Post Game: Too many mistakes

[uofmman1122]

As a Cal Poly fan I would like to point out that
from my perspective it looks as though your
analysis assumes that there was only one
team on the field and the Grizz did everything
to lose while the Mustangs did little if anything
to win. I understand the tendency because I
have been prone to do the same. At times
it is educational to get an alternative perspective.
I am not saying that your analysis disrespects
the victor, it just doesn't account for the reality
of what the Mustangs did on their own behalf.

Thanks for logging in to point out that we have a proclivity to talk about the Griz on eGriz.com. :thumb:

 

[Buttegrizzle]

If Poly were easy, they'd be called Fort Lewis College.

Oh. And SLOtown, rest assured we all appreciate that Poly did as much as possible to give us the win in that last quarter. We just couldn't take advantage. Otherwise Poly was as advertised. Always tough. But really it came down to what the Griz did to themselves In this game.

 

[spsyk]

Defense, would have won the game for the offense, giving them a two point lead, giving the ball back to the offense, with two minuetes to play, Gus having a less than stellar performance for the day, adjustments should have been made for first downs and taking what the defense was giving instead of making the mark of how many plays to get in the game.

Coach Stitt can't execute for the athletes, however I thnk some decisions could have been made to increase the chance to win this game.

Cal Poly was prepared and knew what to expect, good win for them and a unecessary loss for the Griz.

 

[GrizRanger]

Griz kicker missed a 37 yard field goal and Cal Poly kickers made two long (49 yard) field goals. To me that is a big reason Griz lost this game.

Griz played two tough teams to start the season and split those games in tight contests. Griz could easily be 2-0, or 0-2. Griz fans should not be too upset. They are better than I expected, and I think they will improve through the season. It will be an interesting year.

P.S. It is so nice that a-hole alfalfa seems to have moved on. E-griz is a much better place without him/her.

 

[NativeGriz]

I had a good time with a NDSU friend this past week. Today he did a fair amount of whining why our QB and receivers played so well against them and had a really bad day against them Poly boys. So many wide open drops by WRs and so many wide open receivers missed by QB. No contact, just flat out missed opportunities.

I sort of alluded to this before the game that it is not good to read about your recent success before playing your next quality opponent. These kids were elevated far beyond reality this past week. BG was being mentioned as a future pro QB etc. I believe they lost some focus because in reality, if we played like we did against NDSU, we beat Poly by 20+.

Still, I have faith in this team. We lost by one point while playing one of the worst offensive games I have seen in recent years.

 

[mtgrizrule]

I had to work during the game, therefore had to watch the game on dvr. I have yet to get caught up on egriz comments. After watching the game from dvr, here are a few of my observations.

Other than Brown's 60 yard td run, and not tackling them inbounds on their game winning drive, the defense played excellent. Brown's td pass took a perfect pass, and even better execution hauling in the pass. Terrific play by both the WR and QB there. Considering the GRIZ played most the game short handed at DT (with Kidder out, then Peevey injury), the defense showed me a lot. I really am not worried about the defense, despite the loss. They are solid in pass coverage, and better against the run than I expected. Ty appears to have made progression as a DC, and is certainly more aggressive this season. The defense, did plenty to have won both games this season. Poly will put up 300+ yards rushing consistently, yet again this season.

As for the GRIZ offense, Gustafson and his WR's have to find consistency. The combination of overthrown passes, different reads (by QB and WR's), and drops certainly take away from the potential of this offense. Those things have to be cleaned up. Those things are happening way too often in the 2 games so far. The encouraging part is, in both games, despite the inconsistencies, the offense has moved the ball well. Despite the lack of points against Cal Poly, I felt the offense was not terrible. They showed they can move the ball. Unfortunately, they did not capitalize on their efforts. I felt the GRIZ out played Poly in the 1st half. How the offense only scored 14 in the 1st half is beyond me. Before watching the game on DVR, I honestly thought I'd be more disappointed in the offense than I was. Quite the opposite, the plays being called are putting the offense in position to succeed. The players as a unit just have to better execute those plays more consistently. The coaches and players have to figure out how to get everyone on the same page. The problems we are seeing in the passing game are very correctable.

However, this leads to my 1 offensive concern that carried over from fall camp. Our running game is a huge liability right now. It is hard for me to criticize the running backs, the only thing they can do is cut back on the dancing, and get to the LOS harder and quicker. Even if the running backs stop dancing entirely, I am not sure it will help much. The offensive line is still struggling with run blocking. They are not on the same page with one another. The OL is hindering our running backs. I see why Stitt is calling so many pass plays. Right now, personnel wise, opposing DC's have an easy choice to use a lot nickel and dime personnel, focus on taking away the passing game. The running game just is not a threat to DC's yet. Until the GRIZ prove they can run the ball, our offense will continue to leave points on the field, and off the scoreboard. This is really frustrating, because the GRIZ have the offensive staff and play calling to contend with EWU and MSU offenses in terms of points. Plus the GRIZ have the luxury of a much better defense to support the offense.

Special teams, is a mixed bag. Granted, I was upset and disappointed with Sullivan's missed FG. Fortunately, he struck the ball well. On TV that kick actually looked to be coming back toward the center, then it somehow fluttered away enough for the miss, kind of like a knuckleball does in baseball. Really hard to pin point the problem in that missed FG. I'm not too worried about our FG kicking, snaps. Punting looks solid. Kick return team needs to find some consistency, but the personnel is there. As for punt returns, sorry I still cannot get on board with Nguyen being the main return man. He makes very questionable decisions still. Regardless of who returning, I hope Stitt challenges them to start running a few punts back. The fair catch or letting the ball go is a little to frequent at this stage. Then again, it could be a matter of Stitt not having faith in any 1 guy to be a true return man.

Finally, the officiating in the Poly game was inconsistent as well. Them ruling that Henderson fumbled was bad. The replay was difficult to determine if the ball started coming out before the knees hit the ground. I felt he loss the ball after his knee hit the ground. Also, I think they messed up the placing of the ball on Poly's last drive when they converted on 4th down to set up the game winning FG. After watching the replay, my brother and I definitely thought the runners knee was down before the spot where they spotted the ball. We felt the spot was no less than 1/2 a yard off. I feel that play was worthy of a full official review. For those who watch the replay, please do tell me your thoughts of this play. I honestly feel the officials screwed up big time on that play.

Moving forward, we know our Defense is great, and will likely put the GRIZ in position to win most every game. Offensively, the GRIZ have to clean things up in the passing game, and improve run blocking. I am relieved the GRIZ have a bye week going into Liberty. Here is to hoping Kidder gets back to 100%, Peevey is not injured as it appeared, Weyer and Schmaing return soon.

The Poly loss is hard to stomach, and the GRIZ should have won that game. What most of us did not expect was to beat NDSU, so the GRIZ are the 1-1 most of us expected going into the season. I have faith the GRIZ will get things worked out, and be a force at Liberty. :thumb:

 

[Fahque]

I had to work during the game, therefore had to watch the game on dvr. I have yet to get caught up on egriz comments. After watching the game from dvr, here are a few of my observations.

Other than Brown's 60 yard td run, and not tackling them inbounds on their game winning drive, the defense played excellent. Brown's td pass took a perfect pass, and even better execution hauling in the pass. Terrific play by both the WR and QB there. Considering the GRIZ played most the game short handed at DT (with Kidder out, then Peevey injury), the defense showed me a lot. I really am not worried about the defense, despite the loss. They are solid in pass coverage, and better against the run than I expected. Ty appears to have made progression as a DC, and is certainly more aggressive this season. The defense, did plenty to have won both games this season. Poly will put up 300+ yards rushing consistently, yet again this season.

As for the GRIZ offense, Gustafson and his WR's have to find consistency. The combination of overthrown passes, different reads (by QB and WR's), and drops certainly take away from the potential of this offense. Those things have to be cleaned up. Those things are happening way too often in the 2 games so far. The encouraging part is, in both games, despite the inconsistencies, the offense has moved the ball well. Despite the lack of points against Cal Poly, I felt the offense was not terrible. They showed they can move the ball. Unfortunately, they did not capitalize on their efforts. I felt the GRIZ out played Poly in the 1st half. How the offense only scored 14 in the 1st half is beyond me. Before watching the game on DVR, I honestly thought I'd be more disappointed in the offense than I was. Quite the opposite, the plays being called are putting the offense in position to succeed. The players as a unit just have to better execute those plays more consistently. The coaches and players have to figure out how to get everyone on the same page. The problems we are seeing in the passing game are very correctable.

However, this leads to my 1 offensive concern that carried over from fall camp. Our running game is a huge liability right now. It is hard for me to criticize the running backs, the only thing they can do is cut back on the dancing, and get to the LOS harder and quicker. Even if the running backs stop dancing entirely, I am not sure it will help much. The offensive line is still struggling with run blocking. They are not on the same page with one another. The OL is hindering our running backs. I see why Stitt is calling so many pass plays. Right now, personnel wise, opposing DC's have an easy choice to use a lot nickel and dime personnel, focus on taking away the passing game. The running game just is not a threat to DC's yet. Until the GRIZ prove they can run the ball, our offense will continue to leave points on the field, and off the scoreboard. This is really frustrating, because the GRIZ have the offensive staff and play calling to contend with EWU and MSU offenses in terms of points. Plus the GRIZ have the luxury of a much better defense to support the offense.

Special teams, is a mixed bag. Granted, I was upset and disappointed with Sullivan's missed FG. Fortunately, he struck the ball well. On TV that kick actually looked to be coming back toward the center, then it somehow fluttered away enough for the miss, kind of like a knuckleball does in baseball. Really hard to pin point the problem in that missed FG. I'm not too worried about our FG kicking, snaps. Punting looks solid. Kick return team needs to find some consistency, but the personnel is there. As for punt returns, sorry I still cannot get on board with Nguyen being the main return man. He makes very questionable decisions still. Regardless of who returning, I hope Stitt challenges them to start running a few punts back. The fair catch or letting the ball go is a little to frequent at this stage. Then again, it could be a matter of Stitt not having faith in any 1 guy to be a true return man.

Finally, the officiating in the Poly game was inconsistent as well. Them ruling that Henderson fumbled was bad. The replay was difficult to determine if the ball started coming out before the knees hit the ground. I felt he loss the ball after his knee hit the ground. Also, I think they messed up the placing of the ball on Poly's last drive when they converted on 4th down to set up the game winning FG. After watching the replay, my brother and I definitely thought the runners knee was down before the spot where they spotted the ball. We felt the spot was no less than 1/2 a yard off. I feel that play was worthy of a full official review. For those who watch the replay, please do tell me your thoughts of this play. I honestly feel the officials screwed up big time on that play.

Moving forward, we know our Defense is great, and will likely put the GRIZ in position to win most every game. Offensively, the GRIZ have to clean things up in the passing game, and improve run blocking. I am relieved the GRIZ have a bye week going into Liberty. Here is to hoping Kidder gets back to 100%, Peevey is not injured as it appeared, Weyer and Schmaing return soon.

The Poly loss is hard to stomach, and the GRIZ should have won that game. What most of us did not expect was to beat NDSU, so the GRIZ are the 1-1 most of us expected going into the season. I have faith the GRIZ will get things worked out, and be a force at Liberty. :thumb:

Good post

 

[PlayerRep]

CP ran 76 times and averaged 4.3 per carry. Minus Brown's 60 yarder, CP average 3.6 per carry. The 3 running backs averaged 3.8 in 51 carries. Brown averaged 5.4--but only averaged 3 yards without the 60 yarder. I guess we shouldn't have given up that 60 yarder.

 

[CV Griz Fan]

I had to work during the game, therefore had to watch the game on dvr. I have yet to get caught up on egriz comments. After watching the game from dvr, here are a few of my observations.

Other than Brown's 60 yard td run, and not tackling them inbounds on their game winning drive, the defense played excellent. Brown's td pass took a perfect pass, and even better execution hauling in the pass. Terrific play by both the WR and QB there. Considering the GRIZ played most the game short handed at DT (with Kidder out, then Peevey injury), the defense showed me a lot. I really am not worried about the defense, despite the loss. They are solid in pass coverage, and better against the run than I expected. Ty appears to have made progression as a DC, and is certainly more aggressive this season. The defense, did plenty to have won both games this season. Poly will put up 300+ yards rushing consistently, yet again this season.

As for the GRIZ offense, Gustafson and his WR's have to find consistency. The combination of overthrown passes, different reads (by QB and WR's), and drops certainly take away from the potential of this offense. Those things have to be cleaned up. Those things are happening way too often in the 2 games so far. The encouraging part is, in both games, despite the inconsistencies, the offense has moved the ball well. Despite the lack of points against Cal Poly, I felt the offense was not terrible. They showed they can move the ball. Unfortunately, they did not capitalize on their efforts. I felt the GRIZ out played Poly in the 1st half. How the offense only scored 14 in the 1st half is beyond me. Before watching the game on DVR, I honestly thought I'd be more disappointed in the offense than I was. Quite the opposite, the plays being called are putting the offense in position to succeed. The players as a unit just have to better execute those plays more consistently. The coaches and players have to figure out how to get everyone on the same page. The problems we are seeing in the passing game are very correctable.

However, this leads to my 1 offensive concern that carried over from fall camp. Our running game is a huge liability right now. It is hard for me to criticize the running backs, the only thing they can do is cut back on the dancing, and get to the LOS harder and quicker. Even if the running backs stop dancing entirely, I am not sure it will help much. The offensive line is still struggling with run blocking. They are not on the same page with one another. The OL is hindering our running backs. I see why Stitt is calling so many pass plays. Right now, personnel wise, opposing DC's have an easy choice to use a lot nickel and dime personnel, focus on taking away the passing game. The running game just is not a threat to DC's yet. Until the GRIZ prove they can run the ball, our offense will continue to leave points on the field, and off the scoreboard. This is really frustrating, because the GRIZ have the offensive staff and play calling to contend with EWU and MSU offenses in terms of points. Plus the GRIZ have the luxury of a much better defense to support the offense.

Special teams, is a mixed bag. Granted, I was upset and disappointed with Sullivan's missed FG. Fortunately, he struck the ball well. On TV that kick actually looked to be coming back toward the center, then it somehow fluttered away enough for the miss, kind of like a knuckleball does in baseball. Really hard to pin point the problem in that missed FG. I'm not too worried about our FG kicking, snaps. Punting looks solid. Kick return team needs to find some consistency, but the personnel is there. As for punt returns, sorry I still cannot get on board with Nguyen being the main return man. He makes very questionable decisions still. Regardless of who returning, I hope Stitt challenges them to start running a few punts back. The fair catch or letting the ball go is a little to frequent at this stage. Then again, it could be a matter of Stitt not having faith in any 1 guy to be a true return man.

Finally, the officiating in the Poly game was inconsistent as well. Them ruling that Henderson fumbled was bad. The replay was difficult to determine if the ball started coming out before the knees hit the ground. I felt he loss the ball after his knee hit the ground. Also, I think they messed up the placing of the ball on Poly's last drive when they converted on 4th down to set up the game winning FG. After watching the replay, my brother and I definitely thought the runners knee was down before the spot where they spotted the ball. We felt the spot was no less than 1/2 a yard off. I feel that play was worthy of a full official review. For those who watch the replay, please do tell me your thoughts of this play. I honestly feel the officials screwed up big time on that play.

Moving forward, we know our Defense is great, and will likely put the GRIZ in position to win most every game. Offensively, the GRIZ have to clean things up in the passing game, and improve run blocking. I am relieved the GRIZ have a bye week going into Liberty. Here is to hoping Kidder gets back to 100%, Peevey is not injured as it appeared, Weyer and Schmaing return soon.

The Poly loss is hard to stomach, and the GRIZ should have won that game. What most of us did not expect was to beat NDSU, so the GRIZ are the 1-1 most of us expected going into the season. I have faith the GRIZ will get things worked out, and be a force at Liberty. :thumb:

Good post but Poly got hosed on many calls too....

 

[billings_poke]

Good post but Poly got hosed on many calls too....

Roughing the punter comers to mind. Horrible call

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

I had to work during the game, therefore had to watch the game on dvr. I have yet to get caught up on egriz comments. After watching the game from dvr, here are a few of my observations.

Other than Brown's 60 yard td run, and not tackling them inbounds on their game winning drive, the defense played excellent. Brown's td pass took a perfect pass, and even better execution hauling in the pass. Terrific play by both the WR and QB there. Considering the GRIZ played most the game short handed at DT (with Kidder out, then Peevey injury), the defense showed me a lot. I really am not worried about the defense, despite the loss. They are solid in pass coverage, and better against the run than I expected. Ty appears to have made progression as a DC, and is certainly more aggressive this season. The defense, did plenty to have won both games this season. Poly will put up 300+ yards rushing consistently, yet again this season.

As for the GRIZ offense, Gustafson and his WR's have to find consistency. The combination of overthrown passes, different reads (by QB and WR's), and drops certainly take away from the potential of this offense. Those things have to be cleaned up. Those things are happening way too often in the 2 games so far. The encouraging part is, in both games, despite the inconsistencies, the offense has moved the ball well. Despite the lack of points against Cal Poly, I felt the offense was not terrible. They showed they can move the ball. Unfortunately, they did not capitalize on their efforts. I felt the GRIZ out played Poly in the 1st half. How the offense only scored 14 in the 1st half is beyond me. Before watching the game on DVR, I honestly thought I'd be more disappointed in the offense than I was. Quite the opposite, the plays being called are putting the offense in position to succeed. The players as a unit just have to better execute those plays more consistently. The coaches and players have to figure out how to get everyone on the same page. The problems we are seeing in the passing game are very correctable.

However, this leads to my 1 offensive concern that carried over from fall camp. Our running game is a huge liability right now. It is hard for me to criticize the running backs, the only thing they can do is cut back on the dancing, and get to the LOS harder and quicker. Even if the running backs stop dancing entirely, I am not sure it will help much. The offensive line is still struggling with run blocking. They are not on the same page with one another. The OL is hindering our running backs. I see why Stitt is calling so many pass plays. Right now, personnel wise, opposing DC's have an easy choice to use a lot nickel and dime personnel, focus on taking away the passing game. The running game just is not a threat to DC's yet. Until the GRIZ prove they can run the ball, our offense will continue to leave points on the field, and off the scoreboard. This is really frustrating, because the GRIZ have the offensive staff and play calling to contend with EWU and MSU offenses in terms of points. Plus the GRIZ have the luxury of a much better defense to support the offense.

Special teams, is a mixed bag. Granted, I was upset and disappointed with Sullivan's missed FG. Fortunately, he struck the ball well. On TV that kick actually looked to be coming back toward the center, then it somehow fluttered away enough for the miss, kind of like a knuckleball does in baseball. Really hard to pin point the problem in that missed FG. I'm not too worried about our FG kicking, snaps. Punting looks solid. Kick return team needs to find some consistency, but the personnel is there. As for punt returns, sorry I still cannot get on board with Nguyen being the main return man. He makes very questionable decisions still. Regardless of who returning, I hope Stitt challenges them to start running a few punts back. The fair catch or letting the ball go is a little to frequent at this stage. Then again, it could be a matter of Stitt not having faith in any 1 guy to be a true return man.

Finally, the officiating in the Poly game was inconsistent as well. Them ruling that Henderson fumbled was bad. The replay was difficult to determine if the ball started coming out before the knees hit the ground. I felt he loss the ball after his knee hit the ground. Also, I think they messed up the placing of the ball on Poly's last drive when they converted on 4th down to set up the game winning FG. After watching the replay, my brother and I definitely thought the runners knee was down before the spot where they spotted the ball. We felt the spot was no less than 1/2 a yard off. I feel that play was worthy of a full official review. For those who watch the replay, please do tell me your thoughts of this play. I honestly feel the officials screwed up big time on that play.

Moving forward, we know our Defense is great, and will likely put the GRIZ in position to win most every game. Offensively, the GRIZ have to clean things up in the passing game, and improve run blocking. I am relieved the GRIZ have a bye week going into Liberty. Here is to hoping Kidder gets back to 100%, Peevey is not injured as it appeared, Weyer and Schmaing return soon.

The Poly loss is hard to stomach, and the GRIZ should have won that game. What most of us did not expect was to beat NDSU, so the GRIZ are the 1-1 most of us expected going into the season. I have faith the GRIZ will get things worked out, and be a force at Liberty. :thumb:

So, how long should we wait before this offense starts getting WRs and our QB on the same page? Is this just like the Phen Phen offense under Hauck, where the perpetual excuse was that it takes a year for receivers to figure out the proper routes to run. If that is the case, this offense sucks to big one! I subscribe to the old adage "keep it simple, stupid". Save the comments from the peanut gallery. I'm already one step ahead of you on this one!

 

[CV Griz Fan]

Good post but Poly got hosed on many calls too....

Roughing the punter comers to mind. Horrible call

Way more poor spots that went against Poly. The roughing the passer call in the 4th quarter that extended a Griz drive was questionable. And it nearly killed Poly's hopes.... Really, the poor officiating cut both ways.

 

[uofmman1122]

So, how long should we wait before this offense starts getting WRs and our QB on the same page? Is this just like the Phen Phen offense under Hauck, where the perpetual excuse was that it takes a year for receivers to figure out the proper routes to run. If that is the case, this offense sucks to big one! I subscribe to the old adage "keep it simple, stupid". Save the comments from the peanut gallery. I'm already one step ahead of you on this one!

More than two games seems reasonable to me.

 

[grizfan47]

Great posts by many especially BW and mtgrizrule. Totally agree. I even agree with the Cat poster that said we weren't as good as many on here thought we were.

Last week I posted on a thread that as good as the win was over NDSU; it was only one game. I said if we had a good win over Cal Poly I would then be very hopeful and excited in our chances in the conference. This game showed me just what I feared. We are still a team with a new coach, new system and young QB. I have faith that it will begin to click but this season is going to be a roller coaster ride. There are a lot of challenges ahead of us and I sure hope that it begins to come together sooner than later.

 

[BWahlberg]

Good post but Poly got hosed on many calls too....

Roughing the punter comers to mind. Horrible call

Way more poor spots that went against Poly. The roughing the passer call in the 4th quarter that extended a Griz drive was questionable. And it nearly killed Poly's hopes.... Really, the poor officiating cut both ways.

Agreed, not a lot of bad calls as there weren't many flags thrown, but some that were... Bad. Including that one. There was a rather questionable PI as well that helped Montana.

 

[putter]

The roughing the passer was not questionable. He hit Brady with both hands up on the shoulders just below his head. These days you can't come close to the QB's head and it was beyond when he threw it. Just a bad decision by the player. I would not have called roughing the kicker, however, I would have called running into the kicker which is 5 yards and still would have given the Griz a 1st down

 

[cclarkblues]

The roughing the passer was not questionable. He hit Brady with both hands up on the shoulders just below his head. These days you can't come close to the QB's head and it was beyond when he threw it. Just a bad decision by the player. I would not have called roughing the kicker, however, I would have called running into the kicker which is 5 yards and still would have given the Griz a 1st down

I think they did call running into the kicker.

 

[putter]

The roughing the passer was not questionable. He hit Brady with both hands up on the shoulders just below his head. These days you can't come close to the QB's head and it was beyond when he threw it. Just a bad decision by the player. I would not have called roughing the kicker, however, I would have called running into the kicker which is 5 yards and still would have given the Griz a 1st down

I think they did call running into the kicker.

OK, I thought they gave Montana 15 yards.. :thumb:

 

[AZGrizFan]

The roughing the passer was not questionable. He hit Brady with both hands up on the shoulders just below his head. These days you can't come close to the QB's head and it was beyond when he threw it. Just a bad decision by the player. I would not have called roughing the kicker, however, I would have called running into the kicker which is 5 yards and still would have given the Griz a 1st down

And I thought the announcers said he head-butted him as well on that roughing the passer...

 

[mtgrizrule]

I had to work during the game, therefore had to watch the game on dvr. I have yet to get caught up on egriz comments. After watching the game from dvr, here are a few of my observations.

Other than Brown's 60 yard td run, and not tackling them inbounds on their game winning drive, the defense played excellent. Brown's td pass took a perfect pass, and even better execution hauling in the pass. Terrific play by both the WR and QB there. Considering the GRIZ played most the game short handed at DT (with Kidder out, then Peevey injury), the defense showed me a lot. I really am not worried about the defense, despite the loss. They are solid in pass coverage, and better against the run than I expected. Ty appears to have made progression as a DC, and is certainly more aggressive this season. The defense, did plenty to have won both games this season. Poly will put up 300+ yards rushing consistently, yet again this season.

As for the GRIZ offense, Gustafson and his WR's have to find consistency. The combination of overthrown passes, different reads (by QB and WR's), and drops certainly take away from the potential of this offense. Those things have to be cleaned up. Those things are happening way too often in the 2 games so far. The encouraging part is, in both games, despite the inconsistencies, the offense has moved the ball well. Despite the lack of points against Cal Poly, I felt the offense was not terrible. They showed they can move the ball. Unfortunately, they did not capitalize on their efforts. I felt the GRIZ out played Poly in the 1st half. How the offense only scored 14 in the 1st half is beyond me. Before watching the game on DVR, I honestly thought I'd be more disappointed in the offense than I was. Quite the opposite, the plays being called are putting the offense in position to succeed. The players as a unit just have to better execute those plays more consistently. The coaches and players have to figure out how to get everyone on the same page. The problems we are seeing in the passing game are very correctable.

However, this leads to my 1 offensive concern that carried over from fall camp. Our running game is a huge liability right now. It is hard for me to criticize the running backs, the only thing they can do is cut back on the dancing, and get to the LOS harder and quicker. Even if the running backs stop dancing entirely, I am not sure it will help much. The offensive line is still struggling with run blocking. They are not on the same page with one another. The OL is hindering our running backs. I see why Stitt is calling so many pass plays. Right now, personnel wise, opposing DC's have an easy choice to use a lot nickel and dime personnel, focus on taking away the passing game. The running game just is not a threat to DC's yet. Until the GRIZ prove they can run the ball, our offense will continue to leave points on the field, and off the scoreboard. This is really frustrating, because the GRIZ have the offensive staff and play calling to contend with EWU and MSU offenses in terms of points. Plus the GRIZ have the luxury of a much better defense to support the offense.

Special teams, is a mixed bag. Granted, I was upset and disappointed with Sullivan's missed FG. Fortunately, he struck the ball well. On TV that kick actually looked to be coming back toward the center, then it somehow fluttered away enough for the miss, kind of like a knuckleball does in baseball. Really hard to pin point the problem in that missed FG. I'm not too worried about our FG kicking, snaps. Punting looks solid. Kick return team needs to find some consistency, but the personnel is there. As for punt returns, sorry I still cannot get on board with Nguyen being the main return man. He makes very questionable decisions still. Regardless of who returning, I hope Stitt challenges them to start running a few punts back. The fair catch or letting the ball go is a little to frequent at this stage. Then again, it could be a matter of Stitt not having faith in any 1 guy to be a true return man.

Finally, the officiating in the Poly game was inconsistent as well. Them ruling that Henderson fumbled was bad. The replay was difficult to determine if the ball started coming out before the knees hit the ground. I felt he loss the ball after his knee hit the ground. Also, I think they messed up the placing of the ball on Poly's last drive when they converted on 4th down to set up the game winning FG. After watching the replay, my brother and I definitely thought the runners knee was down before the spot where they spotted the ball. We felt the spot was no less than 1/2 a yard off. I feel that play was worthy of a full official review. For those who watch the replay, please do tell me your thoughts of this play. I honestly feel the officials screwed up big time on that play.

Moving forward, we know our Defense is great, and will likely put the GRIZ in position to win most every game. Offensively, the GRIZ have to clean things up in the passing game, and improve run blocking. I am relieved the GRIZ have a bye week going into Liberty. Here is to hoping Kidder gets back to 100%, Peevey is not injured as it appeared, Weyer and Schmaing return soon.

The Poly loss is hard to stomach, and the GRIZ should have won that game. What most of us did not expect was to beat NDSU, so the GRIZ are the 1-1 most of us expected going into the season. I have faith the GRIZ will get things worked out, and be a force at Liberty. :thumb:

So, how long should we wait before this offense starts getting WRs and our QB on the same page? Is this just like the Phen Phen offense under Hauck, where the perpetual excuse was that it takes a year for receivers to figure out the proper routes to run. If that is the case, this offense sucks to big one! I subscribe to the old adage "keep it simple, stupid". Save the comments from the peanut gallery. I'm already one step ahead of you on this one!

Fair question. I believe a new offense or defense, with a new staff should see gradual improvements game to game. Realistically, I expect a rollercoaster ride. I would be very upset if a new offense or defense continued to struggle and not get better throughout any given season. I felt the progress made by Pflu's team was solid, and acceptable. I was very frustrated and upset by how little progress there was from Pflu to Delaney. Delaney's mistake was sticking with round pegs and square holes. At this stage, we all don't know what to expect. Stitt strikes me as a coach who demands improvement. He will not make excuses for his team, players, or coaches. He expects accountability. I also see him as patient enough to see a QB through some bad patches. If Gus continues to overthrow his WR's as frequent as the Poly game, then by all means try another QB. I prefer Simis as the next guy in line. If the WR's and QB's continue to struggle to get on the same page, then I consider that a coaching issue somewhere in the process.

To me the team consistently having the same problems is much more disappointing than a player having a bad game here or there. I was personally disappointed the GRIZ did not do enough to make sure that Jones, Henderson, and Roberts got the ball more often. I would have liked to see a few of the plays ran for Nacarrato have been called for those guys. Nacarrato is a 4 to 6 reception player. Jones, Henderson, and Roberts are at the minimum 7 reception guys. I feel the offense should focus on getting Jones and Henderson double digit touches every game, and Roberts should be a primary Red Zone target. That alone would help the offense immensely. I'd have those 3 on the field as often as they could physically handle. :thumb: