Similarities to Vince Young-Clifton McDowell

Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:32 pm

I do not want anyone reading this to think Clifton is Vince Young, but there are similarities that are interesting: they can pass and run with authority, they are larger bodied guys playing QB, can run the ball out of problematic situations, are improving with each game, almost seem bigger than opposing defenders, from Houston, don't turn the ball over, improving passing game, and strong and durable.

It has been a joy to watch Clifton develop. He doesn't got too rattled. There is potential that he may become a legend here in Missoula. I couldn't even remember his name until we played Idaho!!

It will be interesting to see where he takes us. It is a big lift. The expectations are real high.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:37 pm

GrizSpartan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:32 pm I do not want anyone reading this to think Clifton is Vince Young, but there are similarities that are interesting: they can pass and run with authority, they are larger bodied guys playing QB, can run the ball out of problematic situations, are improving with each game, almost seem bigger than opposing defenders, from Houston, don't turn the ball over, improving passing game, and strong and durable.

It has been a joy to watch Clifton develop. He doesn't got too rattled. There is potential that he may become a legend here in Missoula. I couldn't even remember his name until we played Idaho!!

It will be interesting to see where he takes us. It is a big lift. The expectations are real high.

I'm sure it's been mentioned in the myriad threads since Saturday, but two of my favorite Cliff plays were the two screens that he ditched instead of taking a sack or forcing it. As to the Vince Young comparison, I agree he's no Vince Young, but it's definitely not a stretch to say he has played like the FCS version of Vince Young in recent weeks.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:40 pm

GrizSpartan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:32 pm I do not want anyone reading this to think Clifton is Vince Young, but there are similarities that are interesting: they can pass and run with authority, they are larger bodied guys playing QB, can run the ball out of problematic situations, are improving with each game, almost seem bigger than opposing defenders, from Houston, don't turn the ball over, improving passing game, and strong and durable.

It has been a joy to watch Clifton develop. He doesn't got too rattled. There is potential that he may become a legend here in Missoula. I couldn't even remember his name until we played Idaho!!

It will be interesting to see where he takes us. It is a big lift. The expectations are real high.

I agree. He really is a stud. I rewatched the game and was way better than I realized. He can throw the ball and he is smart. He might be the best QB in the playoffs.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:56 pm

Young was a bit bigger, but there are similarities in demeanor, style of play and throwing motion. Absoluately nothing wrong with pointing those out. And actually pretty apt.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:57 pm

His TD run might be my favorite play on offense for the season. He punished that poor bobcat on the goal line and stared down on him with pity.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:02 pm

garizzalies wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:57 pm His TD run might be my favorite play on offense for the season. He punished that poor bobcat on the goal line and stared down on him with pity.

For the first time in forever, when we have 3rd and 5, 3rd and 6, I do NOT worry. Cliff picks that up with his feet with such regularity that it become almost commonplace. so refreshing.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:48 pm

Dude. VY was maybe the most gifted athlete to play WB at the college level and he won a national title by himself.

I love Cliff and the Griz but let’s just let Cliff be his own thing. He’s nowhere near what VY was

VY was faster than everyone on the field.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:56 pm

BadlandsGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:48 pm Dude. VY was maybe the most gifted athlete to play WB at the college level and he won a national title by himself.

I love Cliff and the Griz but let’s just let Cliff be his own thing. He’s nowhere near what VY was

VY was faster than everyone on the field.

Did you read his post? He was merely pointing out similarities in their game, not saying Cliff is VY.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:01 pm

Clifton is also calm as poop. He looks like he's going to fall asleep looking over the defense before the snap.

I just don't foresee him ever getting rattled.

Also, my favorite part of the day, after I watched the replay, was how hard he laughed when Bobby said the Battle of the Brawl, or whatever on tv.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:14 pm

AZGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:56 pm
BadlandsGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:48 pm Dude. VY was maybe the most gifted athlete to play WB at the college level and he won a national title by himself.

I love Cliff and the Griz but let’s just let Cliff be his own thing. He’s nowhere near what VY was

VY was faster than everyone on the field.
Did you read his post? He was merely pointing out similarities in their game, not saying Cliff is VY.

Yeah I don’t see any similarities. I watched every single one of VYs games. I was a huge fan. I’ve watched all of Cliffs.

Cliff is just a solid methodical big easy moving cargo ship running the offense.

VY was unbelievably explosive and dynamic. He could turn any play into a 70 yard splash instantly. Cliff is not overly fast. He’s a big steady guy making correct decisions and keeping the offense moving forward. I love it but it’s nothing like VY.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:19 pm

BadlandsGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:14 pm
AZGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:56 pm

Did you read his post? He was merely pointing out similarities in their game, not saying Cliff is VY.
Yeah I don’t see any similarities. I watched every single one of VYs games. I was a huge fan. I’ve watched all of Cliffs.

Cliff is just a solid methodical big easy moving cargo ship running the offense.

VY was unbelievably explosive and dynamic. He could turn any play into a 70 yard splash instantly. Cliff is not overly fast. He’s a big steady guy making correct decisions and keeping the offense moving forward. I love it but it’s nothing like VY.

Yeah, that’s why he’s playing FCS.

If he was big AND fast AND explosive, he’d be QB for A&M, not Montana…But I for one (and I’m sure you feel the same way) am damned glad to have him.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 7:42 pm

Well… I guess we’ve been told.

Mon Nov 20, 2023 8:38 pm

AZGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:19 pm
BadlandsGrizFan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:14 pm

Yeah I don’t see any similarities. I watched every single one of VYs games. I was a huge fan. I’ve watched all of Cliffs.

Cliff is just a solid methodical big easy moving cargo ship running the offense.

VY was unbelievably explosive and dynamic. He could turn any play into a 70 yard splash instantly. Cliff is not overly fast. He’s a big steady guy making correct decisions and keeping the offense moving forward. I love it but it’s nothing like VY.
Yeah, that’s why he’s playing FCS. If he was big AND fast AND explosive, he’d be QB for A&M, not Montana…But I for one (and I’m sure you feel the same way) am damned glad to have him.

Could not be more happy to have him.