Post Game: Don't quit on these Griz

[PDXGrizzly]

All bullshit! Stitt can't beat a winning team on the road!

like Stitt is the only coach, or even Griz coach, that has that problem

He is our coach! He is all that matters!

You make it sound like beating good teams on the road is easy. Hint, it's not.

True, but good teams do put together wins on the road against other good teams. What does that say about Stitt? Like him or not, his road record ain't that good.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

like Stitt is the only coach, or even Griz coach, that has that problem

He is our coach! He is all that matters!

You make it sound like beating good teams on the road is easy. Hint, it's not.

True, but good teams do put together wins on the road against other good teams. What does that say about Stitt? Like him or not, his road record ain't that good.

But I don't think the Griz are necessarily a good team, they are average, maybe a tad over average. I guess we will just see if they are good enough to win in Greeley. And Stitt is not the only Griz head coach that struggled on the road, especially against good teams.

 

[mcg]

PR's summary above is right on the money. It was a team loss. And if the Griz lose to UNC it'll be a bad day in Grizzlyville. I can't imagine it happening.

 

[1976griz]

My job is to be the best fan I can be. I will leave the coaches and the team to do the best they can. I'll be there on Saturday, working hard at my job! I will also be at the UNC game and the MSU game to do my job as well. GO GRIZ!

 

[Fushiznitz]

What I saw, was an underrated defense outplay what was supposed to be a dominate offense. I witnessed a defense play with Hauck-like fire (who I don't miss, by the way), and win the line of scrimmage. Sorry. I saw little passion on the field yesterday. And I am not taking away from those who left it all on the field. Some did. But not all. I have genuine concern that Stitt has lost this team.

 

[bigkid]

Hey Brint do me a favor. Keep your post game analysis to football and leave the fans out of it. Everyone deals with things differently and sure the hell don't need your mother hen approach to correction. :bad:

Hey bigkid, leave Brint alone. Do us all a favor and go somewhere else if you can't be nice to Brint. Brint brings great information and analysis to egriz. You bring nothing.

:jack:

That vanilla explanation you gave above sure isn't an analysis but you needing to weigh in. Until the defense gets some team speed and the resemblance of an offensive line these woes will continue. We lost 8 key players and have only replaced 7. Holmes, Kose, Gamboa, Van Ackeran, Jones, Henderson, Roberts, and Sullivan. That's speed right there and until we match it we will never beat a team like ewu. Beau Bauldwin coaches immediately making on the field adjustments on a real time basis. Stitt has yet to learn this even at half time. Nau and ewu both pounded us like rented mules after half. That's a fact Jack. Delaney made mention to "we will run the ball and stop the run" and until this offense learns how to effectively and consistently run the ball those little dunk passes will,be easy to defend. Especially when the receivers can't get it blocked. We have zero creativity on offense especially in the red zone. Throwing a fade route to the shortest player on the field...wow! Give Chalich a set of plays to get us in the end zone. He runs the read option well and moves the pocket well with his feet. Get creative...

Bottom line is the offensive line is not getting it done, the linebackers are somewhat slow and don't cover well (Buss will be a great one as time goes) and our safeties are getting beat on a regular basis. Don't bring in our record because beating teams like a down sac state, Mississippi valley, and even suu this year is not really a test for good football teams. IMO Stitt has a steep learning curve and it isn't flattening out anytime soon. Sorry if I don't stroke the players and coaches like pr and brint but sometimes these young men need to hear truths in order to grow. Not mothered.
Will we win the next 3? Probably. We're not playing the cream of the crop but I'll bet unc and msu will give us all we can handle.
I know PR nobody has anything to offer UM Football but the quarterback club members who reside in Missoula but we pay and always show up.

 

[GrizGuy]

Bummed about this loss. I feel for the team and the coaches who put forth an incredible effort, they just hit a more experienced and talented group as a whole.

There's plenty to pick apart here and I know egriz will pile on because it's what they do best so I'll leave that to others.

I was really hoping for a better showing from the offense today. This was, statistically, a bad defense and the Griz could only muster 16 points. That's unacceptable, especially considering the defense held EWU to I think their lowest point total of the season. EWU we knew would get their points, but the Griz O needed to keep pace. But they clearly didn't.

Early on the momentum was all on the Grizzlies side, yet once again we had 3 visits into opponent territory and could only muster 7 points from it. One other possession was a missed field goal and the other drive died on 3 dropped passes that all would've been TDs. From there though EWU got rolling and the Grizzly offense got stuck in the mud.

The two most important series, the last drive in the 2nd and the first of the third pretty much sealed it. The Griz had a great long run from Calhoun but couldn't get it to a 1 score game with a choppy final goal to go series. And then in the 3rd a great opening drive is killed by a brutal holding penalty and the loss of Josh Horner, our most reliable receiver. From there you could sense the way the game was going to go.

Honestly all said I think the defense did enough. Yeah they got beat deep too much and fooled on a trick play but they allowed just 35 points and forced a few turnovers. If the offense was rolling in this game who knows how it would've ended.

So where are we? The Griz have their backs to the wall but this season is far from over. 3 wins gets us to the post season and that is clearly the focus now. The offense needs to get its stride back and hopefully a home game against ISU will do that for us.

A few other quick thoughts;

- The Calhoun brothers are incredibly talented. Just bummed about the concussion... that looked bad.

- I get we use Nguyen for pass protection but not sure why Calhoun doesn't get more touches. Now presumably out for a while I guess the point doesn't matter but when we had that 1st and goal near halftime and didn't use Calhoun at all... man...

- Gus got beat up today. For as good as his protection has been there was a lot of breakdowns today.

- As expected the Nelson vs Kupp matchup had its highlights. Each got the best of each other a few times. Nelson forced a pick but also saw a few TDs come against his guy.

- Still seeing he growing pains in our young WRs. Good stuff from Curran, Calhoun, JLM, Bingham, and Homan mixed with some challenges too.

- Buss and Strahm were very good pressuring the QB and making their physical presence felt.

- another missed PAT. Just not sure what the answer is. Semenza is more accurate than any prior RS frosh kicker we've had with field goals. Just unsure what the deal is with PATs.

- far less breakdowns and errors this week compared to last week, IMO. Obviously still not enough to get it done.

The post season for Montana starts now. Win or seal your fate. This team has faced a fair share of adversity and now it's on them to come together and get this season flipped back to their favor now.

To the fans bailing on the team, the players, and the coaches. Good. Please just quit now and don't come back. To question the heart and effort that these guys put into this season is chickenshit.

As for me, l'll be in Wa Griz supporting the Griz with all I've got this coming Saturday. I still believe in this team. Yes, I see many areas of needed improvement, but I still think this is a playoff caliber team.

Step one, beat ISU. Then keep it rolling. Griz got this, just enjoy the ride!

Go Griz!

You summed up how I felt after that 3rd qtr drive... I kinda figured it was over, too. I think the Griz will get these next three, barring a terrible showing against NC. It'd be really nice to pound the crap out of the Bobcats to the tune of 67-7 or something, just to remind the committee that the Griz can light it up... Get at least one playoff game this year and who knows?

At this point, I just hope that Gus stays on target from here on out and the WRs remember which route they wanna run on which play.

One thing I do like is that when I see Gus going to the sideline to talk to Coach, there doesn't seem to be any fear or worry. It's like he knows exactly what needs to be corrected, confirms it with Coach and then nods and doesn't do it again.

OH, how I agree, the lack of Calhoun on short yardage near the goal makes me insane. Shades of the Seahawks failing to run the ball against the goddamned Pats in the Super Bowl.. Wha..?

Anyway, I'm not giving up on the team, the coach or the program.

Gotta say, given a new DC, it's pretty amazing what that unit has accomplished this year. And if our Offense could just convert third downs, they'd be a MACHINE. Right now, that machine isn't operating very smoothly...

Go Griz!

 

[PlayerRep]

Calhoun, rb - 11 - 90 with 65 yard run. Without the long run, 10 for 25, for 2.5 per carry. Glad he had the long run. Hope he's okay. Very good player.

 

[reinell30]

See you all Saturday!

 

[mtgriz]

Nobody's quitting on the Griz! It drives me crazy when this comes up. Fans get pissed, take unfair, uninformed, and immature posts at times, but even the most discontented characters on this board and others are ready to go again the next week. Everyone needs to be a fan in their own way.

 

[Fahque]

See you all Saturday!

How's the headache?

 

[Yukon]

My take:

1. very talented but very young. WR are Sr=1, Jr=3, So=3, Fr=11
2. overall better TEAM than last year.
3. last year at this time = 4-4 (also 2 losses at home). this year 5-3. trending up. Only Stitt's second season.
4. Something like 40 new players on the team? Most of them Freshman.
5. Mick's 3 years at the helm. 5-6, 10-3 (but first round loss at home), 9-5 (first round win, but it was SD). I like the Stitt trend. See how the rest of the year goes.
6. Last year we had 3 stud WR's. Our young guy's will only get better.
7. Most new coaches take about 3-5 years to get there vision and players rolling. Take a look at Colorado or Washington State. Stitt is ahead of schedule.
8. We are actually rebuilding, but still getting winning records. That's not easy to do.
9. Gus was not recruited for this offense, but is doing a darn good job most of the time. Too bad he is just a giant lummox with his legs.
10. Bobcats suck.

 

[reinell30]

See you all Saturday!

How's the headache?

I must be missing something? Just got done mowing the yard and feel great! Little sweaty...

 

[PlayerRep]

Baldwin quote:

“The style of defense that Montana plays, you're gonna have some three-and-outs,” EWU coach Beau Baldwin said. “You're not necessarily gonna complete 70, 75 percent, but you're gonna have a chance for big plays down the field.”

 

[Silvertip]

The only issue I see about the offense is actually scoring the ball...We outgained EWU by 100 yards and put up 540 yards. There is no excuse for getting 540 yards on offense and scoring 16 points. I didn't watch the game so I don't really know what happened but that is just sad.

I agree, which make me wonder which team will show up. I believe we could beat anyone or lose to anyone. I don't want to point blame, but obviously there is a missing link for such a talented group of young men.

My gosh some of this egriz posting is toxic, I think maybe I will stop reading this crap and take my wife to dinner a the East Shore Grill followed by some dancing at the Finley Point Grill. Good night to not think about football. By the way, I do like your post Brint.

Hang around...there's more than enough grilling for anyone's taste going on right here.

 

[AZGrizFan]

My take:

1. very talented but very young. WR are Sr=1, Jr=3, So=3, Fr=11
2. overall better TEAM than last year.
3. last year at this time = 4-4 (also 2 losses at home). this year 5-3. trending up. Only Stitt's second season.
4. Something like 40 new players on the team? Most of them Freshman.
5. Mick's 3 years at the helm. 5-6, 10-3 (but first round loss at home), 9-5 (first round win, but it was SD). I like the Stitt trend. See how the rest of the year goes.
6. Last year we had 3 stud WR's. Our young guy's will only get better.
7. Most new coaches take about 3-5 years to get there vision and players rolling. Take a look at Colorado or Washington State. Stitt is ahead of schedule.
8. We are actually rebuilding, but still getting winning records. That's not easy to do.
9. Gus was not recruited for this offense, but is doing a darn good job most of the time. Too bad he is just a giant lummox with his legs.
10. Bobcats suck.

Agreed on all points. #10 especially.

 

[kemajic]

Calhoun, rb - 11 - 90 with 65 yard run. Without the long run, 10 for 25, for 2.5 per carry. Glad he had the long run. Hope he's okay. Very good player.

Help us deplorables understand the justification for throwing out a 65 yard run unless it's a (weak) attempt to minimize his performance vs. your protected little RB.

Unfortunately, I doubt he is OK; not his first concussion and it did not look good. As much as I like his talent, I would really not like to see him on the field again this year. If ever.

 

[Ursus1]

Might require burning a redshirt RB....John can't play every down and Favors has not shown a lot. Last 2 weeks 3 true freshman have played running back against the Griz so it isn't crazy talk to bring up a very hyped recruit. If drops keep happening WR spots might also need to be looked at as well.

 

[kemajic]

Hey Brint do me a favor. Keep your post game analysis to football and leave the fans out of it. Everyone deals with things differently and sure the hell don't need your mother hen approach to correction. :bad:

Hey bigkid, leave Brint alone. Do us all a favor and go somewhere else if you can't be nice to Brint. Brint brings great information and analysis to egriz. You bring nothing.

:jack:

That vanilla explanation you gave above sure isn't an analysis but you needing to weigh in. Until the defense gets some team speed and the resemblance of an offensive line these woes will continue. We lost 8 key players and have only replaced 7. Holmes, Kose, Gamboa, Van Ackeran, Jones, Henderson, Roberts, and Sullivan. That's speed right there and until we match it we will never beat a team like ewu. Beau Bauldwin coaches immediately making on the field adjustments on a real time basis. Stitt has yet to learn this even at half time. Nau and ewu both pounded us like rented mules after half. That's a fact Jack. Delaney made mention to "we will run the ball and stop the run" and until this offense learns how to effectively and consistently run the ball those little dunk passes will,be easy to defend. Especially when the receivers can't get it blocked. We have zero creativity on offense especially in the red zone. Throwing a fade route to the shortest player on the field...wow! Give Chalich a set of plays to get us in the end zone. He runs the read option well and moves the pocket well with his feet. Get creative...

Bottom line is the offensive line is not getting it done, the linebackers are somewhat slow and don't cover well (Buss will be a great one as time goes) and our safeties are getting beat on a regular basis. Don't bring in our record because beating teams like a down sac state, Mississippi valley, and even suu this year is not really a test for good football teams. IMO Stitt has a steep learning curve and it isn't flattening out anytime soon. Sorry if I don't stroke the players and coaches like pr and brint but sometimes these young men need to hear truths in order to grow. Not mothered.
Will we win the next 3? Probably. We're not playing the cream of the crop but I'll bet unc and msu will give us all we can handle.
I know PR nobody has anything to offer UM Football but the quarterback club members who reside in Missoula but we pay and always show up.

PR stands corrected; you brought a lot.

 

[kemajic]

My take:

1. very talented but very young. WR are Sr=1, Jr=3, So=3, Fr=11
2. overall better TEAM than last year.
3. last year at this time = 4-4 (also 2 losses at home). this year 5-3. trending up. Only Stitt's second season.
4. Something like 40 new players on the team? Most of them Freshman.
5. Mick's 3 years at the helm. 5-6, 10-3 (but first round loss at home), 9-5 (first round win, but it was SD). I like the Stitt trend. See how the rest of the year goes.
6. Last year we had 3 stud WR's. Our young guy's will only get better.
7. Most new coaches take about 3-5 years to get there vision and players rolling. Take a look at Colorado or Washington State. Stitt is ahead of schedule.
8. We are actually rebuilding, but still getting winning records. That's not easy to do.
9. Gus was not recruited for this offense, but is doing a darn good job most of the time. Too bad he is just a giant lummox with his legs.
10. Bobcats suck.

Agreed on all points. #10 especially.

I'm on board with all but #2. This needs to be judged at the end of the season, not after 8 games, half against very weak programs. Comparing the EWU games does not favor your conclusion.