Griz Press Conference Recap

[grizband]

I saw a talent issue in many spots, but especially comparing nau's receivers to the Griz. Other than JLM, the Griz receivers are very average.

Calhoun didn't seem average...

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Agreed. But clearly better than NAU's backs? I don't know?

Well, he had only 20 fewer yards, on 4 less carries; and, was almost even in yardage if you include his 15 receiving yards.

I meant Justin Calhoun, though. 8 catches, for 133 yards and aTD doesn't seem average.

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[mtgriz]

This has been slightly edited from a previous post I made,to which I received no answer. Thought I would try it again here. Not having played or coached the game, just observed it for 60+ years, I have a serious question that has been bugging me recently. How hard is it for an opposing team to prepare for an offense that has a quarterback who is virtually NO THREAT as a runner, and whose running game, a VERY HIGH percentage of the time, is SO predictable. This as opposed to a team with a truly mobile quarterback, who is ALWAYS a threat to run, and a running game with multiple plays, formations, and options. Maybe even a few "Trick" plays" to keep the opposing defense at least a little bit in suspense. It seems to this observer that our offense is SO DAMN PREDICTABLE, that even my wife knows whats coming well over half the time. It appears that not only is our running game very predictable, but if one player is having an off day throwing the ball, we are dead in the water. Not being critical here, just would like to know the answer, if there is one. Thanks GO GRIZ

We don't even need trick plays. Bring Chalich in for spot duty, similar to how teams will spot their Wildcat package. If he busts a couple read options that would be great. JJ hadn't been running a lot in 2014 (don't remember for sure but I think he nursed an ankle for several weeks), then came out in the Cat game and ran off a couple big gains in the first quarter, that really set a tone.

Just a theory, but perhaps the Griz have been working on a "package" for the EWU game for a few weeks, and an unintended consequence had the team looking past NAU in the team's collective subconscious.

 

[RABIDAWG]

Stilwtrgrizz - there are no answers to your concerns. We older fans have been used to the expectation of winning, up to and including going deep into the playoffs. The BSC just might have a little more parity than before, or perhaps our program has lost that edge. You and the rest of us, my old Spartan friend, will have to endure, with the knowledge that in another 10-15 years we may not even know what the hell we are watching! Patience, as a virtue, is becoming more fleeting....no?

 

[horribilisfan8184]

The Denver Broncos are 5-2. In their two losses they look worse than the Griz in their losses. In their 5 wins they look like they repeat as SB Champs. If the Griz work through these losses and learn and improve they have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, even with a loss next week. If the team isn't as bi-polar as the fan base they should be OK.

 

[George Ferguson]

This has been slightly edited from a previous post I made,to which I received no answer. Thought I would try it again here. Not having played or coached the game, just observed it for 60+ years, I have a serious question that has been bugging me recently. How hard is it for an opposing team to prepare for an offense that has a quarterback who is virtually NO THREAT as a runner, and whose running game, a VERY HIGH percentage of the time, is SO predictable. This as opposed to a team with a truly mobile quarterback, who is ALWAYS a threat to run, and a running game with multiple plays, formations, and options. Maybe even a few "Trick" plays" to keep the opposing defense at least a little bit in suspense. It seems to this observer that our offense is SO DAMN PREDICTABLE, that even my wife knows whats coming well over half the time. It appears that not only is our running game very predictable, but if one player is having an off day throwing the ball, we are dead in the water. Not being critical here, just would like to know the answer, if there is one. Thanks GO GRIZ

We don't even need trick plays. Bring Chalich in for spot duty, similar to how teams will spot their Wildcat package. If he busts a couple read options that would be great. JJ hadn't been running a lot in 2014 (don't remember for sure but I think he nursed an ankle for several weeks), then came out in the Cat game and ran off a couple big gains in the first quarter, that really set a tone.

Just a theory, but perhaps the Griz have been working on a "package" for the EWU game for a few weeks, and an unintended consequence had the team looking past NAU in the team's collective subconscious.

Just so you have your facts straight, JJ was playing in Delaney's offense, and there was no more predictable offense than that. He wasn't running that season because Mick had completely phased out Pflu's read-option offense. The week before the Cat game, JJ and a few of the seniors went to Mick and asked him to please let bring at least SOME of that offense back. Mick agreed, because Mick was retiring. Trust me, if Mick had came back the next year, the Pflu offense would not have come back with him.

Also, Brady kept it twice against NAU and ran one for a first a down. Also, Blake Kemp is not a running QB, and neither is Case Cookus.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

The Denver Broncos are 5-2. In their two losses they look worse than the Griz in their losses. In their 5 wins they look like they repeat as SB Champs. If the Griz work through these losses and learn and improve they have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, even with a loss next week. If the team isn't as bi-polar as the fan base they should be OK.

I had not idea that the Griz won the chipper last year.

 

[mtgriz]

The Denver Broncos are 5-2. In their two losses they look worse than the Griz in their losses. In their 5 wins they look like they repeat as SB Champs. If the Griz work through these losses and learn and improve they have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, even with a loss next week. If the team isn't as bi-polar as the fan base they should be OK.

NDSU was 4-2 last year, and 2 other very close games they pulled out in the regular season.

Even dominant teams have adversity during a long season. Saturday should tell us a lot about the 2016 Griz.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

:roll:

The Denver Broncos are 5-2. In their two losses they look worse than the Griz in their losses. In their 5 wins they look like they repeat as SB Champs. If the Griz work through these losses and learn and improve they have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, even with a loss next week. If the team isn't as bi-polar as the fan base they should be OK.

I had not idea that the Griz won the chipper last year.

Really, that's what you took from my post?

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

:roll:

The Denver Broncos are 5-2. In their two losses they look worse than the Griz in their losses. In their 5 wins they look like they repeat as SB Champs. If the Griz work through these losses and learn and improve they have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, even with a loss next week. If the team isn't as bi-polar as the fan base they should be OK.

I had not idea that the Griz won the chipper last year.

Really, that's what you took from my post?

It was the only thing worth taking from it.

 

[LivingstonNative]

:thumb:

One thing I have noticed over the years watching UM on tv, or on line, and seeing them on the road are truly opposite experiences. The games in Missoula are supposedly loud (I guess that is true) and the excitement level is high. Yet, on the road, the Griz faithful turn out but do not show any enthusiasm or make much effort to cheer the team on. At NAU I did not see a great turnout of their fans for a major game, but there were lots of maroon. Yet no noise..Other schools with loyal following send their cheer leaders and, now and then, their bands. Yes, I know it costs but these guys who play at Wash-Griz don't seem to play well in the Big Sky stadiums that are near empty of students and not really an attraction to their student body. Even the best need encouragement now and then...

Well I went to every NAU/Griz game from '93 to '11 and I am here to tell you, ROUTINELY the 500-1000 Griz fans were louder than the NAU fans that were there. So, perhaps something changed, but back in the day we were loud and proud.

Way to go AZ. WISHED I COULD'VE BEEN AT THE GAME WITH YOU

 

[stilwtrgrizz]

Stilwtrgrizz - there are no answers to your concerns. We older fans have been used to the expectation of winning, up to and including going deep into the playoffs. The BSC just might have a little more parity than before, or perhaps our program has lost that edge. You and the rest of us, my old Spartan friend, will have to endure, with the knowledge that in another 10-15 years we may not even know what the hell we are watching! Patience, as a virtue, is becoming more fleeting....no?

Oh yes, a very true statement........ :clap:

 

[kemajic]

The thing I find puzzling about Stitt's comments: he states that he could tell we were not prepared for the game, early. Yet with a team on the field that he did not believe was going to play its "A" game, instead of playing conservatively (like the UNI game) he puts pressure on them with foolish gambles on fourth down passes, with a QB who time after time couldn't hit a pass when it counted. Twice in our own territory in the third quarter that led to short field NAU TDs. Keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Brilliant.

 

[Grisly Fan]

The thing I find puzzling about Stitt's comments: he states that he could tell we were not prepared for the game, early. Yet with a team on the field that he did not believe was going to play its "A" game, instead of playing conservatively (like the UNI game) he puts pressure on them with foolish gambles on fourth down passes, with a QB who time after time couldn't hit a pass when it counted. Twice in our own territory in the third quarter that led to short field NAU TDs. Keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Brilliant.

While I like Stitt a lot and believe he will become an excellent coach it seems clear that he isn't there yet. He seems to lack some feel for the game at the FCS level. Going for it on 4th down is statistically a good idea it is said but the times he chose to were questionable at the very least. Good/great coaches know their team, know their opponents, and have a gut level feel for the flow of the game. I believe Stitt lacks a bit of each of these right now. I think he will get there in time.

 

[Proud Griz Man]

The thing I find puzzling about Stitt's comments: he states that he could tell we were not prepared for the game, early. Yet with a team on the field that he did not believe was going to play its "A" game, instead of playing conservatively (like the UNI game) he puts pressure on them with foolish gambles on fourth down passes, with a QB who time after time couldn't hit a pass when it counted. Twice in our own territory in the third quarter that led to short field NAU TDs. Keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Brilliant.

OK Kem, I misunderstood your post on page 1 of this thread. In fact you are perplexed by the same thing that I am surprised by; why the 10/22/16 Griz team was unprepared and non-competitive and why Stitt makes poor-percentage choices with a team that is not ready for adversity/ready to accept the challenge ? :?:

So, What will Stitt do to get them ready for EWU on 10/29 ? Will Stitt make all of the defense report to Roos field at 7am on Saturday so that the 1st play is not a surprise EWU 75-yard TD ? Will Stitt make all of the offense run to the M to prepare them for adversity ? ( Sarcasm and hyperbole intentionally injected. )

 

[horribilisfan8184]

:roll:

The Denver Broncos are 5-2. In their two losses they look worse than the Griz in their losses. In their 5 wins they look like they repeat as SB Champs. If the Griz work through these losses and learn and improve they have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, even with a loss next week. If the team isn't as bi-polar as the fan base they should be OK.

I had not idea that the Griz won the chipper last year.

Really, that's what you took from my post?

It was the only thing worth taking from it.

Well it was directed at posters who are not superficial and can see deeper meaning, so I see now your take.

 

[AZGrizFan]

The thing I find puzzling about Stitt's comments: he states that he could tell we were not prepared for the game, early. Yet with a team on the field that he did not believe was going to play its "A" game, instead of playing conservatively (like the UNI game) he puts pressure on them with foolish gambles on fourth down passes, with a QB who time after time couldn't hit a pass when it counted. Twice in our own territory in the third quarter that led to short field NAU TDs. Keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Brilliant.

Kem, I'm gonna disagree with you a bit here. The FIRST 4th down play maybe wasn't warranted, as we were only down 18 with 8:36 left in the 3rd....lots of time, as long as the defense can hold....the SECOND 4th down play, however, we were down 25 (4 possessions, minimum), with a little over 2 minutes left in the 3rd...that one I believe was necessary.

 

[marooncoloredglasses]

Nice post, Diesel. Hope you keep posting.

 

[Proud Griz Man]

Nice post, Diesel. Hope you keep posting.

+1

Look forward to how Griz respond to a better team this week, we will see if this was a accurate assessment by Stiit. Was there motivation issues, maybe.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

:roll:

I had not idea that the Griz won the chipper last year.

Really, that's what you took from my post?

It was the only thing worth taking from it.

Well it was directed at posters who are not superficial and can see deeper meaning, so I see now your take.

Actually I saw it as an apple to oranges comparison that was meaningless. Those have pretty much zero in common other than they lost some games.

 

[mtgriz]

This has been slightly edited from a previous post I made,to which I received no answer. Thought I would try it again here. Not having played or coached the game, just observed it for 60+ years, I have a serious question that has been bugging me recently. How hard is it for an opposing team to prepare for an offense that has a quarterback who is virtually NO THREAT as a runner, and whose running game, a VERY HIGH percentage of the time, is SO predictable. This as opposed to a team with a truly mobile quarterback, who is ALWAYS a threat to run, and a running game with multiple plays, formations, and options. Maybe even a few "Trick" plays" to keep the opposing defense at least a little bit in suspense. It seems to this observer that our offense is SO DAMN PREDICTABLE, that even my wife knows whats coming well over half the time. It appears that not only is our running game very predictable, but if one player is having an off day throwing the ball, we are dead in the water. Not being critical here, just would like to know the answer, if there is one. Thanks GO GRIZ

We don't even need trick plays. Bring Chalich in for spot duty, similar to how teams will spot their Wildcat package. If he busts a couple read options that would be great. JJ hadn't been running a lot in 2014 (don't remember for sure but I think he nursed an ankle for several weeks), then came out in the Cat game and ran off a couple big gains in the first quarter, that really set a tone.

Just a theory, but perhaps the Griz have been working on a "package" for the EWU game for a few weeks, and an unintended consequence had the team looking past NAU in the team's collective subconscious.

Just so you have your facts straight, JJ was playing in Delaney's offense, and there was no more predictable offense than that. He wasn't running that season because Mick had completely phased out Pflu's read-option offense. The week before the Cat game, JJ and a few of the seniors went to Mick and asked him to please let bring at least SOME of that offense back. Mick agreed, because Mick was retiring. Trust me, if Mick had came back the next year, the Pflu offense would not have come back with him.

Also, Brady kept it twice against NAU and ran one for a first a down. Also, Blake Kemp is not a running QB, and neither is Case Cookus.

Hav, thanks on the clarification on JJ and the lack of read option that season. My main point was and still is that for big games, going a bit off script after building a half season of game film to study, can be extremely effective. I may be going back too far here, but the Cat-Griz game where Rocky Klever took tons of direct snaps completely flummoxed a better Cat team, and the Griz walked away with a 24-8 win. My favorite game by far during my years as a student.