The Minot State University (MSU) football team kicked off their fall camp on Saturday, August 10, with the players donning full pads for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in their preparation for the upcoming season, as it allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the players in a more realistic game-like setting. With just 17 days remaining until their season opener against Valley City State, there was a sense of urgency and excitement in the air as the team geared up for the challenges ahead.
One of the key areas of focus for MSU this season is their defense, which showed promise last year by ranking as the top passing defense and sixth in total defense in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). However, their rushing defense lagged behind, ranking 11th in the conference. To improve in this area, the Beavers will need a stronger performance from their defensive line to shut down opposing running attacks and move up the rankings.
On the offensive side of the ball, MSU has solid skill players returning, particularly in the rushing game where they ranked fourth in the NSIC last season. However, their passing offense struggled, finishing last in the conference in both scoring and total offense. With opponents able to stack the box against their rushing attack, the Beavers will need to find ways to keep defenses honest and open up opportunities in the passing game.
MSU runs a spread option attack, which forces defenses to make quick decisions on how to defend the fullback, quarterback, and pitch back on running plays. This strategy can create confusion and hesitation among defenders, giving the offense an advantage in executing their plays. Additionally, the play-action passing game can be a potent weapon for MSU, as it capitalizes on defenses that are overly focused on stopping the run.
One of the challenges for MSU will be finding wide receivers who can effectively disguise their routes in blocking schemes, as well as quarterbacks who can read defenses and make quick decisions in the passing game. As the team progresses through their fall camp, the coaching staff will be looking for players who can excel in these roles and contribute to the team’s success on the field.
As the countdown to their season opener continues, the next few weeks will be crucial for MSU as they fine-tune their game plans and build team chemistry through repetitive drills and live hitting in practice. By the end of the week, the coaches hope to have a better understanding of their team’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for their first game.
In conclusion, the start of full-pad practices marks an important phase in the Minot State University football team’s journey towards the upcoming season. With a focus on improving their defense, balancing their offensive attack, and finding playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Beavers are working hard to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead. As they continue to push themselves in practice and prepare for their season opener, the team is determined to make their mark in the NSIC and compete at the highest level.
