i like our chances and feel pretty good about winning.

but both teams are good and confident. You must play your best or you will lose. As we saw in 2017 where we made a season's worth of mistakes in 1 game.

I'm concerned that our running game has been solid, but not as dynamic the last few weeks against tough defenses. The numbers say Weber and UNI's running defenses are better than NDSU's the second half of the season, but we know that's not the case. The Bizzzzzzzon will be stout on the line. To me, this is the key to the game. If our OL can get some push on early downs to help us maintain an open playbook, i think we can put some points on the board. In the mid 20s, which should be enough for a win.

if we get behind on the down and distance because we are unable to run, that will be a problem. Weber blitzed often and gave us problems. Ben was scrambling for his life quite a bit and i don't think we want that. Any QB....Ben or otherwise....can be forced into bad mistakes under duress like that.

Having Palmer back is a huge X factor for us. First half, I'd start with Percy over Hamilton and let him be the workhorse. He seems to eek out an extra yard or two after contact more than Juwan which we'll need when yards will be at a premium. Wear them down the first half with this tandem, then unleash the beast in the 2nd half.

And be sure not to forget about either Polk or Riley. Seems it's either 1 or the other each week. I'd like to see them both get 5-6 catches in this game. Spread it around. Make sure the Bizzzzzzon are having to defend the whole field.

On defense, it's simple. Stop the run. Make Lance beat us. his numbers are good. But that's becasuee he's always playing from a position of strength (ie - a lead). Let's see how he does when behind or under duress from a great defense or under obvious passing game situations. I saw a decent QB in their playoff games, but far from a gunslinger. This seems like Stick in 2016. Stick never had to come from behind and "win" the game for the Bizzzzzzon until playing us. he failed in those circumstances.

I'm going with a familiar scoreline:

JMU 27
NDSU 17