Herd: Final rumble at Selke

The weather and St. Cloud State's Selke Field both had one thing in common on Monday. A gloomy forecast.

The football stadium, built in 1936, will cease to exist as the home of the Huskies. St. Cloud is building a new 6,000-seat on-campus stadium scheduled to open next fall.

North Dakota State will make its last visit to the prison-like surroundings Saturday afternoon for a 1 p.m. North Central Conference game. Before getting there, NDSU's normal practice schedule may be in need of parole.

The Bison practiced in the Fargodome on Monday and will do so again on Wednesday. Last Thursday, darkness was setting in on the non-lighted practice fields as the Bison wrapped up practice.

Bison head coach Craig Bohl said NDSU is moving its starting time up this week, but the shorter days will not present a problem.

"This time of the year, we're not on the field as long anyway," Bohl said.

But possible snow and temperatures in the 20s this week could force the Bison inside today and Thursday, although Bohl said his preference would be to practice outside on those days.

He likes to simulate the conditions that the Bison will face on Saturday.

They may not be pretty.

The long-range forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and a high of 34 degrees. If you need a daily update, just ask St. Cloud State head coach Randy Hedberg.

"I look at that Weather Channel numerous times during the day," he said. "I like to have a good track and good weather. That might be the case, but I don't know."

The weather could be a factor in this game because the Huskies feature the most potent passing attack in the league led by quarterback Keith Heckendorf. He's 205 for 330 passing with 28 touchdown passes and 2,612 yards.

He was a Harlon Hill finalist last season, the award that goes to the top player in Division II. A cold, windy day, then, could help the team with a more balanced attack -- like NDSU.

St. Cloud has been without its top running back, sophomore Matt Birkel, for the last 4½ games because of a sprained ankle. He continues to be on a day-to-day basis for his availability, Hedberg said.

Without Birkel, the Huskies have struggled in the standings. Of the five games he's been out, St. Cloud has lost three of them and the pre-season conference favorite has dropped out of playoff contention.

NDSU, meanwhile, is still in the hunt at 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the league.

"I think teams are playing us a little different," Hedberg said.

He said defenses have gone to different passing coverages because the Huskies don't have the breakaway running threat that Birkel gave them. If the cold weather forecast holds, that could throw another obstacle at the Huskies' passing game. The St. Cloud area had snow on the ground on Monday.

"To say that's a huge advantage wouldn't be accurate," Bohl said. "But I feel comfortable with our running game. These are the times that make you feel good that at least you're balanced."

It will be St. Cloud's last home game at Selke. But it's doubtful many people will get teary about it. It's been eyesore for the program's recruiting for years.

"There's going to be a send off and I'll be the first in line to send it off," Hedberg said. "I'm looking forward to closing out Selke Field."

Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546