It’s honestly a little hard to put into words what a game that was yesterday. This was a battle of two very evenly matched teams. The fans and the stadium atmosphere was unreal. The noise last night? My ears are still ringing. And to have NDSU coaches and players credit it as well really spoke to Griz Nation turning out. After the game and this morning I was of the mind that this game is the 2nd best ever game I’d seen in Wa Griz behind just the 2009 App playoff game. As the day has gone on though and as I reflect on the insanity of the 2OT’s… I don’t know guys… we might’ve witnessed the best one to date yesterday.
Again, the Grizzly defense rose to the occasion and took NDSU way out of what they normally do. Reflecting on the box score – Cam Miller who was completing 75.5% of his passes coming into this game goes 9-22 (41%). NDSU was averaging close to 450 yards/game, last night they had 330. Only 1 NDSU rusher had over 50 yards, and that was barely – 52. NDSU went 3-13 on 3rd down, they had 28:30 of TOP, and were trailing at the half (which happened in all 3 of their prior losses as well).
It was really fun celebrating in the stands, on the field, in the tailgates, and downtown with so many fans last night. This has been the most fun season ever (for me), the expectations that were far exceeded, the development of players, and the run this team has been on. Now we’re off to the natty to face (currently) the best team in the FCS.
Some other observations:
- Really have to give credit to this NDSU team and their fans. Hell of a fight from the team and a lot of real gracious and fun people to chat with after the game. Gave props to many NDSU players who were on the field last night as were many other fans.
- I liked how the refs didn’t dictate the game. NDSU was making contact in the secondary all night, as was Montana. They let the OL/DL go at it and didn’t flag any grabbing and pulling by either side. Yes the game-sealing 2-pt pick was probably a gut call by the ref not to flag it. Watching it on replay the TE clearly engages first and then when Walker sheds it he stumbles and falls. Of course I like the non-call as a Griz fan haha.
- Junior Bergen’s Griz legacy only grows more. Honestly I think he’s now ramped himself up to the greatest returner of all time in Griz history. His returns the last two weeks can be used as key points to why/how the Griz won the game. And as we all know, dude isn’t just a returner. An amazing 1OT touchdown. And then, the 2 point conversion! Kid knows he’s got a free play with the facemask and then just fires it in, knowing he’s got a free play – and who else but Spiderman (Keelan) making the catch on the deflection, wow!
- How about the play and tone our Griz LB’s brought? Braxton with 10 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, Levi with 9 tackles and 1 TFL, Tyler with 6 and 0.5 TFLs. We knew these guys were going to be tested like no other in this game and they rose to the occasion.
- I think Cliff will look back at this game with moments / plays he wished he had back, but again when needed he got it done. Some major plays picking up 1st downs with his feet, and some clutch throws too.
- If you haven’t seen Kyle Hansen’s video of AJ Forbes, you should. In fact, here it is: https://twitter.com/khansen406/status/1736259516763881740
Merry Grizmas everyone, our guys have 1 more game left and a good break to rest up and be ready for it! It’s been an incredible season and hopefully our Griz can cap it with our first national title since 2001.
GO GRIZ
Again, the Grizzly defense rose to the occasion and took NDSU way out of what they normally do. Reflecting on the box score – Cam Miller who was completing 75.5% of his passes coming into this game goes 9-22 (41%). NDSU was averaging close to 450 yards/game, last night they had 330. Only 1 NDSU rusher had over 50 yards, and that was barely – 52. NDSU went 3-13 on 3rd down, they had 28:30 of TOP, and were trailing at the half (which happened in all 3 of their prior losses as well).
It was really fun celebrating in the stands, on the field, in the tailgates, and downtown with so many fans last night. This has been the most fun season ever (for me), the expectations that were far exceeded, the development of players, and the run this team has been on. Now we’re off to the natty to face (currently) the best team in the FCS.
Some other observations:
- Really have to give credit to this NDSU team and their fans. Hell of a fight from the team and a lot of real gracious and fun people to chat with after the game. Gave props to many NDSU players who were on the field last night as were many other fans.
- I liked how the refs didn’t dictate the game. NDSU was making contact in the secondary all night, as was Montana. They let the OL/DL go at it and didn’t flag any grabbing and pulling by either side. Yes the game-sealing 2-pt pick was probably a gut call by the ref not to flag it. Watching it on replay the TE clearly engages first and then when Walker sheds it he stumbles and falls. Of course I like the non-call as a Griz fan haha.
- Junior Bergen’s Griz legacy only grows more. Honestly I think he’s now ramped himself up to the greatest returner of all time in Griz history. His returns the last two weeks can be used as key points to why/how the Griz won the game. And as we all know, dude isn’t just a returner. An amazing 1OT touchdown. And then, the 2 point conversion! Kid knows he’s got a free play with the facemask and then just fires it in, knowing he’s got a free play – and who else but Spiderman (Keelan) making the catch on the deflection, wow!
- How about the play and tone our Griz LB’s brought? Braxton with 10 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, Levi with 9 tackles and 1 TFL, Tyler with 6 and 0.5 TFLs. We knew these guys were going to be tested like no other in this game and they rose to the occasion.
- I think Cliff will look back at this game with moments / plays he wished he had back, but again when needed he got it done. Some major plays picking up 1st downs with his feet, and some clutch throws too.
- If you haven’t seen Kyle Hansen’s video of AJ Forbes, you should. In fact, here it is: https://twitter.com/khansen406/status/1736259516763881740
Merry Grizmas everyone, our guys have 1 more game left and a good break to rest up and be ready for it! It’s been an incredible season and hopefully our Griz can cap it with our first national title since 2001.
GO GRIZ
.