(12-23-2019 09:01 AM)Dukester Wrote:  I honestly feel confident about this game. I know many of you feel confident about every game and feel that NDSU on a string of 35 consecutive wins, including I think 7 of 8 NCs, isn't that great. Yeah right...

But I think NDSU is that great, but I think we can go toe to toe and could be a hair better. It certainly seems we've improved more through the year.

I think our advantage is likely our receivers. I think both team have great offense lines, QBs, and running games. I'm not sure anyone can match our receivers in FCS.

When our defense has struggled it has been in coverage. They like to run. We like to stop the run. I think we have the advantage.

The key is to stick with Balance. If we take our receivers out of the game due to play calling, we eliminate what is the difference maker for us.

Usually you say the players on the field determine who wins the game. I think with a three year break and two new Head Coaches at the FCS NC coaching may be the difference maker.

I agree. Cig is ten times the coach Entz is.

I believe there are two keys to the game.

1. Pressure on the quarterback. A must have. You all know that I have been harping on this all season. Teams can't run on us, so they have to pass to have a chance. NDSU's O-line has been giving their young quarterback an hour to find open receivers. If we can get pressure on Trey Lance, he will find himself in uncharted waters, leading to mistakes, sacks, incompletions.

2. Our pass coverage. If NDSU is going to win this game, they are going to have to do it in the air. I trust our d-backs will cover well. The one guy I am worried about is Christian Watson. He can fly. He was outrunning MSU defenders by a mile on fly routes Saturday leading to wide-open opportunities. We must watch for him on end-arounds and reverses, also. He touched the ball five times against MSU for 174 yards. Two of those touches went for 70- and 75-yard touchdowns. Big play guy! He led all rushers with 86 yards and all receivers with 88. Only a sophomore, he will play on Sundays.

What is weird is that Watson appears to have just been discovered. It looks like he was a relatively unknown quantity before MSU, even though he had over 600 receiving yards prior to that game. But, only 5 touchdowns? That's about one every three games for a legit home run threat every play.

Our offense is going to do its thing. NDSU is not the defensive threat they used to be. I originally predicted 17-13, Dukes. I think it will be a higher scoring game than that. Dawgs win, 27-20!

Pressure Lance and contain Watson and we win!