Changing up my tone here a bit as the resident sugarcoater.
I've been reflecting on the rumors of impending roster changes. While no names were mentioned in Stitt's end of season press conference yesterday it seems that at the very least there's a few upcoming changes - if not more to be seen later. And while I'm going to bet that there's chances for redemption in the winter and spring workouts and camp - this coaching staff is recognizing something with the current Grizzly roster. It's not good enough for deep playoff runs. And in the broader picture we're seeing that most Big Sky rosters aren't equipped for that either.
This last weekend we met the current pinnacle of championship rosters and were dominated. Yes we caught this same team on it's heels in week 1 - but this time, when the matchup carried more weight, NDSU rolled. They're the benchmark. Other teams as well have shown regular playoff success of late, teams like UNI, SHSU, and Illinois State. I'd argue recently Coastal Carolina as well, although they got bounced in week 1 this year.
These are the types of rosters to aspire to for more playoff success than we've seen in the last 3 years. And my hope is that some upcoming changes, the new recruits, and a full off-season with this staff is going to focus on that.
One could probably argue the current roster is built for what it's done. A regular season mixed with some good wins, some frustrating losses, generally lower performance on the road, limited depth, and quick exits from the playoffs.
Stitt and company presumably see this too and are making plans to improve this team. It's going to be messy, it's going to piss some people off, but in the end Griz fans may really like the result.
Go Griz!