Rethinking my fandom

[MartyParty]

In what world was yesterday “close”? That is the whole problem. It wasn’t. The brawl really wasn’t. It was obvious which team was better from start to finish. If it was close, then this would be a different conversation. But it wasn’t.

Yep that game was over 7 mins into the first qtr. We came out, went 3 and out and then gave up a TD. Done

 

[ilovethecats]

20 years of data and next year is going to be the same thing Beat the shit out of really bad BSC teams and get fucking hammered in the playoffs. Huack has had two decades to get it done and he can't. He's the FCS Kirk Ferentz. It's never going to happen no matter how positive or negative the fans are.

Then how come you had like 20 posts not only guaranteeing victory but killing the Cats at that?! You were talking more crap about the cats than anyone on the board yet now you’re saying Hauck sucks all of a sudden?

 

[MinnesotaJack]

I'm not worthy of royalty. I would rather be treated like a good natured opposing fan and do some good bantering.

You're more than welcome to come to Brookings too!

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

20 years of data and next year is going to be the same thing Beat the shit out of really bad BSC teams and get fucking hammered in the playoffs. Huack has had two decades to get it done and he can't. He's the FCS Kirk Ferentz. It's never going to happen no matter how positive or negative the fans are.

TBH, that has been the story of Griz football for the past 40 years with 2 exceptions.

 

[GriznMN]

This year is the first year in a good number of years that I followed the Griz passionately every game and I will say, I LOVED IT! It's the first time in a good number of years that I've been a fan and I LOVED IT. As a fan, this was a tough way to end the season but the sun came up today and it will come up tomorrow. Are there things that need to be fixed/improved? Yes. Did the Griz have injuries throughout the year and during the FCS Semis game? Yes. Were they able to overcome the injuries during the year against poor competition? Yes. Were they able to overcome the injuries/ejection during the FCS Semi game? No.

I, for one, will continue to be a Griz fan until the day I die and I can't wait until I, and my better half, move west to be closer to where the Griz play on a consistent basis so I can go watch more Griz games. Go Griz!

 

[GriznMN]

Yep that game was over 7 mins into the first qtr. We came out, went 3 and out and then gave up a TD. Done

Thanks for letting us know you didn't watch the 2nd or 3rd quarters.

 

[Jordan_20]

In what world was yesterday “close”? That is the whole problem. It wasn’t. The brawl really wasn’t. It was obvious which team was better from start to finish. If it was close, then this would be a different conversation. But it wasn’t.

The first game was close, this most recent game not so much. It was a good game up until that 3rd and 20 and then the wheels feel completely off

 

[kemajic]

Yep that game was over 7 mins into the first qtr. We came out, went 3 and out and then gave up a TD. Done

That has to explain why we had the lead in the third quarter.

 

[mthoopsfan]

As I consider how upset I was at the results of today's game, I'm rethinking how passionate I want to be about this team going forward. I'll always be a Griz fan and I'll always love this team but I think I have to find a way to be a more casual fan. I can still come to a game or two in the fall (and scream my head off) and watch all the games on TV, but I have to be able to separate myself somehow so that I'm not so horribly disappointed when we lose to the cats every year. (Which seems inevitable as long as Bobby remains the coach which also seems inevitable.) Maybe someone around here can give me some solid advice on how to do this.

It would be great if you backed off as a fan. You once were a good fan. Even somewhat knowledgeable. Then, you became a bad fan in recent years. And if you want to keep following the team, realize that your team and the Griz don't win every game. And they don't beat the Cats every game. And sometimes they get beat fairly often by the Cats. But, life goes on. Get over it. You're not on the team. You're not a coach. Absorb and process the losses or losses and move on. Get ready to support your team going forward. There's a great future ahead. Enjoy it. I really don't understand why this is so hard for some people. I don't have problems processing losses. You can't do anything about it. The game is over. The loss occurred. Support your team, or don't be a fan.

 

[GrizCC1979]

It would be great if you backed off as a fan. You once were a good fan. Even somewhat knowledgeable. Then, you became a bad fan in recent years. And if you want to keep following the team, realize that your team and the Griz don't win every game. And they don't beat the Cats every game. And sometimes they get beat fairly often by the Cats. But, life goes on. Get over it. You're not on the team. You're not a coach. Absorb and process the losses or losses and move on. Get ready to support your team going forward. There's a great future ahead. Enjoy it. I really don't understand why this is so hard for some people. I don't have problems processing losses. You can't do anything about it. The game is over. The loss occurred. Support your team, or don't be a fan.

The beauty of a forum is that even self-appointed arbiters of the commentary, like yourself, can be heard. And dismissed, by moving to a new thread.

 

[SinCityGriz2005]

As I consider how upset I was at the results of today's game, I'm rethinking how passionate I want to be about this team going forward. I'll always be a Griz fan and I'll always love this team but I think I have to find a way to be a more casual fan. I can still come to a game or two in the fall (and scream my head off) and watch all the games on TV, but I have to be able to separate myself somehow so that I'm not so horribly disappointed when we lose to the cats every year. (Which seems inevitable as long as Bobby remains the coach which also seems inevitable.) Maybe someone around here can give me some solid advice on how to do this.

Mom, I read this a few times. I understand where you are coming from. It's easy to say you want to/are going to be less passionate, but it's harder to actually do.

Why: Well, here is why It's hard for me. I was born and raised in Missoula. UM is in my blood in every way. My dad helped build the Field house in the 60's, then Wa-Griz, and finally the quad. I started going to games in 1974. Griz football was way different back then.

When we moved to Billings in the early 80's I had to endure insufferable MSU fans, and got into a few fights in school, and oddly once in a dorm at MSU over the Griz in 1985.

After I got out of the Marine Corps I went back to Missoula and went to school. I was still a fan but also tutored some of the players in math. My involvement with the school became deeper when I went back for my graduate degrees. My kids sons lived with players, and my daughter dated two Griz players. I am still friends with several of the guys from the late 90's and 2000's.

I have invested easily over $100k into that program and more into the school. Because I believed in UM and wanted to see the athletes and the program succeed on the national level.

After ten years of disappointment, I finally boxed everything up. I shipped it to my son. I took my degrees off of the wall, and I am just not interested in the program or the school like I used to be. I stopped donating my time to watch games unless I know I am going to enjoy watching them after I have recorded them. I'd rather watch Oregon than UM now. I have stopped donating my money to a program on the decline instead of rise. I stopped donating to the Alumni association as well though. I have stopped donating to the NIL. I am not giving anymore of myself or my money to a program on the decline. It seems to me that UM and the powers that be and mega boosters are fine being mediocre.

That's cool. It just means as a fan, my investment is going to match theirs. If things turn around, maybe I start doing all of that again, but I don't see it happening.

But, I am still passionate about UM and Griz football. If it's in your blood, it's in your blood. I can't remember who said this, but someone in a different post said they have moved to Griz football being more entertainment than anything else.

I enjoy getting on here and being dumb and occasionally talking football.

I know some of the guys I am/was friends with, are on here and either read or post occasionally. So it's a way to stay linked to them. But honestly? As I have gotten older, I have realized it's a game. I don't regret what I did or the money and time I donated. I was able to help some of the players, and in a lesser but impactful way the program. But it's just entertainment.

 

[montanaguy]

.

 

[Ursus Horriblis]

As I consider how upset I was at the results of today's game, I'm rethinking how passionate I want to be about this team going forward. I'll always be a Griz fan and I'll always love this team but I think I have to find a way to be a more casual fan. I can still come to a game or two in the fall (and scream my head off) and watch all the games on TV, but I have to be able to separate myself somehow so that I'm not so horribly disappointed when we lose to the cats every year. (Which seems inevitable as long as Bobby remains the coach which also seems inevitable.) Maybe someone around here can give me some solid advice on how to do this.

Great to be passionate in a positive way. To be fickle and expect more than the players on the field and coaches have worked their asses off for, and coming up short, is not passionate but, selfish. If you’re like me, you have been spoiled by the success of the Griz since the days of Don Read. I really always expected nothing but the best from the Griz football program. But, times and circumstances change. Our opponents have wanted nothing more than to beat us for years without much success, only with a few exceptions. Have you ever lived through watching your team get their ass beat sixteen years straight? Didn’t think so. Count your blessings and support your Griz!

 

[The.Real.2506]

As I consider how upset I was at the results of today's game, I'm rethinking how passionate I want to be about this team going forward. I'll always be a Griz fan and I'll always love this team but I think I have to find a way to be a more casual fan. I can still come to a game or two in the fall (and scream my head off) and watch all the games on TV, but I have to be able to separate myself somehow so that I'm not so horribly disappointed when we lose to the cats every year. (Which seems inevitable as long as Bobby remains the coach which also seems inevitable.) Maybe someone around here can give me some solid advice on how to do this.

As a Cat fan I have to say that we have been there before, you need to stick with your team and help them out. This think has always been cyclical, I know griz fans like to point to the overall and believe they have always dominated but its not true.

The biggest problem I see for griz football is that Bozeman is still growing like crazy and has become the tech center of the state. I don't necessary like it but in todays college football environment the team with more money has an advantage.

Signing 30 transfers every year is not sustainable, I think you need to find a way to develop some players and then try to hold them rather than depending on one and dones.

I am not trying to be an asshole, I love this rivalry and hate the griz. I also think that we need each other to push for both teams to be as good as possible.

 

[MartyParty]

Then how come you had like 20 posts not only guaranteeing victory but killing the Cats at that?! You were talking more crap about the cats than anyone on the board yet now you’re saying Hauck sucks all of a sudden?

Because I hate the cats, I loved kicking your asses on the field and its even harder to watch Hauck lose every game he plays against you guys. We shouldnt have lost to a team like the cats but you guys will find out how far you need to go to get to where the MVFC is in a couple weeks.

 

[MartyParty]

Thanks for letting us know you didn't watch the 2nd or 3rd quarters.

Why would I? It was over

Oh, look who won

 

[NorthernCat]

Because I hate the cats, I loved kicking your asses on the field and its even harder to watch Hauck lose every game he plays against you guys. We shouldnt have lost to a team like the cats but you guys will find out how far you need to go to get to where the MVFC is in a couple weeks.

Lol. Ok.

 

[ilovethecats]

Because I hate the cats, I loved kicking your asses on the field and its even harder to watch Hauck lose every game he plays against you guys. We shouldnt have lost to a team like the cats but you guys will find out how far you need to go to get to where the MVFC is in a couple weeks.

I have no reason to doubt you. Your thoughts seem rational and your predictions seem spot on…..

 

[GrizGuy]

As I consider how upset I was at the results of today's game, I'm rethinking how passionate I want to be about this team going forward. I'll always be a Griz fan and I'll always love this team but I think I have to find a way to be a more casual fan. I can still come to a game or two in the fall (and scream my head off) and watch all the games on TV, but I have to be able to separate myself somehow so that I'm not so horribly disappointed when we lose to the cats every year. (Which seems inevitable as long as Bobby remains the coach which also seems inevitable.) Maybe someone around here can give me some solid advice on how to do this.

I have good news for you: You get to decide what’s right for you and what’s best for your mental state and how you want to feel. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to decide what that look like. There’s nothing wrong with assessing your own responses and deciding to be different.
In fact, I highly respect your decision to look at it. Good luck! You’re a real asset to this community imho.

 

[Allezchat]

Mom, I read this a few times. I understand where you are coming from. It's easy to say you want to/are going to be less passionate, but it's harder to actually do.

Why: Well, here is why It's hard for me. I was born and raised in Missoula. UM is in my blood in every way. My dad helped build the Field house in the 60's, then Wa-Griz, and finally the quad. I started going to games in 1974. Griz football was way different back then.

When we moved to Billings in the early 80's I had to endure insufferable MSU fans, and got into a few fights in school, and oddly once in a dorm at MSU over the Griz in 1985.

After I got out of the Marine Corps I went back to Missoula and went to school. I was still a fan but also tutored some of the players in math. My involvement with the school became deeper when I went back for my graduate degrees. My kids sons lived with players, and my daughter dated two Griz players. I am still friends with several of the guys from the late 90's and 2000's.

I have invested easily over $100k into that program and more into the school. Because I believed in UM and wanted to see the athletes and the program succeed on the national level.

After ten years of disappointment, I finally boxed everything up. I shipped it to my son. I took my degrees off of the wall, and I am just not interested in the program or the school like I used to be. I stopped donating my time to watch games unless I know I am going to enjoy watching them after I have recorded them. I'd rather watch Oregon than UM now. I have stopped donating my money to a program on the decline instead of rise. I stopped donating to the Alumni association as well though. I have stopped donating to the NIL. I am not giving anymore of myself or my money to a program on the decline. It seems to me that UM and the powers that be and mega boosters are fine being mediocre.

That's cool. It just means as a fan, my investment is going to match theirs. If things turn around, maybe I start doing all of that again, but I don't see it happening.

But, I am still passionate about UM and Griz football. If it's in your blood, it's in your blood. I can't remember who said this, but someone in a different post said they have moved to Griz football being more entertainment than anything else.

I enjoy getting on here and being dumb and occasionally talking football.

I know some of the guys I am/was friends with, are on here and either read or post occasionally. So it's a way to stay linked to them. But honestly? As I have gotten older, I have realized it's a game. I don't regret what I did or the money and time I donated. I was able to help some of the players, and in a lesser but impactful way the program. But it's just entertainment.

#3 in the country....your program is totally in decline. Only 2 loses on the season and both to the eventual champions.

Sure you lost 3 in a row to us. You lost 4 in a row when Choate was the coach. Did you make this post then?

What you do with you time, money, and energy is your business and if thats the way you feel, then more power to you.