Post by #1CoyoteFan (Admin) on May 1, 2012 3:16:53 GMT -6
First of all, it isn't possible to ignore the past. NDSU certainly has a celebrated past, and one that any alumni would be proud of. Since the 60's, Bison football has been the benchmark for Division 2 programs, and they have continued with success as they have transitioned to D-1. As a former player, it was fun to play them (and beat them) because of who they are (were).
I believe what rankles the posters on this board is the perceived arrogance that a few Bison posters have displayed on this site. It's one thing to puff out your chest and crow on your board, it's another to do it on our board. So please keep that in mind in future posts as my preference is to have them continue posting as the rivalry starts up again.
To all USD fans, in all candor, this is the team we need to focus on and chase. We are definitely behind in many aspects. It is true that they do indeed have a major financial advantage over USD, but more dollars doesn't always equate into wins or success. I will give them e credit they deserve with their fan base. They are without doubt the best FCS football fans in the country. Quite frankly, I am in awe of them. They support their team no matter what. When I tailgates their 2 years ago prior to us playing them, they simply have it going. Big crowds, knowledgable, travel well and far, financial supporters, and vocal crowds. It is called TRADITION.
This is what I want for USD in the worst way, but as much as I bleed Coyote Red, we have nothing in our past that would indicate we are on the verge of breaking out. I hate admitting it, but that's a fact. Our students are apathetic. Our alumni don't support Coyote athletics like they should. We have a rough time selling out the Dome for D-Days and other big games.
The bottom line is this. If you want to win, you put up or shut up. You give dollars, and you buy seats. You learn to travel with the team when they are on the road. You have high expectations that comes from the donations.
All of this being said, it still is possible that USD will compete because we still have 63 scholarship athletes, good coaches, and a smaller but passionate fan base that needs to expand on itself. We have beat them before, we'll beat them again, but if we want to be in the Title Talk on an annual basis, things have to change. Can we be in the hunt in any given year? Yes. Every year? Not right now. It's our job to change that mentality.
Get ready Sioux Falls, because one way or another Joe Glen is gonna bring a team ere that expects to beat NDSU, and you damned well be there. Buy those tickets, and buy them now. If ou are a businessman, but 100 of them and give them to Coyote fans. This game will tell me just how big a pair we have.
Right on the money as always Yoteforever