UNM early thoughts

[CodyCat]

Ugh, it's cool and all that we are being favored for this game but I was really hoping to catch them distracted by all their changes and overlooking us. Now they will be laser focused and probably a little pissed off... Hope our guys don't let the pregame news get to their heads and know they will be in for a dog fight.

I think this team is way to mature to let any pre-game news get to their heads.

[TomCat88]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

His injury would have to be very minor for him to play. I can’t see MSU risking losing him for an extended period unless he’s 100% ready. Even a minor (grade 1) sprain takes 2-3 weeks.

The silver lining is that the center position has the least depth on the OL and someone should be able to refine their skills at that spot while he’s resting.

[ilovethecats]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

His injury would have to be very minor for him to play. I can’t see MSU risking losing him for an extended period unless he’s 100% ready. Even a minor (grade 1) sprain takes 2-3 weeks.

The silver lining is that the center position has the least depth on the OL and someone should be able to refine their skills at that spot while he’s resting.

And I guess if an injury has to occur, I'm glad it happened when it did. Gives his replacement 2 weeks with the ones to get his feet wet so to speak.

[kennethnoisewater]

For what its worth Bill Connelly released his all CFB levels ranking.
MSU 84
UNM 174

Check out NDSU and Colorado!!!!!!

Interesting list, and it seems right to me at this point from what I can tell. MSU and UM are pretty tight at 3-4, and the DSU's are comparatively pretty comfortably ahead of the MT schools. It's as it should be until one of us can prove we can beat them convincingly and/or regularly. Obviously the Cats were within an eyelash of winning against NDSU SDSU, and the gris won a tight one, but history shows they should be ahead of us by a bit.

Pretty wild to see all college football teams on the same list. I've wondered what the difference between NAIA and D-III was in regards to strength of teams. At its best, D-III is better than NAIA, but on average you could argue that the NAIA (especially a stronger conference like the Frontier) is better than D-III overall. MSU-Northern is not good, so it's crazy to think that there are 50-something teams worse than them.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

If we don’t have a capable backup, and quite frankly, that’s a low bar, then that’s an indictment on the recruiting and development side of the coaches.

[coloradocat]

For what its worth Bill Connelly released his all CFB levels ranking.
MSU 84
UNM 174

Check out NDSU and Colorado!!!!!!

Interesting list, and it seems right to me at this point from what I can tell. MSU and UM are pretty tight at 3-4, and the DSU's are comparatively pretty comfortably ahead of the MT schools. It's as it should be until one of us can prove we can beat them convincingly and/or regularly. Obviously the Cats were within an eyelash of winning against NDSU SDSU, and the gris won a tight one, but history shows they should be ahead of us by a bit.

Pretty wild to see all college football teams on the same list. I've wondered what the difference between NAIA and D-III was in regards to strength of teams. At its best, D-III is better than NAIA, but on average you could argue that the NAIA (especially a stronger conference like the Frontier) is better than D-III overall. MSU-Northern is not good, so it's crazy to think that there are 50-something teams worse than them.

Mercyhurst is by far the worst FCS team in the country (408). They are 40 spots lower than the next FCS team. Huge drop off from SFA who is 187.

Maine is respectable at 201 (7 spots above Idaho State) and Utah Tech is at 222, well above UNCU (250) and Cal Poly (260).

[BleedingBLue]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

If we don’t have a capable backup, and quite frankly, that’s a low bar, then that’s an indictment on the recruiting and development side of the coaches.

I'm sure we have a capable backup, but they aren't going to be Perkins. Especially when it comes to making adjustments on the fly and ensuring protections are right.

[BleedingBLue]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

His injury would have to be very minor for him to play. I can’t see MSU risking losing him for an extended period unless he’s 100% ready. Even a minor (grade 1) sprain takes 2-3 weeks.

The silver lining is that the center position has the least depth on the OL and someone should be able to refine their skills at that spot while he’s resting.

And I guess if an injury has to occur, I'm glad it happened when it did. Gives his replacement 2 weeks with the ones to get his feet wet so to speak.

Agreed. After UNM the backup will also have several games to really acclimate and be ready for action again if need be.

[catatac]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

His injury would have to be very minor for him to play. I can’t see MSU risking losing him for an extended period unless he’s 100% ready. Even a minor (grade 1) sprain takes 2-3 weeks.

The silver lining is that the center position has the least depth on the OL and someone should be able to refine their skills at that spot while he’s resting.

And I guess if an injury has to occur, I'm glad it happened when it did. Gives his replacement 2 weeks with the ones to get his feet wet so to speak.

Agreed. After UNM the backup will also have several games to really acclimate and be ready for action again if need be.

Agree, but just really disappointed it had to happen just before a game as critically important as this one.

[catatac]

Anyone have a 2-deep for UNM? I did a quick search, but their info\news\social media stuff kind of sucks from what I can tell.

[The MICKSTER]

Anyone have a 2-deep for UNM? I did a quick search, but their info\news\social media stuff kind of sucks from what I can tell.

Don't know how accurate it is..... https://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-d ... xico/91349

[TomCat88]

FYI.....we're 9 point favorites

Looks like coach Choate could have a tough opener

https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-foo ... eper-picks

Last four non-P5/4 FBS games:
Wyoming 2021, L19-16 (national runner up)

Idaho 2016, L20-17 (won last 2 to finish 4-7)

Arkansas State 2014, L37-10 (13-10 at halftime, finished 8-5)

SMU 2013, L31-30 (lost last 3 to finish 7-5)

Not sure how those opponents finished. MSU, regardless of its own strength, has fared pretty well in these games, but no wins. Three decided by 3 points or less. The other was a 3-point game at half.

[The MICKSTER]

Interview of HC Bronco Mendenhall.....he discuss MSU at 30:00

[CodyCat]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

I think you are right. But, the silver lining is that the Cats are going to get another guy with reps at center if Perkins goes down when it counts.

[tetoncat]

Our chances of winning will be affected by Perkins' status. A stalwart at center not playing is a big blow.

In a boot in the Cruzado dinner photo. No need to rush him back and risk longer term issues

[84CatGrad]

Not sure if this is already posted but I'm curious why the game would kickoff at 2 PM in the heat of the day (forecasted to be 94). Why not kick off at 7 PM when at least the sun is down?

[Montanabob]

Not sure if this is already posted but I'm curious why the game would kickoff at 2 PM in the heat of the day (forecasted to be 94). Why not kick off at 7 PM when at least the sun is down?

UNM is not tooo smart. leave it at that. they only have 5 home games including our game.

[Prodigal Cat]

Not sure if this is already posted but I'm curious why the game would kickoff at 2 PM in the heat of the day (forecasted to be 94). Why not kick off at 7 PM when at least the sun is down?

Its on FS1. I'm guessing there are TV (MLB or Nascar) considerations.

[BobcatDel]

Not sure if this is already posted but I'm curious why the game would kickoff at 2 PM in the heat of the day (forecasted to be 94). Why not kick off at 7 PM when at least the sun is down?

Its on FS1. I'm guessing there are TV (MLB or Nascar) considerations.

TV is the first thing that crossed my mind.

But if I had a say and was the AD or coach at UNM I would put a "little heat on those northern Montana boys" by scheduling a start in late afternoon.

[catatac]

Anyone have a 2-deep for UNM? I did a quick search, but their info\news\social media stuff kind of sucks from what I can tell.

Don't know how accurate it is..... https://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-d ... xico/91349

Thanks. Massive OL, out DL will have a good challenge. I never put much stock into just looking at how big the OL players are, and generally I think out DL holds their own against almost everyone they go up against.