Griz Make Top-25 ... Twice

[IdaGriz01]

I know ... :wtf:

In this case, the list shows the "Best FCS nonconference games in 2018." I know some on here can't stand Craig Haley at STATS.com, but sometimes he comes up with some good thoughts.
http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20180529112937554640204

In Haley's list, six of the top-25 FCS non-conference games involve the Big Sky, and two of those are Montana against a MVFS opponent.

22. McNeese (Southland) at Northern Colorado (Big Sky), Sept. 1 - After being left out of the playoffs despite winning nine games last year, the Cowboys make an 1,800-mile trip for a first-ever matchup that could start to state this year's case.

17. Western Illinois (Missouri Valley) at Montana State (Big Sky), Aug. 30 - It's been 25 years since these programs last met in the playoffs.

15. South Dakota (Missouri Valley) at Weber State (Big Sky), Sept. 15 - A repeat of their last meeting in 2016 would be welcomed: USD won 52-49 in two overtimes.

10. Montana (Big Sky) at Western Illinois (Missouri Valley), Sept. 15 - With matchups like this one, the Big Sky/MVFC Challenge Series should be replicated across other conferences.

5. Montana State (Big Sky) at South Dakota State (Missouri Valley), Sept. 8 - Coulda, woulda, shoulda, Montana State almost upset FCS semifinalist South Dakota State in a 31-27 thriller last September.

1. Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley) at Montana (Big Sky), Sept. 1 - Griz fans will be going bonkers over Bobby Hauck beginning a second stint as coach. Nobody's planted a "For Sale" sign yet.

FYI: The article is topped with a file photo of Coach Hauck. You might want to click on the link to see some other very interesting matchups.

 

[HookedonGriz]

Pretty cool to be considered the #1 match up in FCS.....maybe espn early kickoff should be in Missoula again.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Pretty cool to be considered the #1 match up in FCS.....maybe espn early kickoff should be in Missoula again.

Won't happen, NDSU would never give ESPN the go ahead. :lol:

 

[get'em_griz]

Pretty cool to be considered the #1 match up in FCS.....maybe espn early kickoff should be in Missoula again.

Won't happen, NDSU would never give ESPN the go ahead. :lol:

:lol: apparently NDSU didn’t have a say. ESPN is going with North Carolina A&T and Jacksonville State for the 2018 kickoff game.

 

[behappp]

First #RTD then ESPN

 

[CatGrad-UMGradStu]

MSU was not in the playoffs 25 years ago. That game was one of Dennehey's teams if memory serves me correctly.

 

[Stop_HammerTime69]

Pretty cool to be considered the #1 match up in FCS.....maybe espn early kickoff should be in Missoula again.

Won't happen, NDSU would never give ESPN the go ahead. :lol:

:roll:

 

[Cuervohola]

So, 25 games... 4 points each on a scale of 100.

Kittens mentioned twice equals -8 points

92/100

Not a bad article, but needs work in that glaring -8 point area.

 

[IdaGriz01]

MSU was not in the playoffs 25 years ago. That game was one of Dennehey's teams if memory serves me correctly.

Well hey, I just copied and pasted from the article. At a guess, Haley was in middle school 25 years .

 

[CatGrad-UMGradStu]

MSU was not in the playoffs 25 years ago. That game was one of Dennehey's teams if memory serves me correctly.

Well hey, I just copied and pasted from the article. At a guess, Haley was in middle school 25 years .

I understand. I was just pointing out Haley still can't get the teams west of the Appalachians straight. Must be an Ivy or Patriot League graduate?

 

[kemajic]

MSU was not in the playoffs 25 years ago. That game was one of Dennehey's teams if memory serves me correctly.

11/28/98 First round playoff in Macomb, WIU 52, UM 9. 3614 witnesses. It still hurts.

 

[RayWill]

Most people seem to think on national level MT will make some noise this year and make the playoffs. I sure hope so. Hero Sports agrees too but we all know what that is worth. Northern Iowa will be great test though. Tough defense one of the best RB in the country. IF MT can perform well and pull out the W there they will get a lot of folks attention.

https://herosports.com/fcs-football/8-teams-fcs-playoffs-2018-austin-peay-delaware-bryant-bzbz

 

[Hawkeyebowhunter]

Most people seem to think on national level MT will make some noise this year and make the playoffs. I sure hope so. Hero Sports agrees too but we all know what that is worth. Northern Iowa will be great test though. Tough defense one of the best RB in the country. IF MT can perform well and pull out the W there they will get a lot of folks attention.

https://herosports.com/fcs-football/8-teams-fcs-playoffs-2018-austin-peay-delaware-bryant-bzbz

Let's hope the pundits are right, and we make some noise this year. I believe in Coach Hauck and this staff.

 

[oGriz]

Craig Haley has been in the business for over 30 years and is probably the best FCS writer out there. Much better than some I've seen, like David Coulson and upChuck Burton. BTW, Haley went to The College of New Jersey. https://www.linkedin.com/in/craighaley