Montana @ NAU...First Place On The Line

[Peems]

Game starts in about 10 minutes. Should be a good one. Gonna be the toughest test for the Griz so far.

[SeattleGriz]

BigSkyTV says that NAU has good audio and video, so hopefully it will be enjoyable to watch.

[Peems]

BigSkyTV says that NAU has good audio and video, so hopefully it will be enjoyable to watch.

Let me know how it goes, I'll be out in Seattle in a month and will have to use Big Sky TV to watch the games.

[SeattleGriz]

Let me know how it goes, I'll be out in Seattle in a month and will have to use Big Sky TV to watch the games.


We have a bar in Kirkland that will be broadcasting the games via satellite if you want to come on up.

[Peems]

How far is Kirkland from Seattle?

[SeattleGriz]

From downtown Seattle, it is about 17 miles up I405, and 3 miles from my house.

[SeattleGriz]

I can't wait to see what Carpenter does today at 7200 ft.

[Peems]

NAU has the ball first and here we go...i'll update sparingly

[SeattleGriz]

NAU has the ball first and here we go...i'll update sparingly


Me as well. Too hard to minimize my video window to type and then return.

[Peems]

The Montana fans have already forced a false start and a timeout by NAU. The Griz have invaded the Walkup Sky Dome!!!

[SeattleGriz]

OK, easy enough.

Timeout NAU

[IaaScribe]

I know when I covered the Jacks, the dome always had about 3,000 Griz fans for the Montana game. Good to see that hasn't changed.

[SeattleGriz]

The Montana fans have already forced a false start and a timeout by NAU. The Griz have invaded the Walkup Sky Dome!!!


I used to love coming up to Flag when I lived in Phoenix. Too bad they don't have NASCAR in Phoenix this weekend like they have in the past

[Peems]

The Griz will punt now...

[Peems]

NAU gets a few first downs, but is eventually stopped and NAU will punt.

[SeattleGriz]

Montana seems to be getting decent pressure on the QB so far.

[Peems]

Agreed. But man do I hate that surface balls just bounce everywhere. Kriesen is a beast too.

[SeattleGriz]

Our punter Johnson has just nailed two big punts in a row.

[X-Factor]

Our punter Johnson has just nailed two big punts in a row.

he has had quite a bit of practice this year :D

[SeattleGriz]

he has had quite a bit of practice this year :D

Doesn't your punter lead the nation. He is awesome as well.

[Peems]

Griz roughed the kicker but the next play recovered a fumble

[SeattleGriz]

What a turn of events.

NAU misses 47 yd FG.
Montana roughs kickers
NAU then makes errant pitch, and Montana recovers.

[X-Factor]

Doesn't your punter lead the nation. He is awesome as well.

He did last year. This year he has done quite a few directional punts so his average isn't quite as good. Should be playing on Sundays soon.

[SeattleGriz]

He did last year. This year he has done quite a few directional punts so his average isn't quite as good. Should be playing on Sundays soon.

After 2 punts, the Griz punter has averaged 57 yards. Like I said, 7200 ft helps.

By the way, end of 1st QTR

0 - 0

[Peems]

Griz have moved the ball well and are on the 6, NAU takes a timeout, their 2nd of the half.

[MaroonMafia]

TD Montana...

[Peems]

TD!! Bergquist to Bagley

[MaroonMafia]

Cole Berquist to Ryan Bagley

7-0
9:16 to go in the 2nd Quarter

[mvemjsunpx]

Bergquist looked much better on that drive than he did in the First Quarter.

[grizband]

TD Montana!

[Peems]

Bergquist looked much better on that drive than he did in the First Quarter.

It's amazing what field position will do for you.xnodx

[GreatAppSt]

Got a link to the feed?xthumbsupx

[SeattleGriz]

Got a link to the feed?xthumbsupx

Video is pay.

Here is the U of M audio link:

http://streamingmedia.montanagrizzlies.com/umgriz_fb

[SeattleGriz]

If that link is busy, I have seen guys use this radio station:

http://www.kofiradio.com/live.m3u

[MaroonMafia]

NAU knocking on the door...2nd & goal on the 4

[MaroonMafia]

3rd & goal...

[MaroonMafia]

only 17 seconds left & NAU is out of timeouts...4th & goal now

[MaroonMafia]

Field goal good, 7-6 going into halftime

[mvemjsunpx]

Refs stop the clock for seemingly no reason & let NAU get a FG.

[SeattleGriz]

Boy, weren't those just 3 awful plays by Montana before we punted back to NAU?

[Griz40]

According to the guys on the radio this is the second time this happened....does anyone know what is going on? I just started listening.

[mlbowl]

WTF is up with these officials?xbangx

[Peems]

The refs can stop the clock if the opposing D player is laying on top of the offensive player causing a delay of game. The Griz player was preventing the QB from getting up so they stopped the clock till they got off of them.

[Tod]

Gotta go to work. :( :( :(

Go Griz!!!!

xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[mlbowl]

According to the guys on the radio this is the second time this happened....does anyone know what is going on? I just started listening.

They gave NAU about 6 yards on a spot when they kiked the first field goal...it shoulda been a 48 or 49 yarder

[bulldog10jw]

The game is on TV down here in Arizona on AZ-TV. But for some reason it's the Montana feed. Wonder why?

[mlbowl]

The refs can stop the clock if the opposing D player is laying on top of the offensive player causing a delay of game. The Griz player was preventing the QB from getting up so they stopped the clock till they got off of them.

Doesn't explain the extra 6 yard spot they gave NAU

[FCS Go!]

Boy, weren't those just 3 awful plays by Montana before we punted back to NAU?

Yeah that was an ugly series. Unfortunately familiar as well. :(

[Peems]

Doesn't explain the extra 6 yard spot they gave NAU

No, it doesn't

[FCS Go!]

Where is Lex?

[Griz40]

Thanks Peems....wasn't sure on the last field goal...and neither was Gurns...and he should know better but he was funny on the radio broadcast.

[mlbowl]

No, it doesn't

Well...hopefully our O will get it together

[Griz40]

Dang....a 6 yard spot???? WOW well if the kicker is worth his salt that is one place where that shouldn't matter.

[SeattleGriz]

The game is on TV down here in Arizona on AZ-TV. But for some reason it's the Montana feed. Wonder why?

Because the local Missoula station broadcasts all of Montana's games.

[Griz40]

Because the local Missoula station broadcasts all of Montana's games.

*sigh* I miss being where I can see the games.

[Chi Panther]

Whats the score?

[Griz40]

7-6 Montana

[SeattleGriz]

*sigh* I miss being where I can see the games.

I've been watching the games via internet on BigSkyTV.org and can't complain - $40 for the whole season. Of course a cable internet connection really helps to keep from dropping the feed.

This game has been by far the best production I have seen so far - but from what I understand, it is a direct reflection on NAU and their feeds. When the games are played in Missoula, the audio is usually poor due to university not having their crap together.

[Griz40]

I've been watching the games via internet on BigSkyTV.org and can't complain - $40 for the whole season. Of course a cable internet connection really helps to keep from dropping the feed.

This game has been by far the best production I have seen so far - but from what I understand, it is a direct reflection on NAU and their feeds. When the games are played in Missoula, the audio is usually poor due to university not having their crap together.

I tried that for the first game and they weren't compatible with windows vista at the time and didn't really want to give me my money back...even tho it was only $8 i was mad and won't do that again. They might be compatible now but they lost me on that one game---the BSC and whoever the vendor is that does the internet broadcast that is.

[FCS Go!]

I've been watching the games via internet on BigSkyTV.org and can't complain - $40 for the whole season. Of course a cable internet connection really helps to keep from dropping the feed.

This game has been by far the best production I have seen so far - but from what I understand, it is a direct reflection on NAU and their feeds. When the games are played in Missoula, the audio is usually poor due to university not having their crap together.

Yeah best feed of the year so far!

[SeattleGriz]

Man. If Cole would hit his receivers in stride, we would have some huge plays.

[Griz40]

O sounds tough right now....this is what I am used to hearing!!!!

[Griz40]

Ok now we are talkin!!!!! 14-6

[SeattleGriz]

TD Montana

14 - 6 UM

[mvemjsunpx]

TD Montana

Bergquist to Allen for 7 yards.

UMT 14
NAU 6

early 3rd.

[SeattleGriz]

You wait. One of our RB's is gonna hurdle Igono. He keeps making awesome tackles, but he is basically diving for ankles to get low enough on Lex.

[Griz40]

I hate hearing the crowd cheer in this audio feed

[Griz40]

I for one am good with them getting field goals

[mvemjsunpx]

Another redzone FG for NAU

UMT 14
NAU 9

9:?? 3rd.

[mvemjsunpx]

NAU really sucks in the redzone, don't they?

The radio said they have something like 10 TD's in 36 tries.

[Griz40]

Man I didnt' even hear that!!! LOL but yeah that is not a good stat.

[placidlakegriz]

And whats with the train whislte??

[Griz40]

Lex is starting to run huh?!

[mlbowl]

Lex is starting to run 'em overxnodx

[SeattleGriz]

Nice steady dose of Lex up the gut.

[mvemjsunpx]

Hilliard 5 yd. TD run

UMT 21
NAU 9

5:53 3rd.

[mlbowl]

Lex is starting to run huh?!

Beat me to it

[Griz40]

Ok .. so what happened in the first half??? I mean....nice two drives out of the half!!!

[SeattleGriz]

I think they were trying to stretch the play side to side too much.

That and our huge offensive line is wearing the D down.

[Griz40]

I am not seeing anything.....just audio but Gurns is saying the spots are bad...are they that bad?

[MTGrizzFan]

Lex is starting to take over

[SeattleGriz]

Yes. NAU receive caught the ball and ran backwards to get away from UM defenders and the official spots it at the foremost forward point.

Even the NAU commentators called it a bad spot.

[mvemjsunpx]

I am not seeing anything.....just audio but Gurns is saying the spots are bad...are they that bad?

From what I've seen, they've been giving both offenses generous spots the whole game

[Griz40]

OK now that is funny that the radio guys Mick and Gurns are wondering what to call the division....fcs..fcb...1AA....LOL

[SeattleGriz]

Luckiest play I have ever seen by NAU.

[mvemjsunpx]

Fumble: Yet another redzone failure for NAU.

[AlphaSigMD]

Radio link?

[SeattleGriz]

SWEET Kroy Bierman forces fumble and recovers.

[Griz40]

Nice turnover!!!!

[GreatAppSt]

NAU thowing it away! UM wants it!

[Peems]

Kroy Bierman is a beast!!!

[SeattleGriz]

http://streamingmedia.montanagrizzlies.com/umgriz_fb

[Griz40]

I will take a penalty after a turnover over another field goal any day

[SeattleGriz]

I believe this link is broadcasting as well.

http://www.kofiradio.com/live.m3u

[SeattleGriz]

I can't say it enough, our punter is absolutely killing them today.

[mvemjsunpx]

3 false starts in a row for NAU… AT HOME!!

[Griz40]

do we have enough people there for that????

[SeattleGriz]

3 False starts in a row for NAU.

UM fans going nuts in the dome.

[mvemjsunpx]

3 false starts in a row for NAU… AT HOME!!

& a personal foul

2nd. & 34 at the 12 for NAU.

[X-Factor]

How about that vaunted NAU defense?

[SeattleGriz]

do we have enough people there for that????

The NAU announcers just said the Montana fans were louder than the NAU fans.

[Peems]

How about that vaunted NAU defense?

I believe you mean the vaunted front seven:)

[SeattleGriz]

How about that vaunted NAU defense?

Good one! I somewhat remember that statement being tossed around here this last summer.

[AlphaSigMD]

Wow. 4 straight penalties. 3 straight illegal proceedures and a PF...hell, the griz can't lose if you don't give them a chance. xlolx.

[Griz40]

ok anyone else see this???!!! weber vs portland state---66 - 55!!!!!!!!!!!

[Peems]

ok anyone else see this???!!! weber vs portland state---66 - 55!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't know Weber could score that much? does that total their offensive production for the season?:D;)

[mvemjsunpx]

Bergquist really angry at Allen for quitting on a pass.

[SeattleGriz]

How the hell does our TE always get down so fast on punt coverage?

[Griz40]

I didn't know Weber could score that much? does that total their offensive production for the season?:D;)
has too...for both teams! I mean DANG!!!!

[mvemjsunpx]

How the hell does our TE always get down so fast on punt coverage?

I don't know, but this is one of the best punt/punt cover jobs I've ever seen.

[Griz40]

This game scared me.... a lot....but I feel pretty good right now even tho it is not over...and feel even better that the bobp*&&^'s lost today.

[grizband]

I didn't know Weber could score that much? does that total their offensive production for the season?:D;)
Weber State tonight: 66 points
previous 7 games: 110 points

They were averaging 15.7 pts/game.
Now, that average is up to 22 pts/game.

[mlbowl]

What a surprise...another horrible spot

[mvemjsunpx]

Bad spot on 4th. down gives NAU the ball at midfield.

I'm not sure why we went for it there.

[SeattleGriz]

Horrible spot to screw the Griz on 4th

[Griz40]

D needs to step up....don't need another score by NAU in this game

[mlbowl]

What a surprise...another horrible spot...apparently it's the same side judge

[Griz40]

73-62 in weber vs psu--- just to let y'all know...crazy

[Griz40]

OK I got distracted........this is making me mad! O needs to step up here!

[SeattleGriz]

TD NAU

4:42 in 4th
UM 21
NAU 16

[HI54UNI]

Score and time remaining?

[HI54UNI]

Score and time remaining?

Nevermind.

[GrizzlyEdd]

These personal fouls by the Griz defense are totally uncalled for. If I were BH I would literally kick some ass on the sidelines. The Griz do this week in and week out. This is a result of bad coaching and no mental discipline on the players. Totally inexcusable on the part of the Griz... Time for the coaches and players to get their heads out of their collective asses....xmadxxnonox personal foul penalties have accounted for 10 NAU points.... this is crap...

[DuckDuckGriz]

Keep the updates comin if you can.

[mvemjsunpx]

Griz don't need to score inside the 15, so they kneel it down.

Final:

UMT 21
NAU 16

[DuckDuckGriz]

Whew. Good test - passed.

GO GRIZ

[SeattleGriz]

These personal fouls by the Griz defense are totally uncalled for. If I were BH I would literally kick some ass on the sidelines. The Griz do this week in and week out. This is a result of bad coaching and no mental discipline on the players. Totally inexcusable on the part of the Griz... Time for the coaches and players to get their heads out of their collective asses....xmadxxnonox personal foul penalties have accounted for 10 NAU points.... this is crap...

Hard for me to tell on my internet video, but I see a lot of the NAU players jawwin' and posturing, and haven't gotten any calls against them.

But as I said, hard to tell on my little video screen.

[DuckDuckGriz]

Is Jerome Souers something like 0-8 against Montana now?

[SeattleGriz]

Is Jerome Souers something like 0-8 against Montana now?
0-10

[DuckDuckGriz]

0-10

Wow. Easy to lose count.

That sucks for him.


Great for us. xnodx

Feelin good for the GRIZ right now.

[mvemjsunpx]

Interesting stat:

NAU had 9 penalties for 134 yards, averaging 14.9 yards per penalty.

[GrizzlyEdd]

A win is a win ..... BUT I don't like the way it was done... again!!! I don't like the way BH coaches for the most part, he zigs when he should zag and so on.... no killer instinct and too passive on defense when they need to kick ass...

Just not an impressive win at all... I fear the day of reckoning is coming... but a win is a win I guess.xoopsxxrolleyesx

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

I am going to the game in Pocatello and can finally see how the Griz are playing. It's so hard to listen to the games on the radio and really know what is going on. Good win Griz, can't wait to see you play first hand in 2 weeks, should be playing for a lock on the conference title. :)

[mvemjsunpx]

A win is a win ..... BUT I don't like the way it was done... again!!! I don't like the way BH coaches for the most part, he zigs when he should zag and so on.... no killer instinct and too passive on defense when they need to kick ass...

Just not an impressive win at all... I fear the day of reckoning is coming... but a win is a win I guess.xoopsxxrolleyesx

Wait, didn't most people on this board pick the Griz to lose?

NAU's a decent team, & we beat them on their homecoming.

You're right that the personal fouls cost us some points today, but I don't see discipline as a real problem for this team. Most of our opponents have been far less disciplined than us, including NAU today.

Our offensive gameplan was perfect: wear them down until they can't stop Hilliard in the 4th. The final score was only a 5 point margin, but I never thought the Griz were in serious danger of losing.

I know you probably think the Griz should win by 50 every week, but that's not realistic, nobody ever does that, & it doesn't help in close games come playoff time.

[FCS Go!]

Wait, didn't most people on this board pick the Griz to lose?

NAU's a decent team, & we beat them on their homecoming.

You're right that the personal fouls cost us some points today, but I don't see discipline as a real problem for this team. Most of our opponents have been far less disciplined than us, including NAU today.

Our offensive gameplan was perfect: wear them down until they can't stop Hilliard in the 4th. The final score was only a 5 point margin, but I never thought the Griz were in serious danger of losing.

I know you probably think the Griz should win by 50 every week, but that's not realistic, nobody ever does that, & it doesn't help in close games come playoff time.

I agree, at least after the first drive of the 3rd. The Griz really dominated the second half. NAU got a break on the 4th & inches spot (Griz turn over on downs) and most especially on the personal foul penalties late in the game. Good, solid win for the Griz. I think it was their best performance so far this year.

[TokyoGriz]

Wait, didn't most people on this board pick the Griz to lose?

NAU's a decent team, & we beat them on their homecoming.

You're right that the personal fouls cost us some points today, but I don't see discipline as a real problem for this team. Most of our opponents have been far less disciplined than us, including NAU today.

Our offensive gameplan was perfect: wear them down until they can't stop Hilliard in the 4th. The final score was only a 5 point margin, but I never thought the Griz were in serious danger of losing.

I know you probably think the Griz should win by 50 every week, but that's not realistic, nobody ever does that, & it doesn't help in close games come playoff time.


Todays game was fairly well played by the Griz.

But I agree that BH does not the the killer instinct that most of the Griz nation would like to see.

The offense derserves alot of credit for not having any turnovers today, and getting 3 touchdowns, instead of 7 field goals. :)

Offense play calling on non scripted drives was weak as usual today however. Alot of 3 and outs that really left a bad taste in my mouth for the OC of the grizzlies again.

Defense shined today, especially in the red zone.

[Griz40]

It was a good road win period.

[uofmman1122]

I think it was the first time in a while that Carpenter didn't have to kick a field goal. Also, Lex completely dominated on that last drive. If anyone was waiting for him to step up and show us why he's so great, I think that drive demonstrated pretty well. Great win for the Griz against a good NAU team.

[mvemjsunpx]

Offense play calling on non scripted drives was weak as usual today however. Alot of 3 and outs that really left a bad taste in my mouth for the OC of the grizzlies again.


I'm really not sure what play-calling you're talking about. Everything seemed pretty normal for what our gameplan was & for the personnel the Griz have.

We ran Hilliard a lot, & that's what we should have done. NAU couldn't stop him by the 4th. quarter.

The only coaching decision I thought was questionable was going for on 4th. down at the 50 right before NAU's touchdown. We got screwed on the spot but we still should have punted.

[GrizRchattybound]

another fine BSC officials outing.

Talk about a bunch of goobers:


http://slantmouth.com/articles/itHasAllGoneEnron/images/referee.jpg

It wa sa great BSC road win...especially when you beat both teams- the home and the BSC refs.


Good job Griz! 8-0 way to go!

Elvis is in the building - next!

[mvemjsunpx]

2 game lead for the Griz means the conference race is essentially over.

Montana fighting for a seed.
Eastern Washington & possibly Montana St. fighting for an at-large.

[HI54UNI]

Congrats to the Griz

[Gil Dobie]

Congrats to the Griz xthumbsupx

[WyomingGrizFan]

The only coaching decision I thought was questionable was going for on 4th. down at the 50 right before NAU's touchdown. We got screwed on the spot but we still should have punted.

Granted, on the fifty and going for it on fourth and inches; I would have been very, very tempted to have punted that away and pin NAU within the five.

...but even with the attempt, the replays showed Lex coming down with the ball six inches down field from where the refs spotted it. A very, very bad spotting. And how does a player get a 'personal foul' for merely tackling an opponent one-on-one; with no face mask penalty and just bringing him down? That one still throws me.

[grizzpaw]

look at the replay and u will see lex's knee hit right were they spotted it!

[GRZZ]

look at the replay and u will see lex's knee hit right were they spotted it!

But where was the ball when he knee went down? Because that is where the spot should be. And the clips I watched show it about six inches further up the field then they spotted it. Either way, good win Griz!

[Peems]

I personally was pleased. The Griz beat a good team and even had some offense to go along with it. If the Griz can have consistent drives and produce TD's, we will be hard to beat.

[MTGrizzFan]

A win is a win ..... BUT I don't like the way it was done... again!!! I don't like the way BH coaches for the most part, he zigs when he should zag and so on.... no killer instinct and too passive on defense when they need to kick ass...

Just not an impressive win at all... I fear the day of reckoning is coming... but a win is a win I guess.xoopsxxrolleyesx


give me a break...that was a great win against a good team

[RE/MAXGriz]

I'll happily take a 21-16 win in NAU. Some App St fans said it earlier, they're a fast team, and very athletic. With 4 losses now I think they're probably done for the playoffs, too bad, they could be a good spoiler team.

[srgrizizen]

As someone who has made some use of the right to criticize the Griz offense, I think it's almost time for us critics to sit down and shut up. How can you criticize Hauck for both no killer instinct and going for it on 4th down. If they had made the 1st down, they might have scored again before the half. (BTW, I thought the spot was way off at first look, but exactly right after watching the replay). The way the offense killed the clock to end the game was awesome. They could have scored again, if necessary, while it is at least doubtful the defense could have held off a fired-up NAU offense if they had gotten the ball back.

[Green26]

Very nice win for UM. Great team and individual effort. Anyone who says anything to the contrary doesn't know what he's talking about.

I believe the spot was bad. I was at the game (in the 9th row on the UM side of the field, i.e. where the play occurred), and I watched it multiple times on the game replay in the wee hours this morning. Before Hilliard is down, he rolls over the defender and blocker and reaches forward with the ball. All of the ball appeared to be clearly (from watching in realtime) over the yard marker, perhaps by several inches or more. The spot had at least a quarter or third of the ball on the yard marker--is my recollection. With the spot, UM was no more than 2 inches short. Again, bad spot. Coach Hauck and the team had a perfect view. Everyone around me in the stands started screaming when they saw the spot, because they could see it was a bad spot.

[dbackjon]

Congrats to the Griz for a nice win...

[RadMann]

Congratulations on the win!

[Peems]

Congrats to the Griz for a nice win...

Good game by the Jacks! Boy is Watson fastxeekxxeekx

Were you there Jon?

[WyomingGrizFan]

A very, very big win for the Griz!!! The offense of the Lumberjacks were very highly touted in the preseason. Two offensive linemen BSC all-conference, a TE & RB all-conference, two wide receivers all-conference and then WR Watson All-American. That was a very potent offense that the Griz stifled in NAU. An NAU team that left a lot of points on the field when thay played Appalachian St. A very, very good win for the Griz playing at 7,000 ft. in elevation on the road in Flagstaff against one of the premier teams in the BSC this year. Just have to take each game one at a time as always and don't underestimate your opponents.

[dbackjon]

Good game by the Jacks! Boy is Watson fastxeekxxeekx

Were you there Jon?

Unfortunately, no.

Kinda good, in a way. I would have been way po'd at all the chances we had to win the game, but couldn't get in the end zone.

[GrizFoo]

Wait, didn't most people on this board pick the Griz to lose?

NAU's a decent team, & we beat them on their homecoming.

You're right that the personal fouls cost us some points today, but I don't see discipline as a real problem for this team. Most of our opponents have been far less disciplined than us, including NAU today.

Our offensive gameplan was perfect: wear them down until they can't stop Hilliard in the 4th. The final score was only a 5 point margin, but I never thought the Griz were in serious danger of losing.

I know you probably think the Griz should win by 50 every week, but that's not realistic, nobody ever does that, & it doesn't help in close games come playoff time.

I'm not a huge fan of the Phen offense, but have to give some credit, he had some nice calls. Though I continue to wonder why Marianni mostly, and possibly Reynolds aren't getting in the game at WR. Sure we have some decent guys out there, and Allen usually eats up the opponents best corner, and get very few balls thrown his way, giving Bagely and Ferriter (who I think it Berquists roomate) more balls. We really don't have blazing speed at WR, so why not utilize Marianni to spread the ops D. Anyway, I like the use of Lex, you do get the feeling he could break half his carries for big yards.

And to my main topic, nobody may believe it, but the Griz do get opponents A game most of the time. Everybody wants to knock off the Griz. App St. is starting to understand the feeling I think. As far as the BSC goes, every other team has the week they play the Griz circled on the calendar. It is usually the game they look forward too all year. So the Griz have to be up, and ready to play teams who are really gunning for them every single week. That can be difficult, look at BCS/I-A this year. Great teams are getting knocked off, because they are being gunned for, and because of parity.
So apply this to FCS and whoever is #1 and the top 10. There is a lot of parity talent wise, and the top teams best be ready for everyones A game. Double this for the Griz, because they have been near the top for a long time. The teams in the sky want a win over the Griz more than any other game.
So what I'm saying is, even if this isn't the best team in FCS (which I don't think they are) and even if they aren't winning big very often, it doesn't mean they can or won't make a deep run in the playoffs. I don't think you can judge a team that way. I honestly think anyone in the top 10 can beat anyone else. The regular season is about consistancy and showing up each and every week. You don't even have to win them all in the regular season to become the NC. So whoever makes the playoffs, which I think the Griz will, will start the second season then, the season where one loss puts you out. And even the "best" teams can be beat. It is a matter of running on all cylindars at the right time in the season...near the end, and carrying that momentum into the playoffs.
Go Griz.
Sorry for the rambling. xcoffeex

[AZGrizFan]

OK.

Having gone to the game with 38 of my closest friends :p , I have three or four big takeaways from watching the Griz, NAU, and the BSC refs in person for a change.

1) The BSC refs absolute suck balls. I'm used to seeing a poorly reffed game when I go to Flagstaff, but this one took the cake. Missed spots continually, the guy on the sidelines holding the down marker was CONTINUALLY one play behind; there were OBVIOUS penalties missed, and yet ticky-tack penalties called. It truly was a homer-job by the refs....almost looked like they were TRYING to give the game to NAU. At one point, I thought BH was going to get kicked out of the game.

2) NAU's crowd sucked. I mean, it was HOMECOMING, for God's sake, and there couldn't have been more than 12,000 there. And the announcers were right---the Montana fans WERE louder. The only noise NAU fans made was with the thundersticks. On the critical series when they had 3 straight false starts and then a personal foul, that was down on the end where the Montana fans were....it was LOUD. As usual, felt like a home game!

3) Alex Watson is the real deal. Dude is flat out FAST. But he got POPPED---biggest hit I've seen all year, and really wasn't the same after that, except for the one fluke pass that he caught for about 75 yards when Kriessen was scrambling for his life----it was very Jason Murietta-ish...

4) UM needs to run the ball straight ahead and QUIT trying to get to the corner all the time. Especially against defenses with speed. NAU's defense repeatedly beat Hilliard to the corners, but when he ran straight ahead, it was 4-6 yards per carry.

5) Some of the Griz players (Eric Allen being the poster-child) are extremely undiciplined. Allen, who should be eating UP his guy, caught ONE pass all day. He was repeatedly not looking when the ball was thrown to him, and at least twice completely quit on a play when the ball was thrown his way. If I were a coach watching that game film, that dude would not see the field again for a long while. Also, someone (usually someone different each time) seems to get a personal foul penalty at the WORST possible time....roughing the kicker, or when the defense has just stopped them, etc., etc. BH needs to start kicking ass and taking names...

6) Lex Hilliard is a BEAST. I know, I know, we already knew that....but finally getting to watch him play in person, and getting a chance to spend some quality time with his dad at the tailgate was very enjoyable....he is shifty-fast. xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

7) NAU's band is low class. After the game (as they do every time) the players came over in front of the UM fans to sing Montana, Montana....the NAU band played all the way through their singing and nobody could hear them....very low class, but to be expected I guess...

My group had a blast at the game, started tailgating at about 10:00 right in the midst of the UM Alumni tailgate party (in fact, we beat the alumni association to the tailgate!!!), and ended up being the life of the party....had the Griz cheerleaders over doing cheers in front of our motorhome headquarters (pictures to follow), and lots of beer, babes and food to be had!

xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[AZGrizFan]

Here's a few pics of our party, and the requisite one of me with my four new girlfriends.... xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[RE/MAXGriz]

Good post AZ, to reply to some of your thoughts:

1. The refs do suck. Some unfortunate two teams come playoff time are going to get a Big Sky Crew and the fans will be shouting WTF all day.

2. Homecoming + Griz + post-season hopes on the line and they can't pack the house, that's gotta sting for the true NAU fans that were at the game

3. I said it earlier, Watson will make it to the NFL, he's too fast and talented no to. Also that 75 yard play was only like a 15 yard gain, Kreistien ran back so far the first 30 yards of that pass was all behind the line of scrimmage!

4. It seemed like the sweeps and tosses worked late, but not so much early.

5. Due to the shoddy camera work of our "amazing" local station I usually couldn't see WRs down the field. However the personal foul on the kicker was a tough call, Clark hit the bottom of the guys foot with his shoulder pad and the kicker sold it. On his coaches show tonight you could tell Bobby didn't think much of that call.

Good stuff, the Walkup Skydome is the only stadium in the Big Sky I have not been to yet, I'll have to make sure I'm down there in two years!

[mvemjsunpx]

5) Some of the Griz players (Eric Allen being the poster-child) are extremely undiciplined. Allen, who should be eating UP his guy, caught ONE pass all day. He was repeatedly not looking when the ball was thrown to him, and at least twice completely quit on a play when the ball was thrown his way. If I were a coach watching that game film, that dude would not see the field again for a long while. Also, someone (usually someone different each time) seems to get a personal foul penalty at the WORST possible time....roughing the kicker, or when the defense has just stopped them, etc., etc. BH needs to start kicking ass and taking names...


To be fair, Allen was up against K.J. Gerard, arguably the best corner in the Big Sky. But you're right, quitting on that one deep ball was inexcusable (Bergquist was very pissed).

Most of the Griz personal fouls were stupid (though NAU was far less disciplined than Montana), but that roughing the kicker was a complete BS call. How do you call roughing when the defender's helmet barely nicked the kicker's shoe? Does "running into" the kicker not exist anymore?

[WyomingGrizFan]

Official count on the attendance was only 8,364.

[AZGrizFan]

Good post AZ, to reply to some of your thoughts:

1. The refs do suck. Some unfortunate two teams come playoff time are going to get a Big Sky Crew and the fans will be shouting WTF all day.

2. Homecoming + Griz + post-season hopes on the line and they can't pack the house, that's gotta sting for the true NAU fans that were at the game

3. I said it earlier, Watson will make it to the NFL, he's too fast and talented no to. Also that 75 yard play was only like a 15 yard gain, Kreistien ran back so far the first 30 yards of that pass was all behind the line of scrimmage!

4. It seemed like the sweeps and tosses worked late, but not so much early.

5. Due to the shoddy camera work of our "amazing" local station I usually couldn't see WRs down the field. However the personal foul on the kicker was a tough call, Clark hit the bottom of the guys foot with his shoulder pad and the kicker sold it. On his coaches show tonight you could tell Bobby didn't think much of that call.

Good stuff, the Walkup Skydome is the only stadium in the Big Sky I have not been to yet, I'll have to make sure I'm down there in two years!

RE/Max---I haven't missed a game since we moved here in '93. Come on down....it's a good time, like a Griz home game!

One other thing: I read in the AZ Repugnant today some quotes from Kriessen saying how they were able to move the ball, but couldn't punch it in, or something to that effect. The truth is this: NAU had 450 yards of total offense, but 200 (or something like that) of those came on three plays. They really didn't move the ball that well, and MAN do they suck in the red zone. And once Phenice started calling plays up the middle, it was pretty apparent who was going to win the game....just miserable for the players to have to wade through ultra-crappy reffing to get the "W".

[AZGrizFan]

Official count on the attendance was only 8,364.

Wow. That's just pathetic. At least 2,000 of those had to be Griz fans.... xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[AZGrizFan]

Here's a shot of me with Lex Hilliard's dad. He spent a lot of time at our party....very cool guy, and humble. As close as you're probably gonna get to Montana Royalty, at least while Lex is in school!

[AZGrizFan]

Here's a shot of my two favorite playthings, all decorated up for my enjoyment....

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Here's a shot of me with Lex Hilliard's dad. He spent a lot of time at our party....very cool guy, and humble. As close as you're probably gonna get to Montana Royalty, at least while Lex is in school!

You're dead on about Elvis he is a cool and humble fella. Oh yeah and he's as strong as an Ox too, he ripped a Missoula phone book in half at Red's bar a couple of years ago. It was pretty impressive.


Here's a shot of my two favorite playthings, all decorated up for my enjoyment....


We apparently have similar taste in women. My god she's beautiful!

[AZGrizFan]

bump....

everybody see that rack? xeekx xeekx xeekx xeekx xeekx xeekx

xthumbsupx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[Mountaineer#96]

you guys are disgraceful.........cute tho

[NE MT GRIZZ]

Here's a shot of my two favorite playthings, all decorated up for my enjoyment....


AZ,
Has your wife ever knocked herself out while riding you?xbangx xbangx xbangx

[AZGrizFan]

AZ,
Has your wife ever knocked herself out while riding you?xbangx xbangx xbangx

No, but I almost got suffocated once.... xeyebrowx xeyebrowx xeyebrowx xwhistlex xwhistlex xwhistlex

[Grizo406]

Nice hat!xlolx xlolx xlolx

[AZGrizFan]

Nice hat!xlolx xlolx xlolx


I KNEW I could draw you out with those pictures!!!

Damned skippy, buddy! It's 2-0!!!

Long live the Grizo hat!!!

xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx

[Houndawg]

Here's a shot of me with Lex Hilliard's dad. He spent a lot of time at our party....very cool guy, and humble. As close as you're probably gonna get to Montana Royalty, at least while Lex is in school!

Judging by the name and the hat, I'm guessing he's from Louisiana?

[FCS Go!]

Judging by the name and the hat, I'm guessing he's from Louisiana?

Naw. I think they're from Salish-Kootnei Rez/Flathead valley (Montana). Griz brains clarify and correct please!

[Houndawg]

Naw. I think they're from Salish-Kootnei Rez/Flathead valley (Montana). Griz brains clarify and correct please!

Ah. Thanks for the info. Back in the day I was stationed in Louisiana and Hilliard is a very common name there. It's also the only place I've been where it wasn't strange to see black folk dressed western style.

[AZGrizFan]

Judging by the name and the hat, I'm guessing he's from Louisiana?

Maybe originally, but he's been in Kalispell, MT for about 30 years.....

As I said----Montana Royalty....and that man can drink Crown Royal like nobody's business!!! xeekx xeekx xeekx

[DuckDuckGriz]

Naw. I think they're from Salish-Kootnei Rez/Flathead valley (Montana). Griz brains clarify and correct please!
Not quite the Rez but Flathead High School in Kalispell, Montana.

[montanafan]

Naw. I think they're from Salish-Kootnei Rez/Flathead valley (Montana). Griz brains clarify and correct please!



He lives about two hours north of Missoula. Nice little drive down death highway 93 every weekend to see his boy play.