How and Why the Griz Have been Improving

[poorgriz]

Ya, I don't think there's any question the griz are improved from where they were early season, and specifically that game against NAU. After that NAU game I remember thinking the griz are WAY worse than I thought they'd be this season. As of now, they are exactly as good as I thought they'd be. 8-3 ish, solid playoff team, bounced in quarters if they have to travel. This is all assuming they can stay healthy. If you start seeing injuries at key positions, like last year (QB), then you probably don't end up 8-3. If you lose players like Gubner, Bergen, Walker... all bets are off. You don't have the depth to weather that and make a serious playoff run.

:lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, losing our best DL, our best WR and KR, and one of our top O-lineman...I'm sure every other team is fully prepared for those eventualities on their roster.

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

 

[nzone]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, losing our best DL, our best WR and KR, and one of our top O-lineman...I'm sure every other team is fully prepared for those eventualities on their roster.

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

You remind me of the neighbor's chihuahua. Constantly biting at heels without any significance. Just one big annoyance with a lot of bark and no bite.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, losing our best DL, our best WR and KR, and one of our top O-lineman...I'm sure every other team is fully prepared for those eventualities on their roster.

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

I definitely don't understand what depth they have because I just don't care.

 

[granitegriz]

If Britt would have stayed, he likely would have been QB1 in spring camp and going into fall, and the progression would have been faster. With this said, I don't blame him for transferring as he should have started against Weber ,etc. That is on the coaches!

 

[AZGrizFan]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, losing our best DL, our best WR and KR, and one of our top O-lineman...I'm sure every other team is fully prepared for those eventualities on their roster.

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Copper Griz]

UM is improving on O and D at a steady rate, at least since it played the earlier games and selected/played its now starting QB (for the last 3 games). Three wins in row, including 2 against high ranked teams on road. Quite impressive wins, although not dominant wins. Wins against top teams on the road are always very good wins, but often are not able to be done in dominant fashion.

UM started the season okay, but a bit slow and certainly not great. The team had much improvement to make and has been doing a good job at that lately. Now the team, including the O-line and O, are playing much better. They still need to continue to improve and play better, though, if they are going to go places later in the season.

Finding the starting/best QB was key. It took awhile. Reviving the O-line from wherever it disappeared to was also very very important. Backs are very good, receivers are good and stepping up very nicely, and TE's are gaining experience and becoming very good (especially at blocking).

The D was good along, but now the D is improving significantly each week, because players with less experience or perhaps experience only on special teams, are now getting experience and confidence. Besides more and better play, that is creating more depth. (Credit to a D parent to telling me this.) Backers are very good and deep. O-line has very good talent and is now gaining depth and experience, but lacks size. The secondary has good players and depth, and is being helped by newer players going more experience.

ST have been good all year, with some exceptions, and now are starting to click at a higher rate. The punter is solid. KO's are long. Coverage for punts and KO's are very good. The kicker is now 7-11 on FG's. He has a fairly long leg. He isn't prefect, but I have confidence in him. I feel he is likely to make a kick when he takes it. His long is 49. 3 of his misses are in the 40-49 category. Bergen is a very good returner, and is 4th in the nation for punt returns. Very dangerous on punt returns. Has shown good hands this season.

While the players are doing much of this, and some of it is coming with just playing more games and more experience, the coaches are obviously helping and coaching it along. And, the coaches have made some good adjustments along the way, including with the O-line.

The team is taking good care of the ball now. Penalties have been reduced. 3d down conversion is pretty good.

While Idaho and Davis are the best teams UM has played, all of the earlier games were against teams that were better than many people gave them credit for. I don't think any of those teams were pushovers, other than maybe Utah Tech.

My view is that it is more relevant to discuss and compare, or try to compare, where the teams are now, as opposed to where they were and what they did in the earlier part of the season. Using stats that give equal weight to what a greatly improving team did early in the season skews the analysis of where the team is now.

It will be very nice to have 3 of the next 4 at home. The last home game was in September. I assume the crowds will be huge, into the games, and loud. I'm so excited for the team. They have achieved a lot already, and have all of their goals in front of them. One game at a time.

You sound far too reasonable and measured with this post. Usually I think you are just trying to get a response and state ridiculous things to troll. Not this time though. The one factor that absolutely hindered the Griz early on in the season was QB. McDowell earned the spot and I think the team believes in him as a leader. He just arrived late and needed time. Kid is a gamer and wants to win. I like his swagger. Confident, not arrogant. He has wheels and is more of a threat than given credit for. He can pass, but it isn’t always pretty. Coaches have done a good job of getting the oline squared away. Time will tell. Next three games are big. The Brawl could be legendary. Glad we have a healthy QB and will keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the season as it pertains to injuries. Cat trolls might want to back off a bit. Their team is headed into the teeth of their schedule and they are not immune to injuries.

 

[Copper Griz]

If Britt would have stayed, he likely would have been QB1 in spring camp and going into fall, and the progression would have been faster. With this said, I don't blame him for transferring as he should have started against Weber ,etc. That is on the coaches!

Really kind of hard to argue. Seemed like the WB to fit this offense. You have to have a dual threat QB and he was it! Made mistakes, but did it get a lot of time. I liked the kid. Wish he would have gotten more opportunities.

 

[mthoopsfan]

UM is improving on O and D at a steady rate, at least since it played the earlier games and selected/played its now starting QB (for the last 3 games). Three wins in row, including 2 against high ranked teams on road. Quite impressive wins, although not dominant wins. Wins against top teams on the road are always very good wins, but often are not able to be done in dominant fashion.

UM started the season okay, but a bit slow and certainly not great. The team had much improvement to make and has been doing a good job at that lately. Now the team, including the O-line and O, are playing much better. They still need to continue to improve and play better, though, if they are going to go places later in the season.

Finding the starting/best QB was key. It took awhile. Reviving the O-line from wherever it disappeared to was also very very important. Backs are very good, receivers are good and stepping up very nicely, and TE's are gaining experience and becoming very good (especially at blocking).

The D was good along, but now the D is improving significantly each week, because players with less experience or perhaps experience only on special teams, are now getting experience and confidence. Besides more and better play, that is creating more depth. (Credit to a D parent to telling me this.) Backers are very good and deep. O-line has very good talent and is now gaining depth and experience, but lacks size. The secondary has good players and depth, and is being helped by newer players going more experience.

ST have been good all year, with some exceptions, and now are starting to click at a higher rate. The punter is solid. KO's are long. Coverage for punts and KO's are very good. The kicker is now 7-11 on FG's. He has a fairly long leg. He isn't prefect, but I have confidence in him. I feel he is likely to make a kick when he takes it. His long is 49. 3 of his misses are in the 40-49 category. Bergen is a very good returner, and is 4th in the nation for punt returns. Very dangerous on punt returns. Has shown good hands this season.

While the players are doing much of this, and some of it is coming with just playing more games and more experience, the coaches are obviously helping and coaching it along. And, the coaches have made some good adjustments along the way, including with the O-line.

The team is taking good care of the ball now. Penalties have been reduced. 3d down conversion is pretty good.

While Idaho and Davis are the best teams UM has played, all of the earlier games were against teams that were better than many people gave them credit for. I don't think any of those teams were pushovers, other than maybe Utah Tech.

My view is that it is more relevant to discuss and compare, or try to compare, where the teams are now, as opposed to where they were and what they did in the earlier part of the season. Using stats that give equal weight to what a greatly improving team did early in the season skews the analysis of where the team is now.

It will be very nice to have 3 of the next 4 at home. The last home game was in September. I assume the crowds will be huge, into the games, and loud. I'm so excited for the team. They have achieved a lot already, and have all of their goals in front of them. One game at a time.

You sound far too reasonable and measured with this post. Usually I think you are just trying to get a response and state ridiculous things to troll. Not this time though. The one factor that absolutely hindered the Griz early on in the season was QB. McDowell earned the spot and I think the team believes in him as a leader. He just arrived late and needed time. Kid is a gamer and wants to win. I like his swagger. Confident, not arrogant. He has wheels and is more of a threat than given credit for. He can pass, but it isn’t always pretty. Coaches have done a good job of getting the oline squared away. Time will tell. Next three games are big. The Brawl could be legendary. Glad we have a healthy QB and will keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the season as it pertains to injuries. Cat trolls might want to back off a bit. Their team is headed into the teeth of their schedule and they are not immune to injuries.

My responses to other posts and posters and assertions are usually different than my original posts. My respond to Cat trolls are often more aggressive and what I call troll responses. Look at what I post after games. My long position description, which I brought from BN. Posts that provide only or mainly info. What I say about what I hear from players. Although much of what I hear from players, I don’t put on egriz. I share more things with several good and trusted posters. I talked to Bobby one on one for 15 minutes yesterday. Asked him some questions. I usually mainly listen, if not talking about family or friends. It will help guide some of my posts, but I can’t repeat it in this forum.

 

[mthoopsfan]

If Britt would have stayed, he likely would have been QB1 in spring camp and going into fall, and the progression would have been faster. With this said, I don't blame him for transferring as he should have started against Weber ,etc. That is on the coaches!

Really kind of hard to argue. Seemed like the WB to fit this offense. You have to have a dual threat QB and he was it! Made mistakes, but did it get a lot of time. I liked the kid. Wish he would have gotten more opportunities.

I think UM would lie bigger passing qb too. If McDowel can keep avoiding picks and minimizing sacks, I’m fine with his throwing.

 

[Bear Spray]

UM is improving on O and D at a steady rate, at least since it played the earlier games and selected/played its now starting QB (for the last 3 games). Three wins in row, including 2 against high ranked teams on road. Quite impressive wins, although not dominant wins. Wins against top teams on the road are always very good wins, but often are not able to be done in dominant fashion.

UM started the season okay, but a bit slow and certainly not great. The team had much improvement to make and has been doing a good job at that lately. Now the team, including the O-line and O, are playing much better. They still need to continue to improve and play better, though, if they are going to go places later in the season.

Finding the starting/best QB was key. It took awhile. Reviving the O-line from wherever it disappeared to was also very very important. Backs are very good, receivers are good and stepping up very nicely, and TE's are gaining experience and becoming very good (especially at blocking).

The D was good along, but now the D is improving significantly each week, because players with less experience or perhaps experience only on special teams, are now getting experience and confidence. Besides more and better play, that is creating more depth. (Credit to a D parent to telling me this.) Backers are very good and deep. O-line has very good talent and is now gaining depth and experience, but lacks size. The secondary has good players and depth, and is being helped by newer players going more experience.

ST have been good all year, with some exceptions, and now are starting to click at a higher rate. The punter is solid. KO's are long. Coverage for punts and KO's are very good. The kicker is now 7-11 on FG's. He has a fairly long leg. He isn't prefect, but I have confidence in him. I feel he is likely to make a kick when he takes it. His long is 49. 3 of his misses are in the 40-49 category. Bergen is a very good returner, and is 4th in the nation for punt returns. Very dangerous on punt returns. Has shown good hands this season.

While the players are doing much of this, and some of it is coming with just playing more games and more experience, the coaches are obviously helping and coaching it along. And, the coaches have made some good adjustments along the way, including with the O-line.

The team is taking good care of the ball now. Penalties have been reduced. 3d down conversion is pretty good.

While Idaho and Davis are the best teams UM has played, all of the earlier games were against teams that were better than many people gave them credit for. I don't think any of those teams were pushovers, other than maybe Utah Tech.

My view is that it is more relevant to discuss and compare, or try to compare, where the teams are now, as opposed to where they were and what they did in the earlier part of the season. Using stats that give equal weight to what a greatly improving team did early in the season skews the analysis of where the team is now.

It will be very nice to have 3 of the next 4 at home. The last home game was in September. I assume the crowds will be huge, into the games, and loud. I'm so excited for the team. They have achieved a lot already, and have all of their goals in front of them. One game at a time.

You sound far too reasonable and measured with this post. Usually I think you are just trying to get a response and state ridiculous things to troll. Not this time though. The one factor that absolutely hindered the Griz early on in the season was QB. McDowell earned the spot and I think the team believes in him as a leader. He just arrived late and needed time. Kid is a gamer and wants to win. I like his swagger. Confident, not arrogant. He has wheels and is more of a threat than given credit for. He can pass, but it isn’t always pretty. Coaches have done a good job of getting the oline squared away. Time will tell. Next three games are big. The Brawl could be legendary. Glad we have a healthy QB and will keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the season as it pertains to injuries. Cat trolls might want to back off a bit. Their team is headed into the teeth of their schedule and they are not immune to injuries.

I agree with you Copper & hope the Griz don't get caught by the injury bug. If they stay healthy they'll be a tough out in the playoffs. Same for the Cats, if they stay healthy they'll be hard to beat. This is the best Cat team they've put on the field in a very long time.

 

[Copper Griz]

You sound far too reasonable and measured with this post. Usually I think you are just trying to get a response and state ridiculous things to troll. Not this time though. The one factor that absolutely hindered the Griz early on in the season was QB. McDowell earned the spot and I think the team believes in him as a leader. He just arrived late and needed time. Kid is a gamer and wants to win. I like his swagger. Confident, not arrogant. He has wheels and is more of a threat than given credit for. He can pass, but it isn’t always pretty. Coaches have done a good job of getting the oline squared away. Time will tell. Next three games are big. The Brawl could be legendary. Glad we have a healthy QB and will keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the season as it pertains to injuries. Cat trolls might want to back off a bit. Their team is headed into the teeth of their schedule and they are not immune to injuries.

I agree with you Copper & hope the Griz don't get caught by the injury bug. If they stay healthy they'll be a tough out in the playoffs. Same for the Cats, if they stay healthy they'll be hard to beat. This is the best Cat team they've put on the field in a very long time.

Would love to argue to with you and say the Cats suck. I cannot. They are very potent offensively. Mellot is a gamer and he has a winning attitude. The defense this last weekend showed what happens when you lose guys to injuries. They still held up. I am hopeful both teams enter the brawl healthy. Unfortunately I doubt it happens. Going to be a good game regardless and I am hoping the Griz continue to progress while the Cats regress as they head into the final game

 

[mthoopsfan]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, losing our best DL, our best WR and KR, and one of our top O-lineman...I'm sure every other team is fully prepared for those eventualities on their roster.

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

I just talked, separately, to 2 longtime Bozeman friends who are longtime Cat fans and, of course, attend games and follow the team. They don't agree with you. One even said they are a bunch of Cat fans who don't know what they are talking about and are running their mouthes off. They both said the same thing. The Cats are good. The Cats have some depth. The 2 good QB's really help. It remains to be seen how good the Cats are or will be. The win against SS was good. Idaho will be a test. Will the Cats have a bad game, like most teams eventually do, at the wrong time. The Cats may end up as a top or great time, and have that potential, but that isn't known yet, and big mouth fans certainly can't say that with certainty. This post is about the Cats, not the Griz. So don't start giving us BS about the Griz. That is a different conversation.

 

[poorgriz]

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

I just talked, separately, to 2 longtime Bozeman friends who are longtime Cat fans and, of course, attend games and follow the team. They don't agree with you. One even said they are a bunch of Cat fans who don't know what they are talking about and are running their mouthes off. They both said the same thing. The Cats are good. The Cats have some depth. The 2 good QB's really help. It remains to be seen how good the Cats are or will be. The win against SS was good. Idaho will be a test. Will the Cats have a bad game, like most teams eventually do, at the wrong time. The Cats may end up as a top or great time, and have that potential, but that isn't known yet, and big mouth fans certainly can't say that with certainty. This post is about the Cats, not the Griz. So don't start giving us BS about the Griz. That is a different conversation.

Hmmm. Well from reading your post, it sounds like they probably DO agree with me? The post you responded to was me merely saying, "I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team." Do your friends not agree this version of the Bobcats has very good quality depth? We've seen it multiple times already this year when a starter goes down, the next man up steps up and performs almost as well if not as well as the starter. Not only that, but to take a page out of your book, I also listen to Vigen (have talked to him one on one only twice). He talks often about how this team committed themselves 100%, shortly after walking off the field last year in Brookings, to doing all that is needed to compete with SDSU. Dedication to strength and conditioning, Spring ball, player led practices all through the Summer, and Fall camp, every player doing all they can to help the team win. Most importantly, the attitude and culture that everyone puts team before self. Lastly, coached bolstered some positions with excellent recruiting. This coaching staff is very good at recruiting, player development, and getting the most out of the players. Vigen really likes this team. the depth, and the fact that everyone plays for each other.

Could the Cats get hit very hard with multiple injuries at a key position and stumble? Sure... no teams are immune to that. However, Cats are sitting better in this regard than most teams in the FCS. Cats might lose a game or two before the playoffs, but I'm pretty sure they'll be favored in every one. If they do win out, look out. Bye for the first round to get some players healed up, then three games in a row at Bobcat Stadium, longest home winning streak in the nation. Incredibly rare for the Cats to lose at home.

 

[3-7-77]

Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

The type of light your visual spectrum allows you to see is only found on BN. Get the F off eGriz.

 

[Oldskoolgriz]

Do you know how to read or did you even read what I wrote. I didn't say I knew something everyone doesn't. I specifically said I heard from another person which is why is asked hoops if anyone was missing from practice because it seems like he knows what's going on with the team where as regular fans like myself don't. Learn how to read buddy.

Just. Say. The. Name. Or, obviously, PM hoops. He's a responsive adult.
"Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another you been messin' around."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ENCM70xr0

I just heard that McDowell wasn't at practice all last week which was the bye week, and was wondering if that was true which is why I specifically asked Hoops. It seems like he knows all the ins and outs. And I don't know how to PM anyone on this platform. I'm an old man and have a hard time just learning how to write on this site. Btw what is PM? Sorry, if I'm asking dumb questions but all of this is new to me. I'm not very computer literate. Go GRIZ

 

[mthoopsfan]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, losing our best DL, our best WR and KR, and one of our top O-lineman...I'm sure every other team is fully prepared for those eventualities on their roster.

The Cats are.....

Once again, I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team. Some of us are just here to try to help you see the light. :thumb:

And you don’t understand the depth of the Griz, except for a couple positions.

 

[mthoopsfan]

I just talked, separately, to 2 longtime Bozeman friends who are longtime Cat fans and, of course, attend games and follow the team. They don't agree with you. One even said they are a bunch of Cat fans who don't know what they are talking about and are running their mouthes off. They both said the same thing. The Cats are good. The Cats have some depth. The 2 good QB's really help. It remains to be seen how good the Cats are or will be. The win against SS was good. Idaho will be a test. Will the Cats have a bad game, like most teams eventually do, at the wrong time. The Cats may end up as a top or great time, and have that potential, but that isn't known yet, and big mouth fans certainly can't say that with certainty. This post is about the Cats, not the Griz. So don't start giving us BS about the Griz. That is a different conversation.

Hmmm. Well from reading your post, it sounds like they probably DO agree with me? The post you responded to was me merely saying, "I honestly don't think some of you understand the depth on the Bobcat team." Do your friends not agree this version of the Bobcats has very good quality depth? We've seen it multiple times already this year when a starter goes down, the next man up steps up and performs almost as well if not as well as the starter. Not only that, but to take a page out of your book, I also listen to Vigen (have talked to him one on one only twice). He talks often about how this team committed themselves 100%, shortly after walking off the field last year in Brookings, to doing all that is needed to compete with SDSU. Dedication to strength and conditioning, Spring ball, player led practices all through the Summer, and Fall camp, every player doing all they can to help the team win. Most importantly, the attitude and culture that everyone puts team before self. Lastly, coached bolstered some positions with excellent recruiting. This coaching staff is very good at recruiting, player development, and getting the most out of the players. Vigen really likes this team. the depth, and the fact that everyone plays for each other.

Could the Cats get hit very hard with multiple injuries at a key position and stumble? Sure... no teams are immune to that. However, Cats are sitting better in this regard than most teams in the FCS. Cats might lose a game or two before the playoffs, but I'm pretty sure they'll be favored in every one. If they do win out, look out. Bye for the first round to get some players healed up, then three games in a row at Bobcat Stadium, longest home winning streak in the nation. Incredibly rare for the Cats to lose at home.

No, they didn’t. I asked the general question of how good the Cats are. I didn’t read them a singe post of yours and ask about that.

 

[EverettGriz]

Ya, I don't think there's any question the griz are improved from where they were early season, and specifically that game against NAU. After that NAU game I remember thinking the griz are WAY worse than I thought they'd be this season. As of now, they are exactly as good as I thought they'd be. 8-3 ish, solid playoff team, bounced in quarters if they have to travel. This is all assuming they can stay healthy. If you start seeing injuries at key positions, like last year (QB), then you probably don't end up 8-3. If you lose players like Gubner, Bergen, Walker... all bets are off. You don't have the depth to weather that and make a serious playoff run.

Nice story bub.

Sounds as though you’re desperately afraid the GRIZ go 10-1 and go in as the two seed (hint: they will). See you guys back in Missoula for the quarters.

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

Just. Say. The. Name. Or, obviously, PM hoops. He's a responsive adult.
"Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another you been messin' around."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ENCM70xr0

I just heard that McDowell wasn't at practice all last week which was the bye week, and was wondering if that was true which is why I specifically asked Hoops. It seems like he knows all the ins and outs. And I don't know how to PM anyone on this platform. I'm an old man and have a hard time just learning how to write on this site. Btw what is PM? Sorry, if I'm asking dumb questions but all of this is new to me. I'm not very computer literate. Go GRIZ

Has he been at practice this week?

 

[AZDoc]

Here we go..."I know something you don't know"...love this stuff...

Do you know how to read or did you even read what I wrote. I didn't say I knew something everyone doesn't. I specifically said I heard from another person which is why is asked hoops if anyone was missing from practice because it seems like he knows what's going on with the team where as regular fans like myself don't. Learn how to read buddy.

I DO know how to read. See the above post about "heard it from a friend" etc. Literally it was a post to show you MIGHT know something. That's a you thing...not a me thing...buddy.