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Off-the-field distractions were just what the Richmond Spiders didn't need this week. Not only were they already having to deal with the loss of Payton candidate Kyle Lauletta, they now have to get past departure rumors surrounding head coach Danny Rocco that involve an alleged lack of commitment from the school to its football team. On the other hand, North Dakota has to avoid losing their edge after two-straight bye weeks. UND's secondary made perhaps the biggest offseason improvement in all of FCS. The Fighting Hawks had the worst pass defense in the Big Sky last year, only to end up with the best pass D in the league in 2016. Their DBs also have 4 interception return touchdowns on the season. NoDak loves to blitz, too, so Richmond's current QB—Kevin Johnson—is gonna have to be super ready for the Spiders to win this. Being on the road and with everything else going on, that doesn't look likely.

Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- North Dakota
      
      Running Backs - North Dakota
      
      Receivers/TEs - Richmond
      
      Offensive Line - (push)
      
      
      Defensive Line - Richmond
      
      Linebackers --- North Dakota
      
      Secondary ---- North Dakota
      
      
      Kicking ------ Richmond
      
      Punting ------ North Dakota
      
      Return Teams - (push)
      
      Kickoffs ------ North Dakota
      
      
      
      
      
      • Richmond 13-27 North Dakota

Following Rocco's road to Delaware.

Come on ND. We already have the briefing room in Newark set up for Tuesday morning and the drinks on ice.

NoDak leads 17-7 at the half.

North Dakota built a 24-7 lead and then completely pissed it away, losing 27-24.

Mvemjsunpx wrote:North Dakota built a 24-7 lead and then completely pissed it away, losing 27-24.

Griz were playing for them?

93henfan wrote:Come on ND. We already have the briefing room in Newark set up for Tuesday morning and the drinks on ice.

Well, shit. We'll buy more ice!

Vidav wrote:

Mvemjsunpx wrote:North Dakota built a 24-7 lead and then completely pissed it away, losing 27-24.

Griz were playing for them?

No, Northern Iowa.

Seriously, though, this was a lot like UNI's choke against Richmond in the 2008 semis.

Mvemjsunpx wrote:

Vidav wrote:
Griz were playing for them?

No, Northern Iowa.

Seriously, though, this was a lot like UNI's choke against Richmond in the 2008 semis.

Richmond was the better team.