North Dakota State’s head football coach, Tim Polasek, recently reviewed a 250-play highlight reel of Shedeur Sanders’ best moments, courtesy of Pro Football Focus, and came away recognizing the formidable challenge his team faces this Thursday night.
The Bison are a powerhouse in FCS football, having claimed nine NCAA Division I FCS national championships and boasting an impressive win rate of 90% (172-19) since 2011. However, they have yet to encounter a talent like the quarterback from Colorado.
“He’s the best player we’ve faced at NDSU; I truly believe that,” Polasek remarked about Sanders during his Week 1 press conference. “He approaches the game methodically, focusing on progressions, and is mindful of footwork, timing, and rhythm. He capitalizes on what the defense presents, finds the right targets, and he can throw effectively from various platforms.
“What stands out the most is his ability to plant and deliver the ball quickly when needed, which enhances our run-pass options and quick relief plays. He’s quite remarkable.”
Though Polasek has only been head coach of NDSU since December, his connection to the program runs deep.
A former quarterback and all-time passing leader at Concordia University in Wisconsin, he first joined the Bison as a graduate assistant in 2006. He dedicated seven years to coaching running backs and tight ends (2006-2012) and served as the offensive coordinator for three years (2014-2016), with a season at Northern Illinois (2013) in between.
Polasek also coached the offensive line at Iowa (2017-2020) and spent the last three years as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wyoming. The experienced coach expressed his admiration for Sanders’ style of play at the quarterback position.
Polasek has been the head coach of NDSU since December, but his connection to the program and knowledge of its history date back many years.
A former quarterback and leading passer at Concordia University in Wisconsin, he started with the Bison in 2006 as a graduate assistant. He spent seven years coaching running backs and tight ends (2006-2012) and then served as the offensive coordinator for three seasons (2014-2016), with a year at Northern Illinois (2013) in between.
Polasek went on to coach the offensive line at Iowa (2017-2020) and then was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wyoming for the past three years. The seasoned coach expressed his admiration for Sanders’ approach to playing quarterback.
“Some of his best moments come from just throwing the ball away,” Polasek said about Sanders on Monday. “I respect Shedeur for playing the position the way it’s meant to be played, with rhythm, timing, and footwork all in sync. He also can extend plays while looking to pass—not primarily a runner, but definitely capable of it—which is quite impressive.
“It’s exciting. Our fans should be thrilled and appreciate the opportunity to see a first-round draft talent at quarterback play against the Bison.”
Colorado and NDSU will kick off Week 1 of the college football season this Thursday night at 6 p.m. MT on ESPN in Boulder.
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