SDSU @ NDSU BISON*

[JBB]

Its a little early for facts & figures. We are still in the 24 hour period reserved for the win. SDSU resides in the same territory after a nice win against the rising MSU Bears. So facts and figures are out. Strong, clear reasoning are in.

I dont think anybody is going to argue intangibles. They are all NDSUs.

1) Coaching. NDSU has an all D-1 staff, younger, more current on "modern" foot ball tactics than older more traditional staffs.
2) Home Field. The historic margin of victory at The Prestigious Fargo Dome is well over 20 points.
3) Home Town. Some of those kids from South Dakota have never seen anything like Fargo. 4-Lane highway, stop lights everywhere with designated turn lanes, 6 DQs and girls, girls, girls.
4) The Marker. SDSU has our Marker.
5) The Tradition. Its all NDSU.
6) The Streak. It is weighing on SDSU.

I know The Football Conglomerate at NDSU is resting and studying today. The calm over the campus is bordering on joy. Its a self confidence that comes with the knowledge you have prepared well and executed. Its that quiet confidence that comes with success.

But its also the humbleness of "The Old AC", knowing there is a lot of work to be done. There is a lot of room for improvement. Practice and learning the game through hard work and study are keys to success always practiced at NDSU.

There, you are now aware of some of the intangibles that will give our boys the edge and vigor needed along the line to "March to Victory" when they take the field at that Fabulous Fargo Dome next Saturday against Arch Rival: SDSU Jackrabbits.

Yes, you guessed it. Im picking The BISON.

[Gil Dobie]

Throw the stats out the window on this one. No matter how good the Bison defense has been, SDSU seems to always be able to score. Tough game to call, but going homer and picking the Bison.

[mlbowl]

GO JACKRABBITS!

[JBB]

*******ATTENTION ALL FANS FROM NDSU AND SDSU********

for immediate release:

The Prestigious Fargo Dome is nearing sell-out! Tickets are still available but act fast. The NDSU Sports Information Director has not issued a "sold-out condition" warning but standing room only signs are expected to be up within 48 hours. If you do not have a ticket you must act fast!

end message.

[blukeys]

Its a little early for facts & figures. We are still in the 24 hour period reserved for the win. SDSU resides in the same territory after a nice win against the rising MSU Bears. So facts and figures are out. Strong, clear reasoning are in.

I dont think anybody is going to argue intangibles. They are all NDSUs.


3) Home Town. Some of those kids from South Dakota have never seen anything like Fargo. 4-Lane highway, stop lights everywhere with designated turn lanes, 6 DQs and girls, girls, girls.

SDSU got to see all of the above in their trip to Newark.

Of Course they also got to see a football team that is better than the one they will see this weekend.

[Gil Dobie]

Of Course they also got to see a football team that is better than the one they will see this weekend.

With any luck, we might see you in the playoffs to decide that.

PS: Is anybody really missing anything not seeing Newark.

[JBB]

When was SDSU in Newark? Are you sure they arent just bragging?

How many fans from SDSU are coming "up to" Fargo?

[Thumper 76]

Oh my mista JBB I sho's lookin fowad to seein da brite lights of da big city in da huooogely populated state of da North Dakota.

But seriously, I'll be there, with my shit talking boots on, and about 4-8 of my friends in tow, shamelessly hitting up tailgates for beer.

[JBB]

I think you are going to have some pretty good luck Thumper76!

[BisonBacker]

I wouldn't want to make a prediction on this one. I have about zero confidence in Mohler at QB. Our offense with him at the helm is lethargic at best. I hope they can pull it out but honestly I don't see this team going anywhere until we get back to a QB who plays confident. I think it will be a close game either way I don't see this being a blowout either way.

[Hambone]

Backer - haven't seen you around much - how is everything going?

As for the SDSU - NDSU game, it seems that the Jacks are the thorn in the Bison's paw lately, beating them to end their undefeated season and for the GWFC title, as well as getting the Jacks into the playoffs last year. I'm in the group that thinks that this will not be a blow out, and SDSU has the chance to play spoiler to NDSU's playoff hopes. As for a prediction.....too close to call.....

[leeshajo]

Not even going to make a call on this one... 1st reason, I have been so off in my predictions this year it isn't funny. 2nd I think it could very easily come down to who has the ball with 3 seconds left to kick the winning field goal. Both teams really want this one.. Bison's season is on the line and you would be kidding yourselves if you don't think SDSU players wouldn't LOVE to be the ones to knock them out of the playoffs... and PRIDE SDSU is completely playing for pride.

Going to be a fun ride... if it were not my weekend to work I would be heading up.

[SloStang]

This has to be one of the most physical games of the season in the FCS. This good old fashion smash mouth football. Should be another classic.

[lakesbison]

Game of the week in fcs, hands down.

Ndsu will come out and punch them in the mouth and avenge the.horrible last 3 marker games.

[Cap'n Cat]

SDSU by 14

[TheHerd]

Capn is flip flopping on his predictions. I love it when you pick against us......its been working lately.

[JBB]

Football is a team sport so team statistics are a big deal. Comparing these two teams from the statistical level indicates a very even matchup. There are 2 things NDSU has in its favor:

1) The BISON have played better than their stats
2) The BISON have allowed far fewer TDs (see pass defense efficiency conference games). This is your betting edge this week.

The BISON are a passing team.

Football is also a sport of individual achievement. The BISON are going to have to find a way to stop or at least slow down Their star running back Kyle Minett. Minett is a good back, one of the best in conference, but he is not that much better than NDSUs own DJ McNorton. McNorton isnt getting the carries Minett is getting but they have the same impact per carry. If the NDSU BISON can at least slow Minett down my expectation is that McNorton can either keep the running games even or provide the winning edge.

Jose Mohler is another ace-in-the-hole for The BISON. He is #3 in the Loop based on QB efficiency. He is not the most prolific QB in the league but he has been steady and has shown he can lead the team. With a good game he can be the difference. With a lot of mistakes, fumbles and sacks have been the achilles heal, he can lose the game for you.

KEYS TO NDSU VICTORY:

Make good decisions at QB and limit the mistakes.

O line must spring McNorton.

D must slow down Minett and get to O'Brien.

NDSU can do all of those.

[JBB]

I think its NDSU by 5. Total score low 40s, say 45. Break away potential NDSU BISON. Return of the Border Marker to NDSU. Full house. Lots of Jacks fans. Good game to be expected.

[BisonBacker]

If Brock Jensen is truly available that completely changes the dynamics of this game IMHO. If Mohler struggles and I'm guessing he will (he's never shown he can play a complete game without a bunch of FVCKUPs and Bohl has the option to bring in Jensen I think NDSU has a much better chance than I did before to win this game. A rusty Brock Jensen is way better than Jose Quervo on his best day.

[JBB]

I dont think Jensen will get any playing time unless Jose gets hurt.

[JBB]

SDSU gave up 500 yds to Indiana state a couple weeks ago. The Sycamores lit them up for just under 300 yds passing and over 200 yds rushing. In a losing effort the Sycamores had a pretty good day against NDSU too but were held to just 27 yds rushing. Thats the stat I like. If NDSU can reduce Minetts production by just 25% or so its a BISON win if we get our day.

[Cap'n Cat]

SDSU gave up 500 yds to Indiana state a couple weeks ago. The Sycamores lit them up for just under 300 yds passing and over 200 yds rushing. In a losing effort the Sycamores had a pretty good day against NDSU too but were held to just 27 yds rushing. Thats the stat I like. If NDSU can reduce Minetts production by just 25% or so its a BISON win if we get our day.

OK. SDSU by 13, then.

[lakesbison]

Cappy. According to your picks, ndsu will be 0-10

[rabidrabbit]

Jacks 17, Bison 14

Should be another classic battle in their 97th? game. Been Eons since Jacks won four in a row, and 2 in a row at Fargo.

Whoever wins the turnover battle will win this.

[BisonBacker]

Now according to the Fargo Foolum the starting QB is a gameday decision. I still think Jose Quervo will start but I'm sure Jensen will be in the game after Mohler F's up countless times.