Offensive Comments!

[mcg]

It was a very good game and terrific win for the Griz. Sure, things weren't perfect. They almost never are, especially in tough games. It's fine to question the qb sneaks, but the most ire should be directed at the refs for blowing the spot on the 4th down sneak. It was a clear first down. Nguyen probably played more than he ever has. I assume that's because the he's the best alternative and he has the confidence of the coaches. I thought he blocked well and played well, given the tough UNI defense and the Griz being down 2 o-lineman by the second half. No turnovers was outstanding. The Griz D played very well. Not perfect or dominant, but very well.

I'm still a believer in BG, but we'll see. I'm open-minded on the Stitt offense, but again we'll see.

I don't understand how fans can get so angry that they won't watch the game, or their team.

Were you at the game to see the two qb sneaks and placement by the refs? The reason I'm asking is that I think it's really hard to see where precisely the spot should be on TV. Particularly with the sort of production we get on FCS games. In person I think you'd get a much better perspective on the play and placement.

 

[grizeyes]

Of course I'm spoiled--I'm a Griz fan! (Are bananas yellow? Are Venezuelans crazy drivers?) And I acknowledge: We've found a kicker! And a punter! And one of the most dazzling electrifying returners I've seen anywhere in years! Plus: That defense was superb. Semore may be Waymore than Gregorak. This is a great day to be a Griz fan!

But that offense--argh! And rather than just bitch, let me be specific:

--I love the warp-speed offense, and the theory behind it: The defense can't get set, can't substitute on third down. You run 90 plays and the defense wears down, so you own the fourth quarter. But this whole theory is predicated on running 90 plays! If you go three and out every time, the whole theory boomerangs back on itself. Now it's YOUR defense that's in trouble, because YOUR team has just run three plays in a few seconds, and you're right back on the field. All those three-and-outs in the second half really put the pressure on our defense. Let's face it: A better passer might have shredded our secondary yesterday, given all the opportunities they had. You cannot have your defense on the field that long, I don't care how good they are.

--Over on the N.I. board, somebody said, "Does Montana have a height limit on its running backs?" I broke out laughing. I'm a big fan of both Nguyen brothers--smart, shifty runners. But seriously. Do you really want your FEATURED back to be 5'7" and 184 pounds? To carry the ball 24 times in a key game against a great defense? A guy that can't run over people, but then doesn't have the speed to break away from people either? Other teams have size AND speed at running back, even at the FCS level. I just don't see Nguyen carrying the ball 24 times, and providing the running threat we need if this offense is to succeed.

--Unhappily, regrettably, I missed the live version of Louie-McGee's punt return. Why? I was so angry, I took a hike, and didn't come back till the start of the second half. Here we are, against a major opponent, on their turf, and we've thrown a couple of great haymakers: the wide-open TD pass, and the sensational field goal. We're up 10-zip, but I thanks to a fumble, are right back deep in their territory third and one. And we run that absolutely stupid, insanely assinine quarterback sneak! Hey, we're Montana! We have an offensive genius for a coach! We're gonna throw the football all over the field and mix up plays and do it all so fast, you're head will be on a swivel!! Instead, we run a QB sneak, from such a tight formation everybody inside the dome knew what we were doing. They bunch their defense and stuff the play, and I'm livid, up screaming in a bar where everybody else is watching other games, wondering what the hell's the matter with me. But then: WE RUN THE SAME DAMNED PLAY AGAIN!! I was just furious.

And while the victory has tempered my anger, I still don't get it. My esteemed fellow basketball poster, Grizrule, can say it's early, the offense takes time, blah, blah. But later I watched Boise State, and I can tell you, it didn't take them time to get their offense cooking. Other teams are running at warp speed as well, so that's hardly the great innovation it was when Chip Kelley and Oregon started it. So I have to ask: Is Bob Stitt REALLY the offensive genius he was cracked up to be? When do all the excuses about "early season" and he "doesn't yet have his personnel" and "he can't do this until the Syrian crisis is resolved"....when do all the excuses end? I would really like to know, because I watch other teams, and I see little evidence of genius here. Which is hugely ironic, given that almost all the other aspects of this football team are coming together so beautifully, while our offense is so pathetic.

Good post.

 

[84GRIZ]

I really did not understand the formation on the 3rd and 1 when we QB sneaked. Basically telling everyone in the world what was coming so that they could put 4 d lineman in the A gaps with a backer over the top. If anything just have Brady in shotgun formation and walk up behind the center like he is changing the play and take a quick snap for the sneak.

The formation did not really matter on the 4th down play because everyone knew we where going to do the same exact play. The only thing there is Brady is 6'7", you would think he could stretch it over the top with his reach and get the first down instead of trying to push down low in the pile.

And yes the spots on both of those plays were terrible. Why do we have video review if they are only going two plays a game.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

Nice rant Citay. I agree it was frustrating. I was worried right up until the last 3 seconds ran off. But we won and even Stitt is quoted as saying he doesn't care what anyone says. He will take a win on the road against a top 3 team any way it works.

Calhoun is injured, Favors is dinged, Counts is on probation. Unless you would like to burn a redshirt JN was the only one available. Pretty gutsy game for him if you ask me.

Very gutsy true...but he isn't built to have that many carries, nor be a grind it out back. Need beef! Look at RB sizes on other teams there is a reason. Knowing shorthanded, and knowing our backs seem to get injured a lot and wanting ti save redshirts, Holden Ryan should be put in rotation, not just warm up with backs. No knock on John, just stating obvious

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Ryan to get carries as the coaches like him on defense. He was only with the RB group because they are thin at the position because of injuries. We will get the answer in 2 weeks at Poly, when if they are serious with Holden at RB, he will get a few weeks of work in.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

It was a very good game and terrific win for the Griz. Sure, things weren't perfect. They almost never are, especially in tough games. It's fine to question the qb sneaks, but the most ire should be directed at the refs for blowing the spot on the 4th down sneak. It was a clear first down. Nguyen probably played more than he ever has. I assume that's because the he's the best alternative and he has the confidence of the coaches. I thought he blocked well and played well, given the tough UNI defense and the Griz being down 2 o-lineman by the second half. No turnovers was outstanding. The Griz D played very well. Not perfect or dominant, but very well.

I'm still a believer in BG, but we'll see. I'm open-minded on the Stitt offense, but again we'll see.

I don't understand how fans can get so angry that they won't watch the game, or their team.

I agree those spots were bad. I believe that play can work (better) with a tight end release pass play as I said on another thread, or put Phillips or Simis in and have them follow the big guys into the line instead of them pushing him from the back when already stuffed. Gus is vertical almost immediately.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

It was a very good game and terrific win for the Griz. Sure, things weren't perfect. They almost never are, especially in tough games. It's fine to question the qb sneaks, but the most ire should be directed at the refs for blowing the spot on the 4th down sneak. It was a clear first down. Nguyen probably played more than he ever has. I assume that's because the he's the best alternative and he has the confidence of the coaches. I thought he blocked well and played well, given the tough UNI defense and the Griz being down 2 o-lineman by the second half. No turnovers was outstanding. The Griz D played very well. Not perfect or dominant, but very well.

I'm still a believer in BG, but we'll see. I'm open-minded on the Stitt offense, but again we'll see.

I don't understand how fans can get so angry that they won't watch the game, or their team.

I agree those spots were bad. I believe that play can work (better) with a tight end release pass play as I said on another thread, or put Phillips or Simis in and have them follow the big guys into the line instead of them pushing him from the back when already stuffed. Gus is vertical almost immediately.

You say that like Simis is still a QB.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

All that matters is that we won. People forget we were playing one of the best defenses in the country. When you play defense like that on the road good teams find ways to win by taking advantage in other areas of the game. The griz did that. That's positive. The offense is going to have off days but when you have a defense like we appear to have they'll pick th O up.

 

[AZGrizFan]

It was a very good game and terrific win for the Griz. Sure, things weren't perfect. They almost never are, especially in tough games. It's fine to question the qb sneaks, but the most ire should be directed at the refs for blowing the spot on the 4th down sneak. It was a clear first down. Nguyen probably played more than he ever has. I assume that's because the he's the best alternative and he has the confidence of the coaches. I thought he blocked well and played well, given the tough UNI defense and the Griz being down 2 o-lineman by the second half. No turnovers was outstanding. The Griz D played very well. Not perfect or dominant, but very well.

I'm still a believer in BG, but we'll see. I'm open-minded on the Stitt offense, but again we'll see.

I don't understand how fans can get so angry that they won't watch the game, or their team.

Were you at the game to see the two qb sneaks and placement by the refs? The reason I'm asking is that I think it's really hard to see where precisely the spot should be on TV. Particularly with the sort of production we get on FCS games. In person I think you'd get a much better perspective on the play and placement.

Oh you did NOT just go there.... :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Ursus1]

Nice rant Citay. I agree it was frustrating. I was worried right up until the last 3 seconds ran off. But we won and even Stitt is quoted as saying he doesn't care what anyone says. He will take a win on the road against a top 3 team any way it works.

Calhoun is injured, Favors is dinged, Counts is on probation. Unless you would like to burn a redshirt JN was the only one available. Pretty gutsy game for him if you ask me.

Very gutsy true...but he isn't built to have that many carries, nor be a grind it out back. Need beef! Look at RB sizes on other teams there is a reason. Knowing shorthanded, and knowing our backs seem to get injured a lot and wanting ti save redshirts, Holden Ryan should be put in rotation, not just warm up with backs. No knock on John, just stating obvious

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Ryan to get carries as the coaches like him on defense. He was only with the RB group because they are thin at the position because of injuries. We will get the answer in 2 weeks at Poly, when if they are serious with Holden at RB, he will get a few weeks of work in.

I think they like him on defense, but with the depth there he isn't getting used, and with lack of big back it seems a waste of talent to have him not playing. Next year, or even this year if depth returns shift him back. But what the hell do I know, I wouldn't have run those back to back QB sneaks either.

 

[UMGriz75]

Very gutsy true...but he isn't built to have that many carries, nor be a grind it out back. Need beef! Look at RB sizes on other teams there is a reason.

Typically, yes, but I worked out a few times with his older brother, Peter, and was impressed with how hard he worked out. The beef was there; compact, but there. I have an athlete with the same genetics, and its almost like they can't get hurt.

 

[84GRIZ]

Very gutsy true...but he isn't built to have that many carries, nor be a grind it out back. Need beef! Look at RB sizes on other teams there is a reason.

Typically, yes, but I worked out a few times with his older brother, Peter, and was impressed with how hard he worked out. The beef was there; compact, but there. I have an athlete with the same genetics, and its almost like they can't get hurt.

Oh shit, now you hexed him for sure.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

It was a very good game and terrific win for the Griz. Sure, things weren't perfect. They almost never are, especially in tough games. It's fine to question the qb sneaks, but the most ire should be directed at the refs for blowing the spot on the 4th down sneak. It was a clear first down. Nguyen probably played more than he ever has. I assume that's because the he's the best alternative and he has the confidence of the coaches. I thought he blocked well and played well, given the tough UNI defense and the Griz being down 2 o-lineman by the second half. No turnovers was outstanding. The Griz D played very well. Not perfect or dominant, but very well.

I'm still a believer in BG, but we'll see. I'm open-minded on the Stitt offense, but again we'll see.

I don't understand how fans can get so angry that they won't watch the game, or their team.

I agree those spots were bad. I believe that play can work (better) with a tight end release pass play as I said on another thread, or put Phillips or Simis in and have them follow the big guys into the line instead of them pushing him from the back when already stuffed. Gus is vertical almost immediately.

You say that like Simis is still a QB.

No, just a fine athlete who can take a snap. He will throw a TD pass by the end of the year, book it.

 

[daGrizJ]

Very gutsy true...but he isn't built to have that many carries, nor be a grind it out back. Need beef! Look at RB sizes on other teams there is a reason.

Typically, yes, but I worked out a few times with his older brother, Peter, and was impressed with how hard he worked out. The beef was there; compact, but there. I have an athlete with the same genetics, and its almost like they can't get hurt.

I don't think any of the coaches would argue with needing several bigger backs. There are a couple waiting in the wings (Green) and in this offense they have said we need three RBs to rotate. I'm just saying, unless you burn a redshirt, there was no one available yesterday. John took it (again) for the team. He is one of the toughest little buggers I have seen. And yeah, maybe using Ryan would be a good idea.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Very gutsy true...but he isn't built to have that many carries, nor be a grind it out back. Need beef! Look at RB sizes on other teams there is a reason.

Typically, yes, but I worked out a few times with his older brother, Peter, and was impressed with how hard he worked out. The beef was there; compact, but there. I have an athlete with the same genetics, and its almost like they can't get hurt.

I don't think any of the coaches would argue with needing several bigger backs. There are a couple waiting in the wings (Green) and in this offense they have said we need three RBs to rotate. I'm just saying, unless you burn a redshirt, there was no one available yesterday. John took it (again) for the team. He is one of the toughest little buggers I have seen. And yeah, maybe using Ryan would be a good idea.

Ryan was available. Never saw the field.

 

[UMGriz75]

John took it (again) for the team. He is one of the toughest little buggers I have seen.

He really is. I quit football after getting smothered repeatedly by a bunch of very big guys pushing my face into the mud. Thank God for one benefit of Astroturf, I guess. But John just gets up and goes back to the formation. I am amazed at the level of abuse he is able to take, without apparent effect. A very tough kid. Weight isn't everything.

 

['68griz]

My spouse and I had this conversation yesterday about Jon N and how tough he is. No matter what happens or how many bigger guys are piled on top of him, he pops back up and trots back to the huddle like nothing unusual has happened. His brother, Peter, was pretty much the same. I have always been impressed with their durability.

 

[IdahoGrizFan]

I couldn't watch the game and when I saw we had only 118 yards passing I had 2 questions. Did we stink it up on offense or was the other teams D that good?

 

[reinell30]

Of course I'm spoiled--I'm a Griz fan! (Are bananas yellow? Are Venezuelans crazy drivers?) And I acknowledge: We've found a kicker! And a punter! And one of the most dazzling electrifying returners I've seen anywhere in years! Plus: That defense was superb. Semore may be Waymore than Gregorak. This is a great day to be a Griz fan!

But that offense--argh! And rather than just bitch, let me be specific:

--I love the warp-speed offense, and the theory behind it: The defense can't get set, can't substitute on third down. You run 90 plays and the defense wears down, so you own the fourth quarter. But this whole theory is predicated on running 90 plays! If you go three and out every time, the whole theory boomerangs back on itself. Now it's YOUR defense that's in trouble, because YOUR team has just run three plays in a few seconds, and you're right back on the field. All those three-and-outs in the second half really put the pressure on our defense. Let's face it: A better passer might have shredded our secondary yesterday, given all the opportunities they had. You cannot have your defense on the field that long, I don't care how good they are.

--Over on the N.I. board, somebody said, "Does Montana have a height limit on its running backs?" I broke out laughing. I'm a big fan of both Nguyen brothers--smart, shifty runners. But seriously. Do you really want your FEATURED back to be 5'7" and 184 pounds? To carry the ball 24 times in a key game against a great defense? A guy that can't run over people, but then doesn't have the speed to break away from people either? Other teams have size AND speed at running back, even at the FCS level. I just don't see Nguyen carrying the ball 24 times, and providing the running threat we need if this offense is to succeed.

--Unhappily, regrettably, I missed the live version of Louie-McGee's punt return. Why? I was so angry, I took a hike, and didn't come back till the start of the second half. Here we are, against a major opponent, on their turf, and we've thrown a couple of great haymakers: the wide-open TD pass, and the sensational field goal. We're up 10-zip, but I thanks to a fumble, are right back deep in their territory third and one. And we run that absolutely stupid, insanely assinine quarterback sneak! Hey, we're Montana! We have an offensive genius for a coach! We're gonna throw the football all over the field and mix up plays and do it all so fast, you're head will be on a swivel!! Instead, we run a QB sneak, from such a tight formation everybody inside the dome knew what we were doing. They bunch their defense and stuff the play, and I'm livid, up screaming in a bar where everybody else is watching other games, wondering what the hell's the matter with me. But then: WE RUN THE SAME DAMNED PLAY AGAIN!! I was just furious.

And while the victory has tempered my anger, I still don't get it. My esteemed fellow basketball poster, Grizrule, can say it's early, the offense takes time, blah, blah. But later I watched Boise State, and I can tell you, it didn't take them time to get their offense cooking. Other teams are running at warp speed as well, so that's hardly the great innovation it was when Chip Kelley and Oregon started it. So I have to ask: Is Bob Stitt REALLY the offensive genius he was cracked up to be? When do all the excuses about "early season" and he "doesn't yet have his personnel" and "he can't do this until the Syrian crisis is resolved"....when do all the excuses end? I would really like to know, because I watch other teams, and I see little evidence of genius here. Which is hugely ironic, given that almost all the other aspects of this football team are coming together so beautifully, while our offense is so pathetic.

CITAY: Please come to my tailgate and drink for free. Your post epitomizes mine on the same subject.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

Of course I'm spoiled--I'm a Griz fan! (Are bananas yellow? Are Venezuelans crazy drivers?) And I acknowledge: We've found a kicker! And a punter! And one of the most dazzling electrifying returners I've seen anywhere in years! Plus: That defense was superb. Semore may be Waymore than Gregorak. This is a great day to be a Griz fan!

But that offense--argh! And rather than just bitch, let me be specific:

--I love the warp-speed offense, and the theory behind it: The defense can't get set, can't substitute on third down. You run 90 plays and the defense wears down, so you own the fourth quarter. But this whole theory is predicated on running 90 plays! If you go three and out every time, the whole theory boomerangs back on itself. Now it's YOUR defense that's in trouble, because YOUR team has just run three plays in a few seconds, and you're right back on the field. All those three-and-outs in the second half really put the pressure on our defense. Let's face it: A better passer might have shredded our secondary yesterday, given all the opportunities they had. You cannot have your defense on the field that long, I don't care how good they are.

--Over on the N.I. board, somebody said, "Does Montana have a height limit on its running backs?" I broke out laughing. I'm a big fan of both Nguyen brothers--smart, shifty runners. But seriously. Do you really want your FEATURED back to be 5'7" and 184 pounds? To carry the ball 24 times in a key game against a great defense? A guy that can't run over people, but then doesn't have the speed to break away from people either? Other teams have size AND speed at running back, even at the FCS level. I just don't see Nguyen carrying the ball 24 times, and providing the running threat we need if this offense is to succeed.

--Unhappily, regrettably, I missed the live version of Louie-McGee's punt return. Why? I was so angry, I took a hike, and didn't come back till the start of the second half. Here we are, against a major opponent, on their turf, and we've thrown a couple of great haymakers: the wide-open TD pass, and the sensational field goal. We're up 10-zip, but I thanks to a fumble, are right back deep in their territory third and one. And we run that absolutely stupid, insanely assinine quarterback sneak! Hey, we're Montana! We have an offensive genius for a coach! We're gonna throw the football all over the field and mix up plays and do it all so fast, you're head will be on a swivel!! Instead, we run a QB sneak, from such a tight formation everybody inside the dome knew what we were doing. They bunch their defense and stuff the play, and I'm livid, up screaming in a bar where everybody else is watching other games, wondering what the hell's the matter with me. But then: WE RUN THE SAME DAMNED PLAY AGAIN!! I was just furious.

And while the victory has tempered my anger, I still don't get it. My esteemed fellow basketball poster, Grizrule, can say it's early, the offense takes time, blah, blah. But later I watched Boise State, and I can tell you, it didn't take them time to get their offense cooking. Other teams are running at warp speed as well, so that's hardly the great innovation it was when Chip Kelley and Oregon started it. So I have to ask: Is Bob Stitt REALLY the offensive genius he was cracked up to be? When do all the excuses about "early season" and he "doesn't yet have his personnel" and "he can't do this until the Syrian crisis is resolved"....when do all the excuses end? I would really like to know, because I watch other teams, and I see little evidence of genius here. Which is hugely ironic, given that almost all the other aspects of this football team are coming together so beautifully, while our offense is so pathetic.

CITAY: Please come to my tailgate and drink for free. Your post epitomizes mine on the same subject.

Do you serve martinis?

 

[reinell30]

Of course I'm spoiled--I'm a Griz fan! (Are bananas yellow? Are Venezuelans crazy drivers?) And I acknowledge: We've found a kicker! And a punter! And one of the most dazzling electrifying returners I've seen anywhere in years! Plus: That defense was superb. Semore may be Waymore than Gregorak. This is a great day to be a Griz fan!

But that offense--argh! And rather than just bitch, let me be specific:

--I love the warp-speed offense, and the theory behind it: The defense can't get set, can't substitute on third down. You run 90 plays and the defense wears down, so you own the fourth quarter. But this whole theory is predicated on running 90 plays! If you go three and out every time, the whole theory boomerangs back on itself. Now it's YOUR defense that's in trouble, because YOUR team has just run three plays in a few seconds, and you're right back on the field. All those three-and-outs in the second half really put the pressure on our defense. Let's face it: A better passer might have shredded our secondary yesterday, given all the opportunities they had. You cannot have your defense on the field that long, I don't care how good they are.

--Over on the N.I. board, somebody said, "Does Montana have a height limit on its running backs?" I broke out laughing. I'm a big fan of both Nguyen brothers--smart, shifty runners. But seriously. Do you really want your FEATURED back to be 5'7" and 184 pounds? To carry the ball 24 times in a key game against a great defense? A guy that can't run over people, but then doesn't have the speed to break away from people either? Other teams have size AND speed at running back, even at the FCS level. I just don't see Nguyen carrying the ball 24 times, and providing the running threat we need if this offense is to succeed.

--Unhappily, regrettably, I missed the live version of Louie-McGee's punt return. Why? I was so angry, I took a hike, and didn't come back till the start of the second half. Here we are, against a major opponent, on their turf, and we've thrown a couple of great haymakers: the wide-open TD pass, and the sensational field goal. We're up 10-zip, but I thanks to a fumble, are right back deep in their territory third and one. And we run that absolutely stupid, insanely assinine quarterback sneak! Hey, we're Montana! We have an offensive genius for a coach! We're gonna throw the football all over the field and mix up plays and do it all so fast, you're head will be on a swivel!! Instead, we run a QB sneak, from such a tight formation everybody inside the dome knew what we were doing. They bunch their defense and stuff the play, and I'm livid, up screaming in a bar where everybody else is watching other games, wondering what the hell's the matter with me. But then: WE RUN THE SAME DAMNED PLAY AGAIN!! I was just furious.

And while the victory has tempered my anger, I still don't get it. My esteemed fellow basketball poster, Grizrule, can say it's early, the offense takes time, blah, blah. But later I watched Boise State, and I can tell you, it didn't take them time to get their offense cooking. Other teams are running at warp speed as well, so that's hardly the great innovation it was when Chip Kelley and Oregon started it. So I have to ask: Is Bob Stitt REALLY the offensive genius he was cracked up to be? When do all the excuses about "early season" and he "doesn't yet have his personnel" and "he can't do this until the Syrian crisis is resolved"....when do all the excuses end? I would really like to know, because I watch other teams, and I see little evidence of genius here. Which is hugely ironic, given that almost all the other aspects of this football team are coming together so beautifully, while our offense is so pathetic.

CITAY: Please come to my tailgate and drink for free. Your post epitomizes mine on the same subject.

Do you serve martinis?

Do you like them with gin or vodka?