An honest question

[jackmd]

Re: An honest question

Short answer, we had a good team last year that is better this year. A game we shouldn't have lost at Winona (playoff team) and game we should have won against UND (runners-up), and losses on the road (granted they were big losses) to strong programs in NDSU/UNO. Not saying 9-2 gets us in the playoffs but it might have.

Now, give us your honest answer to this question, Mike_H.

[89rabbit]

Re: An honest question

Did you want his answer or what people at work are telling him?    Just kidding Mike, hugs and kisses!  ;D

Go State!  ;D

[Mike_H]

Re: An honest question

89: I can't give you their opinion because no one else is talking about it.

jackmd: I do not know the answer because I have not seen them play. That is why I asked.

Thanks for some very interesting answers, and also for the emails I have gotten.

TK22867: You apparently did misunderstand, because I have no idea what you are talking about. But thanks for listening! Email me.

[89rabbit]

Re: An honest question

Ok, so you mean to tell me that no one is talking about SDSU's win over NDSU.  :  I guess we have more work to do in Sioux Falls then I thought.

Mike you are the host of the Jackrabbit report and you have not seen them play even once  ???  Is it me or does that seem strange.  I know you have been to the Dome at least twice. Does KWSN even do a Coyote report?

Go State!  ;D

[91rabbit]

Re: An honest question

Following 89rabbit's admonition (although I probably hold Mike_H is higher esteem than most on the board), I will not reply to his question directly, but will hit it from a little different perspective.

I have not followed the Jacks close enough over the past few years like some so as to assess the mechanics/history/personnel of how/why the Jacks are now enjoying such success. What matters most now is that they beat NDSU in a truly great football game. NDSU was THE standard bearer for D2 football (I challenge anyone to deny that) for the past 30 years (especially relative to their dominance of SDSU during those years). Now they have taken their outstanding program with its unparalleled tradition and passion to D1AA. It is unavoidable that those same traits would be present at the D1AA level. Given that the Jacks have a long rivalry with the Bison, this win is all the better.

Compare this game with two other situations in the Minnesota sports scene this past weekend. The Twins and Gophers both played the elite in their respective endeavors. Both COULD have won, but the better teams prevailed. That much success and tradition gives the stellar programs a distinct edge just by walking on the field. To the point, the Jacks beat the Yankees of D2 now D1AA football.

Lastly, I don't but the argument put forth by Chris Solari (and echoed by many on this board--you know who you are!) regarding some type of inferiority complex broadly infecting South Dakotans. In my years at State, followed by frequent visits and other contacts, I find SDers (to quote my late grandfather) the salt of the earth and mostly wonderful people. What they may be exhibiting is a lack of knowledge about the behind the scenes machinations regarding scholarships coupled with a SEEMING lack of communication/input from the decision makers (a situation that is not unique to SDSU). The so-called naysayers/FESers need education and true dialogue, not scorn from perceived elites who already govern too much of their lives.

[89rabbit]

Re: An honest question

91,

Great post. You hit the nail right on the head. I also know what you are saying about those with concerns. I remember when you came to the board you asked hard hitting questions. The thing I have always liked about you is your openness to ideas. I try and not quote myself but here is something that I posted before our first D-I contest, I think it speaks to your concerns.

89rabbit wrote:

"The word Fan is derived from the word fanatic. When used as an adjective the definition is fanatic - marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to (in this case SDSU). So I do understand how someone could be a fan of SDSU and be upset by our move to D-I. I say to any that feel this way. Please let us know your concerns, let us help you understand why this is a good move not only for the University but also for the State as a whole. Give us your reasoning as to why you are troubled by the direction that the University has taken and we will offer hope so that you can once again fully support with excessive enthusiasm and intense devotion that which you love.

I think where people on this board tend to get a little upset is when folks who are not fans of SDSU, who do not have the best interests of our fine institution at heart, who even mock us come to the board to take pot shoots at us. Since we are in that political time of year I will offer up an analogy that may help explain my point. Be you a Democrat or Republican when the primary races are over one would hope that the Party unites behind its chosen candidate. Some years it is tougher then other, I understand that. The same is true about SDSU’s decision to move our Athletics program to the D-I level. The decision has been made (the primaries are over) and the first season of D-I is upon us (the general election is here). It is time for all good Jackrabbit fans to rally to the cause. We are South Dakota State University and we need your support.

For those who can not give that support right now I encourage you to stay open minded and let us help you. Time will heal old wounds and when you are ready we will be waiting to except you back into the fold. If on the other hand you are not a fan and have come on the board to attack that which we hold dear, please be forewarned that your assertions will be met with enthusiasm and intense devotion, because this is a SDSU fan board."

Go State! ;D

[Mike_H]

Re: An honest question

89: You talk about USD all the time and you haven't seen them play.

[CatchEmAll_Guy]

Re: An honest question

OK, gonna take some heat for this, but here goes.

Seems like everyone should read 89's post on being a fanatic, then take a look at this board. While he calls for those who have questioned the DI move to bring their questions, it seems that when ever someone questions anything they are blasted and labeled a hater, a USD fan, unfavorable member of the press, etc. Even those that are shown to be fans of the move get attacked on occasion for questioning anything. Time to pull back and look at this whole thing from the other side of the fence. Right now it seems all roses since the football team has had some success and the volleyball team is faring well against DI teams. But what will be the mood if/when those roses wilt for a while.

Be fanatic, I love it. But don't try to intimidate those that aren't into leaving the board or trying to convert them through force. It doesn't work.

[CatchEmAll_Guy]

Re: An honest question

89: You talk about USD all the time and you haven't seen them play.

Nice comeback Mike.

[SDSUFAN]

Re: An honest question

;D ;D ;DI honestly think its because of Ed Meirkort.  Some of his great coaching was exported to Brookings. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Mike:
This is what I thought you wanted to hear since Ed has a weekly show on your program, free of charge.  Ed must be so damn good that you really dont need to talk to SDSU, because they pay for their show. Why would you need to ask a question of SDSU fans? ;D

[SDSUFAN]

Re: An honest question

Mike - Great question.

I was one of the many who was very pessimistic after the Davis game, and am still one who wants to see how the season ends before making any rash statements.

Can't explain how or why this team wins.  There are some strong areas, but also some areas that still need to be shored up.  Can anyone explain why "one of the best QB's in Jack's history" was sharing time with Kardoes against NDSU?  I don't personally agree with rotating QB's unless it's a matter of necessity, which with Nelson's season last year one would assume he's good enough to take all of the snaps this year.  Also, I do believe that NDSU figured out SDSU's running game in the second half.  Watson had 115 yards at the half, 133 total, that equals 18 yards in the second half.    If the remaining opponents watch this film they should be able to figure out what NDSU did in the second half, which means our coaches will have to figure out how to counter that.

Saturday was my first and only game to attend in person this season.  Saw some good things, some bad, some decisions that made me question coaches.  I do think the remaining schedule will provide some stern tests and show what kind of team we have.

So, back to Mike's question...Why is this team winning?  Momentum...home games (we don't lose at CAS)...some lucky bounces/calls (take away that bogus pass interference call in the endzone and the last minute of the NDSU game is entirely different).

Savage as you will.

Catchem All
The reason Andy Kardoes does come in from time to time is to run certain running plays. Its no reflection on Brad Nelson at all, as Kardoes I was told by Coach Luke Meadows in the tent after the game, does not have the eye for the field but can do some run plays that Brad can not. I asked coach if next year, SDSU might have more running plays involving the QB and he said maybe. Also I was told that true freshman Ryan Berry from Watertown SD is coming on real good in practice and seems to have a Brad Nelson arm. Maybe he can run too not sure.

[CatchEmAll_Guy]

Re: An honest question

Catchem All
The reason Andy Kardoes does come in from time to time is to run certain running plays. Its no reflection on Brad Nelson at all, as Kardoes I was told by Coach Luke Meadows in the tent after the game, does not have the eye for the field but can do some run plays that Brad can not.  I asked coach if next year, SDSU might have more running plays involving the QB and he said maybe. Also I was told that true freshman Ryan Berry from Watertown SD is coming on real good in practice and seems to have a Brad Nelson arm.  Maybe he can run too not sure.

Based on this, is there any concern for next year.  I know Kardoes needs time to mature and begin to see the field as do all quarterbacks, but is there any indication from the staff that he has it in him, or will the Berry kid from Watertown be the man next year.  I haven't talked to the staff so I'm relying on others for their input.

My concern for this year then is that when Kardoes is in the defense can load up to stop the run thereby negating having him in. He threw two passes against NDSU, not enough for any upcoming team to think he's a threat to pass. So does rotating him in make that much of a difference. Granted, he made a nice run on the sneak for the touchdown vs. NDSU. I get worried about flow of the game when QB's are rotated, trust me, played through that situation and it's not fun.

[jackmd]

Re: An honest question

OK, gonna take some heat for this, but here goes.

Seems like everyone should read 89's post on being a fanatic, then take a look at this board.  While he calls for those who have questioned the DI move to bring their questions, it seems that when ever someone questions anything they are blasted and labeled a hater, a USD fan, unfavorable member of the press, etc.  Even those that are shown to be fans of the move get attacked on occasion for questioning anything.  Time to pull back and look at this whole thing from the other side of the fence.  Right now it seems all roses since the football team has had some success and the volleyball team is faring well against DI teams.  But what will be the mood if/when those roses wilt for a while.

Be fanatic, I love it.  But don't try to intimidate those that aren't into leaving the board or trying to convert them through force. It doesn't work.

I am now confused. Is it still possible that we will be DII if things don't work out this year? Not as far as I understand. Why in the hell would anyone want to dwell on the decision to move up? Please explain this to me.

[89rabbit]

Re: An honest question

89: You talk about USD all the time and you haven't seen them play.

If I was the paid host of the Coyote report I would have seen them play.

Go State! ;D

[Mike_H]

Re: An honest question

89: Nice job of turning this thread to be about me, and nice job of assuming stuff you don't know!

Not that it is any of your business, but I will tell you that I did not attend the game Saturday because 3 close friends of mine got inducted into the South Dakota Amatuer Baseball Hall of Fame that evening. I chose friendship over institutions. Sue me.