Post Game / Post Season: Disappointment and looking to 2017

[Ursus1]

I am now ok with giving Stitt another (2017 not an extension yet) since he has admitted shortcomings in areas I have been concerned with along with many other people (sugar coaters now look really stupid since the coach himself admits the problems they denied and said we were clueless ). I think if he does "fix" those things we have a chance at a long term guy.....but if he is just giving lipservice to cool the fires now and doesn't make serious changes then 2017 should be the last year. This program should be top level (not saying winning 5 championships in a row , just at or near conference champions, playoff bound and beating the Cats when they are the inferior team athlete wise). This year is over so can't change that BUT next year is still salvageable if he gets to work.

 

[kemajic]

The WRs/RBs for 2017 are an exciting group of playmakers. We’ll have to break in a new QB to get them the ball but if that goes to plan these guys will hopefully show big gains over their up and down performances this season. The starting four of Curran, Calhoun, Louie McGee, and Horner need to take the next step. There’s also Homan, Lyons, Bingham, and Eaton who will be looked upon to continue to play more of their roles – and then the redshirting freshman too like Akem and Toure. This group needs to help build up next year’s starter much like Jones/Hendu/Roberts did for Brady last year.

Excellent post BW. Where I would comment is the above. Not only did we see a lot of drops but we had numerous times (UNC for example) where our receivers do not get separation. Many were criticizing Chalich for scrambling too much in that game, but I was there and I rarely saw an open receiver. Our opponents get wide open receivers against us, but how often do we? JLM is an exceptional talent, but the others have a lot to prove and I do not see a burner in the group. We can be overrating them.

 

[griz5700]

I haven't given up on Stitt/Semore yet. The jury is still out, and even more out after the last part of this season. While I don't know if they can get the job done next year, I hope they do. Note that I have not weighed in much on Stitt/Semore this year, or last year--in large part because the views on both sides seemed possible. Early in the season, the team and defense were better than I expected. I was hopeful after the 2 easy games, but said we'd see how the team did against NAU and EWU. Reasonably close, or in the ballpark, but no cigar. And then the last 2 games. Never saw that coming, except after UNC loss, wondered if the Cats might sneak up on the Griz. Was bummed my wife had scheduled us on a family vacation in Hawaii this week. When I saw the result as we landed, was glad I was in Maui.

Your wife is smart woman.

 

[yogi]

Is it not fair to ask why these issues were not identified and addressed during the season?? your friend, yogi

 

[mtgrizrule]

While I can admire a kind of La La Land approach to profound problems, in sports putting off the inevitable only does more and continuing harm to a program. Digging the hole deeper only makes digging back out that much harder.

The team has sent a pretty strong message to Stitt and to the fans. Stitt has confirmed that by his public complaints about "fire" and "intensity." If you don't know the effect that had in the Locker Room, you're an idiot. You don't deserve to claim to be a "fan." I disagree vehemently with Stitt's "blame the team" response to everything.

“It was all a mental thing, it had nothing to do with talent or the physical part. We weren’t ready, our minds weren’t in it and we didn’t handle adversity very well.”

“Hopefully it wakes some guys up,” he said. “You just hate to go into a football game and play in a manner that doesn’t represent your talent. We’ve worked so hard to get to a point, and then you take two steps back.

“We just didn’t come out with any type of fire and that’s been a problem for a while”

The team that lost the last four of five outings, the last to the "worst team in the Big Sky Conference," manned mostly by boys, with a quarterback that was just 17 years old a few weeks ago, wasn't the UM Grizzlies, it was a bunch of fine young men that just got tired of bad plays and constant ridicule and gave up on their coach. These are UM student athletes that deserve better. The Grizzly tradition deserves better. It's time for the adults to intervene.

Some of the posts on this site are unbelievable. I'll be the first to admit I don't like Stitt, he just rubs opposing fans the wrong way, but...giving up on him after two years is an absolute joke. The power some fans on this board think they have is just amusing...Its funny you forget that just last year you beat NDSU on National TV, and absolutely trucked your two biggest rivals in Eastern and MSU.

Eastern had an early exit from the 2014 playoffs, and then lost the last 3 games of the season last year, two of them at home, and two crushing defeats to our rivals (UM and PSU). No one gave up on Baldwin, but I guess in your theory he lost the team to end the year and we should have...

The Griz have one of the best fan bases in the FCS, arguably one of the best stadiums and settings in all of college football, and the majority of the time you put a really good product on the field. Enjoy the ride...

It is great to have opposing fans contribute. They have a little more of an open mind than the hardcore fans for a team. I admit, there are times when ME has gotten under my skin with a few comments. For the most part, he is honest and has a way with putting things into perspective. Rather it be Stitt, or any other coach, I just cannot allow myself to feel 2 years is a fair evaluation period.

 

[UMcheer2000]

Stitt stepped up and admitted he needs to improve in the offseason during his final 2016 press conference. Also mentioned fully examining schemes, first and foremost his offensive scheme, because he wants to make sure it's not preventing the kids from being successful.

Yes he did. Tootel and Tucker on ESPN were playing some highlights. Hopefully someone can track down the transcript. He said some of what many on here say he is incapable of saying. Hopefully he can prove the doubters wrong because he is going to be here next season and I want the team to do well.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Excellent write up brint.

With that aside, I get it.

What I do not understand, is that it would take this kind of time and outcomes to say, "Oh... maybe we do have a problem?"

Like some of the posters alluded to.. being able motivate and get the team ready--I get the execution aspect--the adjustments and scheme calling on both sides left me and other posters scratching our head.. with all that talent?

That falls on the coach.

 

[bearister]

Excellent read Brit. I too hope some things can change for 2017. I was appalled at the lack of intensity and enthusiasm shown by the team as a whole.

+1[emoji848]

 

[1976griz]

My concern is that Stitt truly did not understand the enormity of the Cat-Griz rivalry. He stated that Jeremy Calhoun did not play in the first half because the plan was to get Nguyen and Counts the reps because they were seniors. That does not compute when this is an absolutely must win game. Play the best players until you get the game out of reach...then you can let your spare senior have his opportunities. Calhoun was the guy alternating with Nguyen for most of the season.
Counts only got in because of Calhoun's injury. Just seemed like the wrong thought process to me.

 

[Ursus1]

My concern is that Stitt truly did not understand the enormity of the Cat-Griz rivalry. He stated that Jeremy Calhoun did not play in the first half because the plan was to get Nguyen and Counts the reps because they were seniors. That does not compute when this is an absolutely must win game. Play the best players until you get the game out of reach...then you can let your spare senior have his opportunities. Calhoun was the guy alternating with Nguyen for most of the season.
Counts only got in because of Calhoun's injury. Just seemed like the wrong thought process to me.

Same thought here when I heard he said that was the reason.

 

[krammer]

Excellent read Brit. I too hope some things can change for 2017. I was appalled at the lack of intensity and enthusiasm shown by the team as a whole.

+1[emoji848]

thanks b/w for your well thought out comments and your contribution to egriz in general through out the year......a question ? when stitt says that nearly all things about the team are going to be reevaluated, just how does that work when your a head coach.....in the private sector myself along with senior management would set down with an under achieving employee and work on a improvement plan that was viewed through third party eyes....is that what happens here? ....when you believe in your system as much as stitt seems too, it might be difficult to make the changes by yourself, as one is biased.....a third year is ok with me, but another like this and the exit interview would be scheduled at my former company .....go griz...

 

[griz9501]

The WRs/RBs for 2017 are an exciting group of playmakers. We’ll have to break in a new QB to get them the ball but if that goes to plan these guys will hopefully show big gains over their up and down performances this season. The starting four of Curran, Calhoun, Louie McGee, and Horner need to take the next step. There’s also Homan, Lyons, Bingham, and Eaton who will be looked upon to continue to play more of their roles – and then the redshirting freshman too like Akem and Toure. This group needs to help build up next year’s starter much like Jones/Hendu/Roberts did for Brady last year.

Excellent post BW. Where I would comment is the above. Not only did we see a lot of drops but we had numerous times (UNC for example) where our receivers do not get separation. Many were criticizing Chalich for scrambling too much in that game, but I was there and I rarely saw an open receiver. Our opponents get wide open receivers against us, but how often do we? JLM is an exceptional talent, but the others have a lot to prove and I do not see a burner in the group. We can be overrating them.

Calhoun brothers are good. Horner, Curran, Bingham, and JLM are great too. Talent is there. I didn't catch much of the UNC game. What I did see was a stagnant offense, especially first half.

 

[grizfan47]

Its nice to hear that Stitt is re-evaluating his process and offense. I wish him all the best and hope that lessons were learned. I believe he wants to succeed and take the Griz where we all want them to be. We will see if he is up to the task. I still wonder if the OC and head coach shouldn't be two different people.

 

['68griz]

My concern is that Stitt truly did not understand the enormity of the Cat-Griz rivalry. He stated that Jeremy Calhoun did not play in the first half because the plan was to get Nguyen and Counts the reps because they were seniors. That does not compute when this is an absolutely must win game. Play the best players until you get the game out of reach...then you can let your spare senior have his opportunities. Calhoun was the guy alternating with Nguyen for most of the season.
Counts only got in because of Calhoun's injury. Just seemed like the wrong thought process to me.

If playing the seniors was the plan then why did Chalich never set foot on the field on Saturday? I thought that was a crime.

 

[beaverboy]

Brint- I always look forward to your post on egriz. I have been a Griz fan since 1959 and 2016 is not going to change my allegiance. I also know that people who continually tell us how great they are usually come up short of their expectations. When Bob mentioned when he was hired that he was going to rid of all tight ends, H backs, fullbacks, and not punt on 4th down, I was a bit taken aback. Next he says no players names on the uniforms and he shows up front and center on the pre season poster, alarm bells went off for me. Numerous times in the press he has thrown his players and coaches under the bus and dodged responsibility for Griz defeats. I watched the meltdown between coach Stitt and Ty that created a spilt with players and staff that still has repercussions. I have coached enough teams to know that the coach has to take responsibility for the outcome and work hard to make things better. I was glad to see the Coach take full responsibility at his press conference today. Bob Stitt has much more difficult job now than he did when he arrived and I hope he can make it work. He must win his player confidence and make sure they know he loves them. That may sound a little strange to some of you but that is exactly what is needed. Go Griz

 

[clawman]

Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical. Yogi Berra
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/y/yogi_berra.html
Applies even more to college football!

 

[kemajic]

The WRs/RBs for 2017 are an exciting group of playmakers. We’ll have to break in a new QB to get them the ball but if that goes to plan these guys will hopefully show big gains over their up and down performances this season. The starting four of Curran, Calhoun, Louie McGee, and Horner need to take the next step. There’s also Homan, Lyons, Bingham, and Eaton who will be looked upon to continue to play more of their roles – and then the redshirting freshman too like Akem and Toure. This group needs to help build up next year’s starter much like Jones/Hendu/Roberts did for Brady last year.

Excellent post BW. Where I would comment is the above. Not only did we see a lot of drops but we had numerous times (UNC for example) where our receivers do not get separation. Many were criticizing Chalich for scrambling too much in that game, but I was there and I rarely saw an open receiver. Our opponents get wide open receivers against us, but how often do we? JLM is an exceptional talent, but the others have a lot to prove and I do not see a burner in the group. We can be overrating them.

Calhoun brothers are good. Horner, Curran, Bingham, and JLM are great too. Talent is there. I didn't catch much of the UNC game. What I did see was a stagnant offense, especially first half.

I await your explanation of why we have so many drops and so few open receivers. Also which receiver has the scary speed to frequently get behind defenders. After all this is a pass-first offense.

 

[Sam A. Blitz]

The WRs/RBs for 2017 are an exciting group of playmakers. We’ll have to break in a new QB to get them the ball but if that goes to plan these guys will hopefully show big gains over their up and down performances this season. The starting four of Curran, Calhoun, Louie McGee, and Horner need to take the next step. There’s also Homan, Lyons, Bingham, and Eaton who will be looked upon to continue to play more of their roles – and then the redshirting freshman too like Akem and Toure. This group needs to help build up next year’s starter much like Jones/Hendu/Roberts did for Brady last year.

Excellent post BW. Where I would comment is the above. Not only did we see a lot of drops but we had numerous times (UNC for example) where our receivers do not get separation. Many were criticizing Chalich for scrambling too much in that game, but I was there and I rarely saw an open receiver. Our opponents get wide open receivers against us, but how often do we? JLM is an exceptional talent, but the others have a lot to prove and I do not see a burner in the group. We can be overrating them.

Calhoun brothers are good. Horner, Curran, Bingham, and JLM are great too. Talent is there. I didn't catch much of the UNC game. What I did see was a stagnant offense, especially first half.

I await your explanation of why we have so many drops and so few open receivers. Also which receiver has the scary speed to frequently get behind defenders. After all this is a pass-first offense.

They need to get stronger and improve their route running. Both can be improved on. I do think we need that bigger speedy down field option, ala Roberts.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

I've pretty much given up.

Not on the team. On the fans.

Booing your own team is classless and pathetic.

 

[UMGriz75]

Booing your own team is classless and pathetic.

That was the general reaction to Stitt's comments about the team and "some these guys" after the UNC debacle. Or was it the NAU debacle? Or was it ...?

Other than Stitt, I don't recall any fans that are "booing the team." I think most feel sorry for the fact that they obviously worked hard, put up big yardages game after game, have plenty of talent and have so little to show for it.

 

[Diesel]

I've pretty much given up.

Not on the team. On the fans.

Booing your own team is classless and pathetic.

Don't think the negative posters on Egriz are fans of the Griz there are trolls and fans or friends of former coaches like TG who can't stand Stiit and pollute a fan forum with personal insults to current coaching staff and any fans who stay loyal even in the bad times. They have a personal agenda that is spread all over this site like manure.

I appreciate posters like yourself and Brint and several others who are fans of the Griz, but have to put up with the opposers of the Griz football program and claim to be supporters and protectors of our dear children who play for the Griz. They are not protectors of the players they are endangering these young men with off base agendas and undermining the player coach relationships because they think they could do things better.

The reality is they are not fans, they are self promoters.