"United"

[UMGriz75]

I've been following the differences between Bobcat Nation and Egriz, and the mindsets of the respective audiences for a couple of years. When the Bobcat people started talking about the "power shift" in Montana I started to tune out there, but the recent commentary there is interesting. I think the shock has produced not just the usual "caterwauling" that goes with losing a big game anywhere, but I have been impressed with comments, genuine and reflective, on team psychology and, as well, Jordan Johnson.

by Team10 on Wed Nov 27, 2013 3:47 pm

As for the defense not stepping up, Jordan Johnson made some amazing plays.

by codecat on Wed Nov 27, 2013 4:15 pm

I thought our defense played a great game too. Daly was getting pressure on Jordan Johnson all afternoon and Johnson kept pulling a rabbit out of the hat - I was impressed and would give him the offensive player of the game award

http://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=32221&start=320" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UM [the non-Engstrom part] made a point of "United" as a theme this year. After last year's travesty of justice at the University of Montana, on so many levels, the effect on the football team was profound.

People noticed, even in Bozeman:

Postby catdaddy7 on Tue Nov 26, 2013 2:02 pm

MSU01 wrote:I realize that we discuss a lot of minutiae on this board, but seriously, this thread should be renamed 'Bobcat Nation Middle School'. How is it of any interest or any of our business if a player was part of a fraternity or what group of friends he hangs out with? MSU lost because they got outplayed on the field by three teams who are better than MSU was at the end of the season, period, end of story. Move on and discuss what MSU can do to play better on the field next year, but leave the middle school gossip for the 12-year olds.

"Really ??? So here we go again with the "Moral majority" on Bobcatnation picking out what we "can" talk about or give an opinion on. I knew if I came out and said what I said it would ruffle some feathers. I'll answer your question. Team dynamics are very important. "Good teams" all get along casually and are willing to try "pretty hard" for their teammates. "Great teams", (notice I didn't say individuals), are willing to risk it all for fear of letting the team and themselves down hence the term, "takin' one for the team".

http://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=32237&start=100" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"DMG was passed over as team captain for a reason. I'm not saying he didn't try hard at practice and at games but clearly he wasn't a leader to the rest of the team. That makes a difference when you compare him to someone like JJ. The kid went thru a year of hell and his teammates stood right in with him. Little wonder he was elected team captain upon his return. Where are the Griz and where are we? "

Those were interesting comments to see on Bobcat threads.

When Mick Delaney showed up for part of JJs trial, obviously there to support JJ and to show the public that he did so, that was quite a risk on Delaney's part. Pflugrad got fired for a similar direct show of support.

That told me a lot about Mick Delaney.

That The University of Montana had coaches of the highest personal integrity and would stand up to the Administration to support their young men when appropriate, and did so. That's what coaches do.

When McKinney was making his first appearance as QB in JJs place, his comment to the Missoulian was that on "Game Day" he had a couple of hundred text messages but that the only one he took the time to check, that he wanted to check, just before the game was the one from JJ, and that it had inspired him.

The team theme "United" was one of few such annual slogans that, for this team, really meant something. It was personal to each of them.

 

[1972]

It was easy to tell this year that the Griz players weren't just talking, they truly were united, offense and defense both going to each other and encouraging them and congrats on great plays. Watch the Cats last week, there wasn't that same attitude and togetherness. I've said this a few weeks ago, having these close games, especially the away games only brought them closer together, they Believe.

Go Griz

 

[Hammer]

Jordan Johnson is the heart and soul of this team. Not to take away from the other players but they would also agree with that statement. Last year we couldn't win the close ones, this year we have won them. He is a leader and the team rallys aound him. With JJ at QB this team feels like they have a shot in every game. NDSU included.

 

[grizcountry420]

And honestly, this team is getting better and better every week. I know I've been pretty hard on Coach Gregorak but the D is starting to jell. I think I've read some where that the D has only given up 1 touchdown the last 10 quarters.. We're playing our best ball at the right time. Let's keep this momentum going!

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

And honestly, this team is getting better and better every week. I know I've been pretty hard on Coach Gregorak but the D is starting to jell. I think I've read some where that the D has only given up 1 touchdown the last 10 quarters.. We're playing our best ball at the right time. Let's keep this momentum going!

Yep. Aside from MSU's lone scoring drive, the last time the Griz D surrendered a TD was the first half of the USD game! Pretty dam impressive!!! Honestly, a defense can hardly play any better than that. If we can build upon that success I think we'll at the very least have a chance to make a run at a title, which would require us to win in Fargo.....a tough task to say the least.

 

[PlayerRep]

Jordan Johnson is the heart and soul of this team. Not to take away from the other players but they would also agree with that statement. Last year we couldn't win the close ones, this year we have won them. He is a leader and the team rallys aound him. With JJ at QB this team feels like they have a shot in every game. NDSU included.

This is where I line up too. JJ's return excited and inspired the team, and they certainly know the team can score, come back and win with JJ at the helm. There is good leadership in various other areas too, including Tripp and Coyle. I am excited, as well as hopeful. Hoping the team is now hitting on all cylinders.

 

[Mr. Greenjeans]

Good posts by all, is does appear that the Team is putting it all together at the right time. It's a credit to the staff and players and fun to enjoy after last season and off season. :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[SaskGriz]

No question JJ is the man that makes it work and the leader. Can't wait to see him as a Senior with a national championship under his belt. I want to take a moment to send a shout out to Trent McKinney and Shay Smithwick-Hann for last year though. McKinney came into a very volatile situation, new coach, scandal, sanctions looming and played exactly like you would expect a very talented FRESHMAN to play. Too many, trying to hard to make a play, turnovers and some of that "run at the first sign of trouble" mentality that young mobile QB's have. Then they tried Smithwick-Hann; more of a drop back passer but playing in an offense that is set up for zone-read. That is not an easy thing to do, especially for a guy who had very few reps going into last season.
UND,EWU and APP State, we are leading them all and could have taken them. Then we are 8-3 and looking at the play-offs.
I know it's pointless to say "what if?" I'm just saying, for my money, those two men worked their asses off and will always have my respect.

PS: On a lighter note, as much as I loved watching Shay score against UCDavis and Weber on those naked bootlegs, I would love to see Trent have a chance to run that play. That guy can jet!!