The big perception entering Saturday's homecoming game between No. 18 UND and Cal Poly is this: Cal Poly's triple option will be the biggest headache for the Sioux.
But the reality is this: Cal Poly's passing game may be what determines the outcome in a matchup of two 1-0 teams in the Great West Conference.
Cal Poly's strength is rushing as the Mustangs average 259.8 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Andre Broadous' decision-making is the key to the option as he's rushed for 484 yards and 11 touchdowns for a 3-3 team that seems to be finding its stride.
But the junior quarterback's passing ability largely has gone unnoticed.
"He's good with the football in his hands, period," Cal Poly coach Tim Walsh said. "We have trust in him whether we're running the triple option or if we're throwing the ball."
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Broadous also has a streak on the line since becoming the Mustangs' starter in 2010. He has not thrown an interception in 148 pass attempts.
The Sioux are aware of Cal Poly's under-the-radar passing ability.
But they're also aware that they'll have to have more passing success, as well, if a Great West title is in the works.
Actually, Cal Poly has better passing statistics than UND. The Mustangs average 125.3 passing yards, compared to UND's 121.3.
UND has forged a 4-2 record and national ranking behind a powerful running game. But quarterback Joey Bradley, in his first year as a starter, knows the play book will have to be expanded during the second half of the season.
"Eventually, teams are going to stack the box and make it that we have to throw to win," said Bradley, who has completed 74 of 132 passes for 726 yards and one interception. "As a quarterback and receiving corps, we're all looking forward to that big breakout game."
The Sioux were off last week. The offense spent time on the passing game.
"We opened up the playbook a little more, working on things we touched on during the summer," Bradley said. "Once the season gets going, you kind of slim down you playbook so you can execute things right."
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Bradley has thrown only three touchdown passes so far. But, he's also only played in six games at UND since transferring from a California junior college.
"We're still figuring out what we're good at," Bradley said. "We're a young team. We haven't had a ton of work together.
"We have to figure out our identity as we go along."
Up next
Who: Cal Poly at UND.
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, Alerus Center.
TV/radio: FSSN; The Fox (96.1 FM).
Records: UND 4-2; Cal Poly 3-3.
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Of note: The Sioux are 7-3 in homecoming games played at the Alerus Center.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
