UND's developing rush attack to face tough test

The sting of a heartbreaking loss can linger, but for the UND football team, there's a renewed sense of hope as they prepare for a crucial home game against Illinois State. Last Saturday’s road defeat at Youngstown State, sealed by a late fourth-and-19 conversion, was tough to swallow. Yet, amidst the disappointment, a spark ignited – a noticeable improvement in the offensive line's performance. Now, the No. 11 Fighting Hawks are eager to build on that momentum as they welcome the No. 10 Illinois State Redbirds to the Alerus Center this Saturday at 1 p.m., a game broadcast on Midco Sports and ESPN+.

“I think our offensive line played a really good game, which is super encouraging,” UND quarterback Jerry Kaminski shared. “There's a lot to build on and a lot to learn from. I’m excited to attack this week and build from last week.” The game holds significant weight as UND aims to solidify its position in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, a conference known for its competitive nature and demanding physicality. Missouri Valley Football Conference

The offensive resurgence is particularly noteworthy considering the significant changes to UND’s running game after the departures of Gaven Ziebarth (graduation) and Sawyer Seidl (Wake Forest) last offseason. This season, the tandem of Charles Langama and Matt Lawson have stepped up, contributing significantly to the team's ground attack. Langama currently boasts 555 rushing yards, while Lawson has amassed 541 yards, making them one of only five sets of FCS teammates who’ve both surpassed the 500-yard mark this season. Lawson’s performance against Youngstown State was notable, tallying 99 yards on 17 carries, while Langama added 20 yards on nine attempts. As a team, UND averaged a solid 4.5 yards per carry on the ground last Saturday.

The recent improvement in the running game isn’t solely due to the efforts of Langama and Lawson; the return of key tight ends Haydn Stay and Hunter Kallstrom from injury has also played a vital role. Their presence provides crucial blocking support and opens up running lanes. “I think if we get our fundamentals down, we can be explosive,” Stay, a fifth-year senior, stated, emphasizing the importance of consistent execution. The resurgence of the run game has elevated UND’s ranking to No. 2 in the MVFC. University of North Dakota Athletics

The Challenge Ahead

While UND’s running game has shown promise, the team faces a formidable challenge against Illinois State. The Redbirds boast the No. 1 ranked run defense in the MVFC, allowing an average of just 103 rushing yards per game. This presents a significant hurdle for the Fighting Hawks as they look to continue their offensive progress. “Stats don't lie — they're a good defense,” Stay acknowledged. “They’re big. They’ll be good. But I think if we just stick to what we know and what we work on all the time, we’ll have success.”

However, a closer look at Illinois State's defensive statistics reveals a nuanced picture. Their impressive run defense numbers are largely inflated by their non-conference schedule. Teams like St. Francis, Western Illinois, and Eastern Illinois struggled to gain significant yardage on the ground. The Redbirds have also demonstrated strength against the bottom half of the MVFC, limiting Southern Illinois to 73 yards, Indiana State to 80, and Murray State to 96. Nevertheless, Northern Iowa managed to run for 199 yards, and South Dakota State tallied an even more impressive 239. This suggests that a powerful rushing attack, like UND’s potential, could exploit weaknesses in Illinois State’s defense.

“It's going to be hard-nosed football,” Kaminski predicted. “It'll be won or lost in the trenches. It's going to be a tough, physical game, and we're excited for it.” The upcoming game promises a clash of styles – UND’s developing run game against Illinois State’s stout run defense – setting the stage for a potentially pivotal matchup in the MVFC race.

Community Reaction

The community of Grand Forks has rallied around the UND football team, and the recent strides in the running game have brought a renewed sense of optimism. Residents are eager to see the Fighting Hawks build on this momentum and secure a victory at the Alerus Center. The game against Illinois State is more than just a sporting event; it's a community gathering, a chance to celebrate local pride and support the university’s athletes. Families and neighbors are planning gatherings, and local businesses are offering promotions to encourage attendance, reinforcing the strong connection between the team and the Grand Forks community. Grand Forks Downtown Association

Megan’s Take

What’s truly encouraging about UND’s recent offensive progress isn’t just the yardage, but the way it speaks to the resilience of this team and the dedication of the coaching staff. Losing key players like Ziebarth and Seidl would have been a devastating blow to many programs, but UND has found a way to adapt and evolve. The commitment of players like Langama and Lawson, coupled with the return of crucial support personnel like Stay and Kallstrom, demonstrates a remarkable level of perseverance. I believe the team's focus on fundamentals, as Stay emphasized, is a key indicator of their maturity and potential for sustained success. As a community, we value hard work and dedication, and these young men embody those qualities. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, strong families and committed teams can find a path forward.

I’m particularly interested to see how UND’s offensive line continues to develop. Protecting Kaminski and creating running lanes will be essential for success against Illinois State and beyond. The ability to establish a consistent running game not only takes pressure off the passing attack but also provides a crucial element of control in tight, physical contests. It's inspiring to witness these young men striving for excellence, embodying the values of perseverance, teamwork, and faith that are so deeply ingrained in our community. It’s a testament to the power of commitment and the enduring spirit of the American dream – the opportunity to rise above challenges and achieve one’s full potential.

What’s Next

Following Saturday’s game against Illinois State, UND will face South Dakota State on the road. The Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule remains demanding, with each game presenting a significant test for the Fighting Hawks. However, with the recent improvements in their offensive line and running game, UND has demonstrated a renewed sense of confidence and resilience. The team’s focus will remain on fundamentals, execution, and unwavering commitment to their goals. South Dakota State University

The coaching staff will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of maintaining this momentum and continuing to refine their strategies. The players, driven by a desire to represent their university and community with pride, will continue to work tirelessly to achieve their full potential. As the season progresses, the UND football team’s journey promises to be a captivating story of perseverance, dedication, and the enduring power of teamwork.

Resources for Fans

For fans looking to stay informed and connected with the UND football team, several resources are readily available. The University of North Dakota Athletics website (und.edu) provides up-to-date schedules, scores, news, and statistics. Midco Sports (midcosports.com) offers live game coverage and highlights. ESPN+ (espn.com/espnplus) provides streaming access to select games. The Missouri Valley Football Conference website (Missouri Valley Football Conference) offers comprehensive information about the conference and its member institutions. Additionally, fans can follow the team on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.

The community’s support remains invaluable, and fans are encouraged to attend games, wear their Fighting Hawks gear, and share their enthusiasm with others. Together, we can create an electric atmosphere at the Alerus Center and contribute to the team’s success. As we look ahead to the remainder of the season, let us continue to celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit of the UND football team.