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Football

UMD Football Coach Bob Nielson Seeks Another NCAA Division II Playoff Run

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Minnesota Duluth football coach Bob Nielson returns from a summer break, the Bulldogs are poised to defend their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship title. Nielson's team, which saw two straight NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearances, including a national championship in 2008, is looking to repeat the success. "I feel we should be just as good, if not better, than last year," said wide receiver D.J. Winfield, who was part of the national championship team in 2008. "The national championship is kind of our motivation. We've got guys this year who were on that team. We know what it takes, so we're trying to get the younger guys on board and hopefully get back to the 'ship.'"

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minnesota Duluth football team, led by coach Bob Nielson, is entering the 2010 season with high expectations after two straight NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearances.
  • The Bulldogs, who won the national championship in 2008, are looking to repeat the success with a strong roster of returning players, including wide receiver D.J. Winfield.
  • The team's summer conditioning program continues to thrive, with about 60 players working out in Duluth, up from 25-30 players in previous years.
  • The Bulldogs' rushing attack will be a key area of focus for the team this season, with the loss of three starters on the offensive line.
  • The team's schedule, which includes a game against 2009 NCAA tournament qualifier Central Washington, is considered one of the toughest in the history of the program.

Statistics:

  • The Bulldogs won the national championship in 2008.
  • The team has made two straight NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearances.
  • About 60 players worked out in Duluth this summer, nearly double the number from previous years.
  • The team's summer conditioning program has been a key factor in the team's success, with players working out four days a week, running in the mornings and lifting weights in the afternoons.
  • The Bulldogs have a challenging schedule, including a game against 2009 NCAA tournament qualifier Central Washington.

Sources:

  • Duluth News Tribune, Aug. 2010
  • d2football.com, 2008 coach of the year (Bob Nielson)
  • NCAA Division II tournament, 2010

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