NDSU NEXT GAME:Lafayette Leopards @ NDSU BISON Preview Alert

[eaglesfootball]

Psu played two Pac-10 schools last year but good lord they aren't doing themselves any favors with what they've got going on this season. Other than them I think as a whole the big sky schools have really decent schedules and I'm not understanding the notion that playing a DII here and there automatically negates a schools entire schedule. You have to look at the whole picture.

[Gil Dobie]

Looks like a lot of interest in NDSU's Lafayette game. Should be one for the ages.

[JBB]

Psu played two Pac-10 schools last year but good lord they aren't doing themselves any favors with what they've got going on this season. Other than them I think as a whole the big sky schools have really decent schedules and I'm not understanding the notion that playing a DII here and there automatically negates a schools entire schedule. You have to look at the whole picture.

It doesn't negate their entire schedule. My only point is the lower division games that dont count should not be included in a schools official won/loss record.

An FBS/BCS/Charter member major conference school isnt "scheduling down" when they play an FCS opponent. FCS opponents are "counters" for them. D2, NAIA, NAIA Transitional, D3 etc are not "counters" for FCS teams.

Looks like a lot of interest in NDSU's Lafayette game. Should be one for the ages.

I agree Gil, its a good early sign for the interest this game is starting to attract on the national scene. Its a little early yet to gauge the actual crowd size but Im guessing around 18,000 with upside to the 19,000 range?

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Psu played two Pac-10 schools last year but good lord they aren't doing themselves any favors with what they've got going on this season. Other than them I think as a whole the big sky schools have really decent schedules and I'm not understanding the notion that playing a DII here and there automatically negates a schools entire schedule. You have to look at the whole picture.

It doesn't negate their entire schedule. My only point is the lower division games that dont count should not be included in a schools official won/loss record.

An FBS/BCS/Charter member major conference school isnt "scheduling down" when they play an FCS opponent. FCS opponents are "counters" for them. D2, NAIA, NAIA Transitional, D3 etc are not "counters" for FCS teams.

Looks like a lot of interest in NDSU's Lafayette game. Should be one for the ages.

I agree Gil, its a good early sign for the interest this game is starting to attract on the national scene. Its a little early yet to gauge the actual crowd size but Im guessing around 18,000 with upside to the 19,000 range?

If you didn't notice... and by if I mean you didn't notice at all, Gil was being facetious. The reason this thread is so long is because you keep posting in it, and everyone else has been calling you out for crazy hobo on the street muttering to yourself that you are. In the end, this thread will have been infinitely more entertaining than the prairie cows/Leopards matchup.

[JBB]

I dont think Gil was kidding. The stakes for this game are pretty low. That does tend to cap the potential of the game being "one for the ages". You never know though, a well played exciting game always gets a page in BISON LORE and becomes a point of reference for future generations.

Like I said earlier its tough to pinpoint a crowd this far out but Im thinking 18,000 - 19,000. Part of that is the opponent. A respected FCS opponent is always better than an inter-divisional game.

Last season the Leopards played in front of 10,000 plus twice. One was their rival Lehigh last game of the season with 13,982. Lehigh had a decent team last year and went on to eliminate UNI in the first round of the playoffs at the UNI Dome. Early in the season they played at Penn in front of 11,299. 5 of their remainder games had under 5,000 fans and the other 3 under 10,000.

The home venue, the Prestigious Fabulous Fargo Dome is going to make a bigger difference than normal. I think you can give 4 pts on your tally sheet, in favor of NDSU of course, for the home advantage.

[Silenoz]

I dont think Gil was kidding. The stakes for this game are pretty low. That does tend to cap the potential of the game being "one for the ages". You never know though, a well played exciting game always gets a page in BISON LORE and becomes a point of reference for future generations.

Like I said earlier its tough to pinpoint a crowd this far out but Im thinking 18,000 - 19,000. Part of that is the opponent. A respected FCS opponent is always better than an inter-divisional game.

Last season the Leopards played in front of 10,000 plus twice. One was their rival Lehigh last game of the season with 13,982. Lehigh had a decent team last year and went on to eliminate UNI in the first round of the playoffs at the UNI Dome. Early in the season they played at Penn in front of 11,299. 5 of their remainder games had under 5,000 fans and the other 3 under 10,000. The home venue, the Prestigious Fabulous Fargo Dome is going to make a bigger difference than normal. I think you can give 4 pts on your tally sheet, in favor of NDSU of course, for the home advantage.

As if the average Bison fan has heard of Lafayette football

[JBB]

Every BISON fan has heard of Lafayette. They are on our schedule "duh"!

[Gil Dobie]

Every BISON fan has heard of Lafayette. They are on our schedule "duh"!

Every Bison fan new that prior to the NDSU/und rivalry ended, that Lehigh/Lafayette was the longest continous rivalry and still is.

[JBB]

To give you an idea of how Lafayette compares to UNI lets look at the games between the common opponent: Lehigh. Both the Leopards and Panthers lost to Lehigh last season.

The Leopards played them the week before Lehigh traveled to UNI for the first round playoff game. This should have been an advantage for UNI. Catching a team the week after a physical battle with the Leopards is a lucky break for most teams. Its similar to catching a team the week after a big win at BCS FBS Big 12 Charter member Kansas Jayhawks.

Against Lehigh the Leopards had 21 first downs as opposed to UNIs 15.

Lafayette 223 yds passing UNI 63.

Lafayette intercepted twice, UNI 3 times. In fact Lafayette outgained UNI in total offense and allowed Lehigh over 100 fewer yards!

Focusing your analysis on certain key statistical indicators you can easily divine that the Leopards are every bit as good as the Panthers.

[DJH]

Here's some key statistics, -40 rushing yards and 11 sacks.

[Silenoz]

Well looking at the key statistics of score and yards gained, NDSU < EWU <<<<<< MSU <<<<<< NDSU < EWU <<<<<< MSU, for infinity

Transitive property for the lose

[JBB]

The win over NDSU was certainly one of the great all time highlights for the UNI Panther program. No doubt about that and every bit of your bragging is justified. It was one of those "over-reaching" type victories.

UNI was able to hang on for a narrow win 16-9 despite having over 200 yds more offense than NDSU and 4 more red zone attempts. The Panthers were unable to move the ball against the BISON defense on the short field getting 1 TD from the red zone in 6 tries. This would plague UNI until the playoffs when the Panthers season ended, at home, against Lehigh, in a well officiated game. Teams studied the NDSU approach and copied it. Lehigh used it effectively too.

In the statistical comparison between the common Lehigh opponents of UNI and Lafayette we see a good matchup brewing for the Fabulous Fargo Dome. Lafayette comes in with a similar pedigree to UNI. Both lost to Lehigh on consecutive weeks last season with Lafayette playing the better game. Both Lafayette and UNI got Lehigh at home. The statistical analysis prepared and presented above really points this out with superb clarity, dont you think? Lafayette = UNI

[Silenoz]

NDSU had 120 yards against Missouri State last year, while Murray State has 820. I guess NDSU has about 1/7 the pedigree of the Racers then

[DJH]

The win over NDSU was certainly one of the great all time highlights for the UNI Panther program. No doubt about that and every bit of your bragging is justified. It was one of those "over-reaching" type victories.

UNI was able to hang on for a narrow win 16-9 despite having over 200 yds more offense than NDSU and 4 more red zone attempts. The Panthers were unable to move the ball against the BISON defense on the short field getting 1 TD from the red zone in 6 tries. This would plague UNI until the playoffs when the Panthers season ended, at home, against Lehigh, in a well officiated game. Teams studied the NDSU approach and copied it. Lehigh used it effectively too.

In the statistical comparison between the common Lehigh opponents of UNI and Lafayette we see a good matchup brewing for the Fabulous Fargo Dome. Lafayette comes in with a similar pedigree to UNI. Both lost to Lehigh on consecutive weeks last season with Lafayette playing the better game. Both Lafayette and UNI got Lehigh at home. The statistical analysis prepared and presented above really points this out with superb clarity, dont you think? Lafayette = UNI

LOLOLOLOL

Even for you, wow...

[kalm]

The win over NDSU was certainly one of the great all time highlights for the UNI Panther program. No doubt about that and every bit of your bragging is justified. It was one of those "over-reaching" type victories.

UNI was able to hang on for a narrow win 16-9 despite having over 200 yds more offense than NDSU and 4 more red zone attempts. The Panthers were unable to move the ball against the BISON defense on the short field getting 1 TD from the red zone in 6 tries. This would plague UNI until the playoffs when the Panthers season ended, at home, against Lehigh, in a well officiated game. Teams studied the NDSU approach and copied it. Lehigh used it effectively too.

In the statistical comparison between the common Lehigh opponents of UNI and Lafayette we see a good matchup brewing for the Fabulous Fargo Dome. Lafayette comes in with a similar pedigree to UNI. Both lost to Lehigh on consecutive weeks last season with Lafayette playing the better game. Both Lafayette and UNI got Lehigh at home. The statistical analysis prepared and presented above really points this out with superb clarity, dont you think? Lafayette = UNI

LOLOLOLOL

Even for you, wow...

Can't wait till the St. Francis, PA = EWU, Montana State, UNI thread.

[JBB]

The reason I am so successful with football prognostication is that I go with the facts. When looking at UNI, Lafayette and their common opponent on consecutive weeks, Lehigh, I see a stronger performance by Lafayette, a team out of contention and playing for pride.

UNI had everything on the line, home field and the National Championship for crying-out-loud. Even with motivation UNI fell flat on their face. Officiating was great too, unlike some other playoff games that day.

Lehigh took it to the Panthers in a way they couldnt take it to Lafayette. The only conclusion you can come to is a great game building in Fargo when the Leopards roll into town.

If Im trying to sort out the tea leaves for Lafayette @ NDSU BISON Im looking to the Lehigh game as an important guide. Its something you should do for those desiring successful results in prognosticating Lafeyette @ NDSU BISON.

Gil has it right, the stage is set for a game that is going to make some noise.

[DJH]

The reason I am so successful with football prognostication is that I go with the facts.

Facts: -40 rushing yards, 11 sacks.

0-3

[Screamin_Eagle174]

The reason I am so successful with football prognostication ...

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UND vs USD The Jr. Bowl should be of interest and a nice aside from the main stage in Fargo. UND should have an easy time of it, at least from what they say. Their team has been improving week to week and its not the competition. Its them. Everybody knows the Gophers are no good and of course the fact that NDSU had such an easy time of it just goes to show you they dont have an defense, AGAIN!! Should be a route considering the schedule too. USD is coming off a very tough game really setting the stage for UND and the "Big Win". Will this one do it for the Who? Will they finally get into the "Big 3"?

UC-Davis @ SJSU I have no confidence in the Aggies

SUU vs NAU This is my upset call. SUU wants this game and they want to join the Big Sky. I say the BSC should invite SUU and UND all sports.

Cal Poly @ Fresno State I dont really think there is much strength in this conference. This game will help me understand just exactly what is going on.

Actual results: http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/scoreboar ... ekNumber=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So is 25% successful? No wonder the prairie cows are so good every year!!!

[mlbowl]

Catching a team the week after a physical battle with the Leopards is a lucky break for most teams. Its similar to catching a team the week after a big win at BCS FBS Big 12 Charter member Kansas Jayhawks.

[DJH]

It truly is incredible how he can slip in an excuse like that isn't it?

[JBB]

Now that its been established that Lafayette played a better game against Lehigh than UNI, it can be said with confidence that the Leopards are coming into Fargo with the same panache as UNI. Certainly neither team can declare superiority over the other. UNI was beaten convincingly by Lehigh, a team the 1-10 Lafayette Leopards took to the wire the week before. That spells excitement for the BISON fans and will contribute to the great gate expected for this game.

[Silenoz]

Now that its been established that Lafayette played a better game against Lehigh than UNI, it can be said with confidence that the Leopards are coming into Fargo with the same panache as UNI. Certainly neither team can declare superiority over the other. UNI was beaten convincingly by Lehigh, a team the 1-10 Lafayette Leopards took to the wire the week before. That spells excitement for the BISON fans and will contribute to the great gate expected for this game.

JBB, if this is just some long-running troll job you've pulled, kudos. Otherwise...

edit: Or, if you are afflicted with any sort of high functioning Autism, let me know in a PM and I will apologize for being a dick. Seriously.

[EWURanger]

NDSU is about ready to dominate. That is all anyone needs to know.

[DJH]

NDSU is about ready to dominate. That is all anyone needs to know.

+1000

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

JBB i've been following along until you went into the UNI and Lafayette comparison. Lehigh hardly took it to UNI last year. Defensively they did dominate the Panthers but UNI did a great job on the Hawks offense.The difference in the game were the two long LU pass plays.

Lehigh-Lafayette is an insane rivalry so there are very few blowouts. All that matters is if you win, there are no style points.

Lafayette was a lot better than their record would indicate but at the end of the day they WERE 2-9. Assuming their young players mature into their rolls the Pards will be a very formidable foe. They could easily have the largest W/L turn around in the country. Still, a Top 10 NDSU at home should win this game by 14-17 points. The 40-7/42-10 predictions on Bisonville are way off base imo.

Lehigh and probably Colgate would contend for the MVFC title this year. Holy Cross and Lafayette would be solid mid packers imo.