Sadly the Grizzlies 2014 season has come to an end. And while it ends like a sour note let’s also reflect on the fun times and the adversity that this group of seniors had to overcome. With a few exceptions most of the guys that played their last games as Griz tonight were either recruited by an outgoing Bobby Hauck or an incoming Robin Pflugrad. They saw their share of ups and downs. Think about the college careers of many of our seniors and the fact that they stuck with this team through thick and thin. It makes me damn proud to have cheered for these guys.
Unfortunately today’s game reflected something that we’ve seen from this team when it hits the road. Those expectations were probably masked by the last few games where the offense seemed to find rhythm – but today we saw a return in part of the “Road Griz” that featured a slow start by the offense, too many negative yardage plays, execution errors, and questionable play calls. The defense, as usual, did about all that one could ask of it, but got worn out physically and mentally as the game went on – and it showed.
Credit to Eastern Washington. They’re the better team, that’s a given. Their defense has been improving of late and made some very good plays. A healthy Vernon Adams is just too much to contain and without much scoring support it set up a great game plan by Eastern. The zone-read wasn’t as effective due to Eastern’s plan to put some pressure on JJ. Also their defense forced two key turnovers which were back-breakers for the Griz. EWU will now be facing some teams that run a system that’s been a challenge for them – ball control, power run, solid execution. We’ll see how much longer their run goes. But with Vernon Adams, one of the best in the FCS, anything can happen.
The Grizzly defense corrected many of the issues they had against EWU in the first matchup. They planned and prepared as best they could. They weren’t helped by a blocked punt that gave EWU a 1st and goal on the 3. A fumble recovery that gave EWU a 1st and goal on the 6. And a pick-6 TD that slammed shut any hope for a miracle comeback. The big plays were limited. The D-ends harassed Adams. The only issue would be the missed opportunities on a few picks that went through defenders hands – but that’s hard to really even call out.
The Grizzly offense unfortunately started way too slow, like they’ve done on the road this entire season. Just 3 points at the half and saw EWU go from a 7-3 lead to a 20-3 lead before having another meaningful snap of the ball. There were dropped passes, missed blocks, and far too many sacks.
Unfortunately two fairly crappy calls/non-calls by the refs added to the sting in this game. A drive-killing interception on a fairly obvious pass interference where the defender has his back to the ball and grabs and pulls the WR – leads to a batted up ball that’s picked. Then Van’s fumble where he reaches the ball out, his knee isn’t down but he’s stopped moving entirely, umpire and side-judge rush in to mark the ball and then it’s swatted out and they call it a fumble. Tough break – Van should’ve tucked the ball back in after reaching and the whistle didn’t blow – but those two questionable moments pour some salt in the wounds.
It’s a bummer to look back and see that a blocked punt that set up a 1st and goal, a fumble recovery that set up a 1st and goal, and a pick-6 TD set up 17 points for EWU – and that made the difference in the game.
Thank you to all of the Griz seniors and this coaching staff. This team was able to find a spark and ride a hot streak into the playoffs. It made for a fun run to watch. While I always look forward to the years ahead it’s also a little sad to reflect upon those who we are not going to see suited up as Griz again. I, for one, will hang on to the good memories. This season was pegged as one that will be bad – and this team did not allow that. Things are on the rise for Montana and it’s this staff and these outgoing players that we owe thanks to.
Thanks for the fun memories this season Griz. As always, it’s been cheering for all of you this season.
GO GRIZ
