8 reasons to be optimistic for the 2017 Griz

[tgreseth]

The coaching staff and recruiting.

And the Griz-Cat game certainly showed that, right?

Fishing is good these days! Right on cue

I enjoyed reading your posts last spring about how this was going to be a terrific season this past Fall, and all of your strongly worded and (in)credible arguments why. In particular, in comparing those comments with what actually happened.

I admire the fact that you are able to pretend nothing happened, that you were wrong all across the board, and that you demonstrated that you don't know anything about any of this, judging by your documented track record. It's good thing you didn't follow Ferguson's lead and place bets in all directions on a "paycheck to paycheck" basis. You'd be in Chapter 7 by now based on your demonstrated incompetence. Ferguson avoided that fate because no one took his challenges seriously. Good thing for him.

I love the idea of optimism; it's a little bit of what sports are all about, "when the breaks are beating the boys," but taking a "cue" from the guys that have been so wrong doesn't suggest any hope just because they say so. It's almost become like a jinx. If you say it, its likely wrong.

What "BillingsMafia" described above was something I noted during the 2015-2016 season. Statistically, through a rotation of quarterbacks, the "trend" of team and QB performance for successive games was negative. This was true through four rotations of three quarterbacks. I'd never seen that before in collegiate sports. On the other hand, never had the example of three quarterbacks in four rotations either, but it seemed remarkable. And it predicted that team performance would decline regardless of QB.

The observation was met with derision, that "football is about Xs and Os, not statistics."

Well, the stats won. The "Xs" and "Os" didn't show up.

"BillingsMafia" posed a question you avoided with a generic answer that didn't answer anything.

You predicted great things this past season. Every single reason you offered for those predictions was wrong. But, his question is a good one. Why not do some self-reflection on why you were so wrong, and attempt to offer him an answer as to 1) why you were so wrong, and 2) based on your experience of error, what analysis would you offer that accounts for your errors and yet explains the improvements you believe occurred during that time? What "improved?"

As I have noted, you can't fix what you don't measure. If you can't identify the problems of the past year, and honestly find the source of those problems, then how can you suggest that any change will fix them?

What Dick is saying, in far fewer words, is that you were wrong, he was right, and you owe it to him and everyone else to admit that. It won't change anything but that's beside the point! :roll:

 

[griz5700]

D-line is a big concern. The transfers who came in last year weren't reliable contributors and I assume they won't be in 17. I assume they keep Sims inside, because they really have no other option. Bedell and Schye should do well outside, but probably won't be much of a concern for opposing QB's and OC's.

Strong with Sandry at Safety will be an improvement. Still baffles me that the coaches didn’t start Sandry over Sanders. Especially as Sanders continually missed tackles and was out of position in coverage. So much for Semore and “the best player will play, regardless of class”. Nope, Semore sidelined his best player for a senior. Hope we see growth from him at DC as well.

Griz are set at LB and S, that’s encouraging.

Big question for me is will Stitt adapt his offense to the talents and weaknesses of his players? Either this offense is too complicated or it's just schematically flawed? I favor a pro-style offense, and think it's a no-brainer to run at this program, but if you run a spread (gimmicky) offense at this level, you need a QB that can move. Especially when you don't utilize TE's, which in turn, provides the defense with short angles to the QB and puts a ton of pressure on your o-line.

Would mobility at QB help? Of course. Problem is that ain't Stitt's spread and there aren't a lot of smart, big arm QB's who are also mobile that Montana could land. Contrary to what many believe here, I don't think the Griz have a QB on the roster that has the quicks to pull defenses in on the run elements of the zone read. Not that I think Stitt really cares though, everything is done to provide the QB with an accurate read of the defense for the passing game. Which is a mistake, unless you have a dominant cohesive offensive line.

This offense is flawed and needs an overhaul. Will Stitt put his ego aside and adjust his offense for the betterment of the team and his players? I'm skeptical, but with the uncertainty of his contract, I’m somewhat optimistic he’ll reflect and adapt accordingly.

Maybe players would be motivated to play for a coach who puts their own success ahead of his “innovative” offense.

When you finish 3-5, Stitt Happens t-shirts look real stupid… Wake up, Bob. Tick tock.

 

[brewskis]

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[Sam A. Blitz]

D-line is a big concern. The transfers who came in last year weren't reliable contributors and I assume they won't be in 17. I assume they keep Sims inside, because they really have no other option. Bedell and Schye should do well outside, but probably won't be much of a concern for opposing QB's and OC's.

Strong with Sandry at Safety will be an improvement. Still baffles me that the coaches didn’t start Sandry over Sanders. Especially as Sanders continually missed tackles and was out of position in coverage. So much for Semore and “the best player will play, regardless of class”. Nope, Semore sidelined his best player for a senior. Hope we see growth from him at DC as well.

Griz are set at LB and S, that’s encouraging.

Big question for me is will Stitt adapt his offense to the talents and weaknesses of his players? Either this offense is too complicated or it's just schematically flawed? I favor a pro-style offense, and think it's a no-brainer to run at this program, but if you run a spread (gimmicky) offense at this level, you need a QB that can move. Especially when you don't utilize TE's, which in turn, provides the defense with short angles to the QB and puts a ton of pressure on your o-line.

Would mobility at QB help? Of course. Problem is that ain't Stitt's spread and there aren't a lot of smart, big arm QB's who are also mobile that Montana could land. Contrary to what many believe here, I don't think the Griz have a QB on the roster that has the quicks to pull defenses in on the run elements of the zone read. Not that I think Stitt really cares though, everything is done to provide the QB with an accurate read of the defense for the passing game. Which is a mistake, unless you have a dominant cohesive offensive line.

This offense is flawed and needs an overhaul. Will Stitt put his ego aside and adjust his offense for the betterment of the team and his players? I'm skeptical, but with the uncertainty of his contract, I’m somewhat optimistic he’ll reflect and adapt accordingly.

Maybe players would be motivated to play for a coach who puts their own success ahead of his “innovative” offense.

When you finish 3-5, Stitt Happens t-shirts look real stupid… Wake up, Bob. Tick tock.

Some good points. I don't think the QB run option has ever been meant to be a big part of this offense, whether we had a mobile QB or not. I do think we will see adjustment to the offense to the personnel, but I think to many fans a lot of it will look the same.

The biggest factor will be the ability of the OL. If they can pass protect, it really opens up the playbook for longer developing plays. If they can dominate, that really opens up the running game. As mentioned in another post, there is a lot of potential with the younger guys and they will need to step in this year. I'm not sure if they will take a big step forward next year or not, but they have the potential of being a special OL in a couple years. I like Delaney, but he did make things difficult by not recruiting more lineman when he wasn't here. You can see that in the lack of upperclassman on line on the roster. I guess you can attribute that to the scholly reduction..

 

[grizophile]

The biggest weakness is the coaching. Stitt's first game was by far his best, the decline has been steady and deep. I want a pro Stitt person to post a single example where Stitt's coaching has improved anything on this team.

This past weekend, while I was out conquering powder in the fog at Big Mtn, my wimpy ski partner sat with Dereck Crittenden in upper lodge for lunch. Per my friend, Derek felt Stitt is a good coach, very smart and could make the Griz great. Only negative, near the end of practice the D would always go up against the O and it sounds like the D won the battle most of the time because Ty figured out exactly what Stitt was going to run about 90% of the time, based on alignment, personnel and situation. Thus it was easy to see why cats had our number this year. DC also mentioned something about play calling, but overall liked Stitt very much. He was also bummed he didn’t get to play in cat game and he didn’t feel it was right the way the Rhodes Scholar things played out with the two guys from Yale. Finally he said he has been to PRs cabin and that he enjoyed a night of good Whiskey at PRs home in Missoula. There was probably more, but second hand news gets filtered down and you only have so much time to talk on a high speed quad.

Excellent take on the problem. 3rd year the conference D co-ordinators will be in heaven. Bubble screen Bob should hire a more malleable and less predictable OC and get out of the way.

 

[NativeGriz]

The biggest weakness is the coaching. Stitt's first game was by far his best, the decline has been steady and deep. I want a pro Stitt person to post a single example where Stitt's coaching has improved anything on this team.

This past weekend, while I was out conquering powder in the fog at Big Mtn, my wimpy ski partner sat with Dereck Crittenden in upper lodge for lunch. Per my friend, Derek felt Stitt is a good coach, very smart and could make the Griz great. Only negative, near the end of practice the D would always go up against the O and it sounds like the D won the battle most of the time because Ty figured out exactly what Stitt was going to run about 90% of the time, based on alignment, personnel and situation. Thus it was easy to see why cats had our number this year. DC also mentioned something about play calling, but overall liked Stitt very much. He was also bummed he didn’t get to play in cat game and he didn’t feel it was right the way the Rhodes Scholar things played out with the two guys from Yale. Finally he said he has been to PRs cabin and that he enjoyed a night of good Whiskey at PRs home in Missoula. There was probably more, but second hand news gets filtered down and you only have so much time to talk on a high speed quad.

So you're saying this is from a non-reliable source?

Good point, but I doubt it since my friend is not the gossip type. Still I had enjoyed a fair amount of Sudden Wisdom by the time we talked and my mind was more focused on all that powder or Pow for you younger people. For the record I am not a big Stiff fan at this point, but I am willing to give him 1-2 more years to prove himself. I am going to grab onto the 8 reasons to be optimistic for at least one more year.

 

[SoldierGriz]

I agree there are some reasons for optimism - recruiting, linebackers, WRs, and Calhoun at TB.

But, there is zero evidence the O-line will be improved. Zero. Returning talent here does not = improvement. Exhibit one - last season. Combined with some youth and inexperience...and I just don't know.

Additionally, there is also no evidence the schedule will be favorable. Griz struggles on the road are well documented, and home field is not what it once was...Weber, cats.

Lastly, I notice no mention of improved special teams. This must get fixed. I'm not sure the Griz have a single coach on the staff that can improve these units.

I'm not as optimistic as many, but still cheering like crazy for Stitt and this staff to return the Program to its rightful place.

 

[grzz]

One thing that amazes me is how many fans on this message board fail to allow for the possibility that players get better as they get older. The best college programs recruit and develop freshman. There is talent coming off redshirts, there is talent who played as freshman last year. Will the red shirts contribute right away? Some may, others will take time. But it is possible that as these recruits grow and mature some could become all conference type players. I am in no way saying this is automatic improvement, but so many on here seem to be writing off that possibility...

 

[Spanky]

Griz....yes, some players improve as they get older, if they receive instruction from their coaches. They don't improve just by getting older. Further, the coaches must have the knowledge and the ability and patience to convey such knowledge to the players as they develop.

 

[SoldierGriz]

One thing that amazes me is how many fans on this message board fail to allow for the possibility that players get better as they get older. The best college programs recruit and develop freshman. There is talent coming off redshirts, there is talent who played as freshman last year. Will the red shirts contribute right away? Some may, others will take time. But it is possible that as these recruits grow and mature some could become all conference type players. I am in no way saying this is automatic improvement, but so many on here seem to be writing off that possibility...

I haven't noticed anyone writing off the potential of Griz redshirts or freshmen. These guys are probably very talented, but inexperienced. They can improve over time as you describe.

That's not the problem...

 

[UMGriz75]

One thing that amazes me is how many fans on this message board fail to allow for the possibility that players get better as they get older. ... I am in no way saying this is automatic improvement, but so many on here seem to be writing off that possibility...

I'm pretty sure that process occurred under Delaney and at least several coaches at UM prior to him. I am reasonably certain it happens to most of the other teams in the BSC as well and not only that the players get older, but that they get older at the same rate as Griz players.

Our players are aging normally by all reports, but as others have noted, the players are not the problem.

 

[kyle_sample]

Grades are up, recruits are smart and bringing in great grades and college exam scores, no Griz football players gracing the front page of papers.

But those were mostly "Delaney recruits" right? We don't have the 2016 results yet. Nor the vaunted "Stitt recruits" fully engaged yet. On the field, you'll give credit to Stitt for success, for failure to Delaney. On grades, for success to Stitt, if failure,to Delaney, right?

Isn't that kind of how "bias" shows its dark face?

At the start of the season, most of the roster is made up of players Stitt brought in. And those results are in. Grades have been known to players and coaches and administrators for more than two weeks now.

 

[BWahlberg]

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It's the... best.... really.

 

[UMGriz75]

Grades are up, recruits are smart and bringing in great grades and college exam scores, no Griz football players gracing the front page of papers.

But those were mostly "Delaney recruits" right? We don't have the 2016 results yet. Nor the vaunted "Stitt recruits" fully engaged yet. On the field, you'll give credit to Stitt for success, for failure to Delaney. On grades, for success to Stitt, if failure,to Delaney, right?

Isn't that kind of how "bias" shows its dark face?

At the start of the season, most of the roster is made up of players Stitt brought in. And those results are in. Grades have been known to players and coaches and administrators for more than two weeks now.

Gosh, what happened to the blame on Delaney that some tried to pin to this season's dismal outcome? So, this was a Stitt team after all! Thanks for clearing that up, Kyle!

For the record, the last classes were taught Monday December 12. Main Hall forgot that Election Day is an official holiday when compiling the Fall Semester calendar and so to ensure meeting state funding requirements, classes were extended to that odd Monday. Finals week began December 14 and ended Wednesday December 21. Final grade sheets were due December 23.

My gradesheets show that the grades have been entered by the Registrar's office, but not yet processed to the student records.

if grades were already known to "players, coaches and administrators" two weeks before grades could even be calculated, it is an interesting -- and newsworthy -- revelation.

 

[BWahlberg]

Well damnnnn PR! haha - ok I have a few responses below, and keep in mind I was looking at the positive aspects, for sure there are questions and concerns too!

The realist view.

1. Sorry, can 3 new young starters on o-line be terrific in first season of play? They may eventually be great, but can't imagine 3 new starters are immediately great players. And the returners are only a walk-on TE and a big athletic skinny kid who has taken time to develop. Hopefully, he is finally great.

2. Hope Calhoun and others can improve the overall quality of strong rib's. Remains to be seen.

3. Need a good or very good qb who can run this complicated offense. The key to the offense. Not sure any new qb is going to be able to grasp the offense and run it well, based on prior 2 years.

4. Secondary needs to show big improvement if the coaches are going to put the same amount of big pressure on them. Who will be able to cover like JR? Don't think any of them. A solid core with some talent and experience coming back, but where are the backups and how much can they improve? Different pass defense could help, if coaches do that.

5. Linebackers return and should improve. Buss is terrific. Where are the other all conference guys?

6. Returning tacklers. Looks very good. Note that the backers got most of the tackles, along with a couple safeties.

7. WR's who return should be better by a year. They need to be. Homan is a loss. 2 of the frosh are supposedly very good. In this offense, receivers need to be better and catch more hard balls. Lots of potential, but a bunch of guys needs to step up. And a qb needs to be getting the ball to them.

8. Yes, perhaps a more favorable schedule, in terms of home and away.

9. Coaches? I defer to you experts.

10. I don't think redshirts can magically step in and make everything good. Can fill some holes, but takes more time/years.

11. How about the d-line? Big worry for me.

12. Kickers? ?? Punter? Hopefully, he recovers from being bummed at himself.

13. Long snapper. See one was recruited last year. Don't know anything about him.

14. Heart, tradition, find way to win games and win on road, locker room. Need improvement.

15. Fewer penalties and dumb mistakes. Please. Team isn't good enough for those bonehead plays.

16. Punt and KO coverage. Needs to improve.

17. Returns. Need better blocking. Hopefully, JLM is healthy and the coaches are willing to use him. Otherwise, who are the good returners?

Point #1 We're actually only breaking in only 2 new linemen. Reese, Villanueva, and Sprunk all return. Presumably starting a 3-star OL recruit from 2 years ago at RT and an RS-Soph in Hart at G, giving him 3 years in the system. We're not plugging in a bunch of total brand new/green players in.

Point #2 With Calhoun as #1 and if he can stay healthy though the season that addresses the largest portion of concern with production of this position. Yes we need Favors and another guy to step up as well, but this position from the starter standpoint is in good shape.

Point #3 All three QBs brought in by Stitt/Selle for this offense, going of the last 2 years comment we had a QB recruited for a different offense who fortunately was incredibly intelligent and learned the offense really well. Adding in three hand picked/recruited QBs meant for this system, 2 of 3 who have spent the last year observing it and running it as backups, we've got some first hand knowledge there. Phillips was an SEC QB and Jensen has been praised by Selle for his smarts and has been nominated for a national award for freshman football player academic success.

Point #4 Clearly a focus on mixing in man and zone needs to be done this off-season so the defense can adapt as needed. Markell Sanders could make that next step to being a lockdown guy, hell so could McKinley. JR Nelson didn't start playing at his highest level until halfway through his junior season. Watch for Lewis Cowans to make a splash if his first fall camp was any indicator.

Point #5 Buss and Strahm are all conference guys. Banks needs to improve his gap assignment and containment on the edge but has been a mostly steady player

Point #6 Yep, backers and safeties usually lead teams in tackles. Of the returning positions by tackles it goes as follows, LB, LB, S, LB, DT, S, LB, DE, DT/DE, CB, CB

Point #7 Exactly, WR improvement and the new QB running the full offense more effectively will be a major key for a successful 2017.

Point #8 We'll have to see how the teams shake out but at this point it looks favorable, however teams vary from season to season.

Point #9 lol indeed, plenty of message board posters that know far more on coaches who I'm sure are really well qualified at it too.

Point #10 I don't think redshirt frosh will be the turning point for success. At this point we're looking at one on the O-line starting, one fighting for a QB spot, and the rest at various depth positions at WR, CB, and DT. Otherwise not much reliance on them.

Point #11 Worried about the D-line but both times in the last two years we had some heavy turnover. Schye needs to step up to be our next great pass rusher. We've got two JuCo guys coming in at DE. Sims is a rising star, not sure if DT or DE, Bedell might be finally ready to contribute. Davidson does
the dirty work and never got the credit, some apparently blind fans like 5700 didn't think he did much (he did). Bradley returns, MMO, and Davis also inside. Interesting crew that certainly has to make MAJOR strides.

Point #12 If Semenza can get over the yips with PATs or Purdy adds some power I think we'll be ok. Of all our prior great kickers they all had similar (or worse) completion % from fieldgoals in their first year. Williams is a tough kid, I'm sure he'll bounce back and be fine.

Point #13 Yeah, we'll have to see.

Point #14 Biggest intangible of the off-season IMO. This coaching staff is full of assistants that know the pride and tradition of this program and should able to effectively communicate it. Stitt has to continue to let that sink in with him as well, his comments of self-reflection and improvement hopefully incorporate that.

Point #15 Dumb penalties really only reared their head as the season collapsed against UNC and MSU. Agreed this team isn't good enough to absorb those and hopefully a point of focus this off-season. Early in the season the team was able to actually get other teams to commit penalties against them - need to get that type of swagger back and not lose their cool.

Point #16 Most of the PR/KR units should return a bulk of the guys from last season. That could be good (experience) but could also be a concern (prior results).

Point #17 Agreed with JLM. Lyons on KR's was also good. Not sure if some of the RS-frosh can contribute there?

 

[sdk.catfish]

I disagree on this point:

Point #5 Buss and Strahm are all conference guys.

Unless there is a designated "dirtiest player of the year" award Strahm doesn't belong in the conversation for all conference. This was a problem that surfaced in 2015 and was not dealt with well by the coaching staff. Dude should be required to be in some anger management courses - hopefully is. But the prescient me sees a game down the road of importance, either for a top conference spot or possibly a playoff game, where he reverts to his dufus self and costs the team the game. I find it amusing that so many posters refer to character and grade point as positives, which I agree with, but don't want to recognize this wart on the program.

 

[HookedonGriz]

I disagree on this point:

Point #5 Buss and Strahm are all conference guys.

Unless there is a designated "dirtiest player of the year" award Strahm doesn't belong in the conversation for all conference. This was a problem that surfaced in 2015 and was not dealt with well by the coaching staff. Dude should be required to be in some anger management courses - hopefully is. But the prescient me sees a game down the road of importance, either for a top conference spot or possibly a playoff game, where he reverts to his dufus self and costs the team the game. I find it amusing that so many posters refer to character and grade point as positives, which I agree with, but don't want to recognize this wart on the program.

You're a cat fan. Of course you don't like Straham. That is to be expected.

 

[sdk.catfish]

You're a cat fan. Of course you don't like Straham. That is to be expected.

How you could determine I am a cat fan from the content of my post is an indication of your immediate reaction to accuse in a moronic way rather than consider content- but that is pretty consistent with your other posts. You can check where my degree is from if you wish - I'll supply personal contact info in another venue.

However I'm sure, based on the bonehead play Straham had in the 4th quarter of this year's brawl, the cats are a big fan of Straham.

 

[Copper Griz]

You're a cat fan. Of course you don't like Straham. That is to be expected.

How you could determine I am a cat fan from the content of my post is an indication of your immediate reaction to accuse in a moronic way rather than consider content- but that is pretty consistent with your other posts. You can check where my degree is from if you wish - I'll supply personal contact info in another venue.

However I'm sure, based on the bonehead play Straham had in the 4th quarter of this year's brawl, the cats are a big fan of Straham.

Uggghhh. I hate to agree with your assessment, but it is accurate. I am neither here to defend or admonish this coaching staff. (I really don't have an agenda unlike some of the chicken littles on this board). I have seen some things I thought were positives and others that were complete head scratchers from this years team and coaches. One thing I cannot stand is lack of discipline and stupid penalties due to cheap shots. Coaches should not tolerate this behavior from any player.

 

[HookedonGriz]

You're a cat fan. Of course you don't like Straham. That is to be expected.

How you could determine I am a cat fan from the content of my post is an indication of your immediate reaction to accuse in a moronic way rather than consider content- but that is pretty consistent with your other posts. You can check where my degree is from if you wish - I'll supply personal contact info in another venue.

However I'm sure, based on the bonehead play Straham had in the 4th quarter of this year's brawl, the cats are a big fan of Straham.

Please point out my posts that you mentioned above that rub you the wrong way. I'm curious where I've offended you. But judging by your Straham fit, you may need a safe space and are easily offended by most topics.