I stated that UND needed to play a CLEAN, three-phase game to pull of the upset. SDSU is #1 for a reason and mistakes will not allow the Hawks to achieve the result that they and their fans want.
Unfortunately for UND, there were multiple mistakes made and it resulted in a 49-35 loss to the Jackrabbits. UND dropped to 4-3 on the season.
The good thing is that UND still controls their destiny when it comes to the playoffs. If they go 7-4 or 8-3 they will get in, IMO.
The game started out quite well with UND marching down the field and scoring, then getting a big punt return and scoring. Boom – 14-0.
But, then UND botched the blocking on a bubble screen and DyShawn Gales stepped in front of the pass to bring it back for a touchdown. That took the wind out of UND’s sails momentarily when honestly it looked like UND could’ve taken a three score lead with another solid drive.
That INT was not Tommy’s fault. The wide receiver didn’t block the first threat right in front of his face, instead opting to run downfield to the safety for some reason. The play is literally NEVER blocked like that and a major reason why UND lost mojo for awhile. Those things cannot happen if UND wants to win big games.
The start of the second half was almost undescribable. I really think the end of half INT on the fade to Garett Maag took the life out of the Hawks. They came out of the locker room up 21-14 but with zero fire or urgency and it showed. SDSU completely destroyed them with three straight touchdowns to go up by 14.
In their first two series, UND fumbled and gave up a big punt return. Those two series allowed the Jacks to score on an 8 yard drive and a 17 yard drive. 25 yards = 2 TD’s.
We all knew the Jacks were going to come out and throw a haymaker but to let them do it three times in a row and not answer or even force a field goal is head-scratching.
UND was going to have problems with SDSU’s massive DL and it showed throughout the game. But, UND still scored 28 offensive points and had over 360 yards. The offense did what I thought they could but the turnovers did them in. Credit to the Jacks for creating turnovers and cashing in on them.
I am moving on to Abilene Christian, who comes to the Alerus Center this weekend. But this game turned into such a fiasco in the second half that I am having a hard time reconciling it.
After SIU I knew that UND would bounce back. After this one I am pretty sure they will be fine but where is the mental state at after having a shot at the #1 team and making so many uncharacteristic mistakes? UND hardly every fumbles and Isaiah Smith fumbled in the third quarter, for example.
Big players need to make big plays in big games. That is what the best programs have happening. UND didn’t have anyone defensively make a big play. Bo Belquist did his best on offense to create big plays but nobody else did much of anything to change the game.
Their playoff hopes are still very much alive and it all starts this weekend. A solid win over ACU (5-2) will be a nice resume addition and get the bad taste out of their mouth’s.
Let’s call it the beginning of the Second Season. Go 3-1 or 4-0 and things will take care of themselves!
Cover photo courtesy of UND Athletics and Russ Hons