Got home after midnight and crashed out pretty fast, but then had a slow start to the morning. Reflecting back on yesterdays game still just keeps me in awe of what a fun and wonderful time it's been to watch Junior Bergen play for the Montana Grizzlies. Last night we saw him make history, tying the *FCS* NCAA record for most career punt TDs. The 2024 Grizzlies have so far fallen short of many fans expectations, however, last night we got to see the best ever do what he does. I'm thankful for that and depending on where they go from here, that could be what I most remember this season by.
The small, but mighty, crowd cheered the Griz on as best as we could. It was cold in there and without as many people around it seemed to amplify the chill in the air. Holiday weekend games are tough, they always have been, but those who chose to / could make it really brought the energy.
A few takeaways from my perspective:
- We got some ongoing glimpses into the future. Bridges has breakaway speed that we don't normally see, I think with some more time in practice and with better placement on passes to him, he could turn into something really special. The screen only showed 1 shot of his overturned catch, couldn't really tell if it was a catch or not. He got around his cover so fast! The other pass to him a TSU DB was pulling his shirt down the field (no flag) and he just couldn't find the ball in the air. Some younger mistakes from the kid but if he can improve on them he'll rapidly be a dangerous WR. Add in Fonoti and his hard running and physical nature giving us such a bright future at RB too. Rocker got in on the action and ran well as the game went on too!
- Another big thing about the future of this team, we've said this before, look to special teams execution. This year's ST blocking group is really young, a few true and a bunch of RS freshman. Over the course of this season this unit has really picked things up and save one oddity on a pooch kick that broke loose, they covered a super dangerous return unit really well. They also blocked their asses off for Junior. Many of these guys will be elevating to compete for starting jobs next year and I think they've shown us that they're up for the challenge.
- QB play last night was flat out bad. We've got unsolvable issues there (this year) I fear. The point where this team's season is ended (as many predict- this coming Saturday) we'll reflect back and that will be the one biggest issue that seems to have not been properly addressed / coached / developed / recruited / etc for the 2024 season.
- Eli Gillman is a dude and I thought as the game went on the OL had a damn fine game. TSU has some biiiiig dudes up front and the early go of it was rough. However as things went on the OL started to get their needed push and our RB's got going. Gillman had a career high in touches and a huge night, including a game sealing 59 yard TD. This guy CAN handle the workload and should be the centerpiece of the running game for as long as he's a Griz.
- The Griz D punished the hell out of their QB but he kept on going. I thought for the most part the pressure that was dialed up was impressive, yet he was able to escape and make a few punishing connections. Again, we know what the '24 Griz defense is, and what it isn't. They again did all they needed to to put Montana in a position to win the game.
------------
Again, I'm REALLY glad I got to see Junior one more time in person, I'm forever thankful he's a Griz! What a fun night, I'm still beat!
Go Griz!
The small, but mighty, crowd cheered the Griz on as best as we could. It was cold in there and without as many people around it seemed to amplify the chill in the air. Holiday weekend games are tough, they always have been, but those who chose to / could make it really brought the energy.
A few takeaways from my perspective:
- We got some ongoing glimpses into the future. Bridges has breakaway speed that we don't normally see, I think with some more time in practice and with better placement on passes to him, he could turn into something really special. The screen only showed 1 shot of his overturned catch, couldn't really tell if it was a catch or not. He got around his cover so fast! The other pass to him a TSU DB was pulling his shirt down the field (no flag) and he just couldn't find the ball in the air. Some younger mistakes from the kid but if he can improve on them he'll rapidly be a dangerous WR. Add in Fonoti and his hard running and physical nature giving us such a bright future at RB too. Rocker got in on the action and ran well as the game went on too!
- Another big thing about the future of this team, we've said this before, look to special teams execution. This year's ST blocking group is really young, a few true and a bunch of RS freshman. Over the course of this season this unit has really picked things up and save one oddity on a pooch kick that broke loose, they covered a super dangerous return unit really well. They also blocked their asses off for Junior. Many of these guys will be elevating to compete for starting jobs next year and I think they've shown us that they're up for the challenge.
- QB play last night was flat out bad. We've got unsolvable issues there (this year) I fear. The point where this team's season is ended (as many predict- this coming Saturday) we'll reflect back and that will be the one biggest issue that seems to have not been properly addressed / coached / developed / recruited / etc for the 2024 season.
- Eli Gillman is a dude and I thought as the game went on the OL had a damn fine game. TSU has some biiiiig dudes up front and the early go of it was rough. However as things went on the OL started to get their needed push and our RB's got going. Gillman had a career high in touches and a huge night, including a game sealing 59 yard TD. This guy CAN handle the workload and should be the centerpiece of the running game for as long as he's a Griz.
- The Griz D punished the hell out of their QB but he kept on going. I thought for the most part the pressure that was dialed up was impressive, yet he was able to escape and make a few punishing connections. Again, we know what the '24 Griz defense is, and what it isn't. They again did all they needed to to put Montana in a position to win the game.
------------
Again, I'm REALLY glad I got to see Junior one more time in person, I'm forever thankful he's a Griz! What a fun night, I'm still beat!
Go Griz!
Last edited:
