*ABOUT* the Commentators Analysis...

[timjayko]

I totally agree with the commentators analysis of the Griz offensive scheme (play-calling, sequence of run vs. pass plays, and the type of plays called). Why were we consistently running on first down (1-2 yards max usually)? I would have preferred a pass-happy scheme to have started the game, and this is why:

The way our offense has worked running the ball this year has been by establishing the pass early and often in a game, forcing an opposing defense to start playing the pass while we start to gas their players stamina. THAT is how we have been able to get our running game going for the most part. Also I was very tired of seeing so many short sideline throws early in the game, I understand that our QB protection was very suspect on passing downs and we can't do a lot of throws down the field because of that but where were some WR slants? I feel Brady just got so ancy behind the pocket and never was composed the entire game (Perhaps Selle and/or Stitt should of sat him out maybe a few possessions early, talked to him, got him back in the right mind-set, then let him get back out there and execute).

To NDSU and their respectful fans: you proved time and time again why you are the team to beat in the FCS, my hats off to your team and best of luck throughout the playoffs. They definitely came with a game-plan to shake up our offense, and executed it effectively.

Now to the Griz D, I was completely baffled by our poor execution on the first TD by NDSU (the option run by their QB), shouldn't the first defender have gone after the QB first on an option play? Maybe their formation and the way the NDSU players ran it did a good job of distracting our D just enough? We definitely seemed to at least adjust to that, and overall I was impressed with our secondary play throughout the game.

All in all I know that the Griz performance in this game was far from what this team is capable of. A two-headed monster showed up this year for the Griz, one head being a championship-contending one (beating NDSU opening game, smoking EWU), the other head a baffling mistake-prone one that makes my head shake so much I think I started to develop neck muscle issues ( the Cal Poly f***-up, the Weber State fumbler).

Consistency is what this team has lacked all year. If Stitt can create a consistent team with smart game plans and executions each game I feel we are capable of another dominating performance in the Big Sky like we have in the years past, to go with a higher seed playoff berth with home field advantage. Thank you Grizzlies for another year, I enjoyed the ride. Over and out.

 

[Proud Griz Man]

Now to the Griz D, I was completely baffled by our poor execution on the first TD by NDSU (the option run by their QB), shouldn't the first defender have gone after the QB first on an option play? Maybe their formation and the way the NDSU players ran it did a good job of distracting our D just enough? We definitely seemed to at least adjust to that, and overall I was impressed with our secondary play throughout the game.

Thank you Grizzlies for another year, I enjoyed the ride. Over and out.

Good post TJ. NDSU's offensive line play was excellent yesterday, and they consistently outplayed the Griz front seven and on that specific play I did not see where any of the linebackers #45 Kose and #10 Strahm and #36 Gamboa were assignment sound / gap sound. Just my $ .02.

 

[PDXGrizzly]

UMs line backing corps has always been very aggressive. While that is great in many situations, including the pass rush, misdirection causes them to over pursue. Essentially that option play caused the linebackers and DBs to make a move to the left, where the run looked like it was going but we're out of position when the QB kept the ball. The problem is that the Griz aren't gap sound by any stretch of the word. That's also why Cal Poly and running QBs give us fits.

 

[stilwtrgrizz]

Now to the Griz D, I was completely baffled by our poor execution on the first TD by NDSU (the option run by their QB), shouldn't the first defender have gone after the QB first on an option play? Maybe their formation and the way the NDSU players ran it did a good job of distracting our D just enough? We definitely seemed to at least adjust to that, and overall I was impressed with our secondary play throughout the game.

Thank you Grizzlies for another year, I enjoyed the ride. Over and out.

Good post TJ. NDSU's offensive line play was excellent yesterday, and they consistently outplayed the Griz front seven and on that specific play I did not see where any of the linebackers #45 Kose and #10 Strahm and #36 Gamboa were assignment sound / gap sound. Just my $ .02.

I thought that Connor Lebsock (#33) was the left side linebacker on that play. Am I wrong?

 

[PlayerRep]

The first TD run by the qb was a run essentially up the middle of the line, not a true option to the outside. All 4 linebackers are in the game. 45 and 10 got to the left as they play looks like it's going left, 33 is more in the middle but gets blocked left (perhaps by 2 blockers), and 36 is to the right a bit. The NDSU line opened a hug hole. I'm guessing we had 3 down lineman, but down know. I think Holmes is at the right end.

 

[Umista]

After the game it can be stated that our big problem was our lack of offense. Our second problem was our special teams play and third and far back in importance was our defense.
Playing against a team that does not allow us to make ANY yardage on running the ball is basic problem. It usually means you won't win.
Occasionally a super performance by a QB can perform miracles and sneak out a win for a team that can't run but that is very very rare.
Concerning commentators analysis it has sometimes been worth a listen but I prefer to note what our coach is telling us....far more factual and can let us understand what the hell is going on. Of course yesterday was simple because NDSU was better, bigger, faster and coached very well.
I will be getting over this loss and I am anxious for next season. I am thankfull I am not an eagle or cat fan and feel we had a good run this year! Yo...go Griz!

 

[stilwtrgrizz]

The first TD run by the qb was a run essentially up the middle of the line, not a true option to the outside. All 4 linebackers are in the game. 45 and 10 got to the left as they play looks like it's going left, 33 is more in the middle but gets blocked left (perhaps by 2 blockers), and 36 is to the right a bit. The NDSU line opened a hug hole. I'm guessing we had 3 down lineman, but down know. I think Holmes is at the right end.

OK, thank you....

 

[84GRIZ]

The first TD run by the qb was a run essentially up the middle of the line, not a true option to the outside. All 4 linebackers are in the game. 45 and 10 got to the left as they play looks like it's going left, 33 is more in the middle but gets blocked left (perhaps by 2 blockers), and 36 is to the right a bit. The NDSU line opened a hug hole. I'm guessing we had 3 down lineman, but down know. I think Holmes is at the right end.

On that play it looked like we were running that jailbreak rush where everyone is moving around and none of the lineman were down in a stance. Not the best call on a 3rd and 3 when they still have a pretty high percentage chance of running the ball. Hard to keep your run gap assignments with everyone moving around. Don't think we saw that defensive scheme again for the rest of the game.