We all know that what NDSU Football has accomplished over the last decade is beyond special. They've got the trophies, they have the wins over power 5 schools which have lead to them being partially blacklisted and they've had all three of the previous starting quarterbacks get at least a chance at the highest level.
Those elements and several more will boil down into this Fall's one game.
The storylines about the current team have been well documented. Not surprisingly, Trey Lance did not want to discuss the future beyond the game. As far as that all goes, I think that the way he is introduced will be a clue as to whether he is going to declare for the draft or return for the remainder of his second season. Of course he could still move on to a potential top 10 pick if he comes out of the tunnel with all the other guys but it's something to watch for before kickoff.
And then there are those 60 minutes on the field. I've already said and I think it will hold true that in many ways this will be an exhibition. What that means exactly is tough to pin down. They could storm Central Arkansas for four quarters with all the guys who would have played if this were the opener of a normal season, in much the same way that they did Butler to start last year. Or the score could be so lopsided that they'll turn to the next guys in line for time in the third and fourth quarters. With the four-game rule and the implications that this game will have on the Spring season playing time could go any number of ways, but I do think that those specific two are the most likely.
Considering the ratings & buzz that Lance and Radunz have been the subject of over the last few months, I expect Tyler Roehl to find a few plays to spotlight them in specific ways for the more than two dozen scouts during the time that they're on the field. For example, imagine a designed quarterback run where DR is the lead blocker for TL. He's got the athleticism to do it & that's the sort of thing a first-round lineman can do, but it's just one of several hypotheticals.
Given more consideration, an even better word to describe Saturday is showcase. I think that hits more accurately at what is about to be unleashed. A showcase of the speed, strength and skill of the guys keeping the championship train rolling. Because there are plenty of guys who haven't gotten the national publicity who will have the opportunity to show what they can do. Maybe we'll get an 80-yard Christian Watson touchdown where he puts all of his talent on display. A pick-six, sacks galore, a return touchdown, everything is on the table and I will be surprised if the coaches hold anything back.
It also isn't too far to say that this is going to be the biggest party in the state for the year. Sure the tailgate lots will be vacant but homegates and tailgates at other locations are a near certainty. I get that with all the cancelations and limitations, "biggest party in the state" is a particularly low bar. Nonetheless, I think in totality it will stack up with any of the events that would have happened. And with that in mind, I say this: don't be stupid, but enjoy it - because we've all earned the right to have some fun!!