Bison football update

**ketelmeister** · 08-29-2009, 08:01 PM

Here's interesting info from Bison Blog

BISON Media Blog

Deciphering the QB battle
It's less than a week before the season opener and there still isn't a starting quarterback in the Bison camp, apparently. Nick Mertens seems like the obvious choice but Dante Perez continues to be in the mix by also taking snaps with the No. 1 offense.

Having two guys taking turns taking reps this late into fall camp leads to the following conclusion: even if Mertens is the starter, he'll be eligible for a quick hook. It's something the Bison didn't have the luxury last season with the departed Troy Jackson as the top backup.

The Bison coaches have made no bones about it; they want better production from quarterback and having Perez making some plays in practice is the best scenario they could have hoped for this August. If I were to guess, Mertens will get the start and will be given at least one half to produce.

There is no other way to configure why two guys are still in a battle for No. 1 less than a week before Iowa State.

Posted by: Jeff Kolpack on 8/29/2009 at 10:11 AM | Permalink

Tags: bison football

08 to '09: evaluating the receivers
Got a shout from a friend who thinks the Bison receivers will actually be better this year than last year. I see the point, but let's break it down.

The premise of the theory is Heckendorf was hurt most of last year and Alex Belquist had an off senior year, especially compared to his junior season. The severity of Heckendorf's injury was not disclosed until after the year, but it's possible he was in the 75 percent range, meaning not very effective and the bottom line: Bison had no go-to guy last year, really.

They still have no go-to guy right now, although everybody is still waiting for Warren Holloway to elevate his game. Warren has the height and speed and has been in the program long enough to be given his shot. It's either this year or bust for Warren; what a perfect spot for a guy to become the featured receiver.

Gary Williams looks better to me this fall than he ever has; looks as though he's going after some balls that maybe he was a little hesitant in the past. So, would you take Heckendorf and Belquist of last year or Holloway and Williams of this fall? Jury is still out. I also like Titus Mack but getting into the flow with the quarterback and the entire offense in general in a matter of a few weeks is just plain tough and undependable.

Whatever the case, the Bison need badly a decent passing game, or Iowa Stat is going to put all 11 players, the student manager and the ballboy in the boex.

**IcSyU** · 08-29-2009, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by ketelmeister

Whatever the case, the Bison need badly a decent passing game, or Iowa Stat is going to put all 11 players, the student manager and the ballboy in the boex.

And we'd probably give up a 7 yard pass over the middle.

**CycloneWarning** · 08-29-2009, 08:06 PM

Having gone through the Flynn-Meyer saga and Arnaud-Bates last year, not having a clear #1 is not a good situation. If Mertens feels like he will get yanked for a mistake -- that usually leads to indecision and mistakes.

The Leak-Tebow model rarely works.

Oh well, I think we can handle the Bison even if the great Stanzi was their QB.

**chadm** · 08-29-2009, 08:06 PM

Whatever the case, the Bison need badly a decent passing game, or Iowa Stat is going to put all 11 players, the student manager and the ballboy in the boex.

I was wondering where the missing 'e' in State was, but I found it.

To be serious, I have co-workers from Fargo, and they are not to high on there team this year. They think an under .500 is expected.

**Al_4_State** · 08-30-2009, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

And we'd probably give up a 13 yard pass over the middle.

Fixed it.

**Cyclonestate78** · 08-30-2009, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by chadm

I was wondering where the missing 'e' in State was, but I found it.

To be serious, I have co-workers from Fargo, and they are not to high on there team this year. They think an under .500 is expected.

Obviously you aren't friends with LakeBison. lol. Not only does he expect NDSU to beat ISU but he expects them to go 12-0 and then have the AP voters vote the Bison into the BCS title game.

**Stewo** · 08-30-2009, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonestate78

Obviously you aren't friends with LakeBison. lol. Not only does he expect NDSU to beat ISU but he expects them to go 12-0 and then have the AP voters vote the Bison into the BCS title game.

It'll happen. You'll see. You all will see!!!! (insert evil laugh)

**Clones85'** · 08-30-2009, 08:44 AM

I've said it before but the Bison will be the worst team we have played in years. If we don't beat them by 30 + it will be a long season IMO

**Istate** · 08-30-2009, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Clones85'

I've said it before but the Bison will be the worst team we have played in years. If we don't beat them by 30 + it will be a long season IMO

This is correct. I won't be really concerned if we don't beat them by 30+ as long as we dominate play. I could see a turnover or two or some penalties that keep NDSU in the game merely due to the adaption to Rhodes new systems.

NDSU will finish fifth or worse in the MVC this year.

**balken** · 08-30-2009, 09:30 AM

OUR QB depth is one more reason FOR VICTORY!!!!!!!

BISON WILL PUNCH YOU IN THEMOUTH TO VICTORY!!!

OUR style is impetuous. OUR defense is impregnable, and WERE just ferocious&#^$(*&^#$(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BISOn win 56-12.

Channeling of lakebison courtesy of Bison Media.

**ISU_Alum_2000** · 08-30-2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

And we'd probably give up a 13 yard pass over the middle on 3rd and 12.

Fixed it again, Al. LOL

**IcSyU** · 08-30-2009, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Clones85'

I've said it before but the Bison will be the worst team we have played in years. If we don't beat them by 30 + it will be a long season IMO

I don't know if I'd go that far. We've been beaten by some pretty awful teams.

Originally Posted by ISU_Alum_2000

Fixed it again, Al. LOL

BS. No way in hell we got somebody to 3rd and 12.

**Wx4Cy** · 08-30-2009, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

And we'd probably give up a 7 yard pass over the middle.

7 yrd pass would be fine. It's the 62 yard run after the catch that sux.

**Bipolarcy** · 08-30-2009, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Clones85'

I've said it before but the Bison will be the worst team we have played in years. If we don't beat them by 30 + it will be a long season IMO

Oh, come on. They can't be THAT bad. They're ranked as high as 15th in one FCS poll and are receiving votes in the main poll.

**Haverhill** · 08-30-2009, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneWarning

Having gone through the Flynn-Meyer saga and Arnaud-Bates last year, not having a clear #1 is not a good situation. If Mertens feels like he will get yanked for a mistake -- that usually leads to indecision and mistakes.

The Leak-Tebow model rarely works.

Oh well, I think we can handle the Bison even if the great Stanzi was their QB.

Tebow is the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd variable of every equation.