COPY OF ARTICLE FROM MINOT DAILY NEWS (link)

Rudolph sees some good, some bad in opener

By CHRIS BIERI Staff Writer, cbieri@minotdailynews.com

MILES CITY, Mont. — A mixed bag.

That's what first-year Minot State University head coach Paul Rudolph saw in his first game at the helm for the Beavers.

Some good, some bad, some surprises, some predictable successes and failures.

“We obviously didn't pass,” Rudolph said of his team's opening-game grade.

The Beavers fell 21-9 to Rocky Mountain College Saturday in both the first game of the season and the inaugural game of the Rudolph Era.

“There are some positives, but some negatives as well,” Rudolph said. “There's promise. Unfortunately, we didn't allow them to beat us, we beat ourselves.”

Rudolph said the players are still adjusting to new systems and philosophies.

“The offensive line and quarterback have quite a bit (to absorb),” he said. “We need more practice. They need to see things the way they're going to happen, and the only way to get that is on the field.”

MSU starting quarterback Jon Meier said Rudolph had the team in a good position to earn a win in the season opener.

“Coach got us pretty well prepared for the game,” he said. “In the first half, we just struggled a little, myself and the offense in general.”

The MSU offense was much more effective in the second half, as the Beavers more than doubled their offensive output from the opening half.

Meier said the offense is a perfect fit and expects better results as the season progresses.

“I really love the offense,” he said. “It's a read and react type (offense) and coach (Rudolph) really makes it east to understand. We're all still learning. Every game, you learn something new.”