Sports network commentary on Griz

JC69 · Post by **JC69** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 5:41 pm

OH NO, MONTANA

The arrests of three Montana football players last weekend on charges of a drug-related home invasion, robbery and burglary couldn't have come at worse time for the Grizzly program.

While Montana has been as successful as any team in the country this season on the field, its off-field track record has been shocking. In a year where arch- rival Montana State fired coach Mike Kramer after several arrests involving former players, Montana has found a way to out-do its neighbors.

Running back Greg Coleman - the leading rusher for Montana in its 27-14 win over Idaho State last weekend - defensive end Mike Shelton and running back Jeramy Pate were arraigned Monday. All three were dismissed from the team.

Former Grizzly defensive back Qwenton Freeman, who was dropped from the team in June after an arrest for disorderly conduct, is also viewed as a suspect in the current case. Two other men were also arrested in the case.

Many Montana fans wrote e-mails to newspapers and Internet news web sites and sounded off on radio and television about their disgust for what has happened within their treasured program.

Many loyal Grizzly fans are beginning to call for coach Bobby Hauck and athletic director Jim O'Day's jobs.

No one wants to place all of the blame on coaches or administrators when student-athletes misbehave. But at some point, there has to be some accountability.

For some time, as the number of off-field incidents has increased, it has been apparent that Montana hasn't taken strong enough action to check backgrounds on its recruits.

In the case of players like Coleman and Freeman, there were troubling incidents in the past that could have foreshadowed their current run-ins with the law.

As much as we all admire what Montana has accomplished on the field, it might be time for some serious changes in Missoula.

JC69 · Post by **JC69** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 5:44 pm

and the Sports Network game summary and prediction

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 3 Montana (10-0, 7-0) at Montana State (6-4, 4-3)

Of all of the great rivalries that will be played on Saturday at all levels of college football, none will have more passion than the one that will be renewed in Bozeman, Mont. on Saturday. The 106th edition will not decide a Big Sky Conference title like it has in recent years, but it could determine what teams get seeded in the NCAA tournament. Montana State had lost 16 consecutive brawls before winning 10-7 in a blizzard in Missoula in 2002. Since then, the Bobcats have won three of the past five and are actually viewed as favorites by many heading into this game with the undefeated Grizzlies. Instead of the typical snow for this game, the forecast calls for a balmy 52 degrees, with rain. Montana State had been struggling offensively for five weeks until putting up 50 points on Portland State last week. Jack Rolovich had 296 yards passing and four TDs last week. The Bobcats are 28th in passing, but 97th in rushing. Bobby Daly is fifth nationally in tackles to lead a Bobcat defense that is allowing 19.8 points per game. Montana was stung by the robbery arrests and dismissals of three players after last weekend's 27-14 victory over Idaho State. The Grizzlies are also banged up offensively with top WR Ryan Bagley (47 catches) breaking an arm and RB Lex Hilliard (834 yards, 12 TDs) having hand surgery. QB Cole Bergquist has 244 or more yards in total offense in the past four weeks. Montana is 33rd in yards allowed (332), but is second in scoring defense (13.5). DE Kroy Biermann is second nationally in sacks with 15. With so many off-field distractions and injuries to deal with and playing on the road, don't be surprised if Montana sees its winning streak come to an end on Saturday.

Montana State 21, Montana 14

anacondagriz · Post by **anacondagriz** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 5:47 pm

I am surprised Coulson didn't pick a scoreless tie.

canyoncat · Post by **canyoncat** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 6:00 pm

I'm surprised he didn't somehow mention App State's victory over Michigan!

However, I think he is pretty close to how this game may end up.

GO CATS!!

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 7:19 pm

Coulson picking against Montana?? What a shock!!! I think we're 4-0 when he picks against us. I hope he does it four more times this year (and frankly, I'm certain he will).

Other than cat fans, he's got to be the only person in America who has picked against the Griz 4 times this season.

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:59 pm

Oh my! Another shocker!! Coulson is picking a So Con team to beat the Griz. My oh my, I never would have guessed that....

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:09 pm

Among all the bickering and hatred Cats and griz give each other, there is always something we can agree on: Dave Coulson is truly a unique form of idiot. This fat slob, who BTW knows nothing about college football and has absolutely no journalistic skills whatsoever, just continues to make himself look even dumber by picking the griz to lose each and every week. I think Wofford might have a chance to give them a good game, but I have seen far too many southern teams travel up to Montana and fold worse than Delaware St. when they play up here. Furman last year is an excellent, and relevant, example. I might hope for Wofford to win, but if I was betting any money at all, I'd put every last penny on UM.

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:21 pm

BozoneCat wrote:Among all the bickering and hatred Cats and griz give each other, there is always something we can agree on: Dave Coulson is truly a unique form of idiot. This fat slob, who BTW knows nothing about college football and has absolutely no journalistic skills whatsoever, just continues to make himself look even dumber by picking the griz to lose each and every week. I think Wofford might have a chance to give them a good game, but I have seen far too many southern teams travel up to Montana and fold worse than Delaware St. when they play up here. Furman last year is an excellent, and relevant, example. I might hope for Wofford to win, but if I was betting any money at all, I'd put every last penny on UM.

I agree, Bozone. I think Wofford is a scary team, and I can't begrudge anyone for picking them in an upset. But it would be an upset. It's obviously very clear that Coulson despises anything Montana, and it is obviously reflected in his writing.

But that's all right. The Griz are 5-0 this year when he's picked against us. Might as well make it 9-0 before the year's out!!

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:23 pm

Also, Mods, this thread started out with the MSU/UM picks, so please feel free to now move to the College Sports board if you wish.

bfbobcat24 · Post by **bfbobcat24** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:20 pm

Just got off the phone with a buddy and he told me that the Griz are 7 point underdogs. I find that very hard to believe. Wofford is going to have their work cut out for them in Washington Griz stadium. That is a venue that they are not use to. Good luck Griz!

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:45 pm

bfbobcat24 wrote:Just got off the phone with a buddy and he told me that the Griz are 7 point underdogs. I find that very hard to believe. Wofford is going to have their work cut out for them in Washington Griz stadium. That is a venue that they are not use to. Good luck Griz!

Thanks bf. We appreciate the support.

I'm guessing the 7 points he's getting is from Coulson's prediction.

elkmcc · Post by **elkmcc** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:46 pm

Despise. The perfect word for my feelings toward Davie Douchebag.

elkmcc · Post by **elkmcc** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:49 pm

Check that. Loathe.

CPACAT · Post by **CPACAT** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:33 pm

If I could find someone to give me 7 points and the griz at home this weekend I would lay some serious coin down. After what I saw last week I would guess the griz by 14

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:53 pm

CPACAT wrote:If I could find someone to give me 7 points and the griz at home this weekend I would lay some serious coin down. After what I saw last week I would guess the griz by 14