Matt says

Born2BaGriz · Post by **Born2BaGriz** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:32 am

GrizinWashington wrote:
btw anyone spot the cats passrush?
Griz don't have one either. It's my primary worry about them right now.

Sorry, you don't know the game if you are concerned about the Griz pass rush. While our sack count is down, pressure has been there, we have had knock downs and the QB's we have faced, save Iowa have been roll out, not drop back. Our sacks will come.

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:09 am

Born, I have no doubt it will be there, but I'm unconvinced it's been there yet. Yes, there have been some hurries, some knock-downs and some batted balls. But re-watch the SDSU and Suc games and count to yourself. You'll find yourself counting to some pretty high numbers. That, however, has been a credit and a testament to how solid our DBs are, because passes are not being completed. It's not a dire situation, but if you had to point to a weakness on the Griz team right now, it would have to be lack of sacks. And that's precisely the point I made.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:37 pm

GrizinWashington wrote:Born, I have no doubt it will be there, but I'm unconvinced it's been there yet. Yes, there have been some hurries, some knock-downs and some batted balls. But re-watch the SDSU and Suc games and count to yourself. You'll find yourself counting to some pretty high numbers. That, however, has been a credit and a testament to how solid our DBs are, because passes are not being completed. It's not a dire situation, but if you had to point to a weakness on the Griz team right now, it would have to be lack of sacks. And that's precisely the point I made.

After seeing the Griz a few times so far this year I still think teams will have the ability to run the ball down their throats between the tackle position. Their defense is a fast swarm type defense, but often gets out of place on play action fakes and counter treys coming down the middle. I don't think you'll be able to consistently be able to run to the outside on the Griz, but physical teams should be able to run the ball up the middle between the tackles on them. Remains to be seen, but seemed to me that they still do not plug the initial point of attack because they are usually stunting/blitzing on the outside to try and swarm.

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:00 pm

I think you're digging really deep to find any weakness in the griz team at this point. If they win this week, I think you could give them the conference trophy. The only other conceivable game they could lose would be Cat/Griz and that's only if the griz have nothing to play for at that point.

Prior to the season, I thought this was one the weakest griz teams in recent memory, but I think it's obvious to anyone that this team has been able to incorporate the numerous transfers into the system, and this has resulted in a team with as much chemistry as ever.

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:05 pm

CARDIAC_CATS wrote:
GrizinWashington wrote:Born, I have no doubt it will be there, but I'm unconvinced it's been there yet. Yes, there have been some hurries, some knock-downs and some batted balls. But re-watch the SDSU and Suc games and count to yourself. You'll find yourself counting to some pretty high numbers. That, however, has been a credit and a testament to how solid our DBs are, because passes are not being completed. It's not a dire situation, but if you had to point to a weakness on the Griz team right now, it would have to be lack of sacks. And that's precisely the point I made.
After seeing the Griz a few times so far this year I still think teams will have the ability to run the ball down their throats between the tackle position. Their defense is a fast swarm type defense, but often gets out of place on play action fakes and counter treys coming down the middle. I don't think you'll be able to consistently be able to run to the outside on the Griz, but physical teams should be able to run the ball up the middle between the tackles on them. Remains to be seen, but seemed to me that they still do not plug the initial point of attack because they are usually stunting/blitzing on the outside to try and swarm.

Iowa couldn't run on them, particularly between the tackles. They're pretty physical, I'd say.

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:11 pm

That's true. The griz probably won't make it to the Rose Bowl this year as a result of that loss.

I have no idea what I am talking about.......where's the beer - it's FRIDAY!!!!!

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:19 pm

GrizinWashington wrote:
CARDIAC_CATS wrote:
GrizinWashington wrote:Born, I have no doubt it will be there, but I'm unconvinced it's been there yet. Yes, there have been some hurries, some knock-downs and some batted balls. But re-watch the SDSU and Suc games and count to yourself. You'll find yourself counting to some pretty high numbers. That, however, has been a credit and a testament to how solid our DBs are, because passes are not being completed. It's not a dire situation, but if you had to point to a weakness on the Griz team right now, it would have to be lack of sacks. And that's precisely the point I made.
After seeing the Griz a few times so far this year I still think teams will have the ability to run the ball down their throats between the tackle position. Their defense is a fast swarm type defense, but often gets out of place on play action fakes and counter treys coming down the middle. I don't think you'll be able to consistently be able to run to the outside on the Griz, but physical teams should be able to run the ball up the middle between the tackles on them. Remains to be seen, but seemed to me that they still do not plug the initial point of attack because they are usually stunting/blitzing on the outside to try and swarm.
Iowa couldn't run on them, particularly between the tackles. They're pretty physical, I'd say.

Yeah, but everyone and their dog knew it was coming every play pretty much. Get a physical and BALANCED offense and I think that will still be the Griz overall long shot weakness of winning the championship etc. However, that being said .. if almost does look like the Big SKy isn't what it used to be cracked up to be this year and the Griz should have a very good shot at the conference with a win this week.

Iowa is the only decent offense the Griz have played and they are giving up 5 yards a carry. I saw a lot of breakdowns against the run in last weeks game. Granted Sac didn't capitilize on them as they have no one to throw the ball to but other good teams will capitilize on it in my opinion. I think the Griz offense is definately better this year, but I still think a good balance and physical team can keep that offense off the field against the Griz (especially later in the year when that quick/fast defense tires some).

4. Montana 2 59 291 4.93 3 145.50

RUSHING DEFENSE

Rank Team Gm Rush Net Avg TD YdsGm
1. Portland St. 3 96 332 3.46 3 110.67
2. Weber St. 3 113 388 3.43 5 129.33
3. Idaho St. 3 97 396 4.08 7 132.00
4. Montana 2 59 291 4.93 3 145.50
5. Montana St. 3 114 438 3.84 4 146.00
6. Northern Ariz. 3 106 445 4.20 6 148.33
7. Sacramento St. 2 75 313 4.17 4 156.50
8. Eastern Wash. 3 131 780 5.95 10 260.00

bcats · Post by **bcats** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:48 pm

MSU fans I think you're stretching if you think the Griz defense is showing some weaknesses especially in the Iowa game. That is one of the top teams in the nation not Portland State or any other team in AA for that matter. The Griz will unfortunatley win and keep on winning while we await for that team we saw in week one to show up. It could be a long wait. Everybody wants to wait until the end of the season before we start talking about coaching changes but were not afraid to start analyzing the CAT/Griz matchup. Sorry, but to think we can beat the Griz right now is maybe just a little bit of a stretch. If we win 6 in a row then start slinging the trash talk.

DaCats Forever · Post by **DaCats Forever** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:50 pm

God I hope they win. I started growing a beard after the Davis debacle and said I wouldn't shave until the Bobcats won again. It's getting itchy. I don't want to have use the volleyball team as an easy out clause, so they better win this weekend.

catatac · Post by **catatac** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:50 pm

Bleedinbluengold wrote:I think you're digging really deep to find any weakness in the griz team at this point. If they win this week, I think you could give them the conference trophy. The only other conceivable game they could lose would be Cat/Griz and that's only if the griz have nothing to play for at that point.

Prior to the season, I thought this was one the weakest griz teams in recent memory, but I think it's obvious to anyone that this team has been able to incorporate the numerous transfers into the system, and this has resulted in a team with as much chemistry as ever.

I'll admit they've looked pretty good against poor to marginal teams. SDSU isn't very good and Sac. doesn't look to be very good either (Cal Poly is in an offensive slump right now). You're right Bleedin - about this weekend being the true test. They'll find things much, much tougher going against PSU then Sac. or SDSU. If they come out of PGE Park with a W - I will be impressed... moreso if PSU's Sawyer is playing and healthy.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:01 pm

Agreed, lets see how they play against a more competitive team before we give them the conference title. SDSU and SAC STATE are not powerhouses. The Griz should have beat them and they did. I think NAU/MSU/ISU/PSU/WEBER games should be tough games for the Griz. I'm not sold yet ... especially teams that can pass and RUN the rock.

Platinumcat · Post by **Platinumcat** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:21 pm

DaCats Forever wrote:God I hope they win. I started growing a beard after the Davis debacle and said I wouldn't shave until the Bobcats won again. It's getting itchy. I don't want to have use the volleyball team as an easy out clause, so they better win this weekend.

That's hilarious. I did the same thing. But, I found out on Monday that our office was doing new company pictures. So, I had to shave for that. It's probably a good thing as mine was absolutely driving me crazy.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:35 pm

barechestcat wrote:
DaCats Forever wrote:God I hope they win. I started growing a beard after the Davis debacle and said I wouldn't shave until the Bobcats won again. It's getting itchy. I don't want to have use the volleyball team as an easy out clause, so they better win this weekend.
That's hilarious. I did the same thing. But, I found out on Monday that our office was doing new company pictures. So, I had to shave for that. It's probably a good thing as mine was absolutely driving me crazy.

This might be the spark the Cats need this week!!

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:53 pm

I fully agree this is a big game for the Griz, and in a very tough place to play. And we can argue all day about whether the Griz D can be run on. But perhaps a more relative question would be, "Does it matter?". If the Griz offense plays like it has the past few weeks, teams won't be able to run the football and keep up. Teams that don't want to will need to begin throwing the ball early and often. Now, those are BIG "if" statements, and I'm the first to admit that. But I'd argue it's very difficult to find a weakness with the Griz right now.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:07 pm

GrizinWashington wrote:I fully agree this is a big game for the Griz, and in a very tough place to play. And we can argue all day about whether the Griz D can be run on. But perhaps a more relative question would be, "Does it matter?". If the Griz offense plays like it has the past few weeks, teams won't be able to run the football and keep up. Teams that don't want to will need to begin throwing the ball early and often. Now, those are BIG "if" statements, and I'm the first to admit that. But I'd argue it's very difficult to find a weakness with the Griz right now.

It will be interesting to watch the game this weekend. I haven't seen PSU play this year so not sure if they have the O though to match up with the Griz. PSU definately should have the D though to make it a close game I bet. Turnovers will probably decide this one. Wasn't it really raining 2 years ago in Portland when PSU beat the Griz or am I thinking of another time? Vageuly remember it pouring BUCKETS some game I was watching there one time.

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:08 pm

CARDIAC_CATS wrote:
barechestcat wrote:
DaCats Forever wrote:God I hope they win. I started growing a beard after the Davis debacle and said I wouldn't shave until the Bobcats won again. It's getting itchy. I don't want to have use the volleyball team as an easy out clause, so they better win this weekend.
That's hilarious. I did the same thing. But, I found out on Monday that our office was doing new company pictures. So, I had to shave for that. It's probably a good thing as mine was absolutely driving me crazy.
This might be the spark the Cats need this week!!

Do you think we could talk 8,000 fans at homecoming to shave their heads and paint their scalps blue as part of the rally call? Now, that would be something, would it not?!

GrizinWashington · Post by **GrizinWashington** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:33 pm

Do you think we could talk 8,000 fans at homecoming to shave their heads and paint their scalps blue as part of the rally call? Now, that would be something, would it not?!

"The Cult of Kramer"???

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:50 pm

We could write "Big Human" in SPF 30 before painting!

Platinumcat · Post by **Platinumcat** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:37 pm

Bleedinbluengold wrote:We could write "Big Human" in SPF 30 before painting!

Let's orchestrate it with the seat assignments so that it's in huge font across the entire side of a stadium.

JahGriz · Post by **JahGriz** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:10 am

Iowa was balanced. They couldn't run and had to go to the pass. Eventually they had their TE, Chander, and a stud frosh WR make some plays. The Griz still held their run pretty well, and held Young, who constantly rushes for over 100yrd/game to under 100 yards (barely, I admit).
It wasn't as if Iowa came out and ran every play. They attemted to establish the run, and run it down the Griz throats, but couldn't get it done.

Running inside the tackles against the Griz, may be hitting their weak spot, but that spot isn't terribly weak.

No doubt PSU will be the first I-AA "TEST" for the Griz, in stopping the run, along with pushing back a legit DL, amonst other things, but I see the Griz as up to the task. PSU only wins if it is a fairly low scoring game, because I don't think they will be able to keep up with the Griz O if it gets going at some point in the game.

I think this game is will be exciting. Like ISU/NAU must have been last week. Could go either way with PSU being at home, but I think were I not a Griz fan I'd still have my money on the Griz.