Was at the morning session of today’s two-a-day practice at NDSU, very spirited and lively practice, favorite moment of the practice was the “competition” portion, where Craig Bohl picked an offensive lineman to go up against a defensive lineman in a head-to-head battle, each time the O-line won in the three matchups, including an impressive performance by Joe Lund on Leevon Perry springing John Crockett for a nice run. Speaking of Mr. Crockett, my first impression of seeing him run was “wow”. Crockett can be a game changer for NDSU, just for the simple fact he hasn’t played in two years and no one has seen this guy on tape. He did tell me after practice he felt “like a 37 year old” when he started running and practicing last Thursday, but there was nothing about his performance that looked that old. Andre Martin looks sharp in the secondary, already a leader and teaming with Marcus Williams makes for a dynamite combo at cornerback. Some other notes from Tuesday from the head coach:

• Good battle at left guard going on right now, redshirt freshman Josh Colville has impressed so far; true freshman Jack Plankers from Kindred was getting some snaps with the number one’s but Bohl says any chances of him playing right away are “remote.”
• Anthony Lavoy has a dislocated thumb, that’s what is keeping him out of action right now; right tackle is seeing Jeff Jerve and Jason Pomerenke battle, Pomerenke left practice early after some back tightness.
• Ryan Smith did not practice on Tuesday after a strain of his hamstring, not sure if this similar to the injury he suffered during the FCS playoffs, but it’s not a pull according to Bohl.

Some other FCS news and notes from Tuesday, as I’m sure many of you saw, the Colonial made it official by adding Stony Brook and Albany to its roster for 2013. Both of these schools are from my neck of the woods, each had tremendous 2011 seasons, playing one another in the 1st round of the FCS playoffs, Stony Brook gave Sam Houston State a scare in the 2nd round of the tournament before the Bearkats pulled away in the 4th quarter. Stony Brook’s baseball team made the College World Series as well this year, they’re a very popular pick to do some damage this year. As for the so-called “SEC of the FCS”, I don’t believe they’re done in expansion, remember they are losing Georgia State and Old Dominion after this season as they move up to FBS. Rhode Island is scheduled to also leave the league after this year for the Northeast Conference, but this may change their mind to stay with 2 northern schools being added. If URI decides to stay, the CAA has a couple options, perhaps Furman, Elon or Davidson down south or my OWN conspiracy theory with Youngstown State. The Penguins are a ways away from everyone in the Valley and the travel from Ohio to Virginia seems better than Ohio to North or South Dakota we’ll see. Speaking of the Penguins, they inked a Big Ten opponent for 2014 getting Illinois, YSU will play Pittsburgh, Michigan State and now the Illini for its FBS games over the next 3 years. More updates to come!