On to the Semis

[SpiderFan26]

Most had us around 6-5 or 7-4 at the beginning of the season, which was fair given an easy beginning and a tough finish. I don't think most had us as a team that could put up 500 yds of offense against last years runner-ups.

This team tonight showed that there really isn't one thing a defense can do to shut us down. ISU played mostly cover 2 first half, and we tore it up on seam passes down the middle. Then they went man, and most teams don't have the corners to stop Diggs, Brown, and someone like Wilkins 1 on 1 the whole game. Then, even with numbers in the box, Jacobi broke free.

All the analysts and ISU fans were right, Jacobi is no Coprich... cause hes better. Plain and simple. Runs harder, fights harder, and closes out big time games.

The one bad thing is the weak secondary was exposed again, however can we all agree the 2 or 3 man pass rush does not work. Once or twice a game is fine, but we ran that 7 straight plays and they picked up about 70 quick yards.

Aside from them, one of the best overall performances a Spider team has put together in a while. NDSU thinks they got a break by having #2 go down. If they beat UNI tomorrow, they may be wishing for Illinois St after next weekend

 

[MolivaManiac]

Wow. Just wow.

 

[32counter]

Plane leaving BMI shortly to arrive at RIC at 2:05am ET.

Have a GREAT flight.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/CXP751/history/20151212/0530Z/KBMI/KRIC

 

[MolivaManiac]

I'm awake. Who is coming?

 

[Stonewall D]

I'm awake. Who is coming?

You are crazy.

 

[MolivaManiac]

Spider dog and I are headed over in a few. See you there.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

Most had us around 6-5 or 7-4 at the beginning of the season, which was fair given an easy beginning and a tough finish. I don't think most had us as a team that could put up 500 yds of offense against last years runner-ups.

This team tonight showed that there really isn't one thing a defense can do to shut us down. ISU played mostly cover 2 first half, and we tore it up on seam passes down the middle. Then they went man, and most teams don't have the corners to stop Diggs, Brown, and someone like Wilkins 1 on 1 the whole game. Then, even with numbers in the box, Jacobi broke free.

All the analysts and ISU fans were right, Jacobi is no Coprich... cause hes better. Plain and simple. Runs harder, fights harder, and closes out big time games.

The one bad thing is the weak secondary was exposed again, however can we all agree the 2 or 3 man pass rush does not work. Once or twice a game is fine, but we ran that 7 straight plays and they picked up about 70 quick yards.

Aside from them, one of the best overall performances a Spider team has put together in a while. NDSU thinks they got a break by having #2 go down. If they beat UNI tomorrow, they may be wishing for Illinois St after next weekend

As I mentioned in the point spread thread, the computers and odds makers really underestimate our team because of our early struggles against weak FBS and OOC teams. Most of the predictions had us 6-5 even after the 5-1 start! (Losing every game but Albany)

This team has looked so good the past 3 games when healthy.

Major props to Coach Rocco. These guys look very confident. Even if we travel to the Fargodome they won't be intimidated.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

Most had us around 6-5 or 7-4 at the beginning of the season, which was fair given an easy beginning and a tough finish. I don't think most had us as a team that could put up 500 yds of offense against last years runner-ups.

This team tonight showed that there really isn't one thing a defense can do to shut us down. ISU played mostly cover 2 first half, and we tore it up on seam passes down the middle. Then they went man, and most teams don't have the corners to stop Diggs, Brown, and someone like Wilkins 1 on 1 the whole game. Then, even with numbers in the box, Jacobi broke free.

All the analysts and ISU fans were right, Jacobi is no Coprich... cause hes better. Plain and simple. Runs harder, fights harder, and closes out big time games.

The one bad thing is the weak secondary was exposed again, however can we all agree the 2 or 3 man pass rush does not work. Once or twice a game is fine, but we ran that 7 straight plays and they picked up about 70 quick yards.

Aside from them, one of the best overall performances a Spider team has put together in a while. NDSU thinks they got a break by having #2 go down. If they beat UNI tomorrow, they may be wishing for Illinois St after next weekend

Even Al Groh said come put the 4 man front back in, put pressure on him, make him uncomfortable.

 

[I-M-UR]

The better team won. This was no fluke, it could have been worse. (UR win by a bigger margin). We need to scheme in some different pass rushing options; To put pressure on the opposing QB. We can't miss or have extra points blocked. I'm gladly eating my crow this morning and looking forward to my next helping next week end.

 

[SpiderGuy]

Even Al Groh said come put the 4 man front back in, put pressure on him, make him uncomfortable.

I thought Al did a really good idea of injecting analysis. Behind the mic, he knows his stuff. Obviously he's also a DR and U of R fan.

 

[Spider B]

On the pass rush, i dont think getting to Roberson was the goal last night. The plan was to keep him in the pocket and make him beat us throwing from the pocket. Obviously he wasnt able to do it.

 

[SpiderFan26]

On the pass rush, i dont think getting to Roberson was the goal last night. The plan was to keep him in the pocket and make him beat us throwing from the pocket. Obviously he wasnt able to do it.

Yes but there's comes a point where the DBs can't cover for 10 seconds. 4 man rush doesn't bring a ton of heat, but it at least makes him throw it within reasonable time

 

[ur2K]

Everyone stop complaining about little stuff - we are in the final four

 

[Hanca]

Do not think any poster complaining about little stuff. Lack of pass rush with 3 could be major factor, especially if Wenzel(?) Returns as NDSU qb. Missed extra points can be devastating, not only to score but to game strategy. NDSU probably put away UNI on 2nd half kickoff return for TD which gave them lead. Special teams remain troubling and NDSU appears to have huge advantage in that phase of game. UR and coaches are having great season( I predicted 5-6) but little things determine who advances at this stage.

 

[Spider B]

I predict Yoder will have a good day in the Fargo Dome. The kicking conditions inside should be perfect.

 

[spidermex]

The NDSU kicker has been struggling quite a bit lately and has missed his last 6 out of 10 field goals or something close to that stat. Yoder continues to heal and should be back close to full strength this week. FGs, PATs and kickoffs are all critical at this point and the dome environment sure helps as it takes the weather and wind out of the equation. NDSU has an incredible punter and we have a good one too. Special teams will play a part in the outcome and we need good results from all of our specialists. Most of all, we need to play mistake free football to win this game.

 

[SpiderRick]

Sometimes punters can be too good, if they're out-kicking the coverage.