We were admittedly a bit worried about what team was going to show up on Saturday. Season opener vs a Big 12 power on the road. Only returning a handful of starters and christening a new offensive line, too? Yah, we were concerned.
Thankfully the UND football team wasn’t as concerned. In what was a four quarter battle, the Hawks lost to Iowa State 21-3 but left their faithful feeling hopeful for the 2024 season.
Where to begin: let’s start with the positives.
- The UND offensive line picked up where they left off when it comes to the inside running game. There were some massive holes in the first half, along with nice short yardage push that moved the sticks. Four new starters? No problem, as they played admirably and should only get better.
- UND rushed for 174 yards on 42 carries. Outstanding production on the ground vs a veteran Cyclone defense.
- UND ran 72 plays compared to 48 for Iowa State.
- The Hawks converted on 11-20 third down opportunities and held the ball for over 37 minutes. That is a combination of solid play-calling by OC Isaac Fruechte and good execution by the players.
- The 23 play – 88 yard drive is something I have never seen before and probably never will again. It only resulted in a field goal but ate up 12 minutes of game time in the second quarter.
- I felt Simon Romfo played decent overall. 17-30 fo 121 yards and 1 INT. He ran 11 times for 44 yards (net), with a couple of them being scrambles that led to first downs. That is part of his game and needs to be factored in when grading Simon’s performance. He isn’t going to throw for 300+ yards or wow you with downfield rocket arm strength. He is a QB that needs to run, hit the intermediate stuff, and then connect when a deep shot is dialed up.
- UND’s stable of running backs are good – I mean really good. The triad of Gaven Ziebarth, Isaiah Smith and Sawyer Seidl were fun to watch. They are all different too so it’s kind of cool to see as the game progresses.
- Speaking of Seidl, that kid is an electric factory. Watching him fly through the inside zone was impressive. He needs more touches in creative ways, no doubt, because he is a game breaker.
- Jaden Norby and the tight end/fullbacks were a force early in this one. Multiple times we saw the defender on their back at the end of the play.
- The defensive energy was on point all day. They were flying around with purpose and bringing guys down consistently. Tackling was very good for the first game of season.
- OLB Josh Navratil had a great day. The senior from Pine Island, MN is the most experienced member of the defense and it showed. He had 4 tackles with 1 TFL.
- The front seven played well overall. Iowa State had a tough time running the ball (86 yards). The inside linebacker tandem of Malachi McNeal and Wyatt Pedigo played like the leaders of the defense.
- OLB Lance Rucker was noticeable all day. Taking on blocks, broke up a pass in flats. He has a bright future!
On the flip side, here are some areas that need some work heading into Week 2:
- The downfield passing game wasn’t there all day. UND took a couple shots but none connected. Romfo missed Nate Demontagnac in the end zone after Demontagnac smoked his defender – UND needed that one bad and I am sure Simon wants that one back. Other than that UND didn’t try much due to a variety of reasons, including pass protection issues.
- Speaking of pass pro, it was not what it needs to be. Too many leaks on the interior and just plain getting beat. But, that happens when you are starting four new OL. Let’s remember – UND wasn’t very good in pass protection last year either, with a much more experienced group.
- The secondary wasn’t able to keep up with Noel & Higgins for ISU. Those two are really good, as we stated in the pregame show. They combined for 13 receptions, 210 yards and 2 TD. It doesn’t get any easier this week as Montana is going to show up with 3-4 burners of their own.
- Pass rush didn’t get to QB Rocco Becht (20-26 for 267 yards and 2 TD) very often and can definitely improve on pass rush in Week 2. UND only had one QB-hurry, no sacks, no interceptions or forced fumbles.
- UND defense gave up 353 yards of offense. Cyclones were 5-10 on third down. Not bad but room for improvement.
- C.J. Elrichs went 1-2 on field goals, missing the second one that would’ve made it 21-6. I wasn’t thrilled that UND decided to kick a field goal with seven minutes left vs a team like ISU. The chances that the Hawks get back down to the 16 yard line again TWICE were slim, considering how the first three quarters went. So why not try and get the TD now and hope for the best? Three points did nothing for me there and they missed it anyway.
- The UND secondary is very young with four new starters. I know it’s going to take time but they need to try to play the ball more and take chances as the season progresses. The Hawks only had 7 interceptions in 12 games last year.
- On the injury front: hearing that DE Braden Mohr’s injury may have been serious. No way to know for sure until confirmed but the way they handled it during and after the game makes me worried. He is a young kid with alot of talent, sad to see that happen.
We are on to Da Griz! The atmosphere inside the Alerus is going to be awesome Saturday night. 6:00pm kickoff. #3 team in the country coming to town. This game can mean alot come the end of the year, for both teams.