Current State of Griz Football

[tetoncat]

Griz fans have gotten very defensive about the lack of respect put on them BEFORE the Idaho game. Some seemed flabbergasted that, with a 4-1 record, they were out of some voters' top 25. But that 4-1 record was not good. Their best game was against Utah Tech at that point, and nobody should hang their hat on that. They would have lost to Ferris State on a neutral field, and I don't think that is a hot take. And at NAU, they looked like a team that didn't care. That was awful. Then after what should have been a wake-up-call, they struggle with Idaho State at home. Anybody who thought that was a top 15 performance through five games either wasn't paying attention, wasn't being honest, or didn't know what they were talking about.

Then came the win at UC Davis. That made me think they might be figuring some things out with the new QB. But Davis didn't have their best player, and they sure didn't look like a playoff team. But UM deserves some credit for that. Still, that one game wasn't enough to make me think this was a very good griz team. It was a pretty good win, but again, an honest look doesn't tell you that Davis is very good. Then they won by 1 at Weber, but Weber, after a good start to the season, looks like one of the worst teams in the conference. So you'll forgive FCS fans in general for not being overly impressed with what the griz had done to that point in the season.

But Saturday night was a nice win. I actually put a few bucks on the griz to win outright. They did seem like an improving team, and the "quit" I saw in them in Flagstaff seemed to be gone. Bobby's going to get his guys fired up. The offense was good in the first half, but gained 49 yards in the second half. The defense was salty as usual and they got lots of pressure against a banged up offensive line. But the griz have that fight in them, and they'll be in every game they play as long as they have that. That grit is underrated IMO, and it's what it takes to have a good defense.

We'll just see if they have what it takes to play a full game. They might, but they haven't done it yet. Still, 6-1 is MOSTLY getting it done one way or another. Yes, they looked bad in 3 of those wins, but they look like a different team now. They have a bye and then host UNCU, so they should have no problem getting to 7-1. If they can get to Cat-griz at 9-1, this will be quite a turnaround.

The best toughest opponents prior to the Idaho game were Davis (then ranked) and Ferris (some observers said after the U game that Ferris would be a top 25 FCS team). Colter N. said this: "Ferris State would win every league in the FCS besides the MVFC and the Big Sky, [...] they would contend for the league title in the Big Sky". Ferris got beat last weekend by now no. 2 Utah Valley St. In any event, Utah Tech sure wasn't the best team UM had played.

Yet Utah Tech beat NAU and Ferris lost. Maybe NAU is best team Griz have played.

[91catAlum]

The best toughest opponents prior to the Idaho game were Davis (then ranked) and Ferris (some observers said after the U game that Ferris would be a top 25 FCS team). Colter N. said this: "Ferris State would win every league in the FCS besides the MVFC and the Big Sky, [...] they would contend for the league title in the Big Sky". Ferris got beat last weekend by now no. 2 Utah Valley St. In any event, Utah Tech sure wasn't the best team UM had played.

Ferris State got blown out last week and are now ranked #21 in Division 2. Sorry to you and Colter but they would not be ranked in FCS. They'd be a bottom feeder in the Big Sky.

[BelligerentBobcat]

If Colter actually said they’d be competing for championships in the BSC, that’s pretty bad lol. Somebody needs to remind him that equal coverage doesn’t mean both teams are equal talent.

[kennethnoisewater]

Griz fans have gotten very defensive about the lack of respect put on them BEFORE the Idaho game. Some seemed flabbergasted that, with a 4-1 record, they were out of some voters' top 25. But that 4-1 record was not good. Their best game was against Utah Tech at that point, and nobody should hang their hat on that. They would have lost to Ferris State on a neutral field, and I don't think that is a hot take. And at NAU, they looked like a team that didn't care. That was awful. Then after what should have been a wake-up-call, they struggle with Idaho State at home. Anybody who thought that was a top 15 performance through five games either wasn't paying attention, wasn't being honest, or didn't know what they were talking about.

Then came the win at UC Davis. That made me think they might be figuring some things out with the new QB. But Davis didn't have their best player, and they sure didn't look like a playoff team. But UM deserves some credit for that. Still, that one game wasn't enough to make me think this was a very good griz team. It was a pretty good win, but again, an honest look doesn't tell you that Davis is very good. Then they won by 1 at Weber, but Weber, after a good start to the season, looks like one of the worst teams in the conference. So you'll forgive FCS fans in general for not being overly impressed with what the griz had done to that point in the season.

But Saturday night was a nice win. I actually put a few bucks on the griz to win outright. They did seem like an improving team, and the "quit" I saw in them in Flagstaff seemed to be gone. Bobby's going to get his guys fired up. The offense was good in the first half, but gained 49 yards in the second half. The defense was salty as usual and they got lots of pressure against a banged up offensive line. But the griz have that fight in them, and they'll be in every game they play as long as they have that. That grit is underrated IMO, and it's what it takes to have a good defense.

We'll just see if they have what it takes to play a full game. They might, but they haven't done it yet. Still, 6-1 is MOSTLY getting it done one way or another. Yes, they looked bad in 3 of those wins, but they look like a different team now. They have a bye and then host UNCU, so they should have no problem getting to 7-1. If they can get to Cat-griz at 9-1, this will be quite a turnaround.

The best toughest opponents prior to the Idaho game were Davis (then ranked) and Ferris (some observers said after the U game that Ferris would be a top 25 FCS team). Colter N. said this: "Ferris State would win every league in the FCS besides the MVFC and the Big Sky, [...] they would contend for the league title in the Big Sky". Ferris got beat last weekend by now no. 2 Utah Valley St. In any event, Utah Tech sure wasn't the best team UM had played.

I didn't say Utah State was the best team they'd played--I said it was the best game they'd played. And you can hang your hat on the Davis win all you want because they were ranked at the time, but that's looking worse all the time. Even around here we're tempering our thoughts about the Weber win more every week, even though they were ranked in the top 10 at the time...and the Bobcats manhandled them.

And save it with the Ferris State being a great team. I watched them, they were pretty good. I also heard that hot take by Colter, and that's one of the few times I think he's slipped into hyperbole. But if I would have told you, almost six years ago when Hauck was hired, that in season five (and a half) of this "return to dominance", you'd have almost lost to a D-II team and then make excuses for how good they are, you'd have laughed in my face. You should be better than that as a program and as fans. To their credit I did hear some fans prior to the Idaho game being really honest about how bad this team looked.

The FCS is better when the griz are winning. I hate it, but I also like it. The NFL is better when the Cowboys are relevant, MLB is better when the Yankees and Dodgers are. I despise all those teams and their fan bases that think their team's success has something to do with them. But you guys can try and say the state of griz football is good, but if you can step back and look at it with a little wider lens, you have to know it's not. When Hauck came in proclaiming the return of the almighty grizzly, that should have meant that by year 3 or 4 you'd be dominating again. You're competitive again, I'll give you that. But that's not the standard of grizzly football, COMPETING for championships. Some of you have moved the goalposts, and I'm all for it.

[LTown Cat]

Griz fans have gotten very defensive about the lack of respect put on them BEFORE the Idaho game. Some seemed flabbergasted that, with a 4-1 record, they were out of some voters' top 25. But that 4-1 record was not good. Their best game was against Utah Tech at that point, and nobody should hang their hat on that. They would have lost to Ferris State on a neutral field, and I don't think that is a hot take. And at NAU, they looked like a team that didn't care. That was awful. Then after what should have been a wake-up-call, they struggle with Idaho State at home. Anybody who thought that was a top 15 performance through five games either wasn't paying attention, wasn't being honest, or didn't know what they were talking about.

Then came the win at UC Davis. That made me think they might be figuring some things out with the new QB. But Davis didn't have their best player, and they sure didn't look like a playoff team. But UM deserves some credit for that. Still, that one game wasn't enough to make me think this was a very good griz team. It was a pretty good win, but again, an honest look doesn't tell you that Davis is very good. Then they won by 1 at Weber, but Weber, after a good start to the season, looks like one of the worst teams in the conference. So you'll forgive FCS fans in general for not being overly impressed with what the griz had done to that point in the season.

But Saturday night was a nice win. I actually put a few bucks on the griz to win outright. They did seem like an improving team, and the "quit" I saw in them in Flagstaff seemed to be gone. Bobby's going to get his guys fired up. The offense was good in the first half, but gained 49 yards in the second half. The defense was salty as usual and they got lots of pressure against a banged up offensive line. But the griz have that fight in them, and they'll be in every game they play as long as they have that. That grit is underrated IMO, and it's what it takes to have a good defense.

We'll just see if they have what it takes to play a full game. They might, but they haven't done it yet. Still, 6-1 is MOSTLY getting it done one way or another. Yes, they looked bad in 3 of those wins, but they look like a different team now. They have a bye and then host UNCU, so they should have no problem getting to 7-1. If they can get to Cat-griz at 9-1, this will be quite a turnaround.

The best toughest opponents prior to the Idaho game were Davis (then ranked) and Ferris (some observers said after the U game that Ferris would be a top 25 FCS team). Colter N. said this: "Ferris State would win every league in the FCS besides the MVFC and the Big Sky, [...] they would contend for the league title in the Big Sky". Ferris got beat last weekend by now no. 2 Utah Valley St. In any event, Utah Tech sure wasn't the best team UM had played.

they did not get beat by utah valley state.

They got whipped by Grand Valley State. Gave up nearly 50. In fairness GVS only has one loss to the then #2 team CO School of Mines.

[RickRund]

Griz fans have gotten very defensive about the lack of respect put on them BEFORE the Idaho game. Some seemed flabbergasted that, with a 4-1 record, they were out of some voters' top 25. But that 4-1 record was not good. Their best game was against Utah Tech at that point, and nobody should hang their hat on that. They would have lost to Ferris State on a neutral field, and I don't think that is a hot take. And at NAU, they looked like a team that didn't care. That was awful. Then after what should have been a wake-up-call, they struggle with Idaho State at home. Anybody who thought that was a top 15 performance through five games either wasn't paying attention, wasn't being honest, or didn't know what they were talking about.

Then came the win at UC Davis. That made me think they might be figuring some things out with the new QB. But Davis didn't have their best player, and they sure didn't look like a playoff team. But UM deserves some credit for that. Still, that one game wasn't enough to make me think this was a very good griz team. It was a pretty good win, but again, an honest look doesn't tell you that Davis is very good. Then they won by 1 at Weber, but Weber, after a good start to the season, looks like one of the worst teams in the conference. So you'll forgive FCS fans in general for not being overly impressed with what the griz had done to that point in the season.

But Saturday night was a nice win. I actually put a few bucks on the griz to win outright. They did seem like an improving team, and the "quit" I saw in them in Flagstaff seemed to be gone. Bobby's going to get his guys fired up. The offense was good in the first half, but gained 49 yards in the second half. The defense was salty as usual and they got lots of pressure against a banged up offensive line. But the griz have that fight in them, and they'll be in every game they play as long as they have that. That grit is underrated IMO, and it's what it takes to have a good defense.

We'll just see if they have what it takes to play a full game. They might, but they haven't done it yet. Still, 6-1 is MOSTLY getting it done one way or another. Yes, they looked bad in 3 of those wins, but they look like a different team now. They have a bye and then host UNCU, so they should have no problem getting to 7-1. If they can get to Cat-griz at 9-1, this will be quite a turnaround.

The best toughest opponents prior to the Idaho game were Davis (then ranked) and Ferris (some observers said after the U game that Ferris would be a top 25 FCS team). Colter N. said this: "Ferris State would win every league in the FCS besides the MVFC and the Big Sky, [...] they would contend for the league title in the Big Sky". Ferris got beat last weekend by now no. 2 Utah Valley St. In any event, Utah Tech sure wasn't the best team UM had played.

they did not get beat by utah valley state.

So does this mean that Grand Valley State would beat the gris?

[tetoncat]

Griz fans have gotten very defensive about the lack of respect put on them BEFORE the Idaho game. Some seemed flabbergasted that, with a 4-1 record, they were out of some voters' top 25. But that 4-1 record was not good. Their best game was against Utah Tech at that point, and nobody should hang their hat on that. They would have lost to Ferris State on a neutral field, and I don't think that is a hot take. And at NAU, they looked like a team that didn't care. That was awful. Then after what should have been a wake-up-call, they struggle with Idaho State at home. Anybody who thought that was a top 15 performance through five games either wasn't paying attention, wasn't being honest, or didn't know what they were talking about.

Then came the win at UC Davis. That made me think they might be figuring some things out with the new QB. But Davis didn't have their best player, and they sure didn't look like a playoff team. But UM deserves some credit for that. Still, that one game wasn't enough to make me think this was a very good griz team. It was a pretty good win, but again, an honest look doesn't tell you that Davis is very good. Then they won by 1 at Weber, but Weber, after a good start to the season, looks like one of the worst teams in the conference. So you'll forgive FCS fans in general for not being overly impressed with what the griz had done to that point in the season.

But Saturday night was a nice win. I actually put a few bucks on the griz to win outright. They did seem like an improving team, and the "quit" I saw in them in Flagstaff seemed to be gone. Bobby's going to get his guys fired up. The offense was good in the first half, but gained 49 yards in the second half. The defense was salty as usual and they got lots of pressure against a banged up offensive line. But the griz have that fight in them, and they'll be in every game they play as long as they have that. That grit is underrated IMO, and it's what it takes to have a good defense.

We'll just see if they have what it takes to play a full game. They might, but they haven't done it yet. Still, 6-1 is MOSTLY getting it done one way or another. Yes, they looked bad in 3 of those wins, but they look like a different team now. They have a bye and then host UNCU, so they should have no problem getting to 7-1. If they can get to Cat-griz at 9-1, this will be quite a turnaround.

The best toughest opponents prior to the Idaho game were Davis (then ranked) and Ferris (some observers said after the U game that Ferris would be a top 25 FCS team). Colter N. said this: "Ferris State would win every league in the FCS besides the MVFC and the Big Sky, [...] they would contend for the league title in the Big Sky". Ferris got beat last weekend by now no. 2 Utah Valley St. In any event, Utah Tech sure wasn't the best team UM had played.

they did not get beat by utah valley state.

So does this mean that Grand Valley State would beat the gris?

Yes, but they would lose to NAU.

[justafan]

There is no utah valley state

[Dbrewmsu]

They have played slightly less than 1/2 of 1 game in dominating fashion. That's roughly 26 out of a possible 420 minutes where they've played like they belong in the conversation. The rest of the season, including the final 34 minutes of the Idaho game, have been weak, uninspired, and frankly embarrassing for them.

The Griz have played well a number of times, other than the first half at Idaho. Are you going to tell us you've watched all of the Griz games? Good teams don't have to be dominating at all times, or even at many times. It's nice to be dominating, but not necessary. The 2d half at Idaho didn't have much offense, but the D was tough and the play was not was weak, not uninspired, and not embarrassing, in the least. Look, below, at what more neutral observers and even Hero Sports said.

Why do you think UM is now in the top 10? Because they are weak, uninspired and embarrassing?

Hero Sports/Herder: "Montana skyrocketed to No. 6. I was critical of Montana’s September performances and dropped the Grizzlies out of my ballot for a couple of weeks. ....

Two things can be true: Montana wasn’t playing like a Top 25 team in September, but the Griz are playing like a Top 10 team now.

Any judgment of how Montana looked last month can be thrown away. This is a different-looking squad that has beaten two straight ranked opponents on the road. I moved them to No. 19 last week after beating UC Davis. Then Saturday saw a win at No. 3 Idaho. The Griz are now getting the defensive pressure they lacked in September, the o-line is playing with more of an edge, and Clifton McDowell has steadied the QB spot and then some by taking the reins as the starter and playing better every week.

At 6-1 overall and back-to-back ranked wins on the road, Montana no doubt deserves to be in the Top 10."

This doesn't mean UM beats the Cats or anyone else, but they don't "stink", they are not the worst Griz team in decades, and they are not "weak, uninspired and embarrassing".

LOUD NOISES

[Cledus]

An intriguing statistical observation lies in the conference play point differential, with the grizzlies boasting a margin of 96 points scored and 92 points conceded. In contrast, the Cats have a remarkable point differential of 137 scored and 41 conceded. It's worth noting that the two teams won't encounter any common in-conference opponents until November.

In assessing the Cats' performance within the conference, my following thoughts: Weber has performed below expectations, PSU has exceeded expectations, and Cal Poly's performance aligns with initial expectations, although their quarterback demonstrates notable proficiency.

So, you think this stat is significant? UM has beaten two ranked conference teams on the road, and the Cats have yet to play a conference team with a winning record.

Yes. It is one of the most reliable metrics, like turnovers.

[coloradocat]

I guess Grizfan7 decided we know a little more about football than he was expecting and decided to slink back to egriz. 37 posts in just over 48 hours was quite the marathon though.

[coachouert]

I guess Grizfan7 decided we know a little more about football than he was expecting and decided to slink back to egriz. 37 posts in just over 48 hours was quite the marathon though.

Don't worry, he's over on egris whining about BN and that everyone here was a bunch of big meanies to him.

[The Butcher]

An intriguing statistical observation lies in the conference play point differential, with the grizzlies boasting a margin of 96 points scored and 92 points conceded. In contrast, the Cats have a remarkable point differential of 137 scored and 41 conceded. It's worth noting that the two teams won't encounter any common in-conference opponents until November.

In assessing the Cats' performance within the conference, my following thoughts: Weber has performed below expectations, PSU has exceeded expectations, and Cal Poly's performance aligns with initial expectations, although their quarterback demonstrates notable proficiency.

So, you think this stat is significant? UM has beaten two ranked conference teams on the road, and the Cats have yet to play a conference team with a winning record.

Yes. It is one of the most reliable metrics, like turnovers.

In the realm of football, a majority of those well-versed in the sport acknowledge the paramount significance of outscoring the opposition while minimizing points conceded as the cornerstone of a prosperous program.

[Grizfan7]

I guess Grizfan7 decided we know a little more about football than he was expecting and decided to slink back to egriz. 37 posts in just over 48 hours was quite the marathon though.

Don't worry, he's over on egris whining about BN and that everyone here was a bunch of big meanies to him.

I went back to egriz because some posters and a mod or two seemed to not want me here. There was no slinking. Feel free to point out anything I said on BN that was not correct. I'm pretty sure everything I said was mild and correct. No one was a meany to me here, but I was surprised that I got such a cold shoulder by some.

[HelenaCat]

I guess Grizfan7 decided we know a little more about football than he was expecting and decided to slink back to egriz. 37 posts in just over 48 hours was quite the marathon though.

Don't worry, he's over on egris whining about BN and that everyone here was a bunch of big meanies to him.

I went back to egriz because some posters and a mod or two seemed to not want me here. There was no slinking. Feel free to point out anything I said on BN that was not correct. I'm pretty sure everything I said was mild and correct. No one was a meany to me here, but I was surprised that I got such a cold shoulder by some.

Don’t feel bad. Most of us just don’t like very many gris fans, for many good reasons over lots of years.

[St George]

I just read that you can buy a ticket to the gris sac st game for $6. How embarrassing. Can you buy gris jerseys at the dollar store?

[Grizfan7]

I just read that you can buy a ticket to the gris sac st game for $6. How embarrassing. Can you buy gris jerseys at the dollar store?

Griz stadium was really rocking and very loud tonight. SS had multiple motion, delay of game, etc. penalties. That fired up the crowd and North End Zone even more.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I’m amazed they ever thought Vidlak was the better QB. What a mistake that was.

[RickRund]

I’m amazed they ever thought Vidlak was the better QB. What a mistake that was.

Sounds like the Raiders in the 70s and their penchant for picking terrible QBs (think I remember they were all byu QBs) and would die with them rather than change direction.

[Grizfan7]

I’m amazed they ever thought Vidlak was the better QB. What a mistake that was.

Vidlak participated in spring ball. McDowell and Ah Yat didn't. And Ah Yat is a true frosh. Vidlak has a terrific arm and is accurate. While McDowell, with more experience than the others, was immediately in the competition, I think it took more time than pre-season practice and the first games for them to develop and be seen/trusted, as well as to see how Vidlak did.