Stephen F. Austin @ Montana Game Thread

[gbhmt]

Let's get a separate thread going for this one.

[uofmman1122]

Kickoff in about 15 minutes! xthumbsupx

[Dblue]

I've got it on ESPN360. 22 degrees....does is get cold in SFA land?

[gbhmt]

Perfect read for the pick!

[McNeese75]

I've got it on ESPN360. 22 degrees....does is get cold in SFA land?

I would imagine it was in the high 20's there last night.

[putter]

That is 3 dropped passes already. At least the Griz got some points off the pick this time.

3-0 Griz

[Dblue]

Who's the QB for SFA, Jake Delhomme???

[gbhmt]

That is 3 dropped passes already. At least the Griz got some points off the pick this time.

3-0 Griz

That wasn't Mariani's fault, that was on Selle. Mariani beat the corner bad on the route and Selle couldn't keep him running, underthrew it.

[gbhmt]

Finally we get to see Mariani do some work.

[gbhmt]

Apparently they don't want to see him with the ball.;)

[Poker Alan]

Gotta love this, 10-0 Montana after the short Reynolds TD run...

[boonegoon]

Just hand it to them SFA.

[putter]

Close to see if he actually had control when the ball crossed. Oh well, 10-0

[gbhmt]

Just hand it to them SFA.

Hand it to us and we'll make you pay for it. xrulesx

[MaximumBobcat]

UM should be up 21-0. SFA's offense and ST is gifting the game to the Griz and the Jack D is the only thing keeping them in.

Lets see if Moses has got anything...they gotta get some pts this drive

[gbhmt]

Nice return for SFA.

[gbhmt]

The crowd's playing a big part so far.

[mtbigdog]

yeaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!

[gbhmt]

WHAT A HIT!!!!!

[MaximumBobcat]

This reminds me of the TXST/SFA game this season. TXST won 28-7.

[SumItUp]

audio link?

[Torgo]

4 turnovers in one quarter...ouch.

[SpidersSportsEditor]

4 turnovers in one quarter...ouch.

Pathetic. SFA is just giving this game to the Griz.

[gbhmt]

audio link?

http://kgvo1290.com/main.php

click "listen now"

[putter]

Pathetic. SFA is just giving this game to the Griz.

Yea, because God knows, like listening to the JMU fans last year that when turnovers happen (like the Griz last week) you are giving the game away and the other team has nothing to do with it xnonox

[uofmman1122]

Pathetic. SFA is just giving this game to the Griz.It's only 10-0.

It could (should) very well be 21-0.

[MaroonMafia]

audio link?

http://new.grizcountry1015.com/dyn_page.php?id=6

Click on the listen live link.xthumbsupx

[Torgo]

Pathetic. SFA is just giving this game to the Griz.

You hate to say it, but yes.


The last one was a bit more forgivable...that was a hell of a hit by Shaw...but the other three were just stupid mistakes. There is no reason a lineman should ever intercept a ball that isn't batted, or two returners don't get out of the way of a line-drive punt.


149 yards on offense looks nice on paper for the Lumberjacks, but that's about it.

[mtbigdog]

national weather service update.
10-30 below wind chill advisory
2-6 inches of snow
30 mph winds
perfect montana football weather

welcome to montana sfa

[SpidersSportsEditor]

Yea, because God knows, like listening to the JMU fans last year that when turnovers happen (like the Griz last week) you are giving the game away and the other team has nothing to do with it xnonox

Well, that muffed punt and the pick thrown directly to a d-lineman were pretty much unforced errors, so those two were giving it away.

And a fumble on the 2 is also a gift.

[McNeese75]

The ESPN360 feed is really pretty good

[gbhmt]

Pathetic. SFA is just giving this game to the Griz.

You don't "give" someone a 98-yard drive. xnonox

[uofmman1122]

Andrew Selle right up the middle!

TD GRIZ!

17-0

[Shellin]

Yup, 14 play 98 yard TD, great way to follow up the turnover that time. But if any fan base should know that 17-0 isn't a safe lead, it's the Griz.

[bshgriz]

You don't "give" someone a 98-yard drive. xnonox
No, the CAA earns 98 yard drives. People give Montana drives like that though because they feel sorry for us. xsmiley_wix

[gbhmt]

Is this payback for all the turnovers in the first half last week? Great strip on Moses!

[uofmman1122]

24-0

SFA has 5 turnovers.

[gbhmt]

What a catch. He's superhuman.

[jcmanson]

Montana's sounding impressive

[Torgo]

This is embarrassing to watch.


What a great catch by Mariani though.


Hilarious that SFA is still leading the total yards stat.

[SumItUp]

The boys from Texas don't appear to be enjoying the cold weather.

[SpidersSportsEditor]

You don't "give" someone a 98-yard drive. xnonox

Agreed. That was an impressive drive. Congrats to the Griz on moving to another national semifinal. Next week should be a good test, regardless of which team they face.

[Shellin]

Agreed. That was an impressive drive. Congrats to the Griz on moving to another national semifinal. Next week should be a good test, regardless of which team they face.

We're looking great now, but there is still a lot of football left.

[uofmman1122]

Hey, if last week was any indication, this Griz team can NOT let up!

Hammer it all day, Griz!

[gbhmt]

Agreed. That was an impressive drive. Congrats to the Griz on moving to another national semifinal. Next week should be a good test, regardless of which team they face.

I'm hoping for Appy. I've wanted to play them for a long time now and I DON'T want to play Richmond. :p

[McNeese75]

24-0

SFA has 5 turnovers.


What was that 1995 score again??? xcoolx

[bshgriz]

I'm hoping for Appy. I've wanted to play them for a long time now and I DON'T want to play Richmond. :p
I really want to play App. But revenge on Richmond 2200 miles away from home in almost negative weather should be great though.:)

[gbhmt]

Wow this is just ridiculous. SFA's laying an egg on this one. Our D has definitely baited them into some of these turnovers but come on, this is bad.

[Torgo]

Good lord.


The game's far from over yet, but the only drive SFA has had that hasn't ended up with a turnover was a 3 & Out. Eventually something has to give. Moses just looks lost out there, and he's far from alone.

[gbhmt]

Marc's makin their secondary look silly.

[EdubAlum]

GO GRIZ!!!!!

[GoCowboys68]

OMG!!! This is unbelievable!! Come on SFA, don't give Montana the game.

[fltheadgriz]

Grizz D is playing smart.
They are peeling one D line off on each of those two interceptions.
Royally messes up the crossing routes.
Surprised no one else has done this on SFA.

[gbhmt]

Kick it to Marc!

[gbhmt]

SFA is stacking the box to stop the run, leaving our receivers in man. Not a great idea.

[fltheadgriz]

The receivers of SFA and punt returners are looking scared to catch it.
Sweet turnover by the way

[Poker Alan]

OMG!!! This is unbelievable!! Come on SFA, don't give Montana the game.

Just about too late...

[gbhmt]

This has to be some kind of record...

[MaximumBobcat]

Grizz D is playing smart.
They are peeling one D line off on each of those two interceptions.
Royally messes up the crossing routes.
Surprised no one else has done this on SFA.

TXST did. May have been where Griz coaches saw it first. We did it with our DE/LB Bandit who got one int from Moses in a 28-7 TXST win over SFA.

[trouthunter]

orced turnovers. I guess SAF is not bothered by the crowd, the cold or the altitude here in Mon-tucky!

[gbhmt]

You know, after the JMU game last year and seven turnovers in the first half, you have to start admitting that the Griz are just damn good at taking the ball away. I'd say more than half of the 7 turnovers weren't forced, but with two strips, one safety baiting him into a throw, and two lineman stepping back disrupting their underneath routes.

[seattlespider]

Thank god the Nova/NH game is about to start! Hope to see you in Montana, Grizz!

[uofmman1122]

Going to work now.

Feeling much better than I did when I went to work last week. xlolx

[EdubAlum]

this is just getting crazy

[bshgriz]

Haha, i don't know if anyone has said this but Montana has scored 71 points in a row unanswered. Wow

[gbhmt]

3 and out for SFA.

[SumItUp]

Haha, i don't know if anyone has said this but Montana has scored 71 points in a row unanswered. Wow

Unanswered in the playoffs. That is impressive.

[fltheadgriz]

I will say it
Maybe if SFA didn't go to Reds but studied film on the Grizz...maybe it would be a different score?

[phoenixphanatic21]

You know, after the JMU game last year and seven turnovers in the first half, you have to start admitting that the Griz are just damn good at taking the ball away. I'd say more than half of the 7 turnovers weren't forced, but with two strips, one safety baiting him into a throw, and two lineman stepping back disrupting their underneath routes.

Never! The East Coast Bias will never allow us to do that!

[gbhmt]

UM's offense is looking the best it's looked all season!

[APPdopted]

What a blowout!

[Poker Alan]

Well, I hate to be presumptuous, but, looking forward to next weeks game. What 'bout that Idaho State game, again?

[mtbigdog]

to many shots thursday night. its tough to play with a hangover!

[mtbigdog]

Lets hope sfa doesn't pull a montana on us 3rd qtr.

[bshgriz]

What a blowout!
Just wait until Appy comes to town xsmiley_wix

[bshgriz]

Lets hope sfa doesn't pull a montana on us 3rd qtr. But we're a second half team xrotatehx

[headdressguy]

to many shots thursday night. its tough to play with a hangover!

They were just pre-medicating for the butt-whipping they knew they were about to suffer!

[trouthunter]

This is not the game I expected to see! Griz D came to play. Well worth the trip.

[mtgrizfan4life]

GRIZ 78 unanswered points against opponents in the last 3 1/2 quarters. WOW!

[APPdopted]

Just wait until Appy comes to town xsmiley_wix

I'd like to think that'll be more of a game. And one I'd love to see!

[GoneTribal]

score update?!?!?

[fltheadgriz]

38-0 Grizz halftime

[GoneTribal]

38-0 Grizz halftime

thnx flt. sounds like it's gonna be a close one. xlolx who was saying partying on Thursday night wouldn't mess with the SFA players. ;)

[Reign of Terrier]

What up with the Southland?

[kdinva]

38-0 Grizz halftime

Don't pull a Idaho St.........or what Pitt did today vs. Cincy (blow a 31-10 lead, lose the Big East 45-44xsmhx)

[mtbigdog]

anybody know how many pts griz average in second halves?

[RowdyRabbit]

I will say it
Maybe if SFA didn't go to Reds but studied film on the Grizz...maybe it would be a different score?

This.

I had to laugh when I saw those pictures.

[Shellin]

What up with the Southland?

This is what happens every time a Southland team comes to Missoula. Maybe not quite to this extent, but it's almost never close.

[grizzpaw]

it looks like sfa has quit!

[BooneNative]

game over..

[FCS Go!]

Opps! Sorry about that Jacks.:(

Hope Moses is OK.

[smegriz]

Radio announcers are almost having too much fun, hah.

I was hoping for a win.. but in no way expected anything like this...

[JMUNJ08]

8 TO's will do any team in and we know the Southland is all about O and not really D...

[Grrrrriz]

No matter what anyone says, Montana is a championship team...look at this. Good Luck App, or Richmond...I want to see App personally.

[Torgo]

Nine.


Now that is a nice pick.

[smegriz]

Wow... nine turnovers... craaazy

[gbhmt]

That pick was not one you can blame Moses for, Shillinger just flat out ripped it out of the receiver's hands.

[Torgo]

And the Griz are finally on the turnover board. Dang. I guess perfection was too much to ask for :p

[blukeys]

No matter what anyone says, Montana is a championship team...look at this. Good Luck App, or Richmond...I want to see App personally.

Yeah there are 3 other CAA teams that are going to beat each other up before you have to face them. Once again Montana gets to face the weak teams from the West while the Eastern teams must fight thru much tougher competition.

[bshgriz]

And the Griz are finally on the turnover board. Dang. I guess perfection was too much to ask for :p Just can't give up any points. Gotta keep that #1 scoring offense in check xnodx

[Torgo]

Yeah there are 3 other CAA teams that are going to beat each other up before you have to face them. Once again Montana gets to face the weak teams from the West while the Eastern teams must fight thru much tougher competition.

Oh give it a break. South Dakota State was an extremely tough first round draw. Its not our fault SFA can't handle the cold/pressure/alcohol/life/whatever.

Its not like New Hampshire is giving much resistance to Villanova right now.

[bshgriz]

Yeah there are 3 other CAA teams that are going to beat each other up before you have to face them. Once again Montana gets to face the weak teams from the West while the Eastern teams must fight thru much tougher competition. Where's Deleware at this postseason? Oh, they got beat up by those big, mean, good CAA teams.. My bad xlolx

[fltheadgriz]

We will see if a CAA team can beat the Grizz next week.
That is if they can get by App State

[Shellin]

10th turnover for SFA...

[MaroonMafia]

1st & Goal!!!

[bshgriz]

We will see if a CAA team can beat the Grizz next week.
That is if they can get by App State Doesn't count if we win, they had to play CAA teams to get to us.
xrolleyesx

[catbob]

What a snoozer. The Nova game isn't much more entertaining to watch either.

[Torgo]

At this point I want Appalachian just so we don't have to hear a week of CAA propaganda. Of course if we beat Appy then it won't be legitimate since they're not in the CAA.

[MaroonMafia]

51-0, 91 unanswered points in the last 5 1/2 quarters!!!

[BEAR]

Just tuned in...is it really 51 - 0? xeekx

Guess we'll see if Montana will call off the dogs..or grizzlies...xlolx

[JMUNJ08]

Montana was the better team out of the two but come on 10 TO's???? This is not a game you can say "we are outstanding" more "our opponent is THAT bad"

[JMUNJ08]

51-0, 91 unanswered points in the last 5 1/2 quarters!!!


Great stat...

[BEAR]

10 Turnovers? THat has to be an NCAA record!xeekx

[93henfan]

Boy did SFA ever blow today.

[BEAR]

WHat are the game stats? running and passing?

[GoneTribal]

10 Turnovers? THat has to be an NCAA record!xeekx

as well as.....what was it 6 in the first half? never seen either # that high!

[Reign of Terrier]

10 Turnovers? THat has to be an NCAA record!xeekx

the record is 13 if I'm not mistaken

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

Montana was the better team out of the two but come on 10 TO's???? This is not a game you can say "we are outstanding" more "our opponent is THAT bad"

Yep, no need to worry about us, we never have to play anyone.....xoopsxxbangx

[MaroonMafia]

WHat are the game stats? running and passing?

Montana
Total - 479; 291 passing, 188 rushing

SFA
Total - 280; 229 passing, 51 rushing

[GoneTribal]

Yep, no need to worry about us, we never have to play anyone.....xoopsxxbangx

get over yourselves already xbawlingx

[BEAR]

I love how the espn360 announcer Doug Bell said with 2 seconds left, "If SFA knees it, then some will say they gave up..." xlolx Seriously..did I just hear that? Is there such thing as a 52 point TD? Does it matter at that point? xlolx

[gbhmt]

Montana was the better team out of the two but come on 10 TO's???? This is not a game you can say "we are outstanding" more "our opponent is THAT bad"

Unless you actually watched the game, can it.

[AppAlum2003]

Montana
Total - 479; 291 passing, 188 rushing

SFA
Total - 280; 229 passing, 51 rushing

That's the strangest part of it all... if all you saw was that stat line, you would be thinking "huh... close game... Montana probably won by 10 or so"

[gbhmt]

That's the strangest part of it all... if all you saw was that stat line, you would be thinking "huh... close game... Montana probably won by 10 or so"

Not really, pretty lopsided in total yards...

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

get over yourselves already xbawlingx

xdeadhorsex on both counts, get some new material. xcoffeex

[grizchamp]

Yeah there are 3 other CAA teams that are going to beat each other up before you have to face them. Once again Montana gets to face the weak teams from the West while the Eastern teams must fight thru much tougher competition.

You are right. We should just get rid of the playoffs and have a BCS system. Montana vs Nova for the title. xrolleyesx

[Native]

Congrats to the Griz!

Wow! Perfect game! Half a hundred and a skunk! xbowx

[Tribe]

Stats mean nothing. The Griz won 51-0 after coming back from 27 points last week. Anyone who thinks this team is overrated either hasn't really watched their games or you are kidding yourselves. Turnovers are a big part of the game and Montana got 10 of them. I mean, they are in the semi-finals without a loss on the year. How long do we keep saying they are overrated and lucky? Give credit where credit is due. Anyone can make excuses but Montana deserves props for not only killing SFA but for shutting out one of the best offenses in FCS. Great win.

[soccerguy315]

great win Montana. Your offense is clicking at the right time of the year.

[srgrizizen]

How long do we keep saying they are overrated and lucky?

Thanks for the props, Tribe. W&M is my pick to win it all. I just hope we get to meet in Chattanooga to find out. To answer your question, though, there are many on this board who will never drop the overrated crap, and they think they are vindicated every year Montana fails to win the NC. Just watch them come out of their rat holes if and when we lose, and we must be pretty lousy, because in the last 17 years or so, every season but two has ended in a loss.xlolxxlolx

[mtgrizfan4life]

Stats mean nothing. The Griz won 51-0 after coming back from 27 points last week. Anyone who thinks this team is overrated either hasn't really watched their games or you are kidding yourselves. Turnovers are a big part of the game and Montana got 10 of them. I mean, they are in the semi-finals without a loss on the year. How long do we keep saying they are overrated and lucky? Give credit where credit is due. Anyone can make excuses but Montana deserves props for not only killing SFA but for shutting out one of the best offenses in FCS. Great win.


Oh, but don't you know getting turnovers are nothing but luck and there is not any coaching strategy involved?

Seriously, thanks for props. I am still trying to decide who to cheer for Villanova or W&M? Right now W&M with a slight advantage. xthumbsupx

[HLNgriz]

thanks tribe, but you guys must have some kinda D!

[soccerguy315]

yea that's the problem with the playoffs... 15 of the 16 teams end their season with a loss, haha.

[JMUNJ08]

Not really, pretty lopsided in total yards...


The half time stats were almost even minus the 6-0 TO margin which took SFA's spirit.


xdeadhorsex on both counts, get some new material. xcoffeex

I said Montana was the better team and that was the reason nobody talked about this game all week unlike the other 3 which were toss ups in most minds. The 10 TO's made it easier than it could have been. You can't tell me that ANYBODY thinks the Griz are really 51 points better than SFA.


Stats mean nothing. The Griz won 51-0 after coming back from 27 points last week. Anyone who thinks this team is overrated either hasn't really watched their games or you are kidding yourselves. Turnovers are a big part of the game and Montana got 10 of them. I mean, they are in the semi-finals without a loss on the year. How long do we keep saying they are overrated and lucky? Give credit where credit is due. Anyone can make excuses but Montana deserves props for not only killing SFA but for shutting out one of the best offenses in FCS. Great win.

I don't think they are overrated. Today was impressive for both teams really. You just can't compare this game really to others because 10 TO's is something this matchup may see 1 out of a 100 times. That's all.

The CAA/Socon will put up much more of a fight thats for sure.

[GrizzlyBill]

Stats mean nothing. The Griz won 51-0 after coming back from 27 points last week. Anyone who thinks this team is overrated either hasn't really watched their games or you are kidding yourselves. Turnovers are a big part of the game and Montana got 10 of them. I mean, they are in the semi-finals without a loss on the year. How long do we keep saying they are overrated and lucky? Give credit where credit is due. Anyone can make excuses but Montana deserves props for not only killing SFA but for shutting out one of the best offenses in FCS. Great win.

Thanks, Tribe.

From this end, it's hard to know. You just never know how we are going to come out on A.G.S., or what's going to happen next. So far so good, but let's not forget the Idaho State Game.

This team has been entertaining to watch all year, sometime painfully so. Today, without the turnovers, SFA was really moving the ball early. Looked like it was gonna get real ugly for the Griz.

[Peems]

My thoughts from watchin the game. SFA did not look like a good team. They had one big play over the top, other than that they were just runnin tons of screens and short passes. Once we got up 10 it was over. They looked so confused and lost, and by the time the 2nd quarter rolled around, everyone in the stadium knew that there was no way they were gonna score. Met some cool SFA fans, but the Griz looked good, and next week should be exciting

[gbhmt]

SFA had almost even stats in the second half because our 2nd and 3rd stringers were in for all of the 4th quarter! How often do you see that?

[GrizzlyBill]

There may have been the least total amount of penalties called in this game than in any Griz game I can remember. Was it because the coaching staff emphasized avoiding the stupid stuff, and it was really that much of a cleaner game—or was it due to the different officiating crew?

[Dallas Demon]

This is what happens every time a Southland team comes to Missoula. Maybe not quite to this extent, but it's almost never close.

Two things - the extreme cold and the altitude. Outside of this week, it has been warm in Texas (wouldn't you know it snowed yesterday in Nacogdoches). You would have a totally different ballgame if Montana travelled to a Southland school during the regular season or the playoffs. Not saying that SFA would have won this one, but it would have been a much better game.

[LacesOut]

Congrats Grizz!!!!!!

You guys just keep winning and winning and winning.

[soccerguy315]

1. Montana is very good.

2. SFA is probably not that bad. They clearly had whatever UNH had today, lol... UNH is also not as bad as they looked today.

but, this is the playoffs... win or go home. You gotta show up, and anything can happen on any given saturday.

[GRIZCLAW]

Two things - the extreme cold and the altitude. Outside of this week, it has been warm in Texas (wouldn't you know it snowed yesterday in Nacogdoches). You would have a totally different ballgame if Montana travelled to a Southland school during the regular season or the playoffs. Not saying that SFA would have won this one, but it would have been a much better game.

This is a terribly ignorant statement. What is the difference between playing in the elements that SFA is used to, (heat/humidity/etc) than playiing in the elements Montana is used to?? Both teams played in the same weather. That last time Montana played SFA in Texas, they won 49-42. Last time we played in Montana, it was 70-14. Today it's 51-0. Montana is 4-0 vs. SFA. Do not misunderstand this as a knock on SFA. They have a great program, great tradition, and a great team. Today wasn't their day, give the Griz credit where credit is due. You sound like you're from the East Coast bias crew...xoopsxxoopsxxoopsxxoopsx

[JohnStOnge]

All other things aside, I don't know if I've ever heard of a team having 10 turnovers before. I didn't pay any attention to the game except to see the scores at the bottom of the TV while watching stuff like Cincinnatti at Pittsburg, Carson Newman at Grand Valley State, and the SEC Championship game. Then I decide to go on line and check the stats and see 10 turnovers. Wow.

And 8 in one half. That's the number of turnovers Liberty, which led FCS in fewest turnovers, had all year.

[fltheadgriz]

Two of those turnovers were picks that the defensive lineman fell back off of the line and intercepted the pass during a crossing pattern.
I LOVE to see big men get intercept a pass and run down the field!

[putter]

get over yourselves already xbawlingx

It is ourselves we have to worry about

[putter]

I agree fltheadgriz, love the fact the the Griz dropped some D-linemen into coverage to take away some of the short slants and crossing routes. They have not done that all year! Great gameplanning

[NSUDemon98]

What is the difference between playing in the elements that SFA is used to, (heat/humidity/etc) than playiing in the elements Montana is used to?? Both teams played in the same weather.

Really? You honestly believe there is no difference and it has no mental or physical effect?

I am not a Lumberjack, and I never played college ball...but down here in Texas when it gets around 40 degrees and the wind is blowing I don't even want to go outside...much less wear skin tight uniforms and run around in the cold for a few hours. xlolxxlolxxlolx

I would MUCH prefer to be out in the 98 degree Texas heat where at least I can move my fingers and other appendages. But then again that's just me...

[bigskyrocks]

i was just sitting here watching the b12 championship game and they just mentioned the montana win over sfu

[bshgriz]

i was just sitting here watching the b12 championship game and they just mentioned the montana win over sfuProbably because Brent is from Montana xthumbsupx

[Silenoz]

All I can say is that I feel bad for SFA, and their fans. They're a better team than that.

[Dallas Demon]

This is a terribly ignorant statement. What is the difference between playing in the elements that SFA is used to, (heat/humidity/etc) than playiing in the elements Montana is used to?? Both teams played in the same weather. That last time Montana played SFA in Texas, they won 49-42. Last time we played in Montana, it was 70-14. Today it's 51-0. Montana is 4-0 vs. SFA. Do not misunderstand this as a knock on SFA. They have a great program, great tradition, and a great team. Today wasn't their day, give the Griz credit where credit is due. You sound like you're from the East Coast bias crew...xoopsxxoopsxxoopsxxoopsx

How do you explain the SFA romp over Eastern Washington, where they were up 41-14 until a late comback? Believe me, the cold makes a huge difference. As NSUSON98 indicates, it is cold here now (for us, in the low 30s), and people aren't venturing outside. The altitude also should not be ignored, 3200 ft. above sea level is a signficant difference from ~300 ft. Again, I'm not saying SFA would have beaten Montana away from Missoula, but in general I believe this is the major reason Southland teams have problems traveling up to Montana.

[mlbowl]

I would MUCH prefer to be out in the 98 degree Texas heat where at least I can move my fingers and other appendages. But then again that's just me...

That IS just you;)

[McNeese75]

How do you explain the SFA romp over Eastern Washington, where they were up 41-14 until a late comback? Believe me, the cold makes a huge difference. As NSUSON98 indicates, it is cold here now (for us, in the low 30s), and people aren't venturing outside. The altitude also should not be ignored, 3200 ft. above sea level is a signficant difference from ~300 ft. Again, I'm not saying SFA would have beaten Montana away from Missoula, but in general I believe this is the major reason Southland teams have problems traveling up to Montana.

xrolleyesxThe way Moses was hitting maroon jerseys today it would not have mattered where they were playing.

[Dallas Demon]

xrolleyesxThe way Moses was hitting maroon jerseys today it would not have mattered where they were playing.

Okay, then maybe it was Red's, which by the way sounds awfully good to me right now. xnodx

[mlbowl]

Yeah there are 3 other CAA teams that are going to beat each other up before you have to face them. Once again Montana gets to face the weak teams from the West while the Eastern teams must fight thru much tougher competition.

Yup..you're right...Holy Crossxrolleyesx

[JMUNJ08]

Yup..you're right...Holy Crossxrolleyesx

At least they showed up for 60 minutes which your opponents haven't done combined in 2 games!xcoffeex

[putter]

At least they showed up for 60 minutes which your opponents haven't done combined in 2 games!xcoffeex

Until today, neither had the Griz

[fltheadgriz]

Wait a second....wasn't SFA touted as having one of the best offenses in all of the FCS. I thought all of the FCS included the CAA teams?
Help me out here if I am missing something
If it does not include the CAA then how in the world do we get the CAA to be included in these figures?
I do not remember any announcer stating that SFA has the most scoring of only teams west of the Mississippi but he said all of FCS

[JohnStOnge]

I do think the weather makes a difference. I think if you look at it historically there is a very dramatic difference between what happens when Montana or other teams from up there play teams from the Southland in warm conditions and what happens when they play in cold conditions. Of course they still do better in warm conditions than the Southland teams do when they play in the cold, but the difference is huge.

Having said that, if you're going to be in the playoffs you need to build your team to be able to play in cold conditions because the playoffs happen in late November through mid December. Even if you get home field you may get pretty cold conditions at that time of year.

[caribbeanhen]

No matter what anyone says, Montana is a championship team.

Nah, but dont worry, I am sure some more well versed
FCS footballxlolx fans will come to your aid

[mlbowl]

Nah, but dont worry, I am sure some more well versed
FCS footballxlolx fans will come to your aid


The CAA lovefest called...they miss you!

[GrizzlyBill]

How do you explain the SFA romp over Eastern Washington, where they were up 41-14 until a late comback? Believe me, the cold makes a huge difference. As NSUSON98 indicates, it is cold here now (for us, in the low 30s), and people aren't venturing outside. The altitude also should not be ignored, 3200 ft. above sea level is a signficant difference from ~300 ft. Again, I'm not saying SFA would have beaten Montana away from Missoula, but in general I believe this is the major reason Southland teams have problems traveling up to Montana.

So?? You probably think we all live in Montana just to get this advantage in December—and not for the elk hunting. I guess you would also be crying if the Saints were to have to go play a playoff game on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.

[SeattleGriz]

How do you explain the SFA romp over Eastern Washington, where they were up 41-14 until a late comback? Believe me, the cold makes a huge difference. As NSUSON98 indicates, it is cold here now (for us, in the low 30s), and people aren't venturing outside. The altitude also should not be ignored, 3200 ft. above sea level is a signficant difference from ~300 ft. Again, I'm not saying SFA would have beaten Montana away from Missoula, but in general I believe this is the major reason Southland teams have problems traveling up to Montana.

I don't know how altitude affected the players, but one aspect I can understand that might have affected them was their clothing.

The game announcer brought up the fact that some of the SFA guys were wearing long sleeve warmers, and it makes it much easier to strip a ball when it is not against skin, but against slippery fabric.

Now, with that being said, you would think someone on the coaching staff would have known that and spread the word.

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

I personally don't think altitude had anything to do with it, 3200 ft isn't very high. I don't seem to recall hearing any excuses from any team that has played at Utah or BYU and they are at about 4600ft. You start going to places like Laramie at about 7000ft(from memory) and it can start to effect the performace. Crappy athletes like me can ride bikes at 8000ft and do it for hours, I highly doubt these young kids that are great athletes would have a problem with 3200ft. If they did, they just needed to be in better shape to begin with.

[Dallas Demon]

So?? You probably think we all live in Montana just to get this advantage in December—and not for the elk hunting. I guess you would also be crying if the Saints were to have to go play a playoff game on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.

Guys, you're taking this the wrong way. Montana clearly was the better team yesterday. There is simply something that the Southland coaches are not preparing for when coming to Montana during the playoffs - their bad. Many of these kids have never traveled to the far north, much less have been exposed to weather conditions this frigid. It does make a difference, especially if you arrive a day or two before without any chance of getting fully acclimated. I'm not sure if it would be possible to travel earlier in the week for several days practice in the cold, but if they could get away with this I would try this in years to come. Or better yet, get a top 4 seed and not have to travel to Montana to play.

Regarding the NFL, these guys have been through this experience time and time again so the effect is much less a factor.

[Dallas Demon]

I don't know how altitude affected the players, but one aspect I can understand that might have affected them was their clothing.

The game announcer brought up the fact that some of the SFA guys were wearing long sleeve warmers, and it makes it much easier to strip a ball when it is not against skin, but against slippery fabric.

Now, with that being said, you would think someone on the coaching staff would have known that and spread the word.

Agreed, the coaching staffs should know how to deal with the conditions, crowd, etc. well in advance as it is highly likely that to advance in the playoffs you will have to win in Montana. If I were a Southland coach, I'd start preparing NOW for what it takes to win going up to Missoula.

[NSUDemon98]

That IS just you;)

Probably so. It's been in the 30s down here in Northeast Texas and my wife had to practically drag me outside this morning to put Christmas lights on the house. xrotatehx

[Silenoz]

Nah, but dont worry, I am sure some more well versed
FCS footballxlolx fans will come to your aid

xcoffeex

[McNeese75]

Okay, then maybe it was Red's, which by the way sounds awfully good to me right now. xnodx

Hey, I'm There, just say the word :D

[SFA 71]

That IS just you;)

I was going to comment on your idiotic statement but I read your byline:

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

Never mind.................................

[SFA 71]

I personally don't think altitude had anything to do with it, 3200 ft isn't very high. I don't seem to recall hearing any excuses from any team that has played at Utah or BYU and they are at about 4600ft. You start going to places like Laramie at about 7000ft(from memory) and it can start to effect the performace. Crappy athletes like me can ride bikes at 8000ft and do it for hours, I highly doubt these young kids that are great athletes would have a problem with 3200ft. If they did, they just needed to be in better shape to begin with.

Nacogdoches Texas is 302 feet above sea level. So yeah, 3200 feet is like playing in the back yard?! You have got to be kidding. The temperature in Nacogdoches (right now) at 11 pm is 49 degrees in Missoula it's 2 degrees. We lost. But don't say the weather & temperature didn't make a difference. As I said before the game any time a team from the south has to play in the north in the dead of winter the game is going to be tainted. You might be good but you're not 51 points better. Like it or not that's the way it is.

[SFA 71]

I don't know how altitude affected the players, but one aspect I can understand that might have affected them was their clothing.

The game announcer brought up the fact that some of the SFA guys were wearing long sleeve warmers, and it makes it much easier to strip a ball when it is not against skin, but against slippery fabric.

Now, with that being said, you would think someone on the coaching staff would have known that and spread the word.

Why in the world would a Texas coach know something like that. You think they vacation up there in the middle of the winter. I'm over 60 & have watched football since I was 6 years old & I've NEVER heard this. I sat in the stands at the coldest game I went to last year, a state championship game ... about 29 degrees ... & saw no difference in the uniforms they wore in August until that game. A few long sleeved undershirts but nothing else. How the hell would we know about something like this that you obviously deal with on a regular basis? Give me a break.

[gbhmt]

Why in the world would a Texas coach know something like that. You think they vacation up there in the middle of the winter. I'm over 60 & have watched football since I was 6 years old & I've NEVER heard this. I sat in the stands at the coldest game I went to last year, a state championship game ... about 29 degrees ... & saw no difference in the uniforms they wore in August until that game. A few long sleeved undershirts but nothing else. How the hell would we know about something like this that you obviously deal with on a regular basis? Give me a break.

We don't deal with it on a regular basis. We just don't wear sleeves. PERIOD. No dealing necessary.

[Shellin]

Nacogdoches Texas is 302 feet above sea level. So yeah, 3200 feet is like playing in the back yard?! You have got to be kidding. The temperature in Nacogdoches (right now) at 11 pm is 49 degrees in Missoula it's 2 degrees. We lost. But don't say the weather & temperature didn't make a difference. As I said before the game any time a team from the south has to play in the north in the dead of winter the game is going to be tainted. You might be good but you're not 51 points better. Like it or not that's the way it is.

Here's the deal...part of Montana's home field advantage comes from the fact that our home field is in...MONTANA! The game wasn't "tainted" at all by weather or elevation. We got the seed in the playoffs and therefore got to play at home, with all the advantages that come from that. On Saturday, December 5, 2009 in Missoula the Griz were 51 points better than SFA and that is the only day and location that matters. Like it or not, that's the way it is.

[Torgo]

If being all of 3200 feet above sea level was such an advantage Wyoming would never lose a home game.

[09griz]

If being all of 3200 feet above sea level was such an advantage Wyoming would never lose a home game.

Neither would Northern Colorado. GREELY: 4, 658 ft....!!!

[Ronbo]

Nacogdoches Texas is 302 feet above sea level. So yeah, 3200 feet is like playing in the back yard?! You have got to be kidding. The temperature in Nacogdoches (right now) at 11 pm is 49 degrees in Missoula it's 2 degrees. We lost. But don't say the weather & temperature didn't make a difference. As I said before the game any time a team from the south has to play in the north in the dead of winter the game is going to be tainted. You might be good but you're not 51 points better. Like it or not that's the way it is.

I agree the cold does make a difference. At 40 degrees the SFA boys would not have had numb fingers and might not have given up so many turnovers.

[SFA 71]

I agree the cold does make a difference. At 40 degrees the SFA boys would not have had numb fingers and might not have given up so many turnovers.

Your grizzaholic friends will hate you for saying that, but it's true. You have one person from South Texas.who respects you for saying it. I don't know how many visitors from the north & west I have had to revive & loan a towel to when they come to visit me on a cool (to us) summer day in Texas. We lost & we lost big. It doesn't diminish the fact that you won, but the location can be a factor. I would hazard a guess that most of the teams you place are in places very similar to Montana.:(

[SFA 71]

Here's the deal...part of Montana's home field advantage comes from the fact that our home field is in...MONTANA! The game wasn't "tainted" at all by weather or elevation. We got the seed in the playoffs and therefore got to play at home, with all the advantages that come from that. On Saturday, December 5, 2009 in Missoula the Griz were 51 points better than SFA and that is the only day and location that matters. Like it or not, that's the way it is.

Uh.... isn't that what I have been saying?xconfusedx

[SFA 71]

From the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel - Kevin Gore

http://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/12/06/sfa_follow.html


A final note on the Montana game.

Montana's football program and the people of Missoula, Mont., should be proud of the way they welcome visitors to their region of the country.

Everywhere I went, the talk was about Montana's big football game with SFA — that team from Texas. People patted us on the back, encouraged the team and made it a point to make sure the stay in the "Treasure State" was enjoyable.

While the game could have gone better for SFA, the trip to the mountains of Montana was otherwise perfect.

The people in Montana make sure their visitors are treated like kings.

It's a shame about half the posters on here aren't like their countrymen.

[FCS Go!]

From the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel - Kevin Gore

http://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/12/06/sfa_follow.html


A final note on the Montana game.

Montana's football program and the people of Missoula, Mont., should be proud of the way they welcome visitors to their region of the country.

Everywhere I went, the talk was about Montana's big football game with SFA — that team from Texas. People patted us on the back, encouraged the team and made it a point to make sure the stay in the "Treasure State" was enjoyable.

While the game could have gone better for SFA, the trip to the mountains of Montana was otherwise perfect.

The people in Montana make sure their visitors are treated like kings.

It's a shame about half the posters on here aren't like their countrymen.

Calling you out for not wanting to play football outdoors is not being rude. Most of us are genuinely puzzled that you seem to be arguing that playing outside is unfair and that playing outside doesn't give a true measure of a team's capabilities. I'd suggest that you give up trying to argue that football should be an indoor-only, controlled temperature activity.

[SFA 71]

Calling you out for not wanting to play football outdoors is not being rude. Most of us are genuinely puzzled that you seem to be arguing that playing outside is unfair and that playing outside doesn't give a true measure of a team's capabilities. I'd suggest that you give up trying to argue that football should be an indoor-only, controlled temperature activity.

If we had played in Texas, in our environment, and we had won, you would be complaining the same as me so don't be so sanctimonious. I'm not saying that playing outside is unfair, I'm saying that playing outside on a field that is about 30 degrees colder than our coldest game of the year is not playing on a level field. If you don't believe the weather had something to do with our 10 turnovers, then I'm through wasting my time.


As Mark Twain said:
All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then Success is sure.

You've got both so you'll probably win the national championship.

I'm not going to tell you what I was going to suggest for you to do because my mama raised me better.

With that, let that end my comments on this particular thread. xthumbsupx

[bpcats]

Taking the cold out of it which I know played a big part in a lot of the turnovers there were still 4 turnovers that happened because of the Griz making a play.

The two interceptions by the defensive tackles was just great game planning by the coaches that the quarterback never saw coming or if he did he made bad decisions. The other two that I can remember was the result of good hitting and would have happened either way.

SFA has a good group of dlineman that are very athletic, but either their second unit isn't very strong or the coaches did not do much rotating when they needed to. UM's strength is their downhill power running and if you can't stop that your not going to win. SFA dline started caving in the second quarter and allowing big runs.

The game plan for playing Mariani by playing 10-15 yds off of him was a big mistake. Marc will make his plays but you have to have tighter coverage than what SFA was able to generate.

Missed opportunities - if you get into scoring position you better capitalize because the Griz will always win if you don't. Biggest key to Griz success is that the other team makes a mistake the Griz rarely do.

If your team can't play in the cold it is going to be very hard to win a national championship, better win home field for the entire playoffs and develop some mental toughness.

[putter]

If we had played in Texas, in our environment, and we had won, you would be complaining the same as me so don't be so sanctimonious. I'm not saying that playing outside is unfair, I'm saying that playing outside on a field that is about 30 degrees colder than our coldest game of the year is not playing on a level field. If you don't believe the weather had something to do with our 10 turnovers, then I'm through wasting my time.


As Mark Twain said:
All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then Success is sure.

You've got both so you'll probably win the national championship.

I'm not going to tell you what I was going to suggest for you to do because my mama raised me better.

With that, let that end my comments on this particular thread. xthumbsupx


The Griz played at SHS in 2004 and got beat 41-29. Was the weather a factor for the players...yes. Did it cause turnovers, missed takles, etc. no. Montana players were throwing up on the field due to the heat and humidity but it didn't effect execution. Montana had a great gameplan on D for the SFA offense but your D couldn't come close to stopping the Montana offense

[Dallas Demon]

Taking the cold out of it which I know played a big part in a lot of the turnovers there were still 4 turnovers that happened because of the Griz making a play.

The two interceptions by the defensive tackles was just great game planning by the coaches that the quarterback never saw coming or if he did he made bad decisions. The other two that I can remember was the result of good hitting and would have happened either way.

SFA has a good group of dlineman that are very athletic, but either their second unit isn't very strong or the coaches did not do much rotating when they needed to. UM's strength is their downhill power running and if you can't stop that your not going to win. SFA dline started caving in the second quarter and allowing big runs.

The game plan for playing Mariani by playing 10-15 yds off of him was a big mistake. Marc will make his plays but you have to have tighter coverage than what SFA was able to generate.

Missed opportunities - if you get into scoring position you better capitalize because the Griz will always win if you don't. Biggest key to Griz success is that the other team makes a mistake the Griz rarely do.

If your team can't play in the cold it is going to be very hard to win a national championship, better win home field for the entire playoffs and develop some mental toughness.

I can agree with this. With the DT dropping back intercepting the ball was absolutely brilliant coaching, I can't say I've seen that sort of move done before. I know some of the turnovers were because of the cold, but some were because of defensive schemes and being better prepared for last Saturday. You are absolutely correct with your last sentence, that is the bottom line.

[McNeese75]

If we had played in Texas, in our environment, and we had won, you would be complaining the same as me so don't be so sanctimonious. I'm not saying that playing outside is unfair, I'm saying that playing outside on a field that is about 30 degrees colder than our coldest game of the year is not playing on a level field. If you don't believe the weather had something to do with our 10 turnovers, then I'm through wasting my time.


As Mark Twain said:
All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then Success is sure.

You've got both so you'll probably win the national championship.

I'm not going to tell you what I was going to suggest for you to do because my mama raised me better.

With that, let that end my comments on this particular thread. xthumbsupx


I see you at it again and definitely out of your element :o:o:o:o:o:o:o:o xlolx

[WyomingGrizFan]

One thing about the playing surface. It's State-of-the-Art and doesn't freeze most times, not like natural turf doing so at this time of year. If left unattented, perhaps, if the game is in January a little shovelling would be necessary, I guess. It's a spongy type that gives under pressure; subsequently, knock on wood, fewer injuries. I've been on it, it's like shredded rubber tires or something that has a width smaller than regular grass; definitely not 'Astro Turf,' which is terrible to play on. It's not a rug thrown on cement either. I believe there's a layer of compressed sand under it. If and when it snows the pellets engrained in the Sprinturf, not too certain if it's calcium chloride or not since they're black and not white like the salt some cities and states put on their roads, since there isn't any residue to speak of, melts the snow and ice upon contact; at least it seems like it does once it's completely cleared. I didn't see any snow falling during the game and the playing surface looked perfect as far as I could tell. It's the same surface and from the same company, as far as I know, as what they have at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, if not mistaken.
Hence, the playing surface shouldn't of been a problem. The cold, perhaps. But what wind there may have been the playing surface is beneath the surrounding ground level, almost forty to fifty feet I'm guessing, at last recollection, that, plus the stands about it usually helps to keep the wind at a minimum. But those Hellgate winds can get pretty fierce at times. For what it's worth, it's about a million and a half dollar premium playing surface that stands up to the weather quite well. I'd say it's perfect for this time of year. The cold affects both teams. I've been in the northwest the majority of my life and I still can't get used to it. That might have been it. I've been through Texas for Tech School training myself in March and April; best tan I've ever had, even for that time of year. The heat can be a factor as well, but I don't mind if they're scheduled at night.

[Native]

If we had played in Texas, in our environment, and we had won, you would be complaining the same as me so don't be so sanctimonious. I'm not saying that playing outside is unfair, I'm saying that playing outside on a field that is about 30 degrees colder than our coldest game of the year is not playing on a level field. If you don't believe the weather had something to do with our 10 turnovers, then I'm through wasting my time.


As Mark Twain said:
All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then Success is sure.

You've got both so you'll probably win the national championship.

I'm not going to tell you what I was going to suggest for you to do because my mama raised me better.

With that, let that end my comments on this particular thread. xthumbsupx


What a laugher! xrolleyesx Eastern Washington did not whine about playing down south the weekend before last and the Griz did not whine about playing on the road last year.

Montana plays well at home and they play well on the road. If one of their own whines, the bear clan get to 'em before anyone else!

Is there anyone from SFA who can cowboy up on behalf of the poor hapless Lumberjacks?!???