Rose Colored Glasses Are Off...Griz Will Take a Step Back

[mtgrizrule]

How many in here think it's a make or break season with our coaching staff?

Raise your hand...

I have asked t his ? a few times the last year. I just asked it the other day. I feel it is a make or break season. Here is to hoping it will be a "Make".

 

[BWahlberg]

That being said, the o-line is not going to have the luxury of time to come together. If they start the season 2-2, then the Griz can drop at most one game in conference before they become a bubble team.

Well every O-line on every team has to do the same unless the prior year's OL didn't graduate anyone. Most every college O-line this fall is working on "coming together" just like Montana's.

 

[MiningCityGrizFan]

A seriously fair assessment. I disagree with some points but your arguments have weight and are worth considering. This team very well could take a step back from 10-3 and not only b/c of roster concerns but meerly b/c of the schedule.

That said....

1. The defense. Where did we have issues? The passing game, for the most part. It's been also pointed out that while JP/Coyle/Tripp were a great grouping of LBs the three as a whole had issues with pass protection. I recall some of the biggest long-bomb TDs were due to mis-matches, an LB against a slot WR. The new LB corps is faster and vastly more experienced against the pass. Now that could come at the expense of the rush defense, however to counter that we've got maybe one of the best defensive lines in all of the FCS. Additionally the pass-rushing potential of the D-line alone will force more hurried plays. Wags is healthy, Holmes is now on his 3rd year, Kidder is going to rock it, Crittenden has a year under his belt and is ready to bust out. I believe this D-line will provide more pressure than last years, that will lead to quicker/hurried passes, and the mix of a pass-coverage minded OLB group and experienced corners/safeties will capitalize on it. Our top 3 corners are very experienced and like many younger players have shown improvement. Hermanson was solid last season and Whitted is a big upgrade over Tully.

2. The O-line. Must be re-stated, you make good points. I could counter argue that our center Logan Hines and our RG Ben Weyer played a ton last season. They're not brand new to this. The only guy we're breaking in with very limited experience is Jordan Hines who was slated ahead of Trevor Poole in fall camp last season before an injury. The depth for the most part isn't wide-eyed freshman either, Deitrich, Todd, LaRowe, and Kelly are all RS Sophomores, this is their 3rd rodeo at fall camp. I lean to the side of optimism that with the bookends of Schmaing and Poole (hopefully Trevor's ready to go) who are two of the best protectors in the Big Sky, this O-line has great potential. Keep in mind every O-line player at some point is fresh and unproven, we had this concern in 2008 with a group that produced some of the most dominant lineman Montana has ever seen.

3. Special Teams. Shaw can kick the snot off a ball. Coverage units will largely be the same from last year. Really the concern comes down to kicking. I agree, it could be our undoing. I stick to to what I've been saying since spring camp, I'm guardedly optimistic that our kicking game will be better. Greenberg has added range while Lider has improved on consistency. The new kicker I've not seen kick yet. Competition is there.

----------

Honestly I think this could be a 9-3 or 8-4 team come the end of the season, which teeters on being "the same" as last year after the regular season or a little step back. I think the schedule plays a factor in it this year much more heavily than last year. Last year's OOC turned out to be a bunch of duds, this year's on paper seems like a significant upgrade in just about every way. @ NDSU and @Wyo are bigger challenges than vs App and @UND. Even CWU is a bigger improvement over OPSU.

What I think makes the difference this year is experience, especially at skill positions and within the coaching staff. This staff improved a 5-6 team to a 10-3 team in a season. Now many of the guys who were part of that process return. It would seem to suggest better days ahead. It could relate into the same regular season record but against tougher overall opponents and with hopefully a real run in the playoffs.

Brent I think you nailed it with the schedule -- this year they have four non-con games instead of three and all are against better teams than last year. I just don't see them coming out of their non-con schedule without at least one loss.

Any non-con losses become huge when you look at the last six games of the conference schedule.

Perhaps the question to debate is this -- Is a 9-3 or 8-4 record with this year's team/schedule better, on par, or worse than the 10-2 record with last year's team/schedule?

 

[horribilisfan8184]

When you have 5 guys going to the pros it is very hard for their backups to get in. I believe many of these backups who will start this year will be as good or even (gasp) better than last years starters. Let's give them a chance to prove that and hope the coaches let them shine

 

[CV Griz Fan]

A seriously fair assessment. I disagree with some points but your arguments have weight and are worth considering. This team very well could take a step back from 10-3 and not only b/c of roster concerns but meerly b/c of the schedule.

That said....

1. The defense. Where did we have issues? The passing game, for the most part. It's been also pointed out that while JP/Coyle/Tripp were a great grouping of LBs the three as a whole had issues with pass protection. I recall some of the biggest long-bomb TDs were due to mis-matches, an LB against a slot WR. The new LB corps is faster and vastly more experienced against the pass. Now that could come at the expense of the rush defense, however to counter that we've got maybe one of the best defensive lines in all of the FCS. Additionally the pass-rushing potential of the D-line alone will force more hurried plays. Wags is healthy, Holmes is now on his 3rd year, Kidder is going to rock it, Crittenden has a year under his belt and is ready to bust out. I believe this D-line will provide more pressure than last years, that will lead to quicker/hurried passes, and the mix of a pass-coverage minded OLB group and experienced corners/safeties will capitalize on it. Our top 3 corners are very experienced and like many younger players have shown improvement. Hermanson was solid last season and Whitted is a big upgrade over Tully.

2. The O-line. Must be re-stated, you make good points. I could counter argue that our center Logan Hines and our RG Ben Weyer played a ton last season. They're not brand new to this. The only guy we're breaking in with very limited experience is Jordan Hines who was slated ahead of Trevor Poole in fall camp last season before an injury. The depth for the most part isn't wide-eyed freshman either, Deitrich, Todd, LaRowe, and Kelly are all RS Sophomores, this is their 3rd rodeo at fall camp. I lean to the side of optimism that with the bookends of Schmaing and Poole (hopefully Trevor's ready to go) who are two of the best protectors in the Big Sky, this O-line has great potential. Keep in mind every O-line player at some point is fresh and unproven, we had this concern in 2008 with a group that produced some of the most dominant lineman Montana has ever seen.

3. Special Teams. Shaw can kick the snot off a ball. Coverage units will largely be the same from last year. Really the concern comes down to kicking. I agree, it could be our undoing. I stick to to what I've been saying since spring camp, I'm guardedly optimistic that our kicking game will be better. Greenberg has added range while Lider has improved on consistency. The new kicker I've not seen kick yet. Competition is there.

----------

Honestly I think this could be a 9-3 or 8-4 team come the end of the season, which teeters on being "the same" as last year after the regular season or a little step back. I think the schedule plays a factor in it this year much more heavily than last year. Last year's OOC turned out to be a bunch of duds, this year's on paper seems like a significant upgrade in just about every way. @ NDSU and @Wyo are bigger challenges than vs App and @UND. Even CWU is a bigger improvement over OPSU.

What I think makes the difference this year is experience, especially at skill positions and within the coaching staff. This staff improved a 5-6 team to a 10-3 team in a season. Now many of the guys who were part of that process return. It would seem to suggest better days ahead. It could relate into the same regular season record but against tougher overall opponents and with hopefully a real run in the playoffs.

Brent I think you nailed it with the schedule -- this year they have four non-con games instead of three and all are against better teams than last year. I just don't see them coming out of their non-con schedule without at least one loss.

Any non-con losses become huge when you look at the last six games of the conference schedule.

Perhaps the question to debate is this -- Is a 9-3 or 8-4 record with this year's team/schedule better, on par, or worse than the 10-2 record with last year's team/schedule?

IMO this year's schedule seems tougher so having a 10-2 or a 9-3 record this year would be more impressive. Remember, the 2012 schedule was more difficult than the 2013 schedule. That 5-6 Griz team in 2012 played ASU, ND and MSU teams that were all better in 2012 then they were in 2013. Plus the Griz added OK Panhandle St in 2013 for an easy win.That's four more wins right there. If the 2014 Griz lose to NDSU and Wyo, and only lose one conference game, that would be a great season.

 

[George Ferguson]

If this was meant to be some sort of warning shot or set up for an I told you so later on, it's pretty lame. I don't disagree with some of the OP's points, but jesus christ, aren't FANS FANS BECAUSE THEY EFFING BELIEVE AND LOVE THEIR TEAM UNCONDITIONALLY? Well, at least I am, and I'd like to beleive most of Griz Nation still is. FANS love their team and I think it's absolutely hilarious when "gRIZ fANS" can't stand the general attitude of being a fan. Well, I got news for many of you, those who can't STAND the fans with Maroon Colored glasses or whatever the hell you want to call being an unconditional fan, you are in the minority. Most of the fans bleed Maroon and Silver regardless of the record, the schedule, the coaching staff, the stadium, the cold, the noise and anything else. We love the name on the FRONT OF THE JERSEY!!!!WE ARE MONTANA...... PERIOD.

 

[marceagfan5]

While I agree with the original post I think the Griz are fine this year. Honestly, look at the teams ranked outside the top 5 or 6, do you really think the Griz would lose to any of those teams? The Griz just need to get in the playoffs and with the talent you have on O, anything can happen then.

Your biggest challenge is your away games, you should go 6-0 at home, easily
If you go 2-4 on the road you are still in the playoffs...

Amazing how times have changed. Just a few years ago, anything less than the chipper was a disappointment, now you guys just want to make the playoffs. The Griz team and fans need your old swagger back...

 

[George Ferguson]

Actually, Marc, though I don't presume to know what 90 Griz players are thinking or feeling, I doubt any of them have "lost the old swagger". I'm pretty certain, these Griz players are just like every other big-time FCS or FBS program for that matter right now. They believe, and think they can win a national championship, and they don't give a flying f--k if the fans don't think the same. Again, I don't know any players on the current team, but I highly doubt that any of them are thinking about "just making the playoffs". And I highly doubt any of them give a s--t if fans think they wear rose colored glasses for thinking that way.

 

[AZGrizFan]

While I agree with the original post I think the Griz are fine this year. Honestly, look at the teams ranked outside the top 5 or 6, do you really think the Griz would lose to any of those teams? The Griz just need to get in the playoffs and with the talent you have on O, anything can happen then.

Your biggest challenge is your away games, you should go 6-0 at home, easily
If you go 2-4 on the road you are still in the playoffs...

Amazing how times have changed. Just a few years ago, anything less than the chipper was a disappointment, now you guys just want to make the playoffs. The Griz team and fans need your old swagger back...

We picked the wrong week to stop smoking crack. :lol:

 

[BWahlberg]

A seriously fair assessment. I disagree with some points but your arguments have weight and are worth considering. This team very well could take a step back from 10-3 and not only b/c of roster concerns but meerly b/c of the schedule.

That said....

1. The defense. Where did we have issues? The passing game, for the most part. It's been also pointed out that while JP/Coyle/Tripp were a great grouping of LBs the three as a whole had issues with pass protection. I recall some of the biggest long-bomb TDs were due to mis-matches, an LB against a slot WR. The new LB corps is faster and vastly more experienced against the pass. Now that could come at the expense of the rush defense, however to counter that we've got maybe one of the best defensive lines in all of the FCS. Additionally the pass-rushing potential of the D-line alone will force more hurried plays. Wags is healthy, Holmes is now on his 3rd year, Kidder is going to rock it, Crittenden has a year under his belt and is ready to bust out. I believe this D-line will provide more pressure than last years, that will lead to quicker/hurried passes, and the mix of a pass-coverage minded OLB group and experienced corners/safeties will capitalize on it. Our top 3 corners are very experienced and like many younger players have shown improvement. Hermanson was solid last season and Whitted is a big upgrade over Tully.

2. The O-line. Must be re-stated, you make good points. I could counter argue that our center Logan Hines and our RG Ben Weyer played a ton last season. They're not brand new to this. The only guy we're breaking in with very limited experience is Jordan Hines who was slated ahead of Trevor Poole in fall camp last season before an injury. The depth for the most part isn't wide-eyed freshman either, Deitrich, Todd, LaRowe, and Kelly are all RS Sophomores, this is their 3rd rodeo at fall camp. I lean to the side of optimism that with the bookends of Schmaing and Poole (hopefully Trevor's ready to go) who are two of the best protectors in the Big Sky, this O-line has great potential. Keep in mind every O-line player at some point is fresh and unproven, we had this concern in 2008 with a group that produced some of the most dominant lineman Montana has ever seen.

3. Special Teams. Shaw can kick the snot off a ball. Coverage units will largely be the same from last year. Really the concern comes down to kicking. I agree, it could be our undoing. I stick to to what I've been saying since spring camp, I'm guardedly optimistic that our kicking game will be better. Greenberg has added range while Lider has improved on consistency. The new kicker I've not seen kick yet. Competition is there.

----------

Honestly I think this could be a 9-3 or 8-4 team come the end of the season, which teeters on being "the same" as last year after the regular season or a little step back. I think the schedule plays a factor in it this year much more heavily than last year. Last year's OOC turned out to be a bunch of duds, this year's on paper seems like a significant upgrade in just about every way. @ NDSU and @Wyo are bigger challenges than vs App and @UND. Even CWU is a bigger improvement over OPSU.

What I think makes the difference this year is experience, especially at skill positions and within the coaching staff. This staff improved a 5-6 team to a 10-3 team in a season. Now many of the guys who were part of that process return. It would seem to suggest better days ahead. It could relate into the same regular season record but against tougher overall opponents and with hopefully a real run in the playoffs.

Brent I think you nailed it with the schedule -- this year they have four non-con games instead of three and all are against better teams than last year. I just don't see them coming out of their non-con schedule without at least one loss.

Any non-con losses become huge when you look at the last six games of the conference schedule.

Perhaps the question to debate is this -- Is a 9-3 or 8-4 record with this year's team/schedule better, on par, or worse than the 10-2 record with last year's team/schedule?

IMO this year's schedule seems tougher so having a 10-2 or a 9-3 record this year would be more impressive. Remember, the 2012 schedule was more difficult than the 2013 schedule. That 5-6 Griz team in 2012 played ASU, ND and MSU teams that were all better in 2012 then they were in 2013. Plus the Griz added OK Panhandle St in 2013 for an easy win.That's four more wins right there. If the 2014 Griz lose to NDSU and Wyo, and only lose one conference game, that would be a great season.

A 10-2 team this year would be a vastly better team than last years 10-2 squad. That would mean that the Griz would have won at least 3 or as many of all 5 daunting road games. (NDSU, Wyo, Poly, EWU, Suu)

 

[grizeyes]

A seriously fair assessment. I disagree with some points but your arguments have weight and are worth considering. This team very well could take a step back from 10-3 and not only b/c of roster concerns but meerly b/c of the schedule.

That said....

1. The defense. Where did we have issues? The passing game, for the most part. It's been also pointed out that while JP/Coyle/Tripp were a great grouping of LBs the three as a whole had issues with pass protection. I recall some of the biggest long-bomb TDs were due to mis-matches, an LB against a slot WR. The new LB corps is faster and vastly more experienced against the pass. Now that could come at the expense of the rush defense, however to counter that we've got maybe one of the best defensive lines in all of the FCS. Additionally the pass-rushing potential of the D-line alone will force more hurried plays. Wags is healthy, Holmes is now on his 3rd year, Kidder is going to rock it, Crittenden has a year under his belt and is ready to bust out. I believe this D-line will provide more pressure than last years, that will lead to quicker/hurried passes, and the mix of a pass-coverage minded OLB group and experienced corners/safeties will capitalize on it. Our top 3 corners are very experienced and like many younger players have shown improvement. Hermanson was solid last season and Whitted is a big upgrade over Tully.

2. The O-line. Must be re-stated, you make good points. I could counter argue that our center Logan Hines and our RG Ben Weyer played a ton last season. They're not brand new to this. The only guy we're breaking in with very limited experience is Jordan Hines who was slated ahead of Trevor Poole in fall camp last season before an injury. The depth for the most part isn't wide-eyed freshman either, Deitrich, Todd, LaRowe, and Kelly are all RS Sophomores, this is their 3rd rodeo at fall camp. I lean to the side of optimism that with the bookends of Schmaing and Poole (hopefully Trevor's ready to go) who are two of the best protectors in the Big Sky, this O-line has great potential. Keep in mind every O-line player at some point is fresh and unproven, we had this concern in 2008 with a group that produced some of the most dominant lineman Montana has ever seen.

3. Special Teams. Shaw can kick the snot off a ball. Coverage units will largely be the same from last year. Really the concern comes down to kicking. I agree, it could be our undoing. I stick to to what I've been saying since spring camp, I'm guardedly optimistic that our kicking game will be better. Greenberg has added range while Lider has improved on consistency. The new kicker I've not seen kick yet. Competition is there.

----------

Honestly I think this could be a 9-3 or 8-4 team come the end of the season, which teeters on being "the same" as last year after the regular season or a little step back. I think the schedule plays a factor in it this year much more heavily than last year. Last year's OOC turned out to be a bunch of duds, this year's on paper seems like a significant upgrade in just about every way. @ NDSU and @Wyo are bigger challenges than vs App and @UND. Even CWU is a bigger improvement over OPSU.

What I think makes the difference this year is experience, especially at skill positions and within the coaching staff. This staff improved a 5-6 team to a 10-3 team in a season. Now many of the guys who were part of that process return. It would seem to suggest better days ahead. It could relate into the same regular season record but against tougher overall opponents and with hopefully a real run in the playoffs.

Brent I think you nailed it with the schedule -- this year they have four non-con games instead of three and all are against better teams than last year. I just don't see them coming out of their non-con schedule without at least one loss.

Any non-con losses become huge when you look at the last six games of the conference schedule.

Perhaps the question to debate is this -- Is a 9-3 or 8-4 record with this year's team/schedule better, on par, or worse than the 10-2 record with last year's team/schedule?

IMO this year's schedule seems tougher so having a 10-2 or a 9-3 record this year would be more impressive. Remember, the 2012 schedule was more difficult than the 2013 schedule. That 5-6 Griz team in 2012 played ASU, ND and MSU teams that were all better in 2012 then they were in 2013. Plus the Griz added OK Panhandle St in 2013 for an easy win.That's four more wins right there. If the 2014 Griz lose to NDSU and Wyo, and only lose one conference game, that would be a great season.

A 10-2 team this year would be a vastly better team than last years 10-2 squad. That would mean that the Griz would have won at least 3 or as many of all 5 daunting road games. (NDSU, Wyo, Poly, EWU, Suu)

Agreed - if we end the season 10-2 this year, look out!

 

[EverettGriz]

Just a few years ago, anything less than the chipper was a disappointment, now you guys just want to make the playoffs.

:question:

WTF?? Not me. I've got a room reserved in Frisco. I think this team is that good.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

Just a few years ago, anything less than the chipper was a disappointment, now you guys just want to make the playoffs.

:question:

WTF?? Not me. I've got a room reserved in Frisco. I think this team is that good.

Yeah...The Griz I figure will be 11 - 0 hosting the 6 and 5 boobscats come 22 November. Some things just never change.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Just a few years ago, anything less than the chipper was a disappointment, now you guys just want to make the playoffs.

:question:

WTF?? Not me. I've got a room reserved in Frisco. I think this team is that good.

It does not hurt too bad to reserve rooms now. If one cancels 30 to 60 days prior, usually you get most of your deposit back. We should know by November 1 where the GRIZ will be standing for the playoffs. :thumb:

 

[NorthEndZoneDan]

It seems that the failure in your analysis, if you don't mind my saying so, is that you have the present day Montana football Griz playing last years' Montana football Griz, or maybe even the year before? You make mention of some great players lost to graduation; it's really too bad isn't it that only the University of Montana suffers this. Far well realising that no other team that the Montana football Griz play ever suffers such similar circumstances. Now I know everybody scouts the other teams on the schedule and relates the same thing; nope, they haven't lost any players to graduation, either. Well, unless they're seven- and eigth-year seniors, I reckon so. God forbid that any other team has to fill in some gapes in their lines, backfield, etc., etc., etc., any more so, if ever, that the Montana football Griz always seems to always having to do. It just wouldn't be fair, now would it?

I think you're missing the point -- it's not that they lost players to graduation. It's the quality of the guys they lost. 2/3 of their linebackers are making waves in NFL camps. 3/5 of the o-line is now in an NFL camp.

So while every team is dealing with a loss of players to graduation, not every team has to replace the same level of talent as the Griz.

No, I believe you are missing the point here. JJ is back for his last year. This is his chance to write his name into the pantheon of Griz Greats and he knows it and is ready, ready beyond what can be imagined. I'm not only on the JJ bus and bandwagon I'm driving.

 

[mtgrizrule]

It seems that the failure in your analysis, if you don't mind my saying so, is that you have the present day Montana football Griz playing last years' Montana football Griz, or maybe even the year before? You make mention of some great players lost to graduation; it's really too bad isn't it that only the University of Montana suffers this. Far well realising that no other team that the Montana football Griz play ever suffers such similar circumstances. Now I know everybody scouts the other teams on the schedule and relates the same thing; nope, they haven't lost any players to graduation, either. Well, unless they're seven- and eigth-year seniors, I reckon so. God forbid that any other team has to fill in some gapes in their lines, backfield, etc., etc., etc., any more so, if ever, that the Montana football Griz always seems to always having to do. It just wouldn't be fair, now would it?

I think you're missing the point -- it's not that they lost players to graduation. It's the quality of the guys they lost. 2/3 of their linebackers are making waves in NFL camps. 3/5 of the o-line is now in an NFL camp.

So while every team is dealing with a loss of players to graduation, not every team has to replace the same level of talent as the Griz.

No, I believe you are missing the point here. JJ is back for his last year. This is his chance to write his name into the pantheon of Griz Greats and he knows it and is ready, ready beyond what can be imagined. I'm not only on the JJ bus and bandwagon I'm driving.

Well it is a long ride, I want to drive the bus too. :thumb:

 

[GoldenEagle]

Please forgive me for being overly negative this early in the season, but the logic part of my brain keeps kicking in every time I begin to get excited about this season...

Last year's team was pretty good, but two major weaknesses cost them a shot at the conference title and a playoff run
1.) an unreliable kicking game and
2.) a secondary that simply could not stop the pass when it counted (i.e. Eastern, Coastal Carolina, etc.).

For anyone who forgot the big day Eastern had at Wa-Griz last year...

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJJ3z2akf90[/youtube]

Or how in the Coastal game, with the Griz up 7-0 and a chance for a second straight three and out, give up an 86-yard TD pass...

WARNING: The following link shows a Griz CB being severely burned. Viewer discretion is advised.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:10095781

Over the last two seasons the Griz have had what could arguably have been the best group of starting linebackers the school has ever had. They also had a very good group of d-linemen that made for a solid front seven. The last two years they were able to offset what was arguably the worst secondary the Griz had in the last 20 years (i.e. Greg Hardin's 333 yards in 2012).

It should also be noted that the last two years were Grogoriak's first as a coordinator and based on the overall performance I'm not sure he's qualified for that role. In fact, one could argue that Tripp and Coyle made him look better than he actually was.

All those points aside, this year Alex, JP, Jordan and Brock are lost to graduation. Unless one of the JC guys is the next Tru, then I don't expect to see any significant improvement over last year.

So given the circumstances -- same coordinator and DBs while losing of the best defensive players to graduation/NFL -- logic would dictate that the defensive unit as a whole will simply not be as good as they were last year.

The Griz offense is also not going to be as strong. Most of the key skill guys are awesome and they are back. And JJ, Canada, and Henderson are all on watch lists, which is great. However, it all starts in the trenches. Unfortunately three of the five starters from last year's o-line are now in NFL training camps. That, at a minimum, is going to mean this year's offensive line will not be as strong as last year.

If the hogs struggle, especially early in the season or God forbid they can't stay healthy, then this offense, even with the returning skill guys, simply isn't going to be able to put points on the board like they did last year. That doesn't bode well for the team as a whole as I think the offense is going to have to compensate for a younger, less experienced defensive unit that is likely to give up some points -- especially in their non-conference season.

That leaves special teams, which really hasn't been very special the last couple of years. This is mostly because they haven't had a truly reliable kicker since McKnight. This changed the balance of some games last year as Mick lost faith in the kicking game and never seemed to be quite sure of what to call when drives stalled in the red zone.

He often ended up going for a 1st down instead of what is normally a make-able field goal. Bottom line he trusted his defense more than his kickers. When the offense walked off the field without putting any points in the board they were demoralized while the opposing defenses were energized.

To summarize, I see the Griz taking a step back in every phase of the game, which would likely mean they achieve less this season than they did last season. Someone please point out the flaws in my logic as it's hard to get psyched up for a second or third place finish in the BSC and an outside shot at a playoff game that may or may not be in Wa-Griz (not that it mattered last season).

Don't get me wrong, it's always a fun cheering on the Griz regardless, but I want to make sure I'm not getting my hopes up too high.

Seems like some solid observations and a realistic opinion to me

 

[MiningCityGrizFan]

It seems that the failure in your analysis, if you don't mind my saying so, is that you have the present day Montana football Griz playing last years' Montana football Griz, or maybe even the year before? You make mention of some great players lost to graduation; it's really too bad isn't it that only the University of Montana suffers this. Far well realising that no other team that the Montana football Griz play ever suffers such similar circumstances. Now I know everybody scouts the other teams on the schedule and relates the same thing; nope, they haven't lost any players to graduation, either. Well, unless they're seven- and eigth-year seniors, I reckon so. God forbid that any other team has to fill in some gapes in their lines, backfield, etc., etc., etc., any more so, if ever, that the Montana football Griz always seems to always having to do. It just wouldn't be fair, now would it?

I think you're missing the point -- it's not that they lost players to graduation. It's the quality of the guys they lost. 2/3 of their linebackers are making waves in NFL camps. 3/5 of the o-line is now in an NFL camp.

So while every team is dealing with a loss of players to graduation, not every team has to replace the same level of talent as the Griz.

No, I believe you are missing the point here. JJ is back for his last year. This is his chance to write his name into the pantheon of Griz Greats and he knows it and is ready, ready beyond what can be imagined. I'm not only on the JJ bus and bandwagon I'm driving.

I hope you're right. I'd hate to see JJ's college career end with him watching the playoffs from his couch like Denarius McGhee did last year...another senior QB that was supposed to write his name in the pantheon of Bobcat greats (which is a short list of names from what I understand).

 

[tgreseth]

If this was meant to be some sort of warning shot or set up for an I told you so later on, it's pretty lame. I don't disagree with some of the OP's points, but jesus christ, aren't FANS FANS BECAUSE THEY EFFING BELIEVE AND LOVE THEIR TEAM UNCONDITIONALLY? Well, at least I am, and I'd like to beleive most of Griz Nation still is. FANS love their team and I think it's absolutely hilarious when "gRIZ fANS" can't stand the general attitude of being a fan. Well, I got news for many of you, those who can't STAND the fans with Maroon Colored glasses or whatever the hell you want to call being an unconditional fan, you are in the minority. Most of the fans bleed Maroon and Silver regardless of the record, the schedule, the coaching staff, the stadium, the cold, the noise and anything else. We love the name on the FRONT OF THE JERSEY!!!!WE ARE MONTANA...... PERIOD.

:clap: :clap: :clap: Couldn't f*cking agree more!

 

[marceagfan5]

Actually, Marc, though I don't presume to know what 90 Griz players are thinking or feeling, I doubt any of them have "lost the old swagger". I'm pretty certain, these Griz players are just like every other big-time FCS or FBS program for that matter right now. They believe, and think they can win a national championship, and they don't give a flying f--k if the fans don't think the same. Again, I don't know any players on the current team, but I highly doubt that any of them are thinking about "just making the playoffs". And I highly doubt any of them give a s--t if fans think they wear rose colored glasses for thinking that way.

Good point and I hope the Griz have a great year, it's good for the big sky and fcs when the Griz are near the top.