GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The last time UC Davis visited the University of North Dakota, the result was a game most Fighting Sioux fans remember as one of the loudest in the Alerus Center history.
It was 2001 and both teams were battling in the NCAA Division II semifinals. Davis came in with the nation's fourth-best offense, while UND has the third-best defense. After stopping the Aggies four times within the 10-yard line, it was UND's defense that won the day as the Fighting Sioux advance to the final (and national championship) with a 14-2 victory.
Senior captain and linebacker Ryan Kasowski remembers it well. Kasowski, a Grand Forks native, was on the sideline serving as ballboy, as he did for many seasons growing up.
"That was an exciting game," Kasowski said. "Packed house. 14-2. (J.T.) O'Sullivan was the quarterback, I remember that. That was an awesome game. We're excited to have them back."
Even though others on the team weren't in attendance, the Fighting Sioux want some revenge on the Aggies. The last two seasons, the Fighting Sioux have traveled to Davis, Calif., to face the Aggies, who won both in close games.
"You always would like to have them back here in Grand Forks," senior defensive back Kris Ankenbauer said. "Our home, not many people are used to playing inside on the surface we have."
Goska performs well
Junior quarterback Brent Goska (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) took over the reigns of the offense last week after senior Jake Landry (Grand Forks, N.D.) went down with injury. Besides some early overthrows and tripping on his own feet on the first drive, Goska said he thought he got more and more comfortable as the game went along in UND's 31-6 win over Lamar.
"It just felt good to get out there and play football again," Goska said.
Last season the Sioux used Goska in a limited role at UC Davis. He performed well, coming in for the third possession and throwing for a touchdown.
He also presents a different look with a greater ability to run and could cause problems for the Aggies, who are known to blitz more than most teams the Fighting Sioux have faced this season.
"Systematically, they're going to challenge us with different looks, different pressures," Goska said.
Big Sky bound
At Tuesday's media day press conference, coaches and student-athletes were still buzzing about the recent announcement that UND will compete in the Big Sky Conference in 2012-13.
For the student-athletes, it creates a conference schedule with big-time teams from across the West.
"I love it," Ankenbauer said. "I wish I could play in the Big Sky a little bit. The Great West has been fun, but it's going to be nice watching guys on the team right now that I know and am friends with to play in atmospheres like that."
Senior Day sendoff
This Saturday's game will be the final home game for the senior class of 2010. Parents of the group will be recognized at halftime.
It's also one last chance to cheer on the group that built the foundation for the Division I transition, and, hopefully, make the Alerus Center louder than it was back in 2001.
