It’s been 16 months since we last saw the Grizzlies play a football game and it’s been quite the journey. I keep this scouting report write up in a template and the last notes here was for the Weber State playoff game. I’m looking forward to seeing the Griz suit up, and I have a feeling this team is really anxious to get out and play a game against someone other than the guys they’ve been lining up against the last 16+ months in practices.
Central Washington comes to town, and honestly it’s kind of tough to really know what we’re facing. Their defensive staff has had an overhaul so there’s not a lot known about what the Griz will face there. Looking back on their 2019 season and how they were projected before the 2020 cancellation, we get some hints to where this team is at. Reading their team site it also looks like they’ve got a new OC as well.
CWU had a choppy non-conference but locked it in as conference play got rolling and won a share of their conference title, defeating Simon Fraser 51-14. They won their last 6 games of the season to finish 7-4 overall – but apparently no playoff berth as that was the last game they show posted.
Their conference, the GNAC, suspended play in July of 2020 – before any conference voting, so unsure on where they were projected to finish at or who were going to make any preseason lists.
I’m not going to recap all of their games here, but will share a few of interest
Central Washington Wildcats 7-4
31-41 loss @ Idaho: In their first game of 2019 CWU hung around with Idaho the whole way, in fact they had a 17-10 lead before the halftime, but allowed a last second TD to have the game tied at 17 at the half. They tied it up again at 24-24 midway through the 3rd. They also got to within 3 (31-34) with about 7:00 left in the game, however they allowed a late Idaho TD that put the game out of reach. CWU ran for 115 and passed for 245, had 4 passing TDs, and were +2 in turnovers on the game. They couldn’t stop Idaho’s offense though if they weren’t forcing turnovers, allowing almost 500 yards of total offense.
28-62 loss vs Ferris State: Ferris was the #2 team in division 2 at the time of this game and would go on to make it to the D2 semifinals. Ferris ran all over CWU, 352 yards on the ground, and another 271 in the air.
62-10 and 52-14 wins vs Simon Fraser: The only other common opponent, Simon Fraser also played Portland State and lost 70-7. In the first game CWU ran for over 350 yards and held SFU to just 160 total yards. In the 2nd game CWU was more balanced, 190 rushing and 250 passing – while allowing 261 total yards on defense.
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General Stats (2019 totals)
Passing yards per game Montana (293 for CWU vs 301 for UM)
Rushing yards per game CWU (212 for CWU vs 139 for UM)
Total offense CWU (505 for CWU vs 440 for UM)
Passing yards allowed per game CWU (204 for CWU vs 279 for UM)
Rushing yards allowed per game Montana (195 for CWU vs 120 for UM)
Total defense PUSH (399 for CWU vs 399 for UM)
We obviously know the level of opponents and play are different here, CWU’s pass defense though, those numbers stand out. If we’re adding up though CWU has 3 to Montana’s 2, and 1 push.
Offense points scored CWU (41.8 for CWU vs 36.7 for UM)
Defense points allowed Montana (29.6 for CWU vs 25.1 for UM)
Turnover margin CWU – (+8 for CWU / +1 for Montana)
Fieldgoal % CWU (83% for CWU vs 79% for UM)
Punt Returns Montana (5.9 yards for CWU vs 14.7 yards for UM)
Kick Returns Montana (20.9 yards for CWU vs 23 yards for UM)
T.O.P. CWU (29:56 for CWU vs 29:23 for UM)
Red Zone defense (touchdowns) Montana (71% CWU / 62% UM)
Red Zone offense (touchdowns) Montana (64% CWU / 70% UM)
3rd down offense Montana – (40% for CWU / 47% for UM)
3rd down defense CWU – (32% allowed for CWU vs 34% allowed for UM)
CWU adds 5 while Montana picks up 6. That means both teams have 8 with 1 push.
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Players to Watch:
#21 Michael Roots, RB: The all-American / highly decorated running back in the center piece of the dangerous CWU offense. In 2019 he had 1,515 yards rushing and 14 rushing TDs, he also had 231 receiving yards and 1 receiving TD… AND he averaged 22.1 yards per kick return too. He lead the conference by far in yards on the ground, the 2nd best was 500 yards shy of him. He’s getting some NFL buzz as being named to some small school’s “players to watch” list.
#7 Christian Moore, QB: At 6-5, 230 this guy stands out, but he’s not just a passing threat. He wound up 2nd on the team in rushing with 278 yards on the ground and 4 rushing TDs. Passing, he averaged almost 250 per game, and had 28 passing TDs and 7 INTs.
#6 Tyson Rainwater, WR: A 6-3, 195 pound target, Tyson finished 2nd in receptions (by 1 catch) but lead the team in yards, with 795. He had 5 receiving TDs as well.
#11 Tony Archie, WR: 6-1, 180 – lead the team in TDs with 8, had 1 less catch than Rainwater but less yards at 651 total.
#10 JoJo Hillel, WR: 6-1, 190 – 3rd in receiving stats with 404 yards receiving and 6 TDs. The kid also was 3-4 passing with 3 TDs – basically every completion he threw was a touchdown!
#99 Isiah Carbajal, DL – An impressive stat line for this 6-3, 270 pound defensive lineman. 53 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
#41 Hamilton Hunt, LB – An Oregon State transfer, he lead the team in tackles last year with 74, he had 5.5 TFLs and 2 sacks as well
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Keys to a Grizzly Victory
1. Shake off the rust before CWU. Both of these teams have not played since the fall of 2019, and I’m unsure of what CWU’s 2020 fall and 2021 spring looked like for them when it came to practices. Both teams have a lot of veteran players on offense and whoever gets rolling sooner will be able to outpace the other.
2. Don’t let Roots run wild. This guy seems to be the real deal. Now how much of it is his D2 opponents? We’ll find out on Saturday, but I don’t think this guy is a slouch. He’s a big threat running and can beat us receiving as well. I’d assume this will be a big focus for the defense on Saturday.
3. Control the trenches. The Grizzlies posted some great weights for their DL and OL – time to show that strength against a smaller CWU front. If the Griz can keep Humphrey clean, open lanes for the running backs, and have a disruptive D-line, they’ll run away with this game.
4. Touchdowns over field goals. I have no clue what to expect from our almost all new kicking unit, let’s just score TDs.
5. Give the corners help over the top. While we’ve got new corners, we’ve got experienced safeties – and I think that will help. CWU’s WR corps and most of their skill guys are all experienced and have played together for years. Giving help to our newer corners could be needed.
6. Get Cam comfortable in the game as soon as possible. Humphrey is one of the only new additions to the offense, and he still played 2.5 games in 2019. Our veteran O-line needs to help him out and keep the pressure off him to work out any possible jitters.
7. Stop CWU’s offense in their tracks. Limit long possessions, force lots of punts.
8 +2 or better in turnovers. The Griz had a great turnover margin until that Weber playoff game… yikes. Let’s start this short spring season off right and force some picks and fumbles.
9. Roll with the punches. There’s sure to be some testing moments in this game. An untimely turnover, giving up a big play, a tight game late, some twists from CWU on offense and defense. The Grizzlies need to show they can adapt and adjust to a lot of unknown that’s coming their way.
10. Enjoy the moment. It’s going to be odd to have a stadium with so few fans, but it’s still going to be great to see the guys back at home and playing a game. Hopefully it can be one hell of a return to football and a great moment to celebrate another step returning us to normalcy.
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I’m kind of unsure what to expect, I think this game could be close with CWU’s skill on offense. What I have no clue on is if their defense will be effective or not. I’m guessing the Griz will be foaming at the mouth to get out there and hit someone though, this could be quite the physical show from our guys.
This is my best guess… a tight game most of the way, possibly until about 10:00 left. Griz finally pull away and win it but it’s no blowout at all. Fans might come away feeling nervous or worried, but honestly these games are for experience and reps. I want a Griz win and I think they’ll get it, but it may be more hard earned than some might think. I’ll say Griz win this 38-28.
Can’t wait to be in Wa Griz on Saturday! Go Griz!
Central Washington comes to town, and honestly it’s kind of tough to really know what we’re facing. Their defensive staff has had an overhaul so there’s not a lot known about what the Griz will face there. Looking back on their 2019 season and how they were projected before the 2020 cancellation, we get some hints to where this team is at. Reading their team site it also looks like they’ve got a new OC as well.
CWU had a choppy non-conference but locked it in as conference play got rolling and won a share of their conference title, defeating Simon Fraser 51-14. They won their last 6 games of the season to finish 7-4 overall – but apparently no playoff berth as that was the last game they show posted.
Their conference, the GNAC, suspended play in July of 2020 – before any conference voting, so unsure on where they were projected to finish at or who were going to make any preseason lists.
I’m not going to recap all of their games here, but will share a few of interest
Central Washington Wildcats 7-4
31-41 loss @ Idaho: In their first game of 2019 CWU hung around with Idaho the whole way, in fact they had a 17-10 lead before the halftime, but allowed a last second TD to have the game tied at 17 at the half. They tied it up again at 24-24 midway through the 3rd. They also got to within 3 (31-34) with about 7:00 left in the game, however they allowed a late Idaho TD that put the game out of reach. CWU ran for 115 and passed for 245, had 4 passing TDs, and were +2 in turnovers on the game. They couldn’t stop Idaho’s offense though if they weren’t forcing turnovers, allowing almost 500 yards of total offense.
28-62 loss vs Ferris State: Ferris was the #2 team in division 2 at the time of this game and would go on to make it to the D2 semifinals. Ferris ran all over CWU, 352 yards on the ground, and another 271 in the air.
62-10 and 52-14 wins vs Simon Fraser: The only other common opponent, Simon Fraser also played Portland State and lost 70-7. In the first game CWU ran for over 350 yards and held SFU to just 160 total yards. In the 2nd game CWU was more balanced, 190 rushing and 250 passing – while allowing 261 total yards on defense.
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General Stats (2019 totals)
Passing yards per game Montana (293 for CWU vs 301 for UM)
Rushing yards per game CWU (212 for CWU vs 139 for UM)
Total offense CWU (505 for CWU vs 440 for UM)
Passing yards allowed per game CWU (204 for CWU vs 279 for UM)
Rushing yards allowed per game Montana (195 for CWU vs 120 for UM)
Total defense PUSH (399 for CWU vs 399 for UM)
We obviously know the level of opponents and play are different here, CWU’s pass defense though, those numbers stand out. If we’re adding up though CWU has 3 to Montana’s 2, and 1 push.
Offense points scored CWU (41.8 for CWU vs 36.7 for UM)
Defense points allowed Montana (29.6 for CWU vs 25.1 for UM)
Turnover margin CWU – (+8 for CWU / +1 for Montana)
Fieldgoal % CWU (83% for CWU vs 79% for UM)
Punt Returns Montana (5.9 yards for CWU vs 14.7 yards for UM)
Kick Returns Montana (20.9 yards for CWU vs 23 yards for UM)
T.O.P. CWU (29:56 for CWU vs 29:23 for UM)
Red Zone defense (touchdowns) Montana (71% CWU / 62% UM)
Red Zone offense (touchdowns) Montana (64% CWU / 70% UM)
3rd down offense Montana – (40% for CWU / 47% for UM)
3rd down defense CWU – (32% allowed for CWU vs 34% allowed for UM)
CWU adds 5 while Montana picks up 6. That means both teams have 8 with 1 push.
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Players to Watch:
#21 Michael Roots, RB: The all-American / highly decorated running back in the center piece of the dangerous CWU offense. In 2019 he had 1,515 yards rushing and 14 rushing TDs, he also had 231 receiving yards and 1 receiving TD… AND he averaged 22.1 yards per kick return too. He lead the conference by far in yards on the ground, the 2nd best was 500 yards shy of him. He’s getting some NFL buzz as being named to some small school’s “players to watch” list.
#7 Christian Moore, QB: At 6-5, 230 this guy stands out, but he’s not just a passing threat. He wound up 2nd on the team in rushing with 278 yards on the ground and 4 rushing TDs. Passing, he averaged almost 250 per game, and had 28 passing TDs and 7 INTs.
#6 Tyson Rainwater, WR: A 6-3, 195 pound target, Tyson finished 2nd in receptions (by 1 catch) but lead the team in yards, with 795. He had 5 receiving TDs as well.
#11 Tony Archie, WR: 6-1, 180 – lead the team in TDs with 8, had 1 less catch than Rainwater but less yards at 651 total.
#10 JoJo Hillel, WR: 6-1, 190 – 3rd in receiving stats with 404 yards receiving and 6 TDs. The kid also was 3-4 passing with 3 TDs – basically every completion he threw was a touchdown!
#99 Isiah Carbajal, DL – An impressive stat line for this 6-3, 270 pound defensive lineman. 53 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
#41 Hamilton Hunt, LB – An Oregon State transfer, he lead the team in tackles last year with 74, he had 5.5 TFLs and 2 sacks as well
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Keys to a Grizzly Victory
1. Shake off the rust before CWU. Both of these teams have not played since the fall of 2019, and I’m unsure of what CWU’s 2020 fall and 2021 spring looked like for them when it came to practices. Both teams have a lot of veteran players on offense and whoever gets rolling sooner will be able to outpace the other.
2. Don’t let Roots run wild. This guy seems to be the real deal. Now how much of it is his D2 opponents? We’ll find out on Saturday, but I don’t think this guy is a slouch. He’s a big threat running and can beat us receiving as well. I’d assume this will be a big focus for the defense on Saturday.
3. Control the trenches. The Grizzlies posted some great weights for their DL and OL – time to show that strength against a smaller CWU front. If the Griz can keep Humphrey clean, open lanes for the running backs, and have a disruptive D-line, they’ll run away with this game.
4. Touchdowns over field goals. I have no clue what to expect from our almost all new kicking unit, let’s just score TDs.
5. Give the corners help over the top. While we’ve got new corners, we’ve got experienced safeties – and I think that will help. CWU’s WR corps and most of their skill guys are all experienced and have played together for years. Giving help to our newer corners could be needed.
6. Get Cam comfortable in the game as soon as possible. Humphrey is one of the only new additions to the offense, and he still played 2.5 games in 2019. Our veteran O-line needs to help him out and keep the pressure off him to work out any possible jitters.
7. Stop CWU’s offense in their tracks. Limit long possessions, force lots of punts.
8 +2 or better in turnovers. The Griz had a great turnover margin until that Weber playoff game… yikes. Let’s start this short spring season off right and force some picks and fumbles.
9. Roll with the punches. There’s sure to be some testing moments in this game. An untimely turnover, giving up a big play, a tight game late, some twists from CWU on offense and defense. The Grizzlies need to show they can adapt and adjust to a lot of unknown that’s coming their way.
10. Enjoy the moment. It’s going to be odd to have a stadium with so few fans, but it’s still going to be great to see the guys back at home and playing a game. Hopefully it can be one hell of a return to football and a great moment to celebrate another step returning us to normalcy.
-------------------------------
I’m kind of unsure what to expect, I think this game could be close with CWU’s skill on offense. What I have no clue on is if their defense will be effective or not. I’m guessing the Griz will be foaming at the mouth to get out there and hit someone though, this could be quite the physical show from our guys.
This is my best guess… a tight game most of the way, possibly until about 10:00 left. Griz finally pull away and win it but it’s no blowout at all. Fans might come away feeling nervous or worried, but honestly these games are for experience and reps. I want a Griz win and I think they’ll get it, but it may be more hard earned than some might think. I’ll say Griz win this 38-28.
Can’t wait to be in Wa Griz on Saturday! Go Griz!
:thumb:
