WIU vs. NDSU

[Stonewall D]

NDSU will have its hands full against WIU. Charlie Fisher is an excellent coach. NDSU has shown that it is too one dimensional. Expect a repeat of last week's NDSU loss.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

The Bison have proven they can pass the ball effectively, the OC has to do it.

Both the offense and defense come out firing.

Bison win by 2 TDs.

[Stonewall D]

The Bison have proven they can pass the ball effectively, the OC has to do it.

Both the offense and defense come out firing.

Bison win by 2 TDs.
Overconfidence much?

[Professor Chaos]

NDSU has shown that it is too one dimensional.
Please elaborate.

[dewey]

NDSU will have its hands full against WIU. Charlie Fisher is an excellent coach. NDSU has shown that it is too one dimensional. Expect a repeat of last week's NDSU loss.

One dimensional? Really? Let's look at the facts.

NDSU
Pass yards per game 189 45% of offense
Rush yards per game 229 55% of offense
11 touchdowns rushing
9 touchdowns passing

http://www.mvc.org/football/stats/ndsu.htm

Lance Lenoir and Sean McGuire are good players but they are no where near SDSU'S three headed monster of Goedert, Weineke and Christian.

Dewey

[KPSUL]

Overconfidence much?

A NDSU 2 TD win is not overconfidence. Seems like a pretty reasonable prediction.

[leatherneck177]

A NDSU 2 TD win is not overconfidence. Seems like a pretty reasonable prediction.

Unfortunately I have to agree with this. I think Western plays them tough until the 4th and then the Bison pull away. I'm just not sure Western is ready to take that step yet.

[Thumper 76]

Unfortunately I have to agree with this. I think Western plays them tough until the 4th and then the Bison pull away. I'm just not sure Western is ready to take that step yet.
Yeah, I can see WIU wining, but I doubt it. They need to play a full four quarters, which they haven't dont yet. Also NDSU will be coming into this game pretty pissed off. SDSU did show how to beat them, I just don't thing your QB is mobile enough to replicate it.

[dewey]

Bison Look to Bounce Back From First Loss Saturday at Western Illinois.

#13http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23733&stc=1 VS #3 http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23734&stc=1


THIS WEEK: No. 4 North Dakota State looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season this week when the Bison (5-1, 2-1 MVFC) face 12th-ranked Western Illinois (5-1, 2-1 MVFC) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Hanson Field (16,368) in Macomb, Ill.

TELEVISION: KVLY and the NBC North Dakota network will have live coverage with Brian Shawn calling the play-by-play, Lee Timmerman color analyst, and Beth Hoole on the sidelines. ESPN3 will carry the telecast on WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app.

RADIO: Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. on KPFX-FM 107.9 The Fox and the Peterson Farms Seed Bison Radio Network with Jeff Culhane calling the play-by-play, NDSU and Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Phil Hansen as color analyst, and NDSU's Jeremy Jorgenson reporting from the sideline. Extended coverage on 107.9 The Fox and Bison 1660 includes "Bison Game Day" from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and "Bison Hotline" for 2 hours following the network broadcast with hosts Keith Brake, Chris Hanson and former NDSU safety Christian Dudzik.

ONLINE: NDSU All Access live video streaming for home games is by subscription on GoBison.com/allaccess. Audio streaming of the Bison Radio Network broadcast for every NDSU football game is available free of charge. Live stats for NDSU home games are available on BisonStats.com. Follow @NDSUfootball on Twitter for game updates.

THE SERIES: This is the eighth meeting between North Dakota State and Western Illinois since 2007. NDSU has won three straight and leads the series 5-2 after last year's 59-7 victory in Fargo. The Bison are 4-0 in Macomb. Two of those road trips, the Bison won after home losses to Missouri State (2009) and Youngstown State (2011).

LAST YEAR: Easton Stick went 12 of 20 passing for 197 yards with touchdowns to four different receivers in his first home start and the Bison rolled up 528 yards of total offense in a 59-7 rout of Western Illinois last year. Bruce Anderson had a career-high 14 carries and 95 yards. Zach Vraa, RJ Urzendowski, Andrew Bonnet and Darrius Shepherd caught TDs as NDSU built a 38-0 halftime lead. Western Illinois had 1 rushing yard in the first half and 33 in the game. Nikko Watson, the second-leading rusher in the Valley, had one yard on four carries.

RANKED OPPONENTS: Western Illinois will be the sixth Top 25 opponent for North Dakota State this season, matching a regular-season high set in 2014 when the Bison faced 10 ranked opponents including the FCS playoffs. NDSU opened this season with four straight wins over Top 25 competition, including the 11th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in FBS. It was the first time since 2008 that NDSU has played four straight Top 25 teams in the regular season.

BOUNCING BACK: North Dakota State has won the next game after its last 12 losses, including road wins at Indiana State (2015), Missouri State (2014), South Dakota (2012), Western Illinois (2011) and Youngstown State (2010). NDSU has not suffered consecutive losses since snapping a five-game losing streak in 2009 with a 14-7 victory at Western Illinois.

NARROW LOSSES: North Dakota State's last three losses have all come on the last play of the game, and seven of the last eight losses have been by a combined 24 points. NDSU has only three double-digit losses since the beginning of the 2010 season—Western Illinois (2010), at Illinois State (2010), and at Northern Iowa (2014).
NDSU Losses, since 2010
2016 - South Dakota State, 19-17*
2015 - South Dakota, 24-21*
2015 - at Montana, 38-35*
2014 - at Northern Iowa, 23-3
2012 - Indiana State, 17-14
2011 - Youngstown State, 27-24
2010 - at Eastern Washington, 38-31 (OT)
2010 - at Missouri State, 3-0
2010 - at Illinois State, 34-24
2010 - Western Illinois, 28-16
2010 - at Northern Iowa, 16-9
*games won on final play

ALL TIME SERIES
http://stats.gobison.com/fb/HISTRESU.HTM#vs_771

vs Western Illinois (5-2)



Date
Opponent

Score

Attend

Site
Notes



9/29/2007
at #17 Western Illinois
W
41-28

15619

Macomb, IL



*
10/11/2008
#17 WESTERN ILLINOIS
L
22-27

17043

Fargo, ND



*
10/31/2009
at Western Illinois
W
14-7

5489

Macomb, IL



*
10/2/2010
WESTERN ILLINOIS
L
16-28

18701

Fargo, ND



*
11/19/2011
at Western Illinois
W
37-21

3560

Macomb, IL



*
10/4/2014
at Western Illinois
W
17-10

5111

Macomb, IL



*
11/7/2015
WESTERN ILLINOIS
W
59-7

18251

Fargo, ND




Overall: 5-2
Conference: 4-2
Home: 1-2
Away: 4-0
Neutral: 0-0

Articles
Here is an article from the Fargo Forum about NDSU seniors needing to lead the team after the loss to SDSU.
http://www.inforum.com/sports/4140969-kolpack-its-time-bison-senior-leadership-show-what-they-have

Here is an article about redshirt freshman runningback from Fargo South.
http://www.inforum.com/sports/4139518-ndsu-freshman-brooks-gets-chance-make-difference-special-teams

Here is an article from the Fargo Forum about NDSU heading to Western Illinois without the #1 ranking and RB Bruce Anderson.
http://www.inforum.com/sports/4138590-bison-head-western-illinois-without-anderson-no-1-ranking

Here is a matchup preview from the Western Illinois Athletic Department.
http://www.goleathernecks.com/news/2016/10/18/football-w1u-plays-host-to-north-dakota-state.aspx

Videos and interviews
Here is a video from the Bison Media Blog previewing the game against Western Illinois.
https://www.bisonmediazone.com/video-blog-ndsu-at-western-illinois-preview/

Western Illinois play by play voice, Scott Kornberg on "The Brakedown" Tuesday, October 18th.
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-744211984/western-illinois-play-by-play-voice-scott-kornberg-on-the-brakedown-tuesday-october-18th

Western Illinois Head Football Coach, Charlie Fisher on "The Brakedown" Wednesday, October 19th.
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-744211984/western-illinois-head-football-coach-charlie-fisher-on-the-brakedown-wednesday-october-19th

Here is an interview with John Bohnenkamp of the Hawk Eye. He's a sports editor covering Western Illinois (On the Insiders today with Jeff Culhane)
https://soundcloud.com/user-74421198...mp-oct-19-2016

Here is a Wikipedia page for Western Illinois University
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Illinois_University

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public university located in Macomb (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macomb,_Illinois), Illinois (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois), United States. It was founded in 1899 as Western Illinois State Normal School. Like many similar institutions of the time, Western Illinois State Normal School focused on teacher training for its relatively small body of students. As the normal school grew, it became Western Illinois State Teachers College. Today, Western Illinois University is composed of two campuses that provide a wide range of academic programs. While the main campus is in Macomb, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Illinois_University-Quad_Cities) is in Moline, Illinois (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moline,_Illinois).

Here is a Wikipedia page for North Dakota State University.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Dakota_State_University

North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, more commonly known as North Dakota State University (NDSU), is a public research university (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_university) that sits on a 258-acre campus in Fargo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fargo,_North_Dakota), in the U.S. state (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state) of North Dakota (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Dakota). The institution was founded as North Dakota Agricultural College in 1890 as the research land-grant institution (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_grant) for the state of North Dakota. NDSU is a comprehensive doctoral (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctoral) research university with programs involved in very high research activity.[3] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Dakota_State_University#cite_note-The_Carnegie_Foundation-3) NDSU offers 102 undergraduate majors, 170 undergraduate degree programs, 6 undergraduate certificate programs, 79 undergraduate minors, 81 master’s degree programs, 47 doctoral degree programs of study and 10 graduate certificate programs.
The university also operates the state agricultural research extension centers spread across the state on over 18,488 acres (75 km²). NDSU is part of the North Dakota University System (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Dakota_University_System). As of fall 2015, NDSU has 14,516 students.

Dewey

[Professor Chaos]

To add to the "BOUNCING BACK" piece games following losses generally haven't been close since the Bison run started.

2015: 28-14 over Indiana St
2015: 41-14 over Weber St
2014: 45-10 over Missouri St
2012: 54-0 over South Dakota
2011: 37-21 over Western Illinois

Needless to say these guys don't like to, and are not used to, losing.

[Thumper 76]

To add to the "BOUNCING BACK" piece games following losses generally haven't been close since the Bison run started.

2015: 28-14 over Indiana St
2015: 41-14 over Weber St
2014: 45-10 over Missouri St
2012: 54-0 over South Dakota
2011: 37-21 over Western Illinois

Needless to say these guys don't like to, and are not used to, losing.
While I do agree that the Bison tend to bounce back well, if you look at that list there aren't many teams that are on the level of what WIU is this year. In fact, most of them sucked tbh. Will be interesting to see how they do in Macomb against a solid team. Weber St, Missouri St, and USD in 2012 were all atrocious teams. The other two werent really that ugly, and neither of those two teams were world beaters those years.

[Bison56]

NDSU will have its hands full against WIU. Charlie Fisher is an excellent coach. NDSU has shown that it is too one dimensional. Expect a repeat of last week's NDSU loss.

Someone is still butthurt.

[Professor Chaos]

While I do agree that the Bison tend to bounce back well, if you look at that list there aren't many teams that are on the level of what WIU is this year. In fact, most of them sucked tbh. Will be interesting to see how they do in Macomb against a solid team. Weber St, Missouri St, and USD in 2012 were all atrocious teams. The other two werent really that ugly, and neither of those two teams were world beaters those years.
Weber St was decent. They finished 6-5 last year. Indiana St wasn't bad either. I think they finished 5-6 (4-4) and were 4-2 at the time of that game. The other 3 were bad. I'd say the jury is still out on WIU this year. They've been getting by some pretty marginal teams by the skin of their teeth. I'm sure they'll take the wins but, as their own fans have alluded to, they'll need to play better this week than they have been to pick up a win against a motivated Bison squad.

[Stonewall D]

It looks like 2015 was the last year that the Bison lost 2 games in a season. It is hard to show that level of performance throughout the season. NDSU has had close calls this season.

[BisonTru]

While I do agree that the Bison tend to bounce back well, if you look at that list there aren't many teams that are on the level of what WIU is this year. In fact, most of them sucked tbh. Will be interesting to see how they do in Macomb against a solid team. Weber St, Missouri St, and USD in 2012 were all atrocious teams. The other two werent really that ugly, and neither of those two teams were world beaters those years.

I agree with this. Honestly coming into the season I was worried about Western. They damn near beat us the last go in Macomb, and they are better IMO this year. Also coming into the season I thought we'd be coming off an emotional win, and may be looking a little ahead to UNI. Trap Game. IDK, it really depends on how this team has responded this week. We've got the players and coaches to win out, but you can't come in with anything but full force in the Valley or you're walking away with a loss.

[POD Knows]

Bison don't cover the spread, I don't know what the spread is but they won't cover.

[BisonTru]

Bison don't cover the spread, I don't know what the spread is but they won't cover.

Massey has it at -16.5. Wow, I'd take the Leathernecks and the points.

[Professor Chaos]

Bison don't cover the spread, I don't know what the spread is but they won't cover.
Book it? ;)

[jacksfan29]

Weber St was decent. They finished 6-5 last year. Indiana St wasn't bad either. I think they finished 5-6 (4-4) and were 4-2 at the time of that game. The other 3 were bad. I'd say the jury is still out on WIU this year. They've been getting by some pretty marginal teams by the skin of their teeth. I'm sure they'll take the wins but, as their own fans have alluded to, they'll need to play better this week than they have been to pick up a win against a motivated Bison squad.

Weren't you starting a new QB in the 2015 win over Indiana State?

NDSU will win this weekend by 3 scores. WIU are good, but to get NDSU after last weekend... expect some serious hitting from the Bison D, they were embarrassed last weekend. In addition the WIU offense is not as affective as SDSU's. Prediction? 24-3 and the game is over by half.

[Professor Chaos]

Weren't you starting a new QB in the 2015 win over Indiana State?

NDSU will win this weekend by 3 scores. WIU are good, but to get NDSU after last weekend... expect some serious hitting from the Bison D, they were embarrassed last weekend. In addition the WIU offense is not as affective as SDSU's. Prediction? 24-3 and the game is over by half.
Yeah, that was Stick's first career start.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Overconfidence much?


Only once has NDSU gone undefeated in their 5 year title run.

Western's defense is average at best and the Bison are 4-0 in Macomb.....

I'll take the Bison in this one.

[Sycamore62]

If WIU doesnt hit the long bomb this wont be close.

[Schism55]

Bison brutal schedule continues on, 6 ranked opponents in 7 weeks, unreal.
Hopefully the loss is a wake up call for NDSU and the penalties/mental mistakes fade away. Be nice if the OC showed some creativity as well.
I like the Bison to win, but not cover.

[UNDBIZ]

Ndsu is on the road this year, so WIU gets an extra TD. 59-14 Fargo U

[Redbird007]

Spent a little time looking at the various MVFC schedules and results and feel that it is too presumptive to have WIU ranked 13 after looking at their level of play YTD. I hope they do well the remainder of the season but don't feel they will. It is difficult to know if they are truly a good team or just a solid team. They are much closer to being 2-4 or 3-3 than they are 6-0. This game will tell a lot about how good they are. Predict NDSU puts up some points against WIU and wins 47 to 20. Though WIU is currently 5-1, based upon their tough remaining schedule, believe WIU finishes the year at 6-5 or 7-4. GO OUT AND PROVE ME WRONG LEATHERNECKS!

[Professor Chaos]

Spent a little time looking at the various MVFC schedules and results and feel that it is too presumptive to have WIU ranked 13 after looking at their level of play YTD. I hope they do well the remainder of the season but don't feel they will. It is difficult to know if they are truly a good team or just a solid team. They are much closer to being 2-4 or 3-3 than they are 6-0. This game will tell a lot about how good they are. Predict NDSU puts up some points against WIU and wins 47 to 20. Though WIU is currently 5-1, based upon their tough remaining schedule, believe WIU finishes the year at 6-5 or 7-4.
True, I have the same feelings about WIU but NDSU is also only a few plays away from 2-4 or a play away from 6-0 depending on how you look at it. WIU seems to have regressed in October so I think the jury is out on whether they're just going through a slump (yet still winning) or if their September performance was "fool's gold".

[Redbird007]

True, I have the same feelings about WIU but NDSU is also only a few plays away from 2-4 or a play away from 6-0 depending on how you look at it. WIU seems to have regressed in October so I think the jury is out on whether they're just going through a slump (yet still winning) or if their September performance was "fool's gold".

Like the "fool's gold" reference. Being hot and heavy on ISU early this year I know all about fool's gold.

[Redbird007]

True, I have the same feelings about WIU but NDSU is also only a few plays away from 2-4 or a play away from 6-0 depending on how you look at it. WIU seems to have regressed in October so I think the jury is out on whether they're just going through a slump (yet still winning) or if their September performance was "fool's gold".

Yea NDSU could easily have a couple more losses but the brutality of their schedule combined with a couple of solid wins along with not being blown out in their loss gives them a lot more credibility. I do think the Bison will end up at 10-2 this season.

[POD Knows]

Massey has it at -16.5. Wow, I'd take the Leathernecks and the points.

Holy crap, wasn't that about where Massey and the betting lines had NDSU over SDSU initially.

[Professor Chaos]

I do think the Bison will end up at 10-2 this season.
Oh man... I hope not cuz that would mean an opening game playoff loss as a #1 or #2 seed (which they would be with a 10-1 regular season record).... likely to one of two schools that shall not be named.

[Redbird007]

Oh man... I hope not cuz that would mean an opening game playoff loss as a #1 or #2 seed (which they would be with a 10-1 regular season record).... likely to one of two schools that shall not be named.

Yea I mean 9-2 final record and not 10-2. Coming into this season most everyone would have been viewed NDSU as having a great regular season if they ended up 9-2 given the fact they had a new QB and were also playing at Iowa. However it turns out the two losses may not be from teams anyone would have predicted they would lose against. Just talking regular season and not playoffs at this point.

[gotts]

Yea I mean 9-2 final record and not 10-2. Coming into this season most everyone would have been viewed NDSU as having a great regular season if they ended up 9-2 given the fact they had a new QB and were also playing at Iowa. However it turns out the two losses may not be from teams anyone would have predicted they would lose against. Just talking regular season and not playoffs at this point.

I'm not intending to single you out, but I'd like to address something here...

Stick started 8 games last year and went 8-0! It's not like he was totally being thrown to the sharks this year...

[Redbird007]

I'm not intending to single you out, but I'd like to address something here...

Stick started 8 games last year and went 8-0! It's not like he was totally being thrown to the sharks this year...
Good point but l was looking at it more from the psychological perspective of NDSU losing Wentz and now were going with a "new" QB....given that Sticks was 8-0 last year that is not the right perspective as I am sure the team was comfortable/excited with Sticks being the qb.

[Southern Bison]

Good point but l was looking at it more from the psychological perspective of NDSU losing Wentz and now were going with a "new" QB....given that Sticks was 8-0 last year that is not the right perspective as I am sure the team was comfortable/excited with Sticks being the qb.
After Stick's strong performance last year, the QB question for '16 dissipated. The secondary was the other concern amongst us armchair experts and EWU & SDSU showed the inexperience.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Thumper 76]

WIU almost feels like they are going to pull a YSU by getting highly ranked in the beginning of the year and then falling apart in October and November. I hope I'm wrong and they beat NDSU, but I really am worried this will be a route. They will need to get that offense going against a Bison defense that I'm quite sure is feeling embarrassed after giving up over 500 yards and not forcing a punt for the first time since 1998. This is likely the best team NDSU has faced after a loss during their run though. This will really show if NDSU has replaced the senior leadership that left last year. If they come out flat for this game, I think they will be in trouble when it comes to NC aspirations this year. Also I hope they lose so SDSU can have a chance at hosting them in the playoffs for once if they take care of business themselves. :D

[leatherneck177]

Good point but l was looking at it more from the psychological perspective of NDSU losing Wentz and now were going with a "new" QB....given that Sticks was 8-0 last year that is not the right perspective as I am sure the team was comfortable/excited with Sticks being the qb.

Not buying that at all. Stick started eight games and took them almost all the way through the playoffs last year, before Wentz finished it.

[leatherneck177]

WIU almost feels like they are going to pull a YSU by getting highly ranked in the beginning of the year and then falling apart in October and November. I hope I'm wrong and they beat NDSU, but I really am worried this will be a route. They will need to get that offense going against a Bison defense that I'm quite sure is feeling embarrassed after giving up over 500 yards and not forcing a punt for the first time since 1998. This is likely the best team NDSU has faced after a loss during their run though. This will really show if NDSU has replaced the senior leadership that left last year. If they come out flat for this game, I think they will be in trouble when it comes to NC aspirations this year. Also I hope they lose so SDSU can have a chance at hosting them in the playoffs for once if they take care of business themselves. :D

I think it is great that Western is at the point again where NDSU can be a measuring stick. I don't buy it that they are slowly showing signs of a late season collapse. You can only win the games that are on the schedule and Western is far from being a machine. Most teams win ugly in the MVFC, it is what it is.

[ST_Lawson]

Spent a little time looking at the various MVFC schedules and results and feel that it is too presumptive to have WIU ranked 13 after looking at their level of play YTD. I hope they do well the remainder of the season but don't feel they will. It is difficult to know if they are truly a good team or just a solid team. They are much closer to being 2-4 or 3-3 than they are 6-0. This game will tell a lot about how good they are. Predict NDSU puts up some points against WIU and wins 47 to 20. Though WIU is currently 5-1, based upon their tough remaining schedule, believe WIU finishes the year at 6-5 or 7-4. GO OUT AND PROVE ME WRONG LEATHERNECKS!

In my original season predictions (http://www.leathernecknation.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1069), I had us at 4-2 at this point in the season (only one I missed on was NIU...I severely overestimated the strength of Northern Illinois), so I've been pretty accurate up to this point. The rest of the games, here's how I see things going:
NDSU - originally had us losing...not changing my prediction (actually, I think I'm sticking with my predictions for the rest of the season...I think they'll hold)
USD - originally had us winning...there is some serious desire for revenge with how the whole Coach Nielson thing went down. Plus, comparing strengths and weaknesses now that we're around halfway into the season, I like this matchup for us.
ISUr - originally had us winning...ISU is actually down even more than I thought they'd be at this point and the game is in Macomb.
UNI - originally had us losing...UNI isn't quite what I (or most people) thought they'd be this season. I thought they'd have a stellar defense and pretty good offense...instead they have a stellar defense and pretty "meh" offense. The game is in Macomb and we did beat them last year, so I could see us winning this one, but I'm still counting it as a loss.
SIU - originally had us winning...it'll be harder than I originally thought, because their QB is better than I originally expected, but I still like our chances.

So, at this point I think we'll lose to NDSU and either UNI or SIU but probably not both. The rest are wins, and we finish 8-3...at worst, 7-4.

[ST_Lawson]

I think it is great that Western is at the point again where NDSU can be a measuring stick. I don't buy it that they are slowly showing signs of a late season collapse. You can only win the games that are on the schedule and Western is far from being a machine. Most teams win ugly in the MVFC, it is what it is.

This is true...just look at last weekend...5 games all decided by 4 or fewer points....all games that could have gone either way.
Plus, Western doesn't have the history of last season collapses that YSU has.
Last year, finished out with wins over ISUb and SDSU to sneak into the playoffs.
In 2014 we finished 2-1 the last 3 games.

So, if there's anything to the whole "late season dropoff" thing...ala YSU...maybe it's just that YSU has been unlucky with their schedule, getting the toughest teams at the end of the season.

[centennial]

After Stick's strong performance last year, the QB question for '16 dissipated. The secondary was the other concern amongst us armchair experts and EWU & SDSU showed the inexperience.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Stick is still relatively inexperienced. You have to remember Wentz sat behind Brock for 3 years. Stick has a seasons worth of games behind him. Is Stick still doing half field reads?

[Redbird007]

In my original season predictions (http://www.leathernecknation.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1069), I had us at 4-2 at this point in the season (only one I missed on was NIU...I severely overestimated the strength of Northern Illinois), so I've been pretty accurate up to this point. The rest of the games, here's how I see things going:
NDSU - originally had us losing...not changing my prediction (actually, I think I'm sticking with my predictions for the rest of the season...I think they'll hold)
USD - originally had us winning...there is some serious desire for revenge with how the whole Coach Nielson thing went down. Plus, comparing strengths and weaknesses now that we're around halfway into the season, I like this matchup for us.
ISUr - originally had us winning...ISU is actually down even more than I thought they'd be at this point and the game is in Macomb.
UNI - originally had us losing...UNI isn't quite what I (or most people) thought they'd be this season. I thought they'd have a stellar defense and pretty good offense...instead they have a stellar defense and pretty "meh" offense. The game is in Macomb and we did beat them last year, so I could see us winning this one, but I'm still counting it as a loss.
SIU - originally had us winning...it'll be harder than I originally thought, because their QB is better than I originally expected, but I still like our chances.

So, at this point I think we'll lose to NDSU and either UNI or SIU but probably not both. The rest are wins, and we finish 8-3...at worst, 7-4.


I respect your analysis Scott but do not agree with outcome. Believe WIU goes 1-4 or 2-3 as tough part of schedule is ahead. I have WIU beating either ISUr or SIU for their lone win or beating both for their two wins. I believe they will battle close with UNI and USD and lose both. As i stated earlier I think NDSU wins big vs WIU. It would be a nice surprise if WIU ran the table on the remaining games.

[ST_Lawson]

I respect your analysis Scott but do not agree with outcome. Believe WIU goes 1-4 or 2-3 as tough part of schedule is ahead. I have WIU beating either ISUr or SIU for their lone win or beating both for their two wins. I believe they will battle close with UNI and USD and lose both. As i stated earlier I think NDSU wins big vs WIU. It would be a nice surprise if WIU ran the table on the remaining games.

Fair enough...like you said, it would be a nice surprise. I hope it's closer to my prediction than yours, but we have been playing some real "up and down" football. If we head up to USD and play badly for 3 out of 4 quarters...I don't think we win that game (or really...any of the games the rest of the season...there's no "easy wins" in this conference this year).

[nevadagriz]

Weber St was decent. They finished 6-5 last year. Indiana St wasn't bad either. I think they finished 5-6 (4-4) and were 4-2 at the time of that game. The other 3 were bad. I'd say the jury is still out on WIU this year. They've been getting by some pretty marginal teams by the skin of their teeth. I'm sure they'll take the wins but, as their own fans have alluded to, they'll need to play better this week than they have been to pick up a win against a motivated Bison squad.


This always cracks me up. The Bison were not motivated against SDSU?? I understand what you are saying, I just always laugh when someone posts that a team will be motivated after a loss. I want my team to be motivated all the time.

[Professor Chaos]

This always cracks me up. The Bison were not motivated against SDSU?? I understand what you are saying, I just always laugh when someone posts that a team will be motivated after a loss. I want my team to be motivated all the time.
You can tell when your team is not matching the intensity of the opponent. I'm sure it's similar for the Griz but every opponent the Bison face, with the exception of the FBS schools, is amped up to play and beat the Bison probably moreso than any other opponent on their schedule. That means if the Bison don't come out with that same edge they're going to get outworked and consequently outplayed if they don't pick it up. What I'm saying is I don't expect the Bison to be outworked tomorrow.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

You can tell when your team is not matching the intensity of the opponent. I'm sure it's similar for the Griz but every opponent the Bison face, with the exception of the FBS schools, is amped up to play and beat the Bison probably moreso than any other opponent on their schedule. That means if the Bison don't come out with that same edge they're going to get outworked and consequently outplayed if they don't pick it up. What I'm saying is I don't expect the Bison to be outworked tomorrow.


This here.

The Bison have gotten everyone's best shot the last 5+ years.

[Schism55]

This here.

The Bison have gotten everyone's best shot the last 5+ years.
That may be underselling it even. If the champion gets everyones best shot, what does the 5x defending champ get?

[Thumper 76]

That may be underselling it even. If the champion gets everyones best shot, what does the 5x defending champ get?
I understand the logic and I agree that the Bison get everyones best shot. However that doesn't matter in a rivalry game, you're going to get that teams best shot whether you won 5 straight or not, and you're going to bring it yourself. A lot of the losses for NDSU over the past five years can be chocked up as a let down game where they overlook their opponent, especially considering of their six losses half of them were against teams that were easy to overlook. A weak YSU, ISUb, and USD. But there is no way they were overlooking SDSU in the Marker game. The rivalry may be downplayed by some fans, but I guarantee you its not for the players. The Bison might not have played their best game ever last weekend, but if they didn't bring it for that game then thats not a great sign for a six peat. You could argue the schedule is starting to wear on them, which I could buy, but its not getting easier. NDSU still has YSU, WIU, and UNI (down or not, they are built to beat NDSU). Not the easiest way to end the schedule for them by far. You could make an argument that a seed is more important because of the bye instead of homefield advantage after running through that schedule.

[dewey]

Here is an article from Mike Mcfeely of the Fargo Forum about Western Illinois being "a quiet 5-1".

http://www.inforum.com/sports/bison/4142194-mcfeely-western-illinois-fine-being-quiet-5-1

Dewey

[Bisonoline]

That may be underselling it even. If the champion gets everyones best shot, what does the 5x defending champ get?

Better.

[ST_Lawson]

Here is an article from Mike Mcfeely of the Fargo Forum about Western Illinois being "a quiet 5-1".

http://www.inforum.com/sports/bison/4142194-mcfeely-western-illinois-fine-being-quiet-5-1

Dewey

I like it. Good article.

[Redbird007]

interesting article but not certain relevancy when quoting success that is a generation ago aka late 90's. Bull**** article. That said this WIU team is an unknown being they may be a great team, an average team or something less? Most importantly this WIU team still controls their destiny which is all that matters as they are 5-1 and could be a top ceed if they perform. I believe they will not continue their success but my opinion means nothing ..... only the WIU football team truly has any say in their final record.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

On my way to Macomb!

Go Bison!!

[Stonewall D]

Very nice article. Charlie Fisher is a good coach. He was an outstanding offensive coordinator for Richmond. WIU did very well with that hire. He is very good at coming up with a game plan that wears out defenses. He likes his offenses to develop a rhythm and they get stronger through out the game.

[Stonewall D]

Am I the only one who thinks WIU will win this game?

[leatherneck177]

interesting article but not certain relevancy when quoting success that is a generation ago aka late 90's. Bull**** article. That said this WIU team is an unknown being they may be a great team, an average team or something less? Most importantly this WIU team still controls their destiny which is all that matters as they are 5-1 and could be a top ceed if they perform. I believe they will not continue their success but my opinion means nothing ..... only the WIU football team truly has any say in their final record.

Early 2000's as well. Those were excellent teams that between UNI, Western and WKU were the standard of the conference. We are talking about nearly a ten year period, not just some flash. The program does have a history of success, not so much recently, however the program has been built back up to this point. Do I think they need to beat NDSU to make the season a success? Not at all, a lot can still be accomplished. Playoffs last year with a win, take another step this year.

History is just that, but don't discount it. A program is built on that. Otherwise what does the Redbirds recent success mean for 2016 and beyond? Not that much this year.

[dewey]

On my way to Macomb!

Go Bison!!

Drive safe and have fun at the game.

Go Bison!

Dewey

[Gil Dobie]

WIU keeps it close, Bison 24-21

[dewey]

Here is an article from the Fargo Forum "5 things to know about Western Illinois"

http://www.inforum.com/sports/4139416-five-things-know-about-western-illinois-university

Bison come out looking good.

NDSU 27
WIU 13

Dewey

[ST_Lawson]

Drive safe and have fun at the game.

Go Bison!

Dewey

Indeed, safe travels for all Bison fans making the trip.

Its going to be a beautiful day for October football, regardless of the outcome.

[Jackal]

Bison win this 27-10

[POD Knows]

WIU 27
NDSU 17

[centennial]

WIU 27
NDSU 17
WIU 45
NDSU 3

[Twentysix]

52-10 Macombers.

[BisonFan02]

24-17 WIU

[POD Knows]

WIU 45
NDSU 3

Whatever, :D

[BisonTru]

WIU 27
NDSU 17
Book it

Fyp

[centennial]

Whatever, :D

WIU 78
NDSU 0

Same as Michigan vs Rutgers

[POD Knows]

Fyp

:D Thanks.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Why do people think the Byzin will lose two in a row? When was the last time that happened? 2009?

[centennial]

Why do people think the Byzin will lose two in a row? When was the last time that happened? 2009?

There is a bit of sarcasm going on in this thread. However, this Bison team probably at best as strong as the 2011 NC team (weakest of the run IMO). We have an arms race in the MVFC, there is SDSU(2nd best FCS according to Sagarin), then there are plenty of other "good" teams like YSU, UNI, WIU. Number 7 and 8 teams have P5 wins. Coaching can be inconsistent, we play not to lose too often, crowds are quieter because of how hard it is get tickets, hunger to win is a problem, our punting(terrible) and secondary(average at best).

I am not saying things are upside down but we have lost 3 NFL players(plus likely another 2 CFL type players), depth at some positions is also an issue. Still NDSU is probably a top 3 FCS team, just we aren't dominant anymore.

[centennial]

Game on. This girl commentator speaks in an annoying monotone.

[dewey]

Big sack by Allison on 3rd down.

Dewey

[centennial]

Penalties already, but NDSU inside the 20 after that.

[centennial]

OMG are we actually not caring about what NDSU football is, taking what the defense is giving us?

EDIT: 7-0 NDSU

[dewey]

2nd and goal NDSU at the WIU 4.

Dewey

- - - Updated - - -

Touchdown Bison! Good opening drive by NDSU.

Dewey

[centennial]

That was generous spot. Refs spotted them 1/2 yard.

[BisonFan02]

NDSU's D is only good based on reputation anymore. Spread them out and it is all there for the taking.

[centennial]

7-3 NDSU


NDSU's D is only good based on reputation anymore. Spread them out and it is all there for the taking.


agree

[centennial]

More penalties great.

[BisonFan02]

Now a turnover.....the D will be gassed even before the half is over again.

[centennial]

Easton Stick hits the defender in the hands. Yea, not looking good.

[centennial]

Pathetic defense. Probably worst NDSU defense I've seen since 2010.

[JSUSoutherner]

Now a turnover.....the D will be gassed even before the half is over again.
How many guys do you sub on defense?

[centennial]

7-6 NDSU. Lucky that it isn't 14-7 WIU.

[No_Skill]

7-6 NDSU. Lucky that it isn't 14-7 WIU.

I wouldn't say "lucky". It's not like they dropped some TD passes. The D stepped up when needed.

[IBleedYellow]

We aren't a very good football team right now.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[centennial]

Almost INT again from tip.

[centennial]

WIU last 2 games 36-35 vs Indiana State, 38-35 against Missouri State. UNI is going to take us to cleaners next week. I don't know what is going on with this team.

[IBleedYellow]

WIU last 2 games 36-35 vs Indiana State, 38-35 against Missouri State. UNI is going to take us to cleaners next week. I don't know what is going on with this team.
Have to beat WIU before I even think about UNI.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[centennial]

14-6 NDSU

[centennial]

More Penalties 15 yards

[centennial]

20-6 NDSU

Edit: 21-6

[BisonFan02]

How many guys do you sub on defense?

About half as much as previous years. They do roll some guys, but the % of plays by the starters has inched it's way up.

[Winterborn]

Strange to see that WIU has ten more minutes of possession then the Bison.

[IBleedYellow]

Strange to see that WIU has ten more minutes of possession then the Bison.
Yeah. Our teams identity has changed.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[IBleedYellow]

I hate prevent defense so so so so so much.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Bisonator]

All the negativity in this thread sucks. Remember WIU is 5-1 too and their only loss was to SDSU as well. They've been scoring a ton of points this season. We always seem to struggle in Macomb and yet it's 21-6 NDSU leading at halftime. GO BISON!!!!

[centennial]

Yeah. Our teams identity has changed.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I think we are still a good running team, just most teams want to crowd the box vs NDSU. We don't have the lines to impose our will as much as usual.

[Winterborn]

Yeah. Our teams identity has changed.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I agree, just wondering why this year. Is it we do not have enough experience to run things the way we would like and are trying to 'force" plays or something the coaches are trying to change/go with something new?

[centennial]

I agree, just wondering why this year. Is it we do not have enough experience to run things the way we would like and are trying to 'force" plays or something the coaches are trying to change/go with something new?

IMO teams rather get into a shoot out with us. NDSU struggles have come when we get stubborn when trying to run the ball against odds. Lines are good but not good enough for 8-9 vs 5. We also play more zone than we used to, defiantly I see a hybrid between NIU and Vigen's offense.

[Schism55]

Bison playing well in all phases.
Could do without the penalties.
The "broadcast booth" absolutely slays me. GF stopped by and saw it, asked me why those two guys are in a closet? Lol

[mgbison]

NDSU fans chill out. Holy ****.

We actually rotate more players on the d-line than we have in previous years. As good as our defense has been, we haven't subsituted guys other than the d-line for years. Linebackers we never substitute, and haven't for the last 6 years (i don't know why, but it's how we roll).

We bend but don't break more than I'd like, but we were spoiled with cj smith and m williams. there is a reason both are playing on Sundays, they would shut down the teams best receiver and the rest is history. However, we don't give up many points and come playoff time, one dimensional teams will get their **** handed to them by us, unless they diversify their game plans (talking about the SDSU, EWU, SHSU, MT of the world).

[Catsfan90]

Bison playing well in all phases.
Could do without the penalties.
The "broadcast booth" absolutely slays me. GF stopped by and saw it, asked me why those two guys are in a closet? Lol
I thought one was a chick.....

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[centennial]

The WIU commentary is the most homer I've heard for a very long time.

[POD Knows]

Yea. No need to be negative. Our defense is awesome. They must
have stayed in the locker room at halftime

[centennial]

And again this defense is so up and down. WIU 13 NDSU 21

[Catsfan90]

The WIU commentary is the most homer I've heard for a very long time.
Homer, or homo?

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[centennial]

Another INT from Stick ****

[Bisonator]

OK it's time to be negative...:(

[BisonFan02]

NDSU ****ing sucks....end of story. I don't know what has happened, but there is absolutely no fire and leadership on this team.

[POD Knows]

OK it's time to be negative...:(

Welcome aboard This is not a good footall team right now

[ST_Lawson]

The WIU commentary is the most homer I've heard for a very long time.

Yea, I thought they were actually our guys. They really annoy me too though, usually I mute them and put on the radio.

[IBleedYellow]

How about the special teams and defense stepping up.

Maybe the offensive side of the ball will do something.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Bisonator]

Defense came up with a big stop there. Now the offense needs to pull their heads out of their asses and move the ****ing ball!

[centennial]

NDSU ****ing sucks....end of story. I don't know what has happened, but there is absolutely no fire and leadership on this team.
Agreed. We are living on blocked FG attempts. Pathetic. Stick isn't Brock Jensen, at least not yet. Even outside of him the tackling is up and down, and defense above average for the FCS(not lights out).

[POD Knows]

Jesus ****ing Christ. Is the crowd noise getting to these guy. How many ****ing false
starts is that

[centennial]

How do you flinch when the guy is in motion? Not even close to getting the ball snapped.

EDIT: BS PI no call

[BisonFan02]

Haha.....nice no call on that pass interference.

[centennial]

Haha.....nice no call on that pass interference.

Only falls on the guy who has a step on him with a likely TD.

[Bisonator]

Apparently we've finally decided to run Stick more. Only took 3 quarters to figure it out.

[BisonFan02]

Only falls on the guy who has a step on him with a likely TD.

It's was a corner falling down and going "oh **** he's gonna score" and flaps his arms forward to trip/take down RJ. Bailed out on a no call.

[centennial]

Apparently we've finally decided to run Stick more. Only took 3 quarters to figure it out.

Shhh.. it was supposed to be a UNI special.

[POD Knows]

Kicking a ****ing field goal. No balls.

- - - Updated - - -

I knew it

[Bisonator]

God our kicking game is complete ****.

[BisonFan02]

Playing not to lose......starting to look like my score prediction is gonna be close.

[Catsfan90]

Sideline girls interview...

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[POD Knows]

God our kicking game is complete ****.

This will be a 14 point swing. No ****ing balls with this coaching staff. None

[Bisonator]

Our line play has been atrocious this year. On both sides of the ball. We used to own the LOS, not this year.

[BisonFan02]

4th down conversion for WIU......they're playing to win.

[Bisonator]

Bison D still pretty salty on the goal line. Fumble by WIU and recovered by NDSU in the endzone. Under review.

- - - Updated - - -

That was 2 stops on 4th and goal from one foot.:D

- - - Updated - - -

Bison ball.

[Jackal]

Big time goal line stand by the Bison.

[RootinFerDukes]

When you're WIU and NDSU is consistently pushing you back in the trenches, you should at least TRY a play to swing it to the side and go around the line. Two consecutive QB keepers clearly weren't working.

[CappinHard]

So glad they showed us some replays while they were reviewing that call.

[POD Knows]

We cannot get a first down when it matters

[Bisonator]

Our offense sucks...

[Professor Chaos]

Apparently the Bison offense once again decided they don't need to show up in the 4th quarter. xsmhx

[BisonFan02]

Klieman. Is just watching the clock tick down....praying they walk out of there with a win. I've seen this story before.

[Thumper 76]

Im enjoying this

[ST_Lawson]

Im enjoying this

Me too

[centennial]

Do these refs know the rules?

[Thumper 76]

Do these refs know the rules?

Does NDSU know they need to get a first down?


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[BisonFan02]

Do these refs know the rules?

Naw

- - - Updated - - -


Does NDSU know they need to get a first down?


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............naw.

[centennial]

Defense has bailed out the offense big time in the 2nd half. Complete roll reversal from the 1st half.




Does NDSU know they need to get a first down?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Touche

[Bisonator]

Let Stick run or pass here.

[Bisonator]

http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/keep-calm-and-run-power-1.png

[centennial]

Holy **** this NDSU team is shortening my life.

[ST_Lawson]

Holy **** this NDSU team is shortening my life.

Welcome to Leatherneck Football...all our games are like this.

[Bisonator]

Apparently every game has to be a struggle...

[POD Knows]

Pathetic

[Bisonator]

Can't get a god damn foot to put the game away.

- - - Updated - - -

The D has to put it away. xlolx

[POD Knows]

Wow

glad that is over.

[centennial]

****

- - - Updated - - -

We get lucky. Time to get spanked by UNI.

[RootinFerDukes]

Reading the past few pages of this thread, it's like you haven't won five consecutive FCS national titles or something. It's like UD fans except that their program is actually losing more than a game or two a season.

[Schism55]

Bison offense should be ****ing ashamed. Way to absolutely **** the bed the second half 2 weeks in a row. They clearly think they have an on/off switch. Little do they know that switch is a used diaper full of Indian food.

[BisonFan02]

UNI is going to absolutely drill NDSU. Hopefully they don't rush the field this time.

[POD Knows]

Reading the past few pages of this thread, it's like you haven't won five consecutive FCS national titles or something. It's like UD fans except that their program is actually losing more than a game or two a season.

We don't live in the past. That is for Griz fans

[BisonFan02]

Reading the past few pages of this thread, it's like you haven't won five consecutive FCS national titles or something. It's like UD fans except that their program is actually losing more than a game or two a season.

It's a program with much higher expectations....been watch a lot of ugly football lately.

[Redbird007]

Bison offense should be ****ing ashamed. Way to absolutely **** the bed the second half 2 weeks in a row. They clearly think they have an on/off switch. Little do they know that switch is a used diaper full of Indian food.

NDSU offense so lethargic in second half. They are very fortunate to survive that game.

[DCWIU11]

Man, what a game. I am very proud to be a fan of WIU tonight. We played our best game of the year, had two mistakes on special teams, and got beat on 4th and 1. Why do the same play twice after it got stuffed the first time? Oh well can't change it now. Overall, this game proved to me that we can play with anyone as long as we play four quarters of football.

[centennial]

Reading the past few pages of this thread, it's like you haven't won five consecutive FCS national titles or something. It's like UD fans except that their program is actually losing more than a game or two a season.

We expect to win every game. Call us spoiled. We have amongst the most talented teams in the FCS. The fact that we **** the bed is more that we aren't playing to potential. If a good team comes along and kills us, I would gladly take that loss vs this let's not lose BS. Can I be angry in a loss? Because I am.

[Thumper 76]

We expect to win every game. Call us spoiled. We have amongst the most talented teams in the FCS. The fact that we **** the bed is more that we aren't playing to potential. If a good team comes along and kills us, I would gladly take that loss vs this let's not lose BS. Can I be angry in a loss? Because I am.
So you're just on another level and should only lost to Ohio State and Alabama right

[No_Skill]

UNI is going to absolutely drill NDSU. Hopefully they don't rush the field this time.

I hope they do. They may as well enjoy their biggest win of the year.

[Bisonator]

Reading the past few pages of this thread, it's like you haven't won five consecutive FCS national titles or something. It's like UD fans except that their program is actually losing more than a game or two a season.
You strive for perfection and on the way you grab excellence. Without expectations you are happy with mediocrity.

[Christiank22]

So you're just on another level and should only lost to Ohio State and Alabama right
Lol Bunny fans finally get a win on us and they're still bitter. So sad

[Bisonator]

So you're just on another level and should only lost to Ohio State and Alabama right
No we shouldn't lose to any one. Why settle for less? :D

[FargoBison]

If the Bison can figure out how to get past UNI, things are looking alright. Glad we have some film on that back up QB.

[centennial]

So you're just on another level and should only lost to Ohio State and Alabama right

Clearly teams in the MVFC are doing better, we also aren't as good as we used to be. The conservative play calling in the 3rd-4th quarter is killing us. We are playing not to lose, the offense, and defense are laying eggs. Tackling, penalties, game planning are issues as well. There are plenty of teams in the FCS that could beat us right now- SDSU, UNI, EWU, JSU. When we actually put a game together I still think we are the best team in the FCS, problem is we can't.

[Stonewall D]

How many close calls have the Bison had this year? Four or five?

[centennial]

How many close calls have the Bison had this year? Four or five?

5 if you include the SDSU loss and today's game.

[Stonewall D]

I count Charleston Southern, EWU, Iowa, SDSU and WIU. Life on the edge

[Stonewall D]

Can this continue? How many times can you go to the well?

[POD Knows]

Can this continue? How many times can you go to the well?

As many times as it takes

[Bisonator]

Can this continue? How many times can you go to the well?

Until we play Stony Brook obviously...

[Professor Chaos]

I count Charleston Southern, EWU, Iowa, SDSU and WIU. Life on the edge
Today's game was close but nowhere near CSU, EWU, Iowa, and SDSU in terms of games that could've gone either way.

[Hammerhead]

There have been a few playoff games (including one championship) game that were very close during the 5-peat run.

[Gil Dobie]

Young defense keeps the ticker pumping fast.

[Bison56]

Should just tell us what you're fishing for.

[Stonewall D]

Should just tell us what you're fishing for.
Does NDSU play to the level of its competition? Every week they seem to pull out a W.

[FargoBison]

Does NDSU play to the level of its competition? Every week they seem to pull out a W.

Good thing we play top 15 teams every week.

[leatherneck177]

It shouldn't be lost that Western actually put a solid game together against the Bison, if only we could kick field goals. Good showing which should lead to a promising finish to the season and playoffs.

[centennial]

It shouldn't be lost that Western actually put a solid game together against the Bison, if only we could kick field goals. Good showing which should lead to a promising finish to the season and playoffs.
There is no doubt that Western looked much better than vs SDSU. Just that NDSU plays to the level of their competition a lot, I mean we went toe to toe with Missouri State and Iowa. There is no explanation.

[BisonTru]

It shouldn't be lost that Western actually put a solid game together against the Bison, if only we could kick field goals. Good showing which should lead to a promising finish to the season and playoffs.

You folks have a solid squad. You've lost to the 2 best teams in the conference. Now you guys need to beat the rest of the conference which in this conference is no easy task. Good luck, I hope you guys get it done.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Just back from Macomb:

- WIU has a nice campus.
- Tailgate was decent, pretty good Bison contingent. Friendly fans to talk to in the WIU tailgate. Couple people didn't know that NDSU had won 5 titles in a row. Probably the friendliest bunch that I have chatted with in a long time.
- Supposedly there were 5k fans there. I don't think so. Probably 500-600 Bison fans.
- I like WIU's style of offense, similar to the Bison. Run the ball and play action pass.
- Bison need to cut down on the mistakes. ES's 2 INTs were not good. Bison defense played pretty good overall. Still wonder sometimes in the choice of play calls by Polasek (lots of grumbling in the Bison section) but hey, they are 6-1.
- Good to get a road win. Now on to UNI.