get'em_griz said:
This will be a great thread to bring back when we reach the playoffs! :thumb:
Yeah, who's got it bookmarked? GE obviously has either:
1.) never played the game
2.) if he has, then he actually hasn't watched the games, just checked box scores and dismissed the Griz victories due to opponents' records
Of course, one can see that UM has better speed, size, talent, and technique than their opponents so far (OL getting 5 yards of push usually before RB even has to make a move, WR getting behind the secondary at will, DL getting pressure and disrupting running plays before the line of scrimmage, etc.). Yet, as GE pointed out, that
could all be due to inferior opponent play.
An example of how one can tell the Griz have actual talent compared to other teams with bloated rankings is that many times when Griz players have made big plays it is not necessarily as a result of the opponent failing to do their job or being out of position but instead a Griz player(s) being clutch and making a play (ie. JJ's first TD to Henderson in the App State game...JJ gets hit and his delivery almost looks like a hook shot. Yet, he still has the arm strength to zip it into a narrow window to a sliding Henderson with a defender on his back. watch highlight starting at 0:36 here:
http://www.gogriz.com/allaccess/?media=402910).
In contrast, (and I'll just use the first play that comes to mind) Shawn Johnson's (MSU) 90 yard TD run against Monmouth was more of a result of a failed blitz and defenders being way out of position. I will admit the Cat OL did a good job creating the initial hole but there was no level 2 in the defense, the RB never had to make any moves (just make sure he didn't trip over his own feet), and what should have only been a 3-5 yard gain turned into an easy, long TD because of an inferior opponent.
IMO, the difference between making plays and having a poor opponent inflate the stats is why I'm confident in this team. Well, that and (although harder to explain/prove) I can just see the difference in talent, execution, and motivation in this team even compared to some of the past NC teams.
It
is early but I really only see EWU as a challenge to the Griz going undefeated in the regular season. I like our chances with that matchup even, though. Surprisingly, PSU looks to be our next toughest challenge after EWU.
That being said, GE is right, in that the season is still young and injuries, letdowns, etc. can always throw a season way off course. Upsets always happen in athletics and I hope that the players don't get too big headed and keep things in perspective.
now i have to switch beers......any suggestions? haha
