH did the same. No one's saying NDSU is going to tear through Lehigh like toilet paper because they played in the Patriot, so quit getting all butt-hurt about it and playing the downtrodden card. We may be just fans of a public institution but we're not outright dim-witted.

That said, facts are facts - the Patriot is not as strong as the MVFC, SoCon, Big Sky, or CAA top to bottom. Some of the stats that Lehigh fans are using to justify a Lehigh romp aren't accurate - such as TheFan predicting Lum throwing for 380 and 5 because he did it versus a soft Patriot schedule.

The Patriot isn't a strong conference. That's logic. But every member of the football program respects what your team is capable of and will play at a level worthy of that competition (if you don't believe me, listen to Bohl talk about Lum in his weekly presser).
The NDSU coach really did speak highly of Lehigh. Lehigh fans should really watch his Monday press conference. I haven't seen any Lehigh fans saying they're going to romp.
http://www.gobison.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?&db_oem_id=2400&id=819832&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=&SPID=&DB_OEM_ID=2400

[Engineer86]

Other than the Fan, when has a LU backer said Lehigh would win easy. I have not seen it anywhere

[DJKyR0]

Maybe I should have been more specific and said a Chris Lum romp.

Point of the whole deal is that NDSU fans are entirely justified in being a little skeptical of Lehigh's tremendous offensive (and defensive, for that matter) output in their Patriot League schedule. No doubt you guys have talented athletes, and the fact that they've committed to play for Lehigh without the guarantee of a scholarship speaks volumes of their character. At the same time, I feel comfortable in saying that this NDSU team is the best you will have faced up to this point. Some numbers just aren't going to pan out.

[hawkineer]

Maybe I should have been more specific and said a Chris Lum romp.

Point of the whole deal is that NDSU fans are entirely justified in being a little skeptical of Lehigh's tremendous offensive (and defensive, for that matter) output in their Patriot League schedule. No doubt you guys have talented athletes, and the fact that they've committed to play for Lehigh without the guarantee of a scholarship speaks volumes of their character. At the same time, I feel comfortable in saying that this NDSU team is the best you will have faced up to this point. Some numbers just aren't going to pan out.

The LU offense did put up 41 points on UNH and 38 on Towson out of the CAA as well. I am less confident in LU's defense than their offense. They have given up points this year. But those teams that have done so have done it more through the air than on the ground.

[Engineer86]

The LU offense did put up 41 points on UNH and 38 on Towson out of the CAA as well. I am less confident in LU's defense than their offense. They have given up points this year. But those teams that have done so have done it more through the air than on the ground.

I agree with where you place your concern. At the same time, NDSU is definitely the best defense we have faced so I don't expect us to roll up a lot of points. I do expect this game to be competitive late in the game. But let them ALL play and we will see.

[DJKyR0]

Despite my assertions, please don't mistake me for thinking NDSU is going to run away with this one. This is a matchup I'm really looking forward to and I think the competition between a great offense and a great defense is going to make for a very entertaining football game. While we didn't exactly face a bunch of slouches this year in the conference slate we certainly didn't face a passer of Lum's ability this year.

I would submit that NDSU faced two very good passers last year in Denarius McGhee of Montana State and the junior incarnation of Ronnie Fouch, who went oddly quiet this year. Fouch mauled us through the air but the Bison got after McGhee and wound up running up a 42-17 win.

Anyway, I digress. Very much looking forward to the game.

[hawkineer]

I agree with where you place your concern. At the same time, NDSU is definitely the best defense we have faced so I don't expect us to roll up a lot of points. I do expect this game to be competitive late in the game. But let them ALL play and we will see.
Honestly, if the Spadola thread is true, we're toast. He is a game changer because of his speed and versatility. If he doesn't play, NDSU will win by at least 14-17 points and that is being optimistic.

[Professor Chaos]

Honestly, if the Spadola thread is true, we're toast. He is a game changer because of his speed and versatility. If he doesn't play, NDSU will win by at least 14-17 points and that is being optimistic.
I honestly hope it isn't true. Anyone who is competitive wants to be their best and play and defeat an opponent who's at their best. This would be cheating both teams out of that opportunity. The real loser in this scenario is the NCAA (or whoever suspended him). If true, it's a disgusting misuse of power.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I honestly hope it isn't true. Anyone who is competitive wants to be their best and play and defeat an opponent who's at their best. This would be cheating both teams out of that opportunity. The real loser in this scenario is the NCAA (or whoever suspended him). If true, it's a disgusting misuse of power.

Like I said on the other thread, I think it's BS. That being said, if true it is going to give a lot of people reason to delegitimize a Bison win.

[DJKyR0]

I honestly hope it isn't true. Anyone who is competitive wants to be their best and play and defeat an opponent who's at their best. This would be cheating both teams out of that opportunity. The real loser in this scenario is the NCAA (or whoever suspended him). If true, it's a disgusting misuse of power.

This.

[hawkineer]

Like I said on the other thread, I think it's BS. That being said, if true it is going to give a lot of people reason to delegitimize a Bison win.
I would not be one of them. This insane overregulation by the NCAA should not delegitimize anything but the integrity of the NCAA. If you win, I would wish you guys all the best in the semi's.

[AmsterBison]

Good lord... 35 post pages and it's TUESDAY??

Heh, probably have that many pages on bisonville discussing what color uniforms NDSU is going to wear on Saturday.

[LehighU11]

Spadola is only 99 yards away from breaking the FCS single season receiving record. Hope these rumors are not true!

[lehighfball]

The NDSU coach really did speak highly of Lehigh. Lehigh fans should really watch his Monday press conference. I haven't seen any Lehigh fans saying they're going to romp.
http://www.gobison.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?&db_oem_id=2400&id=819832&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=&SPID=&DB_OEM_ID=2400

NDSU Coach seems like a class act.

[DJKyR0]

NDSU Coach seems like a class act.

A few of us students camped out in front of the doors to the student section of the Fargodome on Friday before the JMU game, Coach Bohl came out at around 9 p.m. or so and commended us for showing school spirit after calling us "totally crazy." He's a terrific guy and a great coach, always pays due respect to any and every opponent.

[lehighfball]

A few of us students camped out in front of the doors to the student section of the Fargodome on Friday before the JMU game, Coach Bohl came out at around 9 p.m. or so and commended us for showing school spirit after calling us "totally crazy." He's a terrific guy and a great coach, always pays due respect to any and every opponent.

Great story and good luck Saturday.

[LehighGuy]

Wow...did AGS really just removed the entire Spadola thread? WTF?

[344Johnson]

Wow...did AGS really just removed the entire Spadola thread? WTF?

Sure did.

[Drblankstare]

I just saw that. Must not be for real. I hope so.

[LakesBison]

F___ Spadola Hope Evans, Jemison , Mwill beat the hell out of him on the field !! NDSU will kill them with this pencil neck geek or not.

[LakesBison]

Wow...did AGS really just removed the entire Spadola thread? WTF?


THEFAN threatened AGS with a lawsuit, thats why

[Drblankstare]

F___ Spadola Hope Evans, Jemison , Mwill beat the hell out of him on the field !! NDSU will kill them with this pencil neck geek or not.

So here's the deal. Go to the smack page and post this. I'm not saying you don't have the right to say this, but don't do it on this thread. Mmmkay, thanks champ.

[LakesBison]

ahhh OK, yea. sounds good, who are you?

[ngineer]

Zach Barket is the usual RB but broke his leg the week before the Lafayette game in November. I think the back-up is Richman and is a short, quick kid. Nothing spectacular but will get the job done on his carries. Lehigh's prolific passing opens up the run, so to be honest I don't know the true capabilities of their ground game.

Lehigh's running game is via Matt Fitz (#22) a senior who got to start after Barket broke his ankle in mid-November. He is not as strong as Barket, but faster and has very good hands catching out of the backfield, as does the new backup Keith Sherman, a soph, (#20). Run game also sprinkles in reverses with Spadola and Drwal who have been quite effective in that role, including against Towson. Lehigh had about 120 yards rushing against Towson, which was enough to keep the D honest and which set up a beautiful halfback pass from Fitz to TE Haggins. Lots of weapons. If Lum has time, he usually finds the open man.
I have no concern about scoring points. My concern is our D making their stops and getting off the field. If DCK can come up with a nice scheme, we'll be in it to the end. Anybody's ballgame.

[ngineer]

The NDSU coach really did speak highly of Lehigh. Lehigh fans should really watch his Monday press conference. I haven't seen any Lehigh fans saying they're going to romp.
http://www.gobison.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?&db_oem_id=2400&id=819832&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=&SPID=&DB_OEM_ID=2400

Just watched the press conference video. Bohl seems like a very good, straight forward guy. I enjoyed listening to him. He obviously doesn't want to make any 'bulletin board material' but I think he has been duly impressed by what he has seen on film. PLus , since I think one of your assistants was with UNI last year, they have first hand validation as to what they are facing. Like Bohl said, it's not just Lum's physical ability, but his head. I guess you could say Lehigh got to a 'Bohl Game' this year...(;-)

[FargoBison]

Yes, Chris Klieman was UNI's D-Cord last year...he is our secondary coach so he is very familiar with Lehigh. In fact our beat writer wrote a story about it....

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/343090/group/Sports/

[caribbeanhen]

big mistake

[andy7171]

Lehigh's running game is via Matt Fitz (#22) a senior who got to start after Barket broke his ankle in mid-November. He is not as strong as Barket, but faster and has very good hands catching out of the backfield, as does the new backup Keith Sherman, a soph, (#20). Run game also sprinkles in reverses with Spadola and Drwal who have been quite effective in that role, including against Towson. Lehigh had about 120 yards rushing against Towson, which was enough to keep the D honest and which set up a beautiful halfback pass from Fitz to TE Haggins. Lots of weapons. If Lum has time, he usually finds the open man.
I have no concern about scoring points. My concern is our D making their stops and getting off the field. If DCK can come up with a nice scheme, we'll be in it to the end. Anybody's ballgame.
That play KILLED us. Fantastic play call!

[Flizack]

Why did Ryan Spadola get Suspended from "this week's" play-off game? His comments on tweeter were repeat words from another person and not his own choice of words. Other players from Towson even NDS have been on Tweeter and used the same words and have not faced suspension from the play-offs. WHY RYAN? WHY NOW? At the Towson - Lehigh the pre-game song sang in the stadium one of the songs had the same words used in the tweeter comments from Rayn- they played this song ot the stadium to the 17000 people, did the entire Towson coaching staff get suspended from being in the play-off next season because I was offended by the words in the song. Really I feel Ryan did nothing wrong, made no threats, only repeated words from another. He is being punished when others are ALLOWED to play for doing the same thing for which he did. THIS IS WRONG AND IF HE WAS MY SON I WOULD HAVE LAWYER AND FILE A SUIT AGAINST THE LEAGUE FOR DISCRIMINATION.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Why did Ryan Spadola get Suspended from "this week's" play-off game? His comments on tweeter were repeat words from another person and not his own choice of words. Other players from Towson even NDS have been on Tweeter and used the same words and have not faced suspension from the play-offs. WHY RYAN? WHY NOW? At the Towson - Lehigh the pre-game song sang in the stadium one of the songs had the same words used in the tweeter comments from Rayn- they played this song ot the stadium to the 17000 people, did the entire Towson coaching staff get suspended from being in the play-off next season because I was offended by the words in the song. Really I feel Ryan did nothing wrong, made no threats, only repeated words from another. He is being punished when others are ALLOWED to play for doing the same thing for which he did. THIS IS WRONG AND IF HE WAS MY SON I WOULD HAVE LAWYER AND FILE A SUIT AGAINST THE LEAGUE FOR DISCRIMINATION.

Nothing is confirmed, your legal analysis is wrong and we are very tired of the Ryan Spadola story. Go troll somewhere else.

[Flizack]

NDS vs Lehigh will be a great game. No doubt about it. Both teams have high quality players. Too bad Lehigh will not have all their players for this semi-final game.This game now has become interesting. What game plan will Lehigh bring to NDS, I know Lehigh will not roll over and let you win. Lehigh will not just leave you score points, Lehigh is ready to play football with or with out Ryan Spadola, they are coming be sure of it.

[DJKyR0]

NDS vs Lehigh will be a great game. No doubt about it. Both teams have high quality players. Too bad Lehigh will not have all their players for this semi-final game.This game now has become interesting. What game plan will Lehigh bring to NDS, I know Lehigh will not roll over and let you win. Lehigh will not just leave you score points, Lehigh is ready to play football with or with out Ryan Spadola, they are coming be sure of it.

It's a quarterfinal game.

[RichH2]

Late to the dance, amazing how viral unsubstantiated crap can create a mini firestorm with absolutely no confirmation. The magical vicious world of the internet.

[Houndawg]

Honestly, if the Spadola thread is true, we're toast. He is a game changer because of his speed and versatility. If he doesn't play, NDSU will win by at least 14-17 points and that is being optimistic.

Not necessarily; imo, Lehigh has a fair chance if they can stop the run and not get burned by the screen. The Bison o line is not as strong as their d line; if you can make them run outside the tackles their RBs are not breakaway threats.

[RichH2]

Hard to evaluate from video but NDSU rb tough hard runner not a breakaway type of runner

[Doc QB]

When you are selling out vs the run, you are vulnerable to that play. We definitely didn't have a lot of respect for JMU's passing attack...

Nor should you have respect for their passing attack. It is also EXACTLY WHY you held them to so few rushing yards. This is why I am not so sure your defensive guys are all worldbeaters like half of your following would attest. Your coaching staff easily out-gameplanned JMU and you guys were in control the whole game.

[rkwittem]

NDSU's defensive strength comes from good gameplanning, front 7 depth and timely playmaking on the back end...in short all the trappings of a complete defense. Not worldbeaters, but very, very solid.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

http://www.patriotleague.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120711aaa.html


Lehigh will be led by senior quarterback Chris Lum, who was named one of three Walter Payton Award finalists last week. Lum completed 36-of-48 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown in the win over Towson, and should set multiple Patriot League single-season records on Saturday. Junior wide receiver Ryan Spadola comes into the game five receptions from a single-season Patriot League record after earlier setting the receiving yards mark. He is 99 yards away from breaking the FCS single-season receiving mark of 1,712.

If he's suspended, the league office wasn't notified.

[Jacked_Rabbit]

The line is out. NDSU -9.5 with the total at 46.5.

Thoughts? I'll take the Bison and the under.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The line is out. NDSU -9.5 with the total at 46.5.

Thoughts? I'll take the Bison and the under.

You got the under right... ;)

[Pard4Life]

You got the under right... ;)

Are you going to the game LFN?

[Doc QB]

NDSU's defensive strength comes from good gameplanning, front 7 depth and timely playmaking on the back end...in short all the trappings of a complete defense. Not worldbeaters, but very, very solid.

I totally agree, and watched the JMU game in its entirety.

[LakesBison]

NDSU and UNDER STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!!


Spadola should be suspended, he obviously sent that tweet out. NCAA where are you!

[TwoFeathers]

I'm picking Lehigh in an upset. I was impressed with Lehigh beating a strong Towson team on the road. They are better than I expected. And their offense is 2X better than JMU. Just my opinion.

[UNIFanSince1983]

NDSU and UNDER STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!!


Spadola should be suspended, he obviously sent that tweet out. NCAA where are you!


You scared of Spadola Lakes?

[FargoBison]

Not necessarily; imo, Lehigh has a fair chance if they can stop the run and not get burned by the screen. The Bison o line is not as strong as their d line; if you can make them run outside the tackles their RBs are not breakaway threats.

You do realize our RB went for 60 yards on a run outside of the tackle last week to clinch the game for the Bison. When DJ played against SIU he was playing hurt.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

I'm expecting a good game but the Bison win this with their defense and balanced offense. Both of our lines wear them down in the 2nd half.


Bison 38-20

[BisonLakes]

NDSU and UNDER STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!!


Spadola should be suspended, he obviously sent that tweet out. NCAA where are you!

There's just no way Spadola can play the way he plays without being the Anti-Christ. Doesn't the NCAA have some kind of ban against letting the Anti-Christ play?

[BisonLakes]

THEFAN threatened AGS with a lawsuit, thats why

AGS mods really f'd that up - THEFAN was driving traffic and now they've got nothing - hence this manufactured suspension controversy, capped with the deleted thread business.

[TwoFeathers]

Nor should you have respect for their passing attack. It is also EXACTLY WHY you held them to so few rushing yards. This is why I am not so sure your defensive guys are all worldbeaters like half of your following would attest. Your coaching staff easily out-gameplanned JMU and you guys were in control the whole game.

Holding JMU's offense to 14 pts is no great accomplishment. No disrespect to NDSU, but JMU's offense is abysmal.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Holding JMU's offense to 14 pts is no great accomplishment. No disrespect to NDSU, but JMU's offense is abysmal.

The most points that have been scored on them is 27 this year. They are holding their opponents to a 14.8 pt average. This is a great defense, period

[TwoFeathers]

The most points that have been scored on them is 27 this year. They are holding their opponents to a 14.8 pt average. This is a great defense, period

JMU is #84 in scoring offense. Good defense + Horrible offense = Great defense.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

JMU is #84 in scoring offense. Good defense + Horrible offense = Great defense.

Again, every time someone days "xxxx is going to blow up against the Bison" xxxx has been shut down. Great defense is great defense, no amount of diminishing the opponent is going to change the fact that this team is good.

[BisonBohl]

Not necessarily; imo, Lehigh has a fair chance if they can stop the run and not get burned by the screen. The Bison o line is not as strong as their d line; if you can make them run outside the tackles their RBs are not breakaway threats.


Typical post from you, wouldn't expect anything differently...If our O-Line played as bad as they did against SIU every game we wouldn't be where we are. They had a bad game that day. Both lines are a big part of NDSU and both have been playing very well for a majority of the season.

[stevdock]

Typical post from you, wouldn't expect anything differently...If our O-Line played as bad as they did against SIU every game we wouldn't be where we are. They had a bad game that day. Both lines are a big part of NDSU and both have been playing very well for a majority of the season.

He's absolutely right though. Our Top 3 RB's are better North South runners than side to side. If we couldn't run between the tackles against JMU it would have been a very different game. And he's right also about our D-Line being better than O-Line, but mainly because we are deeper. Now IF our OLine is pushing their DLine back into the LB's so they can't flow and make plays like against JMU, it doesn't matter who you are. It's going to be a long day for that defense then.

[BisonBohl]

He's absolutely right though. Our Top 3 RB's are better North South runners than side to side. If we couldn't run between the tackles against JMU it would have been a very different game. And he's right also about our D-Line being better than O-Line, but mainly because we are deeper. Now IF our OLine is pushing their DLine back into the LB's so they can't flow and make plays like against JMU, it doesn't matter who you are. It's going to be a long day for that defense then.


Fair points, I really think our O-lines when healthy is just as good as any unit we have. Yes they have struggled in some games but they have also dominated more games. Ever since the SIU game it seems to me that Hound (I may be wrong) has used that as measuring stick for our O-Line. That was an awful game by our O-Line and does not truly reflect them.

[LEHIGH61]

Lehigh could easily win this game. BUT NOT WITHOUT SPADOLA. We simply cannot win without Spadola.
I honestly hope it isn't true. Anyone who is competitive wants to be their best and play and defeat an opponent who's at their best. This would be cheating both teams out of that opportunity. The real loser in this scenario is the NCAA (or whoever suspended him). If true, it's a disgusting misuse of power.

[LEHIGH61]

I cannot believe he would be suspended. He is a real nice guy with NFL talent. If he isn't playing, this discussion board is really a waste of time. Take my word for it.

[DJKyR0]

Lehigh could easily win this game. BUT NOT WITHOUT SPADOLA. We simply cannot win without Spadola.

This is the most unfortunate facet of the whole situation. Playoff football should be about two teams' best meeting and seeing who's better. Leaving room for question totally takes the magic out of it.

[AmsterBison]

Yeah, NDSU's RBs are best when going right between the tackles. Sometimes when they don't see a hole, they try to bounce outside, but generally when they do this, they lose 5 yards or, much less frequently, rip off a huge run (DJ has done this several times. I flip out when they bounce outside and turn a 2nd and 1 into a 3rd and 6 though. Flip. Out.

[DJKyR0]

Yeah, NDSU's RBs are best when going right between the tackles. Sometimes when they don't see a hole, they try to bounce outside, but generally when they do this, they lose 5 yards or, much less frequently, rip off a huge run (DJ has done this several times. I flip out when they bounce outside and turn a 2nd and 1 into a 3rd and 6 though. Flip. Out.

That's been something DJ has done a lot this year, and more than the injury I think his mindset kind of regressed to the way he played as a sophomore and freshman - doing the backfield jive instead of just hitting the hole. Playing that style he picked up his 1,600 last season and it looks like he's gotten back to that, at least versus JMU. I really dig that he's coming back into form at the most crucial point of the season.

[LehighLarry]

Just got this via email. No mention of Spadola


Lehigh Football alumni, friends, and family,

I believe I can say that Saturday’s win against Towson has become my most memorable win during my 12 years at Lehigh. I am so very proud of the way our football team competed and executed vs Towson. I am also pleased beyond words to say that we beat the CAA best. I thought the offense was simply spectacular. Our players executed a well-designed game plan and answered every challenge that Towson threw at us. Chris Lum again proved that he deserves to be a Walter Payton finalist with his outstanding performance. Chris threw for 351 yards and one touchdown and also ran for 26 yards. He again avoided the pass rush and we did not give up a sack all night. The defense I thought also did some very good things. I was concerned about Towson’s running game which had been averaging about 270 yards a game. We had not played against a team like Towson in many weeks so I was concerned it may take us a while to catch up with the speed of the game. However, my concerns were never realized as our defense got after Towson early in the game and fought their tails off for 60 minutes. We contained their talented tailback to 58 yards on 11 carries and really forced Towson to play the game differently than they would have liked. I always talk about football being the ultimate team game and I believe it was fitting that our defense came up with the biggest play of the game by sacking the Towson QB in the end zone for the most crucial two points of the season. Tom Bianchi played his position perfectly and finished the play with the big sack. The special teams did a very fine job as well on Saturday. Jake Peery did a very good job placing his kicks where we wanted him to so that we could limit their talented return game. We actually picked up a big break when one of Jake’s kicks hit off of one of Towson’s players and Mark Wickware caught the ricochet for one of the bigger plays of the day. Tim Divers was also rock solid on his kicks and our coverage units came up big especially by tackling Towson’s returner inside their ten which ultimately led to the safety.

This football team is really a special group of young men; they have truly learned how to play together as a team and their confidence is at an all-time high. As their coach, I have much trust in them and I know they will always do their best to represent themselves and Lehigh University every time they take the field. We had many super efforts in the win and our MVPs for the game were Chris Lum on offense, Tom Bianchi on defense and Shane Ryan on special teams. I am sorry for the rather short recap - for more details, please check out lehighsports.com for a thorough recap (click here). I want to sincerely thank all of you who came out to Towson this week.

It is now off to Fargo, ND. The Bison are an outstanding physical football team. They don’t appear to have too many chinks in their armor, but we will be ready to go. They play in a dome and the atmosphere will be loud and exciting. The game will again be broadcasted online on Saturday at 4pm EST on ESPN3.com (you can read a preview on the game here).

Have a great week and Go Lehigh!!

Andy


Andy Coen
Head Football Coach
Lehigh University

[BisonLakes]

Just got this via email. No mention of Spadola


Lehigh Football alumni, friends, and family,

I believe I can say that Saturday’s win against Towson has become my most memorable win during my 12 years at Lehigh. I am so very proud of the way our football team competed and executed vs Towson. I am also pleased beyond words to say that we beat the CAA best. I thought the offense was simply spectacular. Our players executed a well-designed game plan and answered every challenge that Towson threw at us. Chris Lum again proved that he deserves to be a Walter Payton finalist with his outstanding performance. Chris threw for 351 yards and one touchdown and also ran for 26 yards. He again avoided the pass rush and we did not give up a sack all night. The defense I thought also did some very good things. I was concerned about Towson’s running game which had been averaging about 270 yards a game. We had not played against a team like Towson in many weeks so I was concerned it may take us a while to catch up with the speed of the game. However, my concerns were never realized as our defense got after Towson early in the game and fought their tails off for 60 minutes. We contained their talented tailback to 58 yards on 11 carries and really forced Towson to play the game differently than they would have liked. I always talk about football being the ultimate team game and I believe it was fitting that our defense came up with the biggest play of the game by sacking the Towson QB in the end zone for the most crucial two points of the season. Tom Bianchi played his position perfectly and finished the play with the big sack. The special teams did a very fine job as well on Saturday. Jake Peery did a very good job placing his kicks where we wanted him to so that we could limit their talented return game. We actually picked up a big break when one of Jake’s kicks hit off of one of Towson’s players and Mark Wickware caught the ricochet for one of the bigger plays of the day. Tim Divers was also rock solid on his kicks and our coverage units came up big especially by tackling Towson’s returner inside their ten which ultimately led to the safety.

This football team is really a special group of young men; they have truly learned how to play together as a team and their confidence is at an all-time high. As their coach, I have much trust in them and I know they will always do their best to represent themselves and Lehigh University every time they take the field. We had many super efforts in the win and our MVPs for the game were Chris Lum on offense, Tom Bianchi on defense and Shane Ryan on special teams. I am sorry for the rather short recap - for more details, please check out lehighsports.com for a thorough recap (click here). I want to sincerely thank all of you who came out to Towson this week.

It is now off to Fargo, ND. The Bison are an outstanding physical football team. They don’t appear to have too many chinks in their armor, but we will be ready to go. They play in a dome and the atmosphere will be loud and exciting. The game will again be broadcasted online on Saturday at 4pm EST on ESPN3.com (you can read a preview on the game here).

Have a great week and Go Lehigh!!

Andy


Andy Coen
Head Football Coach
Lehigh University

Kind of odd that there's absolutely no mention of Spadola given the monster game that he had.

[LehighLarry]

Kind of odd that there's absolutely no mention of Spadola given the monster game that he had.

I thought so too...

[GradBison]

http://twitter.com/#!/DomIzzoWDAY/status/144509368442953730


BREAKING: #Lehigh head coach Andy Coen says "nothing new to report" on Ryan Spadola, for moment he'll play Saturday vs #NDSU #fcsplayoffs

There it is folks, end of a vicious rumor and a mega troll job. Can we talk about football now please?

[TwoFeathers]

Again, every time someone days "xxxx is going to blow up against the Bison" xxxx has been shut down. Great defense is great defense, no amount of diminishing the opponent is going to change the fact that this team is good.

I guess it's the way it goes, but NDSU fans certainly diminished JMU before the game. Now that they won, JMU is the best team in the FCS??? (OK, I'm exaggerating slightly) Come-on now. JMU was lucky to be in the playoffs, has a horrible offense (they admit this themselves) and got even luckier with the first round win. Again, no disrespect to NDSU as a team, but facts are facts. Look at their offensive stats.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I guess it's the way it goes, but NDSU fans certainly diminished JMU before the game. Now that they won, JMU is the best team in the FCS??? (OK, I'm exaggerating slightly) Come-on now. JMU was lucky to be in the playoffs, has a horrible offense (they admit this themselves) and got even luckier with the first round win. Again, no disrespect to NDSU as a team, but facts are facts. Look at their offensive stats.

I believe Shakir Bell was supposed to get 150-175 on them and JMU was supposed to get 250 on the ground and neither happened

[FargoBison]

Holding JMU's offense to 14 pts is no great accomplishment. No disrespect to NDSU, but JMU's offense is abysmal.

Is running for 220 yards an accomplishment or is JMU's defense terrible as well now.....

[Thunderstruck]

I am curious to see if we use a more nickel/dime defense and just rush 4, or if we try to dictate what Lehigh does on offense by defensive blitzing packages. I think most people would agree the game will be decided on the Lehigh O vs Bison D matchup...

[Clambake]

Watched Bohl's press conference yesterday - seems like a straight shooter and real class act. A credit to the coaching profession and a pleasure to listen to compared to the pompous douchebag from Towson (Ambrose).

[THE HERD]

Looking back at the UNI-Lehigh game last year, the score was 14-7 I believe and I think Lehigh got a couple TO's as well. I know that comparing games from last year isn't the greatest thing to do, but hey I am bored and cannot wait for Saturday. Anyway Lehigh fans what were you guys averaging last year offensively as compared to this year? And FYI if you guys only get 14 points on Saturday I really like our chances. I don't think we can hold ya to 14, but just saying.

[LEHIGH61]

OK. Let's go Lehigh -show 'em what you've got!!! QUOTE=BisonLakes;1743377]Kind of odd that there's absolutely no mention of Spadola given the monster game that he had.[/QUOTE]

[Footballhero]

Lehigh could easily win this game. BUT NOT WITHOUT SPADOLA. We simply cannot win without Spadola.

At any level a wide receiver shouldnt be a single game changing piece to an outcome. Quarterback - Absolutely. But not WR. Losing Spadola is huge in that you lose a big talent, bit at this level they should have backfills at a certain competency and a stable of other position receivers (which they do).

Lose Lum, game over. Lose Spadola, an uphill battle, but still a battle nonetheless.

[LakesBison]

I am curious to see if we use a more nickel/dime defense and just rush 4, or if we try to dictate what Lehigh does on offense by defensive blitzing packages. I think most people would agree the game will be decided on the Lehigh O vs Bison D matchup...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WONDER WHO YOU GOT THAT FROM! IVE BEEN SAYING THAT FOREVER>>> WE NEED A NICKEL DEFENSE PLEASE TO WIN SATURDAY

[The Historian]

Looking back at the UNI-Lehigh game last year, the score was 14-7 I believe and I think Lehigh got a couple TO's as well. I know that comparing games from last year isn't the greatest thing to do, but hey I am bored and cannot wait for Saturday. Anyway Lehigh fans what were you guys averaging last year offensively as compared to this year? And FYI if you guys only get 14 points on Saturday I really like our chances. I don't think we can hold ya to 14, but just saying.

Lehigh 479 yards/game 2011 v 345 yards/game 2010
35 points/game 2011 v 23 points/game 2010

The offense is about 50% more productive this year versus last year. Both passing and rushing yards per game increased this season.

[Vitojr130]

Lehigh 479 yards/game 2011 v 345 yards/game 2010
35 points/game 2011 v 23 points/game 2010

The offense is about 50% more productive this year versus last year. Both passing and rushing yards per game increased this season.

Not to discredit your argument (okay, to completely discredit your argument), Lehigh plays in the Patriot League... Personally, given the recent stats pouring out of this conference, I would expect most teams from strong conferences to obtain these stats close to this against Patriot League teams. NDSU is averaging 42 points / game against Patriot teams with 419 yards of offense.

[BisonLakes]

Based on the Towson game Spadola merits double-coverage the entire game. Lum and the rest of their O (that 22 was quite the versatile back) are probably good for 3 scores, but Spadola will absolutely kill us if we single him. Our O should be good for at least 30 pts - that's the game right there.

[LakesBison]

^^^^^^^change your ****ing username you UNI prick^^^^


MWILL has read this pricks tweets and will destroy him 1 on 1.

[Dgreenwell3]

^^^^^^^change your ****ing username you UNI prick^^^^


MWILL has read this pricks tweets and will destroy him 1 on 1.
Because no one could be a Bison by a lake?

[darell1976]

Because no one could be a Bison by a lake?

I like his name it sounds very original.

[Dgreenwell3]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WONDER WHO YOU GOT THAT FROM! IVE BEEN SAYING THAT FOREVER>>> WE NEED A NICKEL DEFENSE PLEASE TO WIN SATURDAY
The type of offense Lehigh is I think the Nickel is wise and to be honest I think the Bizon could go to a dime the way their dbs tackle.

[LakesBison]

MWILL has read this pricks tweets and will destroy him 1 on 1.

[Dgreenwell3]

I like his name it sounds very original.
It's not like the guy is trolling him, in fact in a way he agreed with him.

[Dgreenwell3]

MWILL has read this pricks tweets and will destroy him 1 on 1.
Outside of Revis Island I can't think of any corner who doesn't get help against great wide-outs especially ones with Moxy. Spadola seems that type.
Take him away and I do see the Lehigh offense struggling.
Let Mwill undercut his routes and possibly create a turnover.

[The Historian]

Not to discredit your argument (okay, to completely discredit your argument), Lehigh plays in the Patriot League... Personally, given the recent stats pouring out of this conference, I would expect most teams from strong conferences to obtain these stats close to this against Patriot League teams. NDSU is averaging 42 points / game against Patriot teams with 419 yards of offense.

Last year Lehigh managed 30 points in three games against CAA schools. This year 81 points in two games against CAA schools. All five of the those opponents made the playoffs.

[Vitojr130]

Last year Lehigh managed 30 points in three games against CAA schools. This year 81 points in two games against CAA schools. All five of the those opponents made the playoffs.

And your defense also allowed 86 points against said CAA teams.... What's your point? The most points that ANY team this year has scored against NDSU is 27... the average is 14.

NDSU just beat a CAA team and only allowed them to score 14...

[BisonLakes]

^^^^^^^change your ****ing username you UNI prick^^^^


MWILL has read this pricks tweets and will destroy him 1 on 1.

Friend, what's your problem? Can't a Bison fan from the Land of 10,000 Lakes pick an appropriate name? We're backing the same team.

Catch up with me in Frisco in January - I'll buy the first round, then drink you under the table and steal your girl.

[Southsider]

And your defense also allowed 86 points against said CAA teams.... What's your point? The most points that ANY team this year has scored against NDSU is 27... the average is 14.

NDSU just beat a CAA team and only allowed them to score 14...

Ya know, I thinks it's time for Lehigh to cancel the charter and call it a year. I mean, why make the trip? I thought we were going to line up against NDSU, but it appears it is the Green Bay Packers. Let's just save the $$ and put it towards recruiting. Obviously this game is already lost! See you all next year..........

[Lehigh Football Nation]

http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2011/12/bring-on-bison.html

Bring on the Bison. And no references to Ryan Spadola anywhere.

[The Historian]

And your defense also allowed 86 points against said CAA teams.... What's your point? The most points that ANY team this year has scored against NDSU is 27... the average is 14.

NDSU just beat a CAA team and only allowed them to score 14...

My point is the Lehigh offense is much more productive this season than last regardless of the opposition, which is what the man asked.

[gotts]

They don’t appear to have too many chinks...

Life is more interesting taking things out of context!

[Professor Chaos]

Life is more interesting taking things out of context!
The NCAA will probably threaten to suspend the real Andy Coen over that.

[LEHIGH61]

LUM THROWS TO SPADOLA, NOT MICKEY MOUSE.

[ngineer]

I am curious to see if we use a more nickel/dime defense and just rush 4, or if we try to dictate what Lehigh does on offense by defensive blitzing packages. I think most people would agree the game will be decided on the Lehigh O vs Bison D matchup...

I would not be surprised to see Bison go with a nickel much of the time. But I doubt you'll get to Lum much without blitzing, and if you blitz lookout. Like your coach said, it' like trying to plug three holes in the dam with two plugs. Good analogy. Also critical is our ability to stop your run game to the extent there are no long drives that result in scores. We've been pretty good against the run this year in the middle. At times have had difficulty on the edges, so the DC will need to tighten that up.

[ngineer]

Looking back at the UNI-Lehigh game last year, the score was 14-7 I believe and I think Lehigh got a couple TO's as well. I know that comparing games from last year isn't the greatest thing to do, but hey I am bored and cannot wait for Saturday. Anyway Lehigh fans what were you guys averaging last year offensively as compared to this year? And FYI if you guys only get 14 points on Saturday I really like our chances. I don't think we can hold ya to 14, but just saying.

We are MUCH better this year. Virtually entire offense returned. I don't have the stats immediately at hand, but I think we were averaging only 22 points/game last year. This year 36 or so. Yardage is probably close to 100 yards/game more than last year. I think Lum only had one or two 300 yard passing games last year. This year it's around 8/9, with a couple over 400. Also, we've established a bit of a run game this year, which has helped open things up. Last year's team "arrived" a year before expectations. So they had a great learning experience and have taken a steps further.

[ngineer]

Based on the Towson game Spadola merits double-coverage the entire game. Lum and the rest of their O (that 22 was quite the versatile back) are probably good for 3 scores, but Spadola will absolutely kill us if we single him. Our O should be good for at least 30 pts - that's the game right there.

It's been my thought that 30 points could be the 'make or break' point with NDSU. Who knows, we could have a track meet, since we'll be on a 'fast track' carpet which Drwal and Spadola should love. If we hold Bison below 30, I think we have a very good chance of winning. After that the chances decrease.

[caribbeanhen]

Lehigh 479 yards/game 2011 v 345 yards/game 2010
35 points/game 2011 v 23 points/game 2010

The offense is about 50% more productive this year versus last year. Both passing and rushing yards per game increased this season.

Delaware fan here, even though the final score of last years playoff game with Lehigh was lopsided, I thought Lehigh showed plenty of saavy in that game and the final score was not indicitive of the true game, it was closer. This year, Lehigh not only would have beat the Hens but will give the all mighty North Dakota State fits this Saturday for sure. Get ready Fargo. Lehigh will not be denied.

[Twentysix]

I love how we werent even an eligible DI team 4 season ago, and now we are almighty. Hilarious.

[FargoBison]

Craig Bohl's thoughts about Lehigh and the upcoming game.....

http://www.kfgo.com/uploads/craig_bohl%20lehigh.mp3

[Twentysix]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=322633941097690

In HD fullscreen is the only way to view this.

[Houndawg]

Fair points, I really think our O-lines when healthy is just as good as any unit we have. Yes they have struggled in some games but they have also dominated more games. Ever since the SIU game it seems to me that Hound (I may be wrong) has used that as measuring stick for our O-Line. That was an awful game by our O-Line and does not truly reflect them.

I have, because that's the game I saw with my own eyes and it was indeed an awful game for your o line. Of course by now I should understand that if NDSU has a bad outing it's their fault, not their opponents.Typical.

If you had been there and seen how they played against a SIU team that wound up in sixth place with a 2-6 MVC record, I'll bet you'd have reservations about how good NDSU is on offense, too.

[RichH2]

Not to discredit your argument (okay, to completely discredit your argument), Lehigh plays in the Patriot League... Personally, given the recent stats pouring out of this conference, I would expect most teams from strong conferences to obtain these stats close to this against Patriot League teams. NDSU is averaging 42 points / game against Patriot teams with 419 yards of offense.

I think you missed the point. You do know we played in the PL last year also. So the point is how are we this year compared to last when we beat UNI

[LehighLarry]

Call ESPN at 1-888-549-ESPN (3776), select prompt #3, and tell the customer service rep. that you want the Lehigh vs. NDSU game to be on Game Plan.

[BisonBacker]

Ya know, I thinks it's time for Lehigh to cancel the charter and call it a year. I mean, why make the trip? I thought we were going to line up against NDSU, but it appears it is the Green Bay Packers. Let's just save the $$ and put it towards recruiting. Obviously this game is already lost! See you all next year..........

Same could be said by Bison fans. why even show up just forfiet the game as we all know the next FCS superstars to play in the NFL are Lum and Spadola. I mean its like the next coming of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

[Professor Chaos]

Yup, not one Bison fan thinks Lehigh has any chance to be within 248 points of the Bison in this game. You would be better off staying home, in fact you'd be better off huddling in a shivering mass of cowardess in your parent's spare bedroom until NDSU finds someone else to turn their superior abilities against. If Lehigh does show up I just hope all their players leave in one piece and aren't emotionally scarred for the rest of their life after this game.



There you go Lehigh fans, that should give you enough material to continue playing the "nobody respects us" card for the next 15 pages of this thread as well. Have at it!

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Yup, not one Bison fan thinks Lehigh has any chance to be within 248 points of the Bison in this game. You would be better off staying home, in fact you'd be better off huddling in a shivering mass of cowardess in your parent's spare bedroom until NDSU finds someone else to turn their superior abilities against. If Lehigh does show up I just hope all their players leave in one piece and aren't emotionally scarred for the rest of their life after this game.



There you go Lehigh fans, that should give you enough material to continue playing the "nobody respects us" card for the next 15 pages of this thread as well. Have at it!

^This^

[BisonLakes]

Any team that wins in the playoffs in the UNIDome is worthy of respect. The key players from that game will be in the Fargodome on Saturday.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Any team that wins in the playoffs in the UNIDome is worthy of respect. The key players from that game will be in the Fargodome on Saturday.

Except there will be 3 times as many fans in attendance than at the UNIdump last year. You seem to think that place gives you some kind of advantage. The only one I can see is that the opposing players eyes are bleeding because that place is so damned ugly

[LakesBison]

bisonlakes in the unidump...aka your HOME FIELD. your from UNI you are a disgrace to my name

[BisonLakes]

Wow - I've really gotten under your skin haven't I? Sign of weakness there friend.

[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]

Wow - I've really gotten under your skin haven't I? Sign of weakness there friend.

The simple fact that you annoy your own to no end
Is victory enough for your opponent

[Dgreenwell3]

bisonlakes in the unidump...aka your HOME FIELD. your from UNI you are a disgrace to my name

Your name? You own it?

[Twentysix]

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/385875_2043021853842_1793242514_1375683_660409332_ n.jpg

[LEHIGH61]

That MUST BE THE GREEN HORNET! LOL

[DJKyR0]

That MUST BE THE GREEN HORNET! LOL

If properly turtle-waxed, Coach Bohl's head can reflect laser beams. I've seen it happen.

[Rob Iola]

If properly turtle-waxed, Coach Bohl's head can reflect laser beams. I've seen it happen.

"Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash."

[caribbeanhen]

I love how we werent even an eligible DI team 4 season ago, and now we are almighty. Hilarious.

I can take that coming from you 26, but the almighty comment was directed at UNDST fans, Personally, I am not a believer just yet

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Control the clock with our running game and short passing game.....keep Lum off the field. Recipe for success.

Bison win!!

[frozennorth]

So with spaloda out, I'm adjusting my score prediction. 37-16 ndsu.

[344Johnson]

I think a lot depends on if Lum and the wide receivers can compensate well. I have watched enough football to know that if one of my starters is going to be hurt offensively, I generally would have that be a wide receiver. But I have also witnessed a game or two, when a wide receiver gets hurt, and the offense has a reliance or obvious tendency to get him the ball, the offense shuts down.

[Squealofthepig]

I think a lot depends on if Lum and the wide receivers can compensate well. I have watched enough football to know that if one of my starters is going to be hurt offensively, I generally would have that be a wide receiver. But I have also witnessed a game or two, when a wide receiver gets hurt, and the offense has a reliance or obvious tendency to get him the ball, the offense shuts down.

Spadola has great numbers this year, and definitely is Lum's go-to guy, but how many different players have caught TD passes from Lum? Eight. And how many receivers total on the year? 17. I'm not counting Lehigh out just yet.

Stats for those curious:
http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/football/fcs/lehigh/stats/2011/regular

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Spadola has great numbers this year, and definitely is Lum's go-to guy, but how many different players have caught TD passes from Lum? Eight. And how many receivers total on the year? 17. I'm not counting Lehigh out just yet. Stats for those curious:
http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/football/fcs/lehigh/stats/2011/regular

...and you shouldn't.

He was not their whole team.

With or w/o him, I was expecting a Bison win....still feel the same way.

[Thunderstruck]

I would have like to see RS play in person. Hearing all the hype, I would have enjoyed seeing him against one of the top CB's in FCS.

[ngineer]

It's a shame we won't see the match ups, but LU has some decent back ups, but not with Spadola's speed. Jefferson makes a nice target and Soto-Fernandez has excellent quickness, so I would expect either of them to start--or possibly take Drwal's spot and Drwal takes Spadola's. De'Vaughn Gordon, sort of a bypassed and forgotten senior, could come into the mix and give us one of those 'senior moments' as well.
But with WRs and QBs, timing means alot and without the number of reps as Spadola has had with Lum can be a problem, especially with the noise in the dome. Silent counts and timing are critical.

[BisonBacker]

I would have like to see RS play in person. Hearing all the hype, I would have enjoyed seeing him against one of the top CB's in FCS.

^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^

[FargoBison]

I would have like to see RS play in person. Hearing all the hype, I would have enjoyed seeing him against one of the top CB's in FCS.

Agreed, that said Lehigh still has an all-world QB last time I checked. No doubt they will be coming here with a major chip on their shoulder and a us vs the world type of attitude.

[LEHIGH61]

You people just don't have a clue as to how good Spadola is. He has the talent of Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys. You cannot make up for that at the FCS level. Jake Drawl will have to pull off a miracle performance.

[DJKyR0]

You people just don't have a clue as to how good Spadola is. He has the talent of Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys. You cannot make up for that at the FCS level. Jake Drawl will have to pull off a miracle performance.

That's a pretty big claim.

[LEHIGH61]

This is a DEVASTATING LOSS to Lehigh, and I can tell you a devastating to me personally. Since last season I have known that Ryan Spadola was one of the main reasons for Lehigh's success lately. He's the reason we had a chance to go all the way this year. Sure, the other players are to be commended, but he was the difference-maker. NORTH DAKOTA STATE LUCKED OUT THIS YEAR!. Northern Iowa (2010) and Western Illinois (2000) were not so lucky. I don't even want to watch the game Saturday in that phony, home team favorable, piece of crap called the Fargodome.

[LEHIGH61]

That's a pretty big claim.AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. That DB Williams should breathe a sigh of relief.

[DJKyR0]

NORTH DAKOTA STATE LUCKED OUT THIS YEAR!. Northern Iowa (2010) and Western Illinois (2000) were not so lucky. I don't even want to watch the game Saturday in that phony, home team favorable, piece of crap called the Fargodome.

And so the sandbagging begins.

[Squealofthepig]

NORTH DAKOTA STATE LUCKED OUT THIS YEAR!

AND we have our first pre-emptive excuse.

[TheBisonator]

This is a DEVASTATING LOSS to Lehigh, and I can tell you a devastating to me personally. Since last season I have known that Ryan Spadola was one of the main reasons for Lehigh's success lately. He's the reason we had a chance to go all the way this year. Sure, the other players are to be commended, but he was the difference-maker. NORTH DAKOTA STATE LUCKED OUT THIS YEAR!. Northern Iowa (2010) and Western Illinois (2000) were not so lucky. I don't even want to watch the game Saturday in that phony, home team favorable, piece of crap called the Fargodome.

Piece of crap?? Where did that come from??? I used to WORK in that building. It's a pretty damn nice building, the best dome in the FCS.

[montanya]

AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. That DB Williams should breathe a sigh of relief.

williams is the best corner in FCS. i'm sure he wasn't scared.

[heath]

Piece of crap?? Where did that come from??? I used to WORK in that building. It's a pretty damn nice building, the best dome in the FCS.

Wrongxthumbsdownx Another non university owned dome is just a little nicer.Yours would fit inside. Just ask GSUxnodx

[DJKyR0]

This thread is definitely out-producing the JMU thread now. Getchya popcorn ready.

[heath]

williams is the best corner in FCS. i'm sure he wasn't scared.

wasn't he just left off a recent AA team? Homers left of the Mississippi have no idea

[344Johnson]

You people just don't have a clue as to how good Spadola is. He has the talent of Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys. You cannot make up for that at the FCS level. Jake Drawl will have to pull off a miracle performance.


AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. That DB Williams should breathe a sigh of relief.

Well, I doubt that he has the talent of a Miles Austin, but it is entirely possible. But if Lehigh has a guy as good as Miles Austin, it is also entirely plausible that Marcus Williams is as good as Cromartie or perhaps Nate Clements.

[LEHIGH61]

DOMES ARE "BUSH".

[Gil Dobie]

DOMES ARE "BUSH".

Come to Fargo Saturday and stand outside the dome for 3 hours and enjoy the weather of the 4th coldest city in the USA.

[344Johnson]

DOMES ARE "BUSH".

You should be happy this game is being indoors. Nicer weather allows passing teams to throw the rock around a lot more. Are domes louder? Yes, but football coaches got smart and designed something called signals. A signal is when you use body movements to send a message to someone. Football coaches also designed the silent count. If performed correctly, it will stop your team from having false-starts and delay of game penalties. Complain all you want about the Dome. We love it and because of you and how much you dislike them, I like domes even more.

[heath]

What ever happened to "the frozen tundra" days? Its a sad day when you have to brag about being one of the coldest cities.....unemployment is low and I guess you needed a job,so enjoy.

[TheBisonator]

Wrongxthumbsdownx Another non university owned dome is just a little nicer.Yours would fit inside. Just ask GSUxnodx

Oh right, forgot about Georgia State. But are they even really a football program?? :D

[Gil Dobie]

What ever happened to "the frozen tundra" days? Its a sad day when you have to brag about being one of the coldest cities.....unemployment is low and I guess you needed a job,so enjoy.

Have you been to a game outside in Fargo in November when a 30 MPH wind is blowing in your face and it's 15 degrees out. The dome is a great, I can drive 3.5 hours from the south and meet my parents who are in their 70's, coming 2.5 hours from the north, and enjoy an afternoon football game with them.

[TheBisonator]

What ever happened to "the frozen tundra" days? Its a sad day when you have to brag about being one of the coldest cities.....unemployment is low and I guess you needed a job,so enjoy.

Yeah, but that state also has 100 dollar bills shooting out of its arse. North Dakota is LOADED.

[Gil Dobie]

Yeah, but that state also has 100 dollar bills shooting out of its arse. North Dakota is LOADED.

They have dollar bills coming out their arse in Georgia at the boiled peanut stands. ;)

[Professor Chaos]

This is a DEVASTATING LOSS to Lehigh, and I can tell you a devastating to me personally. Since last season I have known that Ryan Spadola was one of the main reasons for Lehigh's success lately. He's the reason we had a chance to go all the way this year. Sure, the other players are to be commended, but he was the difference-maker. NORTH DAKOTA STATE LUCKED OUT THIS YEAR!. Northern Iowa (2010) and Western Illinois (2000) were not so lucky. I don't even want to watch the game Saturday in that phony, home team favorable, piece of crap called the Fargodome.
You might want to wait for the game to be played before you start making excuses. The best thing about team competition is that teammates have each other's back. I'll guarantee you all of Spadola's teammates have his and each other's back and, collectively, they could very well play better. It's definitely concievable that the way the NCAA has ostacized Spadola will give them extra motivation to play better without him than they ever did with him. The best teams win championship, not the best players. Ask the Miami Heat or Philadeplphia Eagles about that. If Spadola was so good that you percieve your team's chances at victory to be so slim without him your team was never that good in the first place.

Like I said, wait until the game before making apocalyptic claims about Lehigh's season. Your TEAM may surprise you.

[LakesBison]

Lehigh61 Ryan Spagnola was a chump in a ****ty conference that put up big #'s vs chump teams, MWILL would've ate up that lil racist.

[Dgreenwell3]

Lehigh61 Ryan Spagnola was a chump in a ****ty conference that put up big #'s vs chump teams, MWILL would've ate up that lil racist.

Once again,
Why do you have to act this way?