UMD week 5

[BulldogFan]

Another one that UMD tried to lose. Special teams really needs to be a focus as they prepare this week. I think every game special teams have either given up points or major field position. This week it was two blocked punts (one for a TD return) and a blocked kick. They also seem to be the only team in the league that squibs every kickoff and can’t put it deep. Other thing that seems to be consistent is the struggle to cover the pass. Gave up over 300 this week and could have been more if not for some drops. Run defense was stellar and they need to keep focus on pass rush looks as that is the only time they stop the pass.

Offensively they looked good at times and other times flat. Another week with Olson at QB1 (seem to be set there now) and Walljasper coming in at odd times to run it. Package is so predictable by formation anyone watching can know where the ball is going. Graetz seems to be totally out of the picture at this point. Will be interesting if something happens to Olson who takes over those snaps. Dogs gave the RB group a lot of touches to a lot of guys and they all looked good Oline had another solid outing and seems to be the most consistent group for Duluth.

Quite a few things to fix this week but a wins a win.

[umd1]

I think the special teams issues are stemming from our low scholarship numbers.... every year we start to see that gap show up in the conference, and it usually shows up with the special teams and backups once injuries mount up. If UMD doesn't start to increase their numbers, this will always be the case. It is sad that they are still at the bottom of the conference for scholarships, especially with football being a numbers game.