MTOutsider
Well-known member
Apparently someone thinks sanctions are coming.
OUTLOOK: This isn't the same team that won a share of the Big Sky title last year and had the top-ranked scoring offense and defense. The March firing of head coach Robin Pflugrad followed player arrests and sexual assault allegations involving Griz players and former players. More problems appear to be coming (including NCAA sanctions), but getting back on the field has helped stabilize the messy offseason in Missoula. Delaney was given a two-year contract to clean up problems and keep the Griz's vaunted program at the top of the Big Sky (they went on to reach the FCS semifinals). It will be hard to stop the Griz running game as the offensive line will have its usual tree trunks. They return last year's top four returning ball carriers, including QB Johnson, who combined for 2,351 yards and 23 touchdowns. Johnson, though, faces a felony charge of sexual assault, leaving his season in doubt. Defensively, LB Kanongata'a and FS Tully are the only two true returning starters, but LB Tripp, the team's top defensive player who was hurt last season, is added into the mix. The linebackers unit will be among the best in the FCS. The kicking game is starting over without PK/P Brody McKnight. While the Griz have averaged 10 wins in their 26 straight winning seasons, people outside Missoula think they are vulnerable. The Griz disagree.
OUTLOOK: This isn't the same team that won a share of the Big Sky title last year and had the top-ranked scoring offense and defense. The March firing of head coach Robin Pflugrad followed player arrests and sexual assault allegations involving Griz players and former players. More problems appear to be coming (including NCAA sanctions), but getting back on the field has helped stabilize the messy offseason in Missoula. Delaney was given a two-year contract to clean up problems and keep the Griz's vaunted program at the top of the Big Sky (they went on to reach the FCS semifinals). It will be hard to stop the Griz running game as the offensive line will have its usual tree trunks. They return last year's top four returning ball carriers, including QB Johnson, who combined for 2,351 yards and 23 touchdowns. Johnson, though, faces a felony charge of sexual assault, leaving his season in doubt. Defensively, LB Kanongata'a and FS Tully are the only two true returning starters, but LB Tripp, the team's top defensive player who was hurt last season, is added into the mix. The linebackers unit will be among the best in the FCS. The kicking game is starting over without PK/P Brody McKnight. While the Griz have averaged 10 wins in their 26 straight winning seasons, people outside Missoula think they are vulnerable. The Griz disagree.
