Carson williams…

[BelligerentBobcat]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

Really? Wehr struggled. Tommy was bad for the first half. Even Ortt wasn’t as good as normal. Are we going to say they played bad because they were getting ready to prepare for the draft?

For argument sake, let’s say they spend 20 hours per week all year long, doing prep on their opponent. What I’m saying is that those folks that left may not have had that amount of time devoted to opponent prep because they were focused on securing their future, which was NOT the recipe that had been used all year long. The focus wasn’t there and it showed. Is that a simple enough thought process? It was clearly a distraction. That first half was the WORST representation of the 2024 Bobcat football team there could’ve been.

If it was only the players who left that struggled you’d have a point. That was, unfortunately, not the case.

These players knew they were transferring before the semi final game. Realistically, for most of the playoffs! NDSU had multiple starters transfer out as well after the season. We lost to a good team because they outplayed us. The rest is just excuses.

[coloradocat]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

Really? Wehr struggled. Tommy was bad for the first half. Even Ortt wasn’t as good as normal. Are we going to say they played bad because they were getting ready to prepare for the draft?

For argument sake, let’s say they spend 20 hours per week all year long, doing prep on their opponent. What I’m saying is that those folks that left may not have had that amount of time devoted to opponent prep because they were focused on securing their future, which was NOT the recipe that had been used all year long. The focus wasn’t there and it showed. Is that a simple enough thought process? It was clearly a distraction. That first half was the WORST representation of the 2024 Bobcat football team there could’ve been.

If it was only the players who left that struggled you’d have a point. That was, unfortunately, not the case.

These players knew they were transferring before the semi final game. Realistically, for most of the playoffs! NDSU had multiple starters transfer out as well after the season. We lost to a good team because they outplayed us. The rest is just excuses.

Both things can be true at the same time. I think everyone learned a lot from last year's result and the captains have likely been drilling those lessons into the freshman (and everyone else) this month that regardless of what you do on January 6th, you need to give 100% leading up to and on January 5th.

[94VegasCat]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

Really? Wehr struggled. Tommy was bad for the first half. Even Ortt wasn’t as good as normal. Are we going to say they played bad because they were getting ready to prepare for the draft?

For argument sake, let’s say they spend 20 hours per week all year long, doing prep on their opponent. What I’m saying is that those folks that left may not have had that amount of time devoted to opponent prep because they were focused on securing their future, which was NOT the recipe that had been used all year long. The focus wasn’t there and it showed. Is that a simple enough thought process? It was clearly a distraction. That first half was the WORST representation of the 2024 Bobcat football team there could’ve been.

If it was only the players who left that struggled you’d have a point. That was, unfortunately, not the case.

These players knew they were transferring before the semi final game. Realistically, for most of the playoffs! NDSU had multiple starters transfer out as well after the season. We lost to a good team because they outplayed us. The rest is just excuses.

This was hashed out for months after the game last year. You don’t need to stand on your namesake. Go Cats

[kwcat]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

Really? Wehr struggled. Tommy was bad for the first half. Even Ortt wasn’t as good as normal. Are we going to say they played bad because they were getting ready to prepare for the draft?

For argument sake, let’s say they spend 20 hours per week all year long, doing prep on their opponent. What I’m saying is that those folks that left may not have had that amount of time devoted to opponent prep because they were focused on securing their future, which was NOT the recipe that had been used all year long. The focus wasn’t there and it showed. Is that a simple enough thought process? It was clearly a distraction. That first half was the WORST representation of the 2024 Bobcat football team there could’ve been.

If it was only the players who left that struggled you’d have a point. That was, unfortunately, not the case.

These players knew they were transferring before the semi final game. Realistically, for most of the playoffs! NDSU had multiple starters transfer out as well after the season. We lost to a good team because they outplayed us. The rest is just excuses.

Both things can be true at the same time. I think everyone learned a lot from last year's result and the captains have likely been drilling those lessons into the freshman (and everyone else) this month that regardless of what you do on January 6th, you need to give 100% leading up to and on January 5th.

The team that played Best won the national championship last year.
The mental part of the game is just as important as preparing physically for the game over years and hours leading up to the games.
Coaches and players both talk about trust and relationships and relying on each other on and off the field. This is part of building a winning culture alongside and not discounting physical training.
When it comes to the subject of transfer or the portal more specifically, each player and coach may have their reasons for leaving a program. Subjectively we can all judge why somebody leaves.
Objectively how a player or a coach leaves along with timing, does affect the individuals in which they’ve built relationships.
There were three specific players which there is no benefit to naming, two on offense, one on defense who denied right up until the last minute that they were taking transfers.
I personally can’t judge the reasons, but do know that they specifically denied offers and intentions that were on the table early in the playoff season.
As those details came to light, I believe it caused some animosity on the field. It was evident to me in the warm-ups previous to the game in Frisco.
IM HO, it was a distraction and was evident at certain times in the game.
Also, my opinion, one specific player avoided collisions and lacked physicality in the game. Again, my opinion.
Two ways to approach being part of an organization like Montana State football. Either accountability to the unit on one hand or strictly look out for number one to the other Xtreme. Both objectives can be accomplished through communication and hard work. That is a life lesson.
Again, not judging why a person transfers, it might be for money, it might be for a better fit that is up to that individual.
I do not wish ill will upon anybody that leaves the program. Life eventually has a way of rewarding or punishing one’s choices for which one is responsible.

In regards to North Dakota State last year. Three players transferred up that were previous starters.
Cole Wisniewski , a super senior,did not play in 2024 due to a foot injury, I believe graduated, and was very public about his process and announced in early December his transfer thoughts
Charmar brown , a freshman, left after one season to Miami, and there was not much publicly said about his transfer, but a lot of people thought he would leave.
Kody Huisman defensive lineman senior waited until April 2025 to announce his portal entry. That timeline door has now been closed.

I’m cheering for a national championship next Monday and that everybody goes home healthy and hungry for another.
Go Bobcats!

[Cledus]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

That's exactly what was covered in Colter's and Brook's last podcast that dropped yesterday. I listened to it this morning, and it was very good and worth anyone's time. It wasn't just the players. The coaching staff was affected, too. Just look at who left after the game.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

Really? Wehr struggled. Tommy was bad for the first half. Even Ortt wasn’t as good as normal. Are we going to say they played bad because they were getting ready to prepare for the draft?

For argument sake, let’s say they spend 20 hours per week all year long, doing prep on their opponent. What I’m saying is that those folks that left may not have had that amount of time devoted to opponent prep because they were focused on securing their future, which was NOT the recipe that had been used all year long. The focus wasn’t there and it showed. Is that a simple enough thought process? It was clearly a distraction. That first half was the WORST representation of the 2024 Bobcat football team there could’ve been.

If it was only the players who left that struggled you’d have a point. That was, unfortunately, not the case.

These players knew they were transferring before the semi final game. Realistically, for most of the playoffs! NDSU had multiple starters transfer out as well after the season. We lost to a good team because they outplayed us. The rest is just excuses.

This was hashed out for months after the game last year. You don’t need to stand on your namesake. Go Cats

What? I’m discussing this the same as you are. Am I not allowed to disagree with you?

[PortlandCat90]

These are great reads on the situation. Rule - corporate, sports, wives, boyfriends, employees - once somebody has a new path similar, they need to go and go now. Anybody that says the portal players were fully engaged during that time-frame should be drug-tested. If I'm Vigen, and I've done this in the corporate world with transactions, if somebody has a new future they are gone to that new future NOW. I understand they want what their mind and competitive juices thinks is best for them and their competitive goals - so go get started. What was their mindset when they were out looking and interviewing and sending documentation and determining that they shouldn't stay dedicated to their current team/role/employer/etc.?

Irrelevant here, but we have enough guys to step up/in that want to play and bleed for the Blue&Gold. We are playing for a National Championship. Get these portal guys outta the lockerroom. We can have an open discussion about what is best for you if you want. No one person is bigger than the team. It's a privilege to play here and we expect 100% dedication when wearing that uniform.

Just for clarity - I'm not throwing this at Williams because I haven't heard it from his mouth nor seen the posts, etc.

Does this apply to Vigen when he applies for a new job too?

Great question. Different scenario than the Portal as it is contractual with compensation and probably minimal requirements as far as GPA, WL%, no legal issues, etc. I'm sure no coach would sign a contract that includes "You can't speak with other universities during the season" but I would include that in the original offer and negotiate it from there. Depending on the outcome is the rule of law you would have to stick with and accept.

[VimSince03]

Anybody who thinks the players aren’t going to bust their ass to win a freaking championship because they know they’re leaving has never done anything competitive at a relatively high level in their life. They want to be the very best, even if they’re leaving. Some of you fans need to get a grip.

I’d agree with you every day of the year! But not last year in Frisco. My money would be a handful of dudes didn’t prepare as hard or play as hard as they had in all the games leading up to it. AND IT SHOWED

Really? Wehr struggled. Tommy was bad for the first half. Even Ortt wasn’t as good as normal. Are we going to say they played bad because they were getting ready to prepare for the draft?

For argument sake, let’s say they spend 20 hours per week all year long, doing prep on their opponent. What I’m saying is that those folks that left may not have had that amount of time devoted to opponent prep because they were focused on securing their future, which was NOT the recipe that had been used all year long. The focus wasn’t there and it showed. Is that a simple enough thought process? It was clearly a distraction. That first half was the WORST representation of the 2024 Bobcat football team there could’ve been.

Yes but is your argument it was primarily because of the portal players themselves and their collective play or the overall distraction of the portal process affecting the team?

[SparkCat]

These are great reads on the situation. Rule - corporate, sports, wives, boyfriends, employees - once somebody has a new path similar, they need to go and go now. Anybody that says the portal players were fully engaged during that time-frame should be drug-tested. If I'm Vigen, and I've done this in the corporate world with transactions, if somebody has a new future they are gone to that new future NOW. I understand they want what their mind and competitive juices thinks is best for them and their competitive goals - so go get started. What was their mindset when they were out looking and interviewing and sending documentation and determining that they shouldn't stay dedicated to their current team/role/employer/etc.?

Irrelevant here, but we have enough guys to step up/in that want to play and bleed for the Blue&Gold. We are playing for a National Championship. Get these portal guys outta the lockerroom. We can have an open discussion about what is best for you if you want. No one person is bigger than the team. It's a privilege to play here and we expect 100% dedication when wearing that uniform.

Just for clarity - I'm not throwing this at Williams because I haven't heard it from his mouth nor seen the posts, etc.

Does this apply to Vigen when he applies for a new job too?

Great question. Different scenario than the Portal as it is contractual with compensation and probably minimal requirements as far as GPA, WL%, no legal issues, etc. I'm sure no coach would sign a contract that includes "You can't speak with other universities during the season" but I would include that in the original offer and negotiate it from there. Depending on the outcome is the rule of law you would have to stick with and accept.

That’s a great answer!

[TomCat88]

These are great reads on the situation. Rule - corporate, sports, wives, boyfriends, employees - once somebody has a new path similar, they need to go and go now. Anybody that says the portal players were fully engaged during that time-frame should be drug-tested. If I'm Vigen, and I've done this in the corporate world with transactions, if somebody has a new future they are gone to that new future NOW. I understand they want what their mind and competitive juices thinks is best for them and their competitive goals - so go get started. What was their mindset when they were out looking and interviewing and sending documentation and determining that they shouldn't stay dedicated to their current team/role/employer/etc.?

Irrelevant here, but we have enough guys to step up/in that want to play and bleed for the Blue&Gold. We are playing for a National Championship. Get these portal guys outta the lockerroom. We can have an open discussion about what is best for you if you want. No one person is bigger than the team. It's a privilege to play here and we expect 100% dedication when wearing that uniform.

Just for clarity - I'm not throwing this at Williams because I haven't heard it from his mouth nor seen the posts, etc.

Does this apply to Vigen when he applies for a new job too?

Great question. Different scenario than the Portal as it is contractual with compensation and probably minimal requirements as far as GPA, WL%, no legal issues, etc. I'm sure no coach would sign a contract that includes "You can't speak with other universities during the season" but I would include that in the original offer and negotiate it from there. Depending on the outcome is the rule of law you would have to stick with and accept.

That’s a great answer!

Any team can talk to another coach at any time. They just need to make a formal request to the coaches school.

Teams cannot contact players until they enter the portal, however, there are ways to get around that.