Addicted to?

[mtgrizrule]

Watching and listening to the 23 Brawl of the Wild.
Seriously, saw it live, watched it on demand 3xs, and stumbled on the game radio broadcast on Spotify and listened to it. I think I'm addicted to that game!

I think it's a season long culmination of doubts, questions to improvement, to high expectations. I just can't stop taking on this experience. I'm actually off work Jan 3 to Jan 9. Fully expecting to be part of GRIZ experience in Frisco!

How are you doing?

 

[3-7-77]

Ditto!

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

Listening to it now. Have rewatched the game once and was there to see it in person! It was a good one

 

[grizeyes]

Re watched the game as well. I'm sleeping much better at night. The world is as it should be!
Our beloved Griz are on top of the conference. There is sill more work to do but no matter what happens the rest of the season, this season has been one of the best in recent memory.

Go Griz!

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

Re watched the game as well. I'm sleeping much better at night. The world is as it should be!
Our beloved Griz are on top of the conference. There is sill more work to do but no matter what happens the rest of the season, this season has been one of the best in recent memory.

Go Griz!

And for that we owe Hauck a huge thank you! At the beginning of the season I thought that part two of hauck had run it’s course and that he wasn’t going to be able to live up to his own expectations. It was a sad thought to imagine him leaving UM for the final time with a blemish on his legacy here. To have this kind of season, where as you say, all is now right in the world, man it just doesn’t get any better than that, especially after most all of us and the rest of the FCS doubted him and this team. At the end of the day, if Hauck were to ride off into the sunset after this season, he would do so having accomplished what he set out to do when he took this job the second time around; he returned this program to dominance. Griz dominated their rival 2 of the past 4 matchups, they won 10 games in 3 of the past 4 seasons and won 8 last season, made it to the post season every year save 1 since Hauck’s return, secured a number 2 seed this season, won 4 of the 5 top individual player awards in the conference, Hauck won big sky conference coach of the year, and perhaps most importantly, the Griz brought an outright big sky title back to Missoula for the first time since 2011! That, fellas, is a storybook type tale. The team has an opportunity to really put an exclamation point on that tale in the next 4 weeks. With the playoffs being at home the team has a real chance at that storybook ending! Go Griz!!!

 

[EverettGriz]

I thought this thread was going to be about beer, and was initially disappointed when it wasn't. But great post, Rule. Right there with you: attended live, watched a replay with the tv announcers, watched a replay synced to Riley and Greg, and have played the highlights video enough images may be burned into my screen.

 

[Harm]

Fingers crossed, they don't lay an egg in the first post season game after being off. I don't think they will, but byes always cause me concern in a historical sense.
Heal up GRIZ, and enjoy Thanksgiving! I hope to see a couple players return for the play-offs.

Go GRIZ, MAUL 'EM!!

 

[kemajic]

Re watched the game as well. I'm sleeping much better at night. The world is as it should be!
Our beloved Griz are on top of the conference. There is sill more work to do but no matter what happens the rest of the season, this season has been one of the best in recent memory.

Go Griz!

especially after most all of us and the rest of the FCS doubted him and this team.

You're making a huge assumption here. Who is "most all of us"? Not all, or even most were quitting like you and your imagined majority. Your backpaddling here after the fact does not cover for quitting on a 3-1 team in September.

 

[michigangriz]

Ken, I am right there with you…I nearly went ballistic when NAU blocked that punt, but I didn’t let the end result taint my point of view…I love the Grizzlies, no matter who is at the helm … a season is truly a week to week process. Largely, fans who think they know more than the coaches are idiots… not saying that every fan is stupid, but just lacking in perspective. I coached varsity high school basketball
for 32 years, it doesn’t make me special, just a bit more understanding.

 

[michigangriz]

Sorry, auto correct got me…Kem

 

[michigangriz]

Every time I drive past Columbus, I am always wishing I lived there…

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

especially after most all of us and the rest of the FCS doubted him and this team.

You're making a huge assumption here. Who is "most all of us"? Not all, or even most were quitting like you and your imagined majority. Your backpaddling here after the fact does not cover for quitting on a 3-1 team in September.

Oh god kem, get off your high horse. Yes, there was a majority. Former players, all the dudes on the GFP, Nuanez, and, yes, most on this board doubted. Go listen to the pod from after the NAU loss and hear what all of them and especially former player Andrew Schmidt had to say. I was tame in comparison to Schmidt! Hell, after the way they played at NAU I didn’t know if they could beat ISU, and in fact picked them to lose that game. Is predicting your team will lose some games giving up? Is it giving up on your team to doubt whether they can make the playoffs after narraowly beating a D2, losing to previously winless NAU and failing to have an offensive identity midway through the season? All those things occurred and were very real issues. The fact is, the Griz weren’t very good at the beginning of the season, and I let em have it on this board for it. Listen to tootel and Nuanez break it down from this tuesdays episode of “tuesdays with tootel”. Both are also in agreement that the Griz at the beginning of the season weren’t very good. That’s what makes the job the staff did over the course of the season after NAU more remarkable. And yes, I was wrong! I freely admit that. While I never “gave up”, I was certainly very vocal about where I thought the coaching staff had erred, and what I thought this team was (or was not) capable of achieving. I still watched and attended games. I still supported and cheered for the team despite my misgivings. Is that “giving up”? I’ve always been a huge hauck fan, and was angry when I thought he’d erred in shuffling the staff rather than bringing in a fresh face. Was I wrong? Absolutely! But after that NAU game most of us were feeling and thinking the same. Not you? Great! Congratulations, you were right there with hoops and Retiredpopo never doubting! But please, spare me your self righteousness. It comes off rather high and mighty

 

[AZGrizFan]

You're making a huge assumption here. Who is "most all of us"? Not all, or even most were quitting like you and your imagined majority. Your backpaddling here after the fact does not cover for quitting on a 3-1 team in September.

Oh god kem, get off your high horse. Yes, there was a majority. Former players, all the dudes on the GFP, Nuanez, and, yes, most on this board doubted. Go listen to the pod from after the NAU loss and hear what all of them and especially former player Andrew Schmidt had to say. I was tame in comparison to Schmidt! Hell, after the way they played at NAU I didn’t know if they could beat ISU, and in fact picked them to lose that game. Is predicting your team will lose some games giving up? Is it giving up on your team to doubt whether they can make the playoffs after narraowly beating a D2, losing to previously winless NAU and failing to have an offensive identity midway through the season? All those things occurred and were very real issues. The fact is, the Griz weren’t very good at the beginning of the season, and I let em have it on this board for it. Listen to tootel and Nuanez break it down from this tuesdays episode of “tuesdays with tootel”. Both are also in agreement that the Griz at the beginning of the season weren’t very good. That’s what makes the job the staff did over the course of the season after NAU more remarkable. And yes, I was wrong! I freely admit that. While I never “gave up”, I was certainly very vocal about where I thought the coaching staff had erred, and what I thought this team was (or was not) capable of achieving. I still watched and attended games. I still supported and cheered for the team despite my misgivings. Is that “giving up”? I’ve always been a huge hauck fan, and was angry when I thought he’d erred in shuffling the staff rather than bringing in a fresh face. Was I wrong? Absolutely! But after that NAU game most of us were feeling and thinking the same. Not you? Great! Congratulations, you were right there with hoops and Retiredpopo never doubting! But please, spare me your self righteousness. It comes off rather high and mighty

AZGrizFan 100% supports this post.

I hate dredging up old takes, but there’s a shitload of revisionist history going on about how the first 4-5 games of the season transpired.

SINCE the NAU game this team has gotten better literally every single week. PRIOR to the NAU game, every game (even ones that shouldn’t have been) were a crapshoot. Cudos to Bobby for figuring it out sooner rather than later that Cliff was “the guy” given what they were working with. And cudos to Pease for adjusting the offense to fit Cliff’s style and abilities. This team wouldn’t be where it is right now without that realization.

 

[Copper Griz]

especially after most all of us and the rest of the FCS doubted him and this team.

You're making a huge assumption here. Who is "most all of us"? Not all, or even most were quitting like you and your imagined majority. Your backpaddling here after the fact does not cover for quitting on a 3-1 team in September.

Oh please spare us you pompous ass. Without McDowell the team would have been mediocre. Hauck and the coaches did a good job turning the boat around, but damn lucky McD committed late. Vidlak certainly wasn’t the savior and the fact that the Griz had to rely on two, not one - two transfer QB’s is an indictment on the coaching staff. Two years in a row they had to rely on a drop down and this is Hauck’s fifth year back? They haven’t been able to develop QB’s period. “Most” Griz fans realize this, still support the team and also understand criticism is warranted and appropriate. We all hope for a BSC title and a national title run. Hauck finally seems to have found an offensive recipe. Thank God! We will just count you in the genius Nostradamus section of blindly happy fandom.

 

[AZGrizFan]

You're making a huge assumption here. Who is "most all of us"? Not all, or even most were quitting like you and your imagined majority. Your backpaddling here after the fact does not cover for quitting on a 3-1 team in September.

Oh please spare us you pompous ass. Without McDowell the team would have been mediocre. Hauck and the coaches did a good job turning the boat around, but damn lucky McD committed late. Vidlak certainly wasn’t the savior and the fact that the Griz had to rely on two, not one - two transfer QB’s is an indictment on the coaching staff. Two years in a row they had to rely on a drop down and this is Hauck’s fifth year back? They haven’t been able to develop QB’s period. “Most” Griz fans realize this, still support the team and also understand criticism is warranted and appropriate. We all hope for a BSC title and a national title run. Hauck finally seems to have found an offensive recipe. Thank God! We will just count you in the genius Nostradamus section of blindly happy fandom.

Uh…2 years in a row?

2018 - Sneed
2019 - Sneed
2020 - None/Humphrey
2021 - Humphrey
2022 - Johnson
2023 - McDowell

ALL transfers. And I’m fine with that…the key is having more than ONE capable QB because even in what seem like sure things there’s misses…I’m not even sure Vidlak was a “miss” yet, just not the “right QB, right now”. But we shall see come next season I guess.

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

Oh please spare us you pompous ass. Without McDowell the team would have been mediocre. Hauck and the coaches did a good job turning the boat around, but damn lucky McD committed late. Vidlak certainly wasn’t the savior and the fact that the Griz had to rely on two, not one - two transfer QB’s is an indictment on the coaching staff. Two years in a row they had to rely on a drop down and this is Hauck’s fifth year back? They haven’t been able to develop QB’s period. “Most” Griz fans realize this, still support the team and also understand criticism is warranted and appropriate. We all hope for a BSC title and a national title run. Hauck finally seems to have found an offensive recipe. Thank God! We will just count you in the genius Nostradamus section of blindly happy fandom.

Uh…2 years in a row?

2018 - Sneed
2019 - Sneed
2020 - None/Humphrey
2021 - Humphrey
2022 - Johnson
2023 - McDowell

ALL transfers. And I’m fine with that…the key is having more than ONE capable QB because even in what seem like sure things there’s misses…I’m not even sure Vidlak was a “miss” yet, just not the “right QB, right now”. But we shall see come next season I guess.

We’ve only gotten a small sample size to evaluate him, but Ah Yat might be a very special player! Also, McDowell has another season, and since he didn’t go out of the tunnel with the seniors on senior day I’m assuming that means he’s probably returning for his final year of eligibility. Assuming the coaching staff is all still here as well, with the progress that’s been made on all fronts in regard to team identity this season, next year might be another special season!

 

[Copper Griz]

Oh please spare us you pompous ass. Without McDowell the team would have been mediocre. Hauck and the coaches did a good job turning the boat around, but damn lucky McD committed late. Vidlak certainly wasn’t the savior and the fact that the Griz had to rely on two, not one - two transfer QB’s is an indictment on the coaching staff. Two years in a row they had to rely on a drop down and this is Hauck’s fifth year back? They haven’t been able to develop QB’s period. “Most” Griz fans realize this, still support the team and also understand criticism is warranted and appropriate. We all hope for a BSC title and a national title run. Hauck finally seems to have found an offensive recipe. Thank God! We will just count you in the genius Nostradamus section of blindly happy fandom.

Uh…2 years in a row?

2018 - Sneed
2019 - Sneed
2020 - None/Humphrey
2021 - Humphrey
2022 - Johnson
2023 - McDowell

ALL transfers. And I’m fine with that…the key is having more than ONE capable QB because even in what seem like sure things there’s misses…I’m not even sure Vidlak was a “miss” yet, just not the “right QB, right now”. But we shall see come next season I guess.

Yep, you are right. I actually gave him a pass for 2020 since he inherited a mess and was trying to turn things around. Probably being generous. Humphrey - they tried and injuries played quite a role. Johnson, really showed desperation in my opinion. He was a good QB, but only one year and no heir apparent behind him. Bobby’s teams would have been much better if he had the QB equation figured out. I think he finally found the unicorn that was needed. Ah Yat also looks promising if they can develop him under big Cliff.

 

[grizghost]

You're making a huge assumption here. Who is "most all of us"? Not all, or even most were quitting like you and your imagined majority. Your backpaddling here after the fact does not cover for quitting on a 3-1 team in September.

Oh please spare us you pompous ass. Without McDowell the team would have been mediocre. Hauck and the coaches did a good job turning the boat around, but damn lucky McD committed late. Vidlak certainly wasn’t the savior and the fact that the Griz had to rely on two, not one - two transfer QB’s is an indictment on the coaching staff. Two years in a row they had to rely on a drop down and this is Hauck’s fifth year back? They haven’t been able to develop QB’s period. “Most” Griz fans realize this, still support the team and also understand criticism is warranted and appropriate. We all hope for a BSC title and a national title run. Hauck finally seems to have found an offensive recipe. Thank God! We will just count you in the genius Nostradamus section of blindly happy fandom.

good post! Hauck promised he would return us to dominance. We took him at his word! Even he said that they
weren't that good of a team in the beginning. It could have gone either way! I'm glad it went this way! Even
many of the Griz faithful were shatter when we lost to NAU...ending last year with the Cats destroying us...
But the tide has changed...credit to the coaching!.....hopefully they will take it into the Playoffs! GO GRIZ!

 

[bgbigdog]

There's a reason why transfer Qbs have been sought out over these past seasons. McD has been a godsend.

For the first time in recent memory, there's a kid who might just fill the bill, recruited by this coaching staff as a high schooler, playing as a freshman. That phenomenon has happened with increasing frequency all over the BSC. Last week when McCoy was down, a freshman named Layne came in and tore up ISU. Munoz at Weber, Conklin at SacState, Huard at CPSLO, Cooke at ISU and last year it was Chachere at PSU, and McCoy.

Finding kids who can play in the system you want to run, and giving them the chance to play seems like a pretty solid strategy.

 

[Carey Parisian]

Oh god kem, get off your high horse. Yes, there was a majority. Former players, all the dudes on the GFP, Nuanez, and, yes, most on this board doubted. Go listen to the pod from after the NAU loss and hear what all of them and especially former player Andrew Schmidt had to say. I was tame in comparison to Schmidt! Hell, after the way they played at NAU I didn’t know if they could beat ISU, and in fact picked them to lose that game. Is predicting your team will lose some games giving up? Is it giving up on your team to doubt whether they can make the playoffs after narraowly beating a D2, losing to previously winless NAU and failing to have an offensive identity midway through the season? All those things occurred and were very real issues. The fact is, the Griz weren’t very good at the beginning of the season, and I let em have it on this board for it. Listen to tootel and Nuanez break it down from this tuesdays episode of “tuesdays with tootel”. Both are also in agreement that the Griz at the beginning of the season weren’t very good. That’s what makes the job the staff did over the course of the season after NAU more remarkable. And yes, I was wrong! I freely admit that. While I never “gave up”, I was certainly very vocal about where I thought the coaching staff had erred, and what I thought this team was (or was not) capable of achieving. I still watched and attended games. I still supported and cheered for the team despite my misgivings. Is that “giving up”? I’ve always been a huge hauck fan, and was angry when I thought he’d erred in shuffling the staff rather than bringing in a fresh face. Was I wrong? Absolutely! But after that NAU game most of us were feeling and thinking the same. Not you? Great! Congratulations, you were right there with hoops and Retiredpopo never doubting! But please, spare me your self righteousness. It comes off rather high and mighty
Tomb of the Mask

It seems like this game has been a culmination of all those feelings for you, and it's wonderful that you're fully embracing the experience.