Bill Speltz (Missoulian) Today's Scrimmage Report

[Alaska Griz]

I would like Poole and Schmaing too. However, you obviously didn't see the scrimmage today.[/quote

I did indeed, and the positive is that Thiebes and Dietrich are getting good experience. J.J. will keep us in any game, and he is a huge reason our offense had some success today. Our O-line is very thin right now, that's just a fact. And it's okay if you have a different opinion.

 

[monte is a character]

This is my take:
Our substitute tackles are too small, too young, and will get worked over by good defensive lines. The beginning of the season could be rough. However, we'll find out a lot about this team. As I've been predicting, I think we'll have one of the strongest linebacking corps in the conference. I think this could be the best Griz defense we've seen in awhile.

We need some good luck. We need Shmaing and Poole. Period. And we at least need one of them. I'll wait four or five games into the season to scratch my head too hard cause I say this every year, if we can keep improving throughout the season, much as we did in the Hauck years, and we can regain our health, get on a roll before the playoffs, then this team has the talent to do big things. If those things don't happen, then not so much. but, I don't expect our running game to do well against our defense and I hope it doesn't, though that doesn't excuse the fact that we have under-recruited on offensive lineman recently and we are in a pickle in terms of line health this year. On a side note, the recruiting year we seem to be having so far is unbelievable.

I would like Poole and Schmaing too. However, you obviously didn't see the scrimmage today.

And furthermore it is obvious you never played the game. :roll:

 

[SaskGriz]

I know it's been mentioned before but I am sort of surprised that Max Kelly and Clint LaRowe haven't stepped up a bit more. LaRowe especially has good size and seems very athletic. I suppose he is probably still adjusting to seeing trees and he's probably pretty freaked out by mountains.

 

[rimrockgriz]

Looks like there were plenty of eGriz experts at the scrimmage. Bacterial infections, hamstrings, appendicitis, disk issues... We'll have to wait and see who brings their lunch box to Laramie?? Who can tell me about Travon Vann ?? Did he play Saturday? BW said he has been lining up at "Z". Is he taking on more "O" at the position? Different positions... maybe in motion? If Ellis doesn't go T.V will be at a premium because he can stretch the field. I'm not seeing that coming from the pack of wr's now on the roster. Ellis forces teams to play their safeties deeper...that may change now... :egriz:

 

[bigkid]

This has to be the smallest and yes, most concerning offensive line we've had in Missoula. It was great recruiting all the skill players lately but the coaching staff needed to pay more attention to this. Sorry but a 260 lb tackle won't be able to contain some of the defensive ends they'll see. JJ will be in survival mode in Wyoming and Fargo. I'll be happy to get out of Laramie healthy.
57 total yards rushing :shock: So much for establishing the run!

 

[PlayerRep]

I would like Poole and Schmaing too. However, you obviously didn't see the scrimmage today.[/quote

I did indeed, and the positive is that Thiebes and Dietrich are getting good experience. J.J. will keep us in any game, and he is a huge reason our offense had some success today. Our O-line is very thin right now, that's just a fact. And it's okay if you have a different opinion.

No one denies that the o-line lacks experience, especially with Poole and Schmaing out. However, I was surprised that the o-line and the tackles didn't appear to get "worked over" by a very good defensive line, which some believe has the potential to be the best in FCS. Dietrich and Thiebes s are 20 and 30 pounds lighter than Poole and Schmaing, according to the roster, but the roster has Thiebes at 260 and he's now 280. One would think that a converted tight end is probably quicker and more mobile than most o-lineman. He's probably still learning the offense, tho. There has to be a reason that these 2 guys are playing in front of several other younger tackles (assuming what has been reported as to whom is playing tackle), whom I thought would be stepping up and taking the place of Poole/Schmaing. Another poster recently asked a question on that subject. You are welcome to declare now that the tackles are too young, too thin and will be worked over by good d-lines. I, however, thought the o-line and tackles were better than I had feared, and that there was some decent potential to continue to improve.

 

[brootgrizr]

Nobody has mentioned Gamboa. I heard his name called many times & JJ couldn't juke him.

 

[Umista]

Waiting for three (3) full games. I think after that point I will figure out how our team will do during the season. Until that point it is "one guess is as good as another" type of situation.

Of course it is fun to speculate on just how good or bad we will be. And I listen and watch all of us speculate on our abilities as a football team plus egrizzing and the BS goes on forever. Me included.

My friend attended the scrimmage and has watched numerous practices. He is very big on Logwood, claims he will be a fantastic RB and we will see many great things from him before it is all over. Great future.

I can't figure Lider. He can kick hard and far but still has issues with getting the ball in a location some where between the X-bars. I had faith in him a year ago and I keep hoping he will get on with his game but......

Our offensive line will come and continue to improve.

What is my greatest concern? Johnson goes out with an injury, we will be screwed. forget the line, hell forget the entire thing. If one of the young QBs steps up then I will eat dirt and be one happy Griz.

Fun thing about all this: It is all speculation and BS and rather fun to listen to one another try to guess about our team, players and coaches!

 

[grizeyes]

I would like Poole and Schmaing too. However, you obviously didn't see the scrimmage today.[/quote

I did indeed, and the positive is that Thiebes and Dietrich are getting good experience. J.J. will keep us in any game, and he is a huge reason our offense had some success today. Our O-line is very thin right now, that's just a fact. And it's okay if you have a different opinion.

No one denies that the o-line lacks experience, especially with Poole and Schmaing out. However, I was surprised that the o-line and the tackles didn't appear to get "worked over" by a very good defensive line, which some believe has the potential to be the best in FCS. Dietrich and Thiebes s are 20 and 30 pounds lighter than Poole and Schmaing, according to the roster, but the roster has Thiebes at 260 and he's now 280. One would think that a converted tight end is probably quicker and more mobile than most o-lineman. He's probably still learning the offense, tho. There has to be a reason that these 2 guys are playing in front of several other younger tackles (assuming what has been reported as to whom is playing tackle), whom I thought would be stepping up and taking the place of Poole/Schmaing. Another poster recently asked a question on that subject. You are welcome to declare now that the tackles are too young, too thin and will be worked over by good d-lines. I, however, thought the o-line and tackles were better than I had feared, and that there was some decent potential to continue to improve.

This is encouraging.

 

[PlayerRep]

I would like Poole and Schmaing too. However, you obviously didn't see the scrimmage today.[/quote

I did indeed, and the positive is that Thiebes and Dietrich are getting good experience. J.J. will keep us in any game, and he is a huge reason our offense had some success today. Our O-line is very thin right now, that's just a fact. And it's okay if you have a different opinion.

No one denies that the o-line lacks experience, especially with Poole and Schmaing out. However, I was surprised that the o-line and the tackles didn't appear to get "worked over" by a very good defensive line, which some believe has the potential to be the best in FCS. Dietrich and Thiebes s are 20 and 30 pounds lighter than Poole and Schmaing, according to the roster, but the roster has Thiebes at 260 and he's now 280. One would think that a converted tight end is probably quicker and more mobile than most o-lineman. He's probably still learning the offense, tho. There has to be a reason that these 2 guys are playing in front of several other younger tackles (assuming what has been reported as to whom is playing tackle), whom I thought would be stepping up and taking the place of Poole/Schmaing. Another poster recently asked a question on that subject. You are welcome to declare now that the tackles are too young, too thin and will be worked over by good d-lines. I, however, thought the o-line and tackles were better than I had feared, and that there was some decent potential to continue to improve.

This is encouraging.

I am an optimist and hopeful, but you probably shouldn't take it to the bank yet or bet the ranch on it. There is considerable work to be done. It would be nice to get the other guys back soon.

 

[grizeyes]

I would like Poole and Schmaing too. However, you obviously didn't see the scrimmage today.[/quote

I did indeed, and the positive is that Thiebes and Dietrich are getting good experience. J.J. will keep us in any game, and he is a huge reason our offense had some success today. Our O-line is very thin right now, that's just a fact. And it's okay if you have a different opinion.

No one denies that the o-line lacks experience, especially with Poole and Schmaing out. However, I was surprised that the o-line and the tackles didn't appear to get "worked over" by a very good defensive line, which some believe has the potential to be the best in FCS. Dietrich and Thiebes s are 20 and 30 pounds lighter than Poole and Schmaing, according to the roster, but the roster has Thiebes at 260 and he's now 280. One would think that a converted tight end is probably quicker and more mobile than most o-lineman. He's probably still learning the offense, tho. There has to be a reason that these 2 guys are playing in front of several other younger tackles (assuming what has been reported as to whom is playing tackle), whom I thought would be stepping up and taking the place of Poole/Schmaing. Another poster recently asked a question on that subject. You are welcome to declare now that the tackles are too young, too thin and will be worked over by good d-lines. I, however, thought the o-line and tackles were better than I had feared, and that there was some decent potential to continue to improve.

This is encouraging.

I am an optimist and hopeful, but you probably shouldn't take it to the bank yet or bet the ranch on it. There is considerable work to be done. It would be nice to get the other guys back soon.

Agreed. No bets here but something to hang our hopes on is good. These guys are going to have to man-up fast!

 

[griz4life]

It never takes that many loses on Oline to put an FCS team in a rough spot. I can't remember the last time the Griz lost two starters on Oline this late in pre fall.
Schmaing will be back.


Some of the challenges now seem to be dietary, both the light linemen and Henderson's infection. Makes me wonder if a training table, like the one Pflugrad wanted, would have helped.

 

[zirge]

i like the fact that we now have lighter more mobile o-lineman. for years defensive ends and linebackers have been improving their game by becoming faster and stronger and weigh in 20-30 lbs lighter than 310+ offensive lineman, which we have seen in recent years our QB's scrambling more and more each year.

case in point is charles burton could not match the speed and strength he was up against most of the time and was mostly playing catch up and we lost selle's as he got blind sided as a result.
not blaming charles as shi_ happens, but i am making it present to make a point....

another case in point is Montana losing to richmond in the chipper 24-7....here is a line from that game:

Bergquist was sacked seven times in the game, with Lawrence Sidbury responsible for four of them.

the days of huge offensive lineman are fading fast, the profile is changing, to keep up with the mobility, strength and speed of their opponents on the other side of the ball. imo

 

[rimrockgriz]

i like the fact that we now have lighter more mobile o-lineman. for years defensive ends and linebackers have been improving their game by becoming faster and stronger and weigh in 20-30 lbs lighter than 310+ offensive lineman, which we have seen in recent years our QB's scrambling more and more each year.

case in point is charles burton could not match the speed and strength he was up against most of the time and was mostly playing catch up and we lost selle's as he got blind sided as a result.
not blaming charles as shi_ happens, but i am making it present to make a point....

another case in point is Montana losing to richmond in the chipper 24-7....here is a line from that game:

Bergquist was sacked seven times in the game, with Lawrence Sidbury responsible for four of them.

the days of huge offensive lineman are fading fast, the profile is changing, to keep up with the mobility, strength and speed of their opponents on the other side of the ball. imo

Not disputing your point, but FSU had an O line that avg. 317# last year...However, I do think Chip Kelly has started a new era of football. Isn't the ground and pound phase of our "O" designed to have huge o lineman?... :egriz: I think athleticism is #1.

 

[poorgriz]

i like the fact that we now have lighter more mobile o-lineman. for years defensive ends and linebackers have been improving their game by becoming faster and stronger and weigh in 20-30 lbs lighter than 310+ offensive lineman, which we have seen in recent years our QB's scrambling more and more each year.

case in point is charles burton could not match the speed and strength he was up against most of the time and was mostly playing catch up and we lost selle's as he got blind sided as a result.
not blaming charles as shi_ happens, but i am making it present to make a point....

another case in point is Montana losing to richmond in the chipper 24-7....here is a line from that game:

Bergquist was sacked seven times in the game, with Lawrence Sidbury responsible for four of them.

the days of huge offensive lineman are fading fast, the profile is changing, to keep up with the mobility, strength and speed of their opponents on the other side of the ball. imo

Don't tell that to the two best programs in the FCS.

 

[statler & waldorf]

These guys are going to have to man-up fast!

I don't recall a season where the Griz were firing on all cylinders until sometime in October. Those of you with better memories please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Alaska Griz]

These guys are going to have to man-up fast!

I don't recall a season where the Griz were firing on all cylinders until sometime in October. Those of you with better memories please correct me if I am wrong.

As I pointed out earlier in the thread, during the Hauck years we steadily improved througout the season and generally peaked in the playoffs. If we can get guys to return as the backups are improving then you have a recipie for a deep and experienced team playoff time. This, of course, is what we're hoping for , and why there's not really any reason trying to predict how the season will play out. Like I said, I think we might struggle early on, but sit tight...

 

[RayWill]

These guys are going to have to man-up fast!

I don't recall a season where the Griz were firing on all cylinders until sometime in October. Those of you with better memories please correct me if I am wrong.

As I pointed out earlier in the thread, during the Hauck years we steadily improved througout the season and generally peaked in the playoffs. If we can get guys to return as the backups are improving then you have a recipie for a deep and experienced team playoff time. This, of course, is what we're hoping for , and why there's not really any reason trying to predict how the season will play out. Like I said, I think we might struggle early on, but sit tight...

Yeah but too many early struggles and if EWu is as good as they look and a drop to them then there is a chance there is no playoffs. Small chance but still there. Would rather see the Griz regain the Big sky Champs but barring that they need a good showing in these tough non conf games

 

[RBuley]

These guys are going to have to man-up fast!

I don't recall a season where the Griz were firing on all cylinders until sometime in October. Those of you with better memories please correct me if I am wrong.

As I pointed out earlier in the thread, during the Hauck years we steadily improved througout the season and generally peaked in the playoffs. If we can get guys to return as the backups are improving then you have a recipie for a deep and experienced team playoff time. This, of course, is what we're hoping for , and why there's not really any reason trying to predict how the season will play out. Like I said, I think we might struggle early on, but sit tight...

Yeah but too many early struggles and if EWu is as good as they look and a drop to them then there is a chance there is no playoffs. Small chance but still there. Would rather see the Griz regain the Big sky Champs but barring that they need a good showing in these tough non conf games

Yeah, but the days of playing a couple of tomato cans in nonconference like the Hauck days are long gone. Realistically, we're looking at being 2-2 going into conference, and, possibly 1-3. Although we can expect the O line to improve throughout the season, you can say that about every team. Pray for JJ. If he gets knocked out or his ability to scramble is limited, I'm afraid it could be a very long season.

 

[EverettGriz]

Isn't that true of just about every team in America? Lose your starting QB and it's going to cause problems. How good will Ewoo be if they lose Shoota? They've got a very young offensive front I wouldn't want an inexperienced QB playing behind.

There's a reason those QBs wear read jersies in practice.