I am REALLY hoping I lose the bet I made with my son. He took the Griz, I took the Cats.
If I am wrong, I REALLY want y'all to troll me on Saturday night and for the rest of the year.
I am now going to explain in my completely amateur, know-nothing, couch coach, lack of knowledge as to why I think the Griz will lose:
I base this on the fact that the Griz are 117th in the nation against the pass and 36th against the run; nationally. The Puds are/were 38th against the pass and 10th against the run last week.
Zac Crews. I can't say what I think is going through his head, but if I had the chance to impact the immediate and future results of the UM and at worst I get ejected for it? Oh well.
I would say the offenses are a push. I would give the edge to UM based on the TE's and RBs.
I don't know if UM's OLine can keep the Puds defense in check. they have been playing pretty well lately though, so maybe.
The Puds defense is far far better coached than UM's. I think talent-wise it's a push.
I haven't hid the fact that I have zero use for Tim Hauck's defense, and coaching style. I think he is great Secondary coach. I think he is a crap DC.
Lamson has a better completion percentage and doesn't make the really bad occasional decisions that KAY makes.
KAY has the potential to be an elite, legendary QB at UM. He has improved significantly, but he makes DUMB decisions and tries to force the ball when it shouldn't be forced. He has had dozens of opportunities to pick up first downs with short passes, but elects to throw the deep ball, and he has not been overly successful with those. I predict he will throw at least two totally preventable interceptions on Saturday.
Now I will explain in my completely amateur, know-nothing, couch coach, lack of knowledge as to Why I think the Griz will win:
I think Bobby and company are going to come out a totally different team on Saturday. I really do. There is something in the back of my head that just screams they are going to come out saying "Hold my beer and watch this".
I think there are a lot of plays that have been practiced that WE will see for the first time, but they will have been practicing the entire year for this game.
I think the Griz have nastier attitudes. I think losing six of the last ten is their fuel. I also know Bobby HATES the Puds. I think losing last year has stuck in his craw and I believe the Griz are gonna come in slugging. I think it's going to be a physical game and I wouldn't be surprised to see Unsportsmanlike penalties called on both entire teams.
I really hope we a more balanced approach and different schemes on defense. I believe we are going to see different defensive schemes simply for this game.
I don't think homefield will play much into this one. Well, not true, Wa-Griz gets loud, emotions are going to be high, I can see three or four false starts.
Everyone is talking about Taco Dowler and Julius Davis. Well. Okay. Last year the Griz didn't have Michael Wortham. They are NOT going to be able to shut him down. If they concentrate on MW, then they are going to get a dose of EG. if they concentrate on those two it opens up Gale, Davis, and Deck.
The Puds can't shut down UM's offense. they'll be lucky just to slow them down.
I hope KAY has his break out, all-America, Payton Award winning game on Saturday, and doesn't try to force passes, drop balls, OR get injured.
If the Griz play their absolute best , most complete, mistake free game of the year they will win.
Buuuut all that being said, I bet on the Puds. Money is money, and loyalty has no business in gambling. But I also bet on the Griz, just in case.
