Montana State started the day by unveiling QB DeNarius McGhee, who was not expected to play this week because of injury, and finished by dominating UND in all facets of the game – winning 63-20 in the Big Sky Conference opener for both teams.  We were so wrong in our estimation and prediction of the game, but we did not expect McGhee to play.   Wouldn’t have made much of a difference but it sure didn’t help.  Having said that, we still expected better from the team on Saturday.

  • 1st Downs:  MSU 36  UND 16
  • Rushing yards:  MSU 332  UND 165
  • Total yards:  MSU 603  UND 250
  • The Bobcats punted twice.  That’s 3 punts total by Montana State and Montana in the last 2 games.
  • As a team, UND players lacked leadership, heart and pride on the field.  At some point we and most fans expect some fire out of somebody, anybody.  Everyone seemed to be going through the motions the exact same way they did vs. Montana.
  • Greg Hardin was held without a catch – unacceptable.  He was open a few occasions, but was overthrown and missed.  He needs to get the ball in all fashions, not just 45 yard bombs.  Hitches, digs, bubble screens – something to allow him to run after the catch.  The last few games he seems to be relegated to “homerun” guy and that’s it.
  • UND QBs were poor and played like freshman.  Pass protection didn’t help matters any as Ryan Bartels was sacked 4 times and was on the run many other times.  Joe Mollberg still doesn’t appear to be able to figure out his pre-snap and post-snap reads – it’s painfully obvious on the field and when he comes back to the sidelines.  The first INT by the MSU linebacker is an example.  The LB was right there dropping to the flat meaning an interior route had to be the choice.

There’s plenty more to be talked about, but we’re gonna move on.

UND travels to Pocatello, Idaho this week to take on Idaho State.  They last traveled there in 2008 and came away with a 38-35 win as a D2 transitional team.  If UND continues to play the way they have, this game will be a challenge to say the least.  ISU (2-2) is not as bad as their past couple games indicate.   Coach Mike Kramer will make them better and it is slowly appearing that way now that he has had some time to tweak the team.