GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota football team has this weekend off, giving head coach Chris Mussman a chance to reflect on last week's Great West Conference championship game at UC Davis.

The Fighting Sioux lost 28-20, but it was a game that marked a big point in the school's Division I transition, setting the groundwork for the young guys on this team.

"We've had the luxury over my time here of playing juniors and seniors," Mussman said. "Now you're seeing a lot more young kids playing. ... Being out there in the championship game with everything on the line is only going to help us as we go through this transition."

Gritty upperclassmen

The game also once again showed the effort and hard work of the upperclassmen, especially the seniors. That group was noted by the play of senior captain Marcus Tibesar, who despite unknowingly breaking his leg, continued to play until the end.

"He was on our last onside kick, playing on a broken leg," Mussman said.

Record setters

A number of upperclassmen are inching closer to UND records.

Senior kicker Brandon Hellevang now is third overall in career points with 320, behind Cameron Peterka's 347. Hellevang is also second in career PATs with 172/177 behind Jeff Glas (174/179), fourth in career field goals made (48) and tied for 10th in single-season field goals (14).

Quarterback Jake Landry is 10th in single-season pass completions with 162 for 273, and Joel Schwenzfeier is tied for ninth with five interceptions this season.

Off week

Mussman said the Sioux practiced Tuesday and Wednesday looking at Central Arkansas's base packages. UND did conditioning and lifting on Thursday and Friday before getting back into the normal routine on Sunday.

"We just needed some time away to heal," Mussman said, "and I've got all the other coaches on road recruiting, as well."