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This week is a big week for NDSU. SIU and Dale Lennon are coming to town. I dont know how big the crowd will be. If Fargo is a football town The Prestigious Fargo Dome should be full.

This week things look dismal for the Herd from the perspective of statistics. The only thing consistent about this team is the defense. Its one of, if not the best, in the league. If our offense were as good, and there have been some pretty incredible flashes of brilliance, The BISON would be undefeated with a Big 12 win. One of 3 FCS teams to ever have done that.

The BISON aren't undefeated. They have lost some very good football games to very good teams. Anybody who thinks this league isn't top notch is simply reading headlines. They have little insight. So far, from what Ive seen, UNI and WIU are two of the strongest football teams you will face. Ill and Ind are very talented teams.

NDSU has lost to the Redbirds, The Panthers and The Leathernecks. I think all of them are games NDSU could have won had they played mistake free football. The BISON team is as athletic and competitive as any lineup in the league. That's precisely why I think the best football for The NDSU BISON lies ahead.

We are going to find out on Saturday. Its a late kickoff, 3 PM, and Its a big game. TV, radio and internet.

If you are a BISON fan you have to have confidence in the defense. If, it has its day and the offense is consistent The BISON should be in a position to win.

One interesting statistic of note: NDSU is now a passing team. Overall statistics show about 300 more yds passing than rushing. In fact the entire league is close to balance with most favoring passing except UNI. They are the only pure running team left in the league.

Im looking for a tight game, hard fought say 21-17 NDSU. With the NDSU defense and the fact SIU has experienced some problems on Defense this season it is possible that the BISON could open that up a little more, but I doubt it. Things are just too tight.

IMO, the MVFC has been a high scoring league this year, over-under is probably 70 for this game.

Gil Dobie wrote:IMO, the MVFC has been a high scoring league this year, over-under is probably 70 for this game.

NDSU's putting up a blistering 24 points a game, and the folks they play score less than they usually do.

It'll be a 20s kind of game unless someone breaks the fark out early.

We have three freshmen including a walk on in the DBs. My mom could light us up passing. Bison with relative ease.

houndawg wrote:We have three freshmen including a walk on in the DBs. My mom could light us up passing. Bison with relative ease.

....not if NDSU get 14 penalties.

There are some calls coming in about the reasoning on the defensive comment. I know that SIU has the second best total defense in the league and NDSU is 7th. I also know that when you look at total offense SIU has a clear advantage, not overwhelming but its there.

Ok, thats the 30,000 foot view, lets take a closer look at it and see if we can find a betting edge. I think we can.

The BISON are coming in under the radar. Look at the NDSU average game: SIU gives up 354 and the BISON will produce 351. We are going to have at least an average day. We should get our game and more if we are playing good ball. TIme of possession tells us The BISON will have the ball half the time.

Same can be said for the Salukis except for one important fact: NDSU is #2 in the league for scoring defense. The Salukis allow 10 pts more/game, 7th in the Loop.

From the Misc. column:

NDSU is the most penalized team in the league.

NDSU is last in the league on third down conversions. SIU is last in the league for opponent 3rd down conversions.

Gil Dobie wrote:

houndawg wrote:We have three freshmen including a walk on in the DBs. My mom could light us up passing. Bison with relative ease.

....not if NDSU get 14 penalties.

Dirty program

Thumper 76 wrote:

Gil Dobie wrote:
....not if NDSU get 14 penalties.

Dirty program

More like undisciplined, which goes back to coaching.

If we only got the kids that read scripture and love to hunt and fish, I'm sure we wouldn't have the penalty problem. Remind me, which MVFC team made the press for acting like a bunch of d-bags in the pregame this year.

I was just giving you guys hell mg, I highly doubt that any team goes out saying, I'm going to try to do something illegal every play.

I am certain the NDSU BISON dont play "dirty" foot ball. First of all, to the best of my knowledge almost all of our penalties are procedural. At NDSU we are taught to live by the highest principals of sportsmanship. To believe in the honor of man and the virtue of woman. Our bountiful legacy from the "Old AC" to the present day is to eat a healthy diet and work hard. These are driving principals that help make all of our practices fruitful. No my good friend thumper76, its not dirty play, its enthusiastic undisciplined play.

I have heard that TR is in town talking with the team on an individual basis. Thats the private jet under the lights at Hector. He hasnt been to the Prestigious NDSU BISON Football Offices in the Fabulous Fargo Dome though. Of this we are certain.

JBB wrote:I am certain the NDSU BISON dont play "dirty" foot ball.

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/256173/---2009

The Missouri Valley Football Conference announced today that North Dakota State running back Pat Paschall has been suspended for one game for fighting

My good friend, you are taking that quote "out of context". Our fine running back was antagonized by the thugs on the opposing team. Some fans from another school called them "uncivilized hoodlums". Others report "continued unsportsman-like play by the opposition throughout the game". No one in BISON CITY is saying that.

In any event, at no time did you find the NDSU Football Conglomerate do what many of you might call "making excuses". Our student-athlete, our program and the great fan base accepted the decision from the enforcing authority, recognized the "mistake" and we venture forward with the best intentions and no apologies.

No my friend, NDSU practices the highest standards of sportsman ship.

Wait.

What?

I think you might be confused by good fellow. We are all enjoying a hearty laugh!!!

Wow Bisonites really jumped all over a bit of a joke at them. Sore spot after all the arrests and ol' Pascall last year?

Hounds of Carbonville 44
Prairie Poopers 13

Cap'n Cat wrote:Hounds of Carbonville 44
Prairie Poopers 13

Gil Dobie wrote:

Cap'n Cat wrote:Hounds of Carbonville 44
Prairie Poopers 13

True to his D2 playoff form Dale Lennon has the team "Bus Caravan" Fondly called the Dog Show, ready to roll. They are departing now with horns honking and fans cheering. Dale is leading the way in his K-Car. Its blowing a little blue smoke but what the heck. What a show for the folks in Carbondale!

In the D2 days, if UND made the playoffs, Coach Lennon would borrow some horse trailers from NDSU to get the team to the playoffs. It was a game usually played in Grand Valley or St. Cloud and it would always mark the end of the "deep playoff run". Coach Lennon always said he was going to make a run deep into the playoffs!

The last time they went the trailers were returned to NDSU in less than desirable condition. Some cleaning and repairs were needed and the bill was forwarded to UND. Shortly after that Lennon quit his job at UND and went to Carbondale. The bill has yet to be paid but Coach Mussman "the Mess" tried to borrow them for the big Texas Tech game and was told no. He hasnt called since.

This year Coach Lennon called Iowa State for the trailers. ISU checked with NDSU and after a proper damage deposit the assistant coaches picked up the trailers on Wednesday. They were using a "pinto" hitch which gave the coaches some problems, but they got the trailers home, hosed out, the gear packed and the big shinny orange school busses loaded with team and happy fans. Its going to be a "Whale of a Trip"!

It was funny. As they were loading up the school busses there was some good natured "back and forth" about stopping at McDonalds or Wendys! Those kids were really having a time of it!

I sure hope the Iowa State Trailer Officials told them to turn the wheel in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go when you are backing up. I also hope they arent too confused by all the 4-lane highway up here in the Fargo area.

At any rate we expect the Dog Show to roll into town sometime this afternoon. They will probably practice later this afternoon and then rest for the 3pm kickoff tom.

Welcome to Fargo Dale Lennon and the SIU Salukis!

All is well in Fargo. Both teams are now settled down.

The Fabulous Fargo Dome is bathed in light but eerily there is not a soul in sight. You can waltz in right now, get tickets on the 50 and hot coffee!

Nobody here thinks this is an easy game. Sure they are 3-5/2-3. That record could just as easily be the other way. I like to talk about that concerning NDSU too. How close, how evenly matched. Its so disappointing when you lose and you know you are good.

Chris Dieks is the QB. Good QB, run and best with the best of them. This is just the type of QB that give NDSU problems.

couple good running backs: Harris-strong, shifty runner. Good. & Strother a fast back.

This is a problem for the BISON. This type of combination has been successful against them.

Tailgating tomorrow will be fantastic. Its a little cool now, 42 or so but expect sunny and mid fifties by game time.

There are a lot of fans hoping but not giving the BISON much chance. 3 wins in a row are needed. Big games everyone. Great teams. Not a tomato can in the bunch. So the stands are going to be 3/4 full, 15,000 to see the game.

Two freshman corners and a walk-on safety should guarantee a career day for the Bison QB.

28-17, home team.

Are you going to wear your 'stash?