UND Coach Eric Schmidt Takes the Pressure Off Late Kickoff

When the lights go up at 9 p.m. on Saturday, the Fighting Hawks will be standing under a sea of Portland State fans. For many programs, a primetime start can feel like an extra hurdle, but UND’s head coach Eric Schmidt is treating it like any other weekday practice.

Schmidt told the media after the Hawks’ 62‑26 win over St. Thomas that the hour‑late kickoff is “just another game.” He smiled, shrugged, and added that his players have already practiced under floodlights, so the timing shouldn’t be a surprise.

“We’ve been doing night drills all week,” Schmidt explained. “If we can run a play at 7 a.m., a 9 p.m. start is no different. It’s about staying focused, not counting the clock on the wall.”

The coach also used the moment to shift the conversation away from the schedule and back to fundamentals. He highlighted the improvement in the ground game, noting that the offense finally broke past the 10‑yard barrier on a 13‑yard run in the opener and has been polishing its blocking schemes ever since.

“Portland State is a solid opponent,” Schmidt added, “but we’re not going to let the time of day dictate our game plan.” He praised senior quarterback Jerry Kaminski’s poise and said the offensive line, led by senior left tackle Trace Thaden, feels confident heading into the trip.

Fans of the Hawks can expect the usual blend of hard‑nosed defense and a running attack that’s been gaining momentum. Schmidt reminded everyone that the team’s preparation extends beyond the field – film sessions, weight rooms, and even a bit of extra sleep the night before.

In short, the late kickoff is a footnote. For Schmidt and his squad, it’s the same old mantra: play hard, stay disciplined, and let the scoreboard tell the story.