2009 National Championship Game Thread

[TheValleyRaider]

We are less than an hour away from...

The 2009 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game

from Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, TN

#1-Montana Grizzlies, 14-0
vs
#2-Villanova Wildcats, 13-1

Last Time Out
Montana - W 24-17 vs Appalachian State
Villanova - W 14-13 vs William & Mary

All-Time Series: 1st Meeting

Coaches
Montana - Bobby Hauck, 7th Season, 80-16
Villanova - Andy Talley, 25th Season, 178-111-1

TV: ESPN2

Good Luck to both teams! xnodx xthumbsupx xnodx xthumbsupx

[Grizaholic17]

Marching Band is probably doing the pre-game as we speak :)

[TheValleyRaider]

Starting Lineups

Montana Grizzlies
Offense
QB Andrew Selle
RB Chase Reynolds
WR Sam Gratton
WR Marc Mariani
WR Tyler Palmer
LT Levi Horn
LG Jon Opperud
C Alex Verlanic
RG Terran Hillesland
RT Chris Dyk

Defense
DE Jace Palmer
DT Tyler Hobbs
DT Austin Mullins
DE Severin Campbell
SLB Brandon Fisher
MLB Shawn Lebsock
WLB Alex Shaw
CB Keith Thompson
CB Trumaine Johnson
FS Shann Schillinger
SS Erik Stoll

Villanova Wildcats
Offense
QB Chris Whitney
RB Aaron Ball
WR Matt Szczur
WR Brandyn Harvey
WR Norman White
TE Chris Farmer
LT Ben Ijalana
LG Brant Clouser
C Brian Brannigan
RG Dan Shirey
RT Jonathan Bugli

Defense
DE Tim Kukuka
NT Phil Matusz
DE Marlon Johnson
LB Osayi Osunde
LB Marquis Kirkland
LB Terence Thomas
CB James Pitts
CB Eric Loper
FS Ross Ventrone
WS Fred Maldonado
SS John Dempsey

[dwtime]

Should be a great game to showcase FCS. Go Nova!

[Grizaholic17]

ESPN2 College Football live dude picked Villanova because they've been more battle tested...I hope he's wrong!!!

[dwtime]

I'm interested to see how the Griz perform outside of Missoula this year, I must admit the home field advantage they have in the playoffs over the years makes me $#%$^& but I feel that way about other teams that have really strong fanbases. OK its jealously, UNH will never have that kind of fanbase. Still those conditions up there, they always have the advantage before the coin is flipped.

[BEAR]

I'm interested to see how the Griz perform outside of Missoula this year, I must admit the home field advantage they have in the playoffs over the years makes me $#%$^& but I feel that way about other teams that have really strong fanbases. OK its jealously, UNH will never have that kind of fanbase. Still those conditions up there, they always have the advantage before the coin is flipped.

Heck, half of the FBS teams don't have that kind of fanbase or homefield advantage..xlolx

[GSU Eagle]

Not a huge crowd tonight.

[Go...gate]

This game will be good, and it certainly brings back good memories, even though Colgate lost badly to a better team in its 2003 appearance.

[GSU Eagle]

Villanova needs to settle down.

[AppIAA]

Is it loud and cold there? xpeacex

[Torgo]

Wow. Brilliant play.

[GSU Eagle]

Montana gets a stop on the first drive.

I have great memories of my GSU Eagles being there regularly there 9-13 years ago.

[dwtime]

Wow. Brilliant play.

What time is it in Denmark? 4 AM?

[I Bleed Purple]

Poor tackling there.

[GSU Eagle]

Montana moving it well vs. Nova's defense right now.

[dwtime]

Montana got away with a push on that Villanova lineman

[GSU Eagle]

Montana throwing it on every play.

[paward]

That throwback to the QB looks familiar.

[AppIAA]

Montana got away with a push on that Villanova lineman

Is this flag football? since when can you not push a lineman?

[GSU Eagle]

Villanova got a huge break there.

[dwtime]

Yeah no points

[paward]

What in the bejesus was that?

[GSU Eagle]

The holder screwed up that field goal attempt. Montana drives all the way down teh field and gets nothing.

[dwtime]

Is this flag football? since when can you not push a lineman?

push in the back from behind? xrulesx Not in any football league I know.....

[AppIAA]

The holder screwed up that field goal attempt. Montana drives all the way down teh field and gets nothing.

Sounds like exactly what happened to the team they played last week...

[Saint3333]

Sambarno thanks for the drop after the amazing catch vs. App last week, oh this is painful.

[Henny]

The Griz did everything but score on that drive. Dont give 'Nove that opportunity

[ur2k]

Is it me or does Montana's pants not match the rest of the uni - they just look weird.

[Zangzigger]

Was there a spread in Vegas or on a web site for this game?

[Torgo]

What time is it in Denmark? 4 AM?

2:18 now.


This is killing me. xcoffeex

[GSU Eagle]

Szczur is the biggest thread Nova has.

[hoseman]

Montana OL isn't getting a big push like last week. This is going to be a great game

[TheValleyRaider]

Announcers are pretty excitable

[Skjellyfetti]

Montana OL isn't getting a big push like last week. This is going to be a great game

Montana only tried to run it once on that drive though.

[GSU Eagle]

Big run right there.

[Torgo]

Is it me or does Montana's pants not match the rest of the uni - they just look weird.

They don't. Its a weird combo, the maroon pants are usually worn on the road...and are much nicer looking.


This is the second week in a row the lesser used combo has been used (last week all-maroon instead of maroon & silver).

[Henny]

As I said They are dangerous!

[dwtime]

2:18 now.


This is killing me. xcoffeex

Keep drinking that coffee

[GSU Eagle]

I thnk we will have a game that goes to the last 5 minutes.

[dwtime]

Good coverage by the Grizz there, lets see if Nova can hit a FG

[Henny]

easy FG

[GSU Eagle]

Important for Montana to respond here.

[GSU Eagle]

Montana's plan seems to be to move it with short passes.

[dwtime]

Nice run

[dwtime]

nice pass TD

[AppIAA]

Wow, horrible decision to pass that there.. looked like he was covered like glue, but it some how got through

[Torgo]

WHOOOOO!

[paward]

Soft coverage in the secondary.

[Stubbins]

nova's d is awesome

[DX Man]

Important for Montana to respond here.



and they didxthumbsupx

[Henny]

Shocking by 'Nova

[GSU Eagle]

Nothing for Nova on that series. Punting back to Montana.

[dwtime]

that was a dying duck pass there....

[paward]

Whitney needs to settle down a bit. He is a player but a rough start here.

[Stubbins]

moving the ball well, we need another td here!! damn missed field goal!!

[GSU Eagle]

Nova needs to get a stop here.

Not really pulling for either team tonight-- just want a good game.

[TheValleyRaider]

Montana 7
Villanova 3
End 1st

[Torgo]

I'm rather shocked at how much Montana is throwing early, but its working so far.

[Baller1]

Checkin in.... just got out of a MASSIVE traffic jam on the 101 in Phoenix...... Griz up!! looking good.... lets go boys... more points!!!

[yosef1969]

End of 1st Montana looks to be the better team at this point, said the same thing about W&M last week though. Still a lot of game left.

Weather looks to be miserable. FWIW weather in Frisco, TX tonight is considerably better: 48 degrees and fair.

[yosef1969]

Nova gets it's first stop of the game.

[Baller1]

WOW big play for Novas Dline.... lets go Griz Defense.... make a play!!!

[GSU Eagle]

Pitiful punt by Montana

[yosef1969]

big play through the air for Nova. How did he get that open?

[Baller1]

that was ugly.... seemed like that ball was up there for an hour

[GSU Eagle]

The rain is just pouring down. Just talked to someone at the game and he told me it was miserable there tonight.

[yosef1969]

INT Montana!

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

Thats right. Four more picks tonight!!!!

[Baller1]

LOL Lebsock wanted to run so bad..... heady play to take a knee!!!! way to make a play!!

[Torgo]

What in the Sam Hill was that pass?

[Tribe07]

That was awful Whitney. WTF was that? Why didn't you float one like that last week?

[Baller1]

Nova is good... no disrespect here.... but there quarterback is AWFUL..... maybe he will subtle down... but so far its not lookin good for him..... Griz need to answer with points on this drive

[GSU Eagle]

Big mistake there by Nova. Both teams making mistakes. I look for more fumbles and interceptions as the rain gets worse.

[GRIZCLAW]

The Griz need to take advantage of the turnover and put BIG points on the board. Then the D has gotta spy on Ceaser...

[Bogus Megapardus]

Long night for Whitney.

[yosef1969]

What in the Sam Hill was that pass?

Think he wanted to go with the underneath route and just over threw it.

[Tribe07]

Montana is gonna run away with this one.

[Torgo]

Think he wanted to go with the underneath route and just over threw it.

Slipped out of his hand in the rain. That's rough.

[Baller1]

NOVAS D is scary fast

[dwtime]

Big play Grizz

[yosef1969]

Big play Mariani

[Baller1]

NOVAS D is scary fast

and so is MM80 WOW!!

[GRIZCLAW]

Mariana is MONEY...down to the 15. Yards after catch...

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

Man that slow non athletic Montana kids is making those guys look bad

[GSU Eagle]

Another big pass play for Montana

[Skjellyfetti]

It looks like Chase Reynolds is covered in mud... how is that possible?

[I Bleed Purple]

Nova's D may be fast, but they're not tackling well.

[GSU Eagle]

Message for Nova-- Someone better cover Mariania better

[Torgo]

Marc Mariani is some sort of god. At least some sort of berserker.

[KiddBrewer]

welp, this one looks about like i thought it would.....xcoffeex......dangit, i knew last week was the national championship gamexnonono2xxnonono2x

[UNHWildCats]

wats the score?

[GSU Eagle]

Montana is having no problem moving the ball.

[Tribe07]

About to be 14-3 Montana.

[rcny46]

The Villanova defense just looks bad.Don't quite understand it.Hopefully that O line of UM won't wear them down.BTW is there a bigger O line anywhere in division 1?

[Stubbins]

this may be an old fashioned ass whooping...might be the worst team on our schedule.

[yosef1969]

It looks like Chase Reynolds is covered in mud... how is that possible?

Suppose it's possible if you actually tackle him a couple of times.

[GRIZCLAW]

For all those SELLE doubters, he's looking GOOD tonight. Mariani and Reynolds unbelieveable. So far so good, down to the 2..

[GSU Eagle]

If Nova can hold Montana to a FG here it would be big.

[KiddBrewer]

this may be an old fashioned ass whooping...might be the worst team on our schedule.

haha doubt that VERY seriouslyxlolx

[Tribe07]

Nova didn't come to play tonight. Why couldn't that happen last week?

[GSU Eagle]

TD Montana. 14-3 right now.

Nova better get the ball, go down and score or this one might get out of hand.

[Skjellyfetti]

welp, this one looks about like i thought it would.....xcoffeex......dangit, i knew last week was the national championship gamexnonono2xxnonono2x

Too early. Seems like the team losing at halftime has been winning the big playoff games this year.

Nova over William and Mary (down 10-0 at halftime)
App over Richmond (down 14-7 at halftime)
Montana over App (down 10-7 at halftime)

[Tribe07]

14-3 Montana

[TokyoGriz]

YA TD!!

Selle passing game on today . nova in trouble!xnodx

[GRIZCLAW]

Zambrono makes it 14-3. Go Griz...KEEP IT GOING...Another great SELLZE pass.

[KiddBrewer]

Nova didn't come to play tonight. Why couldn't that happen last week?

my thoughts: "why couldn't we have beaten montana and played this team tonightxmadx"

[Baller1]

There might be another Mariani wearing #16..... true sophmore making HUGE plays!! great catch JABIN!!! those points were huge coming off that turnover.... now lets bear down and stop the run!

[KiddBrewer]

Too early. Seems like the team losing at halftime has been winning the big playoff games this year.

Nova over William and Mary (down 10-0 at halftime)
App over Richmond (down 14-7 at halftime)
Montana over App (down 10-7 at halftime)

dont see it happeninxcoffeex

[Stubbins]

Nova didn't come to play tonight. Why couldn't that happen last week?


has nothing to do with the competition?

[yosef1969]

Nova needs to get Szczur more involved...

[Philliesfan980]

Nova's overall poor secondary and lack of passing game is really hurting them tonight. Their running game/special teams has been so good during the season that they've been able to overcome the weakness in that area.

Got to hand it to the Grizz though, they're the best team this year, no doubt about it. I just hope Nova can keep it respectable.

If things get too out of hand, they might want to bring in Young. He's a much better pocket passer than Whitney is.

[GRIZCLAW]

xthumbsupx
Nova didn't come to play tonight. Why couldn't that happen last week?

Or, just maybe, the GRIZ are better than you give them credit for? I'm just saying...Every team the Griz beat don't bring their game, the Griz just get lucky, it's never that THEY (Griz) are good...

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

This is the pro bowl the super bowl was last week in Missoula :)

[yosef1969]

has nothing to do with the competition?

Was thinking the same thing.

[TokyoGriz]

has nothing to do with the competition?

Nova is CAA the competition is irrelavant. If they lose its only cause they didnt bother to play well enough.

Szcar is a heck of a player though for sure. Hes a stud.

[KiddBrewer]

Nova needs to get Szczur more involved...

Nova needs to ask God to get more involved in order to win this one i think. The griz are dominating

[KiddBrewer]

xthumbsupx

Or, just maybe, the GRIZ are better than you give them credit for? I'm just saying...Every team the Griz beat don't bring their game, the Griz just get lucky, it's never that THEY (Griz) are good...

as a matter of fact, irrelevant as it may be, when you drop as many balls as app did last week, then you have, by definition, not completely brought your game. thats not saying montana wasnt the better team tho. they might have been. id say about even. I SOOOOO WISH THE GRIZ AND MOUNTAINEERS WERE PLAYING TONIGHT!xbawlingx

[GSU Eagle]

Option football. I remember a day long ago in Chattanooga when Montana really struggled to stop the option and a man named Peterson.

[yosef1969]

xthumbsupx

Or, just maybe, the GRIZ are better than you give them credit for? I'm just saying...Every team the Griz beat don't bring their game, the Griz just get lucky, it's never that THEY (Griz) are good...

I'm a Griz believer, but I was before last week too. Griz were better than ASU this year by just enough but better none the less.

[Baller1]

good to see the DLine get a good push.... that subtle ball fake by the QB on that option was sick.... made TJ look silly

[KiddBrewer]

Option football. I remember a day long ago in Chattanooga when Montana really struggled to stop the option and a man named Peterson.

man you got a good memory to remember something so long ago

I KID, I KIDxlolxxthumbsupx

[Baller1]

how do u let him get that open??? C'mon Stoll!!!

[paward]

Nice catch

[Henny]

Does everyone understand now

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

he keeps hangin those up there will be more than one pick tonight

[GSU Eagle]

Maybe we are back on the right track to get back to Chattanooga.

Back to the game-- Nova needed that TD in a big way.

[Tribe07]

I think W&M's defense matches up better against Montana than 'Nova. Their secondary is weak and we've been watching Montana exploit that big time.

[dwtime]

TD Nova.......don't count your chickens Grizz fans

[KiddBrewer]

can the defense stop them? is there life?

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

now he is limping so that leaves the door open for the excuses after the game.

[Baller1]

BIG answer for Nova right there..... lets go get some points before half Griz!!

[KiddBrewer]

nevermind, i refuse to believe they can win this, after that

[yosef1969]

Note to 'Nova AD: If Talley gets an FBS job offer, I'm available.

[Tribe07]

Come on really? Miss the PAT? Just deflating.

[TokyoGriz]

Szcar in the wildcat could see the run coming mile away.

Go griz lets get some more points!

Extra point no Good! xthumbsupx

[Torgo]

Well, at least someone from Villanova showed up. Sczcur is a hell of a player.

[DX Man]

Man did they ever need that TD!

That missed PAT just killed that momentum!

[UMass922]

Huge response by Villanova. Now they need to play some D.

[Tribe07]

he keeps hangin those up there will be more than one pick tonight

No, if Montana wins this game they are the best team in the country hands down. No excuses. But I hope 'Nova picks it up and plays their best and gives them a run.

[Tribe07]

Sorry quoted the wrong post. But I was responding to your limping excuses post Griz

[Dblue]

this may be an old fashioned ass whooping...might be the worst team on our schedule.

I don't think so, lotta game left. The Griz D does look good in the red zone though. We'll see what happens in the second half.

[KiddBrewer]

No, if Montana wins this game they are the best team in the country hands down. No excuses. But I hope 'Nova picks it up and plays their best and gives them a run.

if nova wins, are they the best team in the country? i mean......that is the playoff systems argument, right? to find the true best team......food for thought.

personally, i dont see nova as the best team in the united states at our level, regardless of whether they win or not.

[GRIZCLAW]

as a matter of fact, irrelevant as it may be, when you drop as many balls as app did last week, then you have, by definition, not completely brought your game. thats not saying montana wasnt the better team tho. they might have been. id say about even. I SOOOOO WISH THE GRIZ AND MOUNTAINEERS WERE PLAYING TONIGHT!xbawlingx

Hey, props to App State, take nothing away from them. Like has been said, last week may have been our Championship. Montana fans LOVE App State, so don't take offense. We may not have been the best team, but we are in the NC game...and doing OK so far... The Griz are doing something right. Would you agree with that?xthumbsupx

[Philliesfan980]

I'm honestly confused. I mean, the zone defense isn't working for Nova. What do they have to lose by playing tight bump and run. Anything?

[TokyoGriz]

Mariani! xnodx

Keep rolling Selle!

[Tribe07]

Note to 'Nova secondary. COVER MARIANI. Geez.

[yosef1969]

ASU is going to miss Gilbert. It's obvious to me now that it was quite a feat to contain Mariani

[GSU Eagle]

Montana moving the ball again.

[GRIZCLAW]

#80 is #1.

[KiddBrewer]

Hey, props to App State, take nothing away from them. Like has been said, last week may have been our Championship. Montana fans LOVE App State, so don't take offense. We may not have been the best team, but we are in the NC game...and doing OK so far... The Griz are doing something right. Would you agree with that?xthumbsupx

well SH** yea id agree with that. im a closet griz fan, if you cant tell by my posts in this threadxthumbsupx i think our two teams are about the same talent wise, so i pull for the Griz every time!

[GSU Eagle]

This is a good competitive game-- that is all I asked for.

[Tribe07]

if nova wins, are they the best team in the country? i mean......that is the playoff systems argument, right? to find the true best team......food for thought.

personally, i dont see nova as the best team in the united states at our level, regardless of whether they win or not.

Haha yeah I agree. I actually don't think 'Nova is better than W&M this year, but I'm a little biased. xnodx

And don't undersell Villanova. They aren't playing their best, to be honest. They came out flat against W&M and recovered all too nicely in the second half. I expect a close game.

[dwtime]

Nice stop for Nova there

[Dblue]

......food for thought....

personally, i dont see nova as the best team in the united states at our level, regardless of whether they win or not.

Sounds like sour grapes to me xnonono2x

[KiddBrewer]

well well well.....it's villanova.....

[Philliesfan980]

if nova wins, are they the best team in the country? i mean......that is the playoff systems argument, right? to find the true best team......food for thought.

personally, i dont see nova as the best team in the united states at our level, regardless of whether they win or not.

I see your point, but unless every team plays each other during the season, we'll just never know. At some point, you have to win the games you're scheduled and move on.

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

NICE

[GSU Eagle]

Montana's punter takes forever to punt the ball-- don't be surprised to see a block before this one is over.

[Tribe07]

I see your point, but unless every team plays each other during the season, we'll just never know. At some point, you have to win the games you're scheduled and move on.

Agreed. First time we've agreed on anything.

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

Montana doesn't really start playing until the second half all year

[KiddBrewer]

Sounds like sour grapes to me xnonono2x

it would only be "sour grapes" if we had played and lost to villanova at some point, no? i am truly not a unreasonable fan. ill admit when a team is better than the one im pulling for. i simply, truly believe that there are better teams in the nation, ...better teams in the conference possibly that nova when you look at the whole body of work throughout the year

[Philliesfan980]

Agreed. First time we've agreed on anything.

Eh, I was a little fired up last week, really out of character. Good to see you in the thread supporting the CAA!

[Philliesfan980]

All in all, not a bad score from a Nova perspective in a pretty one sided game so far. That interception by Whitney looks like it might come back to really haunt them.

[KiddBrewer]

I see your point, but unless every team plays each other during the season, we'll just never know. At some point, you have to win the games you're scheduled and move on.

i know, it cant be round-robin. shame huh....its definately the closest method to accuracy, no doubt

[TheValleyRaider]

Montana 14
Villanova 9
Halftime

[yosef1969]

why not make him kick it and give Mariani a chance?

[dwtime]

The Grizz dominated that 1st half but its only a 5 point lead and really should be only a 1 point lead. Pretty close for one team looking so dominant. If there are any turnovers in the 2nd half it could swing the game big time either way.

[RationalGriz]

Nova got the first, no chance to force the punt

[KiddBrewer]

All in all, not a bad score from a Nova perspective in a pretty one sided game so far. That interception by Whitney looks like it might come back to really haunt them.

id say that missed PAT might have a haunting effect

[Torgo]

Hard to imagine with how much it looks like Montana has outplayed Nova that this is an interception (and extra point conversion) away from being a Nova lead.

Nova has to feel good about that.


On the flip side, Montana usually doesn't start playing until the third quarter and we get the ball to start the half, which is good.

This one is going down to the wire.

[GSU Eagle]

I thought Montana outplayed Nova in the first half, but Nova is only behind by 5.

It still is anybody's game in the 2nd half.

The weather reminds me of 2000 when we (GSU) played Montana for the championship. It was pouring rain and cold that day also.

[Philliesfan980]

i know, it cant be round-robin. shame huh....its definately the closest method to accuracy, no doubt

I'm with you though, I think App State might be better than Nova this year. If they were to play head to head, I think they could beat Nova 7 out of 10 times.

The one thing that Nova has going for them is they are a very resilient team, and sometimes that's hard to measure. They aren't the most talented, but they're battle tested and know how to close out games. They are a lot like the Steelers of the last 7-8 years - they don't make it look pretty, but they find a way to get it done. And I can really understand why people who don't watch Nova that often can't understand why they have the record they do.

[yosef1969]

Nova got the first, no chance to force the punt

Thanks my bad, got up to grab a beer and missed that. need to pay more attention.

[TokyoGriz]

I predict Nova will make some changes to cover the pass bit more. Selle is on today. Reynolds will start getting more runs, Big Montana Oline wears down nova by late 3rd quarter.

[Baller1]

I thought Montana outplayed Nova in the first half, but Nova is only behind by 5.

It still is anybody's game in the 2nd half.

The weather reminds me of 2000 when we (GSU) played Montana for the championship. It was pouring rain and cold that day also.

was just thinkin that same thing.... fortunately Adrian isn't on the field todayxwhistlex

[KiddBrewer]

I'm with you though, I think App State might be better than Nova this year. If they were to play head to head, I think they could beat Nova 7 out of 10 times.

The one thing that Nova has going for them is they are a very resilient team, and sometimes that's hard to measure. They aren't the most talented, but they're battle tested and know how to close out games. They are a lot like the Steelers of the last 7-8 years - they don't make it look pretty, but they find a way to get it done. And I can really understand why people who don't watch Nova that often can't understand why they have the record they do.

hey hey hey, dont put words in my mouth nowxrolleyesx, i never said appalachian state was better than 'nova. i said there were teams i thought were probably better than 'nova.

if they win the game, they are national champions. that matters more than being the best team.

[Philliesfan980]

I predict Nova will make some changes to cover the pass bit more. Selle is on today. Reynolds will start getting more runs, Big Montana Oline wears down nova by late 3rd quarter.

I generally agree with you that Nova has got to find a way to slow down the passing game, which will lead to more runs by Reynolds.

As far as wearing them down, I wouldn't be so sure about that. When they played Temple in week one, there was a big size disparity, and it didn't have a big effect in the game. It seems like so far they're doing a good job of containing the run, but I agree, let's see how things look in the 4th.

[GSU Eagle]

Who gets the 2nd half kick?

[KiddBrewer]

Who gets the 2nd half kick?

griz

[Vidav]

Griz are moving the ball well but need to start finishing drives. Punts and FG attempts are not what we need. This game is going to stay close unless MT starts scoring touchdowns more.

[GSU Eagle]

I will predict a Montana win at this point. I'll say 28 to 23.

[Henny]

Basically Nova has Montana in their wheelhouse

[ur2k]

I'm with you though, I think App State might be better than Nova this year. If they were to play head to head, I think they could beat Nova 7 out of 10 times.

The one thing that Nova has going for them is they are a very resilient team, and sometimes that's hard to measure. They aren't the most talented, but they're battle tested and know how to close out games. They are a lot like the Steelers of the last 7-8 years - they don't make it look pretty, but they find a way to get it done. And I can really understand why people who don't watch Nova that often can't understand why they have the record they do.

Don't sell Nova short, they are very very good. I expect Whitney to settle down in the second half anf for this to be a great finish.

[paward]

Nova needs to put some pressure on Selle. You can limit the percentage of those passes with pressure. DL needs to step it up on second half.

[Kadester]

Montana seems to have the better gameplan to this point. I would be shocked if they do not continue to expose the so called "sick V defense".

Montana, though, needs to get the special teams play figured out. It could mean the game.

[Philliesfan980]

Nova needs to put some pressure on Selle. You can limit the percentage of those passes with pressure. DL needs to step it up on second half.

They're blitzing, that's for sure. They just aren't getting there. You've got to give the Grizz line a lot of credit.

[silvertipgriz]

anyone have 1 half stats yet?

[Philliesfan980]

Montana seems to have the better gameplan to this point. I would be shocked if they do not continue to expose the so called "sick V defense".

Montana, though, needs to get the special teams play figured out. It could mean the game.

I think when people were touting Nova's defense, it was really their front 7. They're secondary philosophy seems to be more of a bend but don't break defense.

[Philliesfan980]

Don't sell Nova short, they are very very good. I expect Whitney to settle down in the second half anf for this to be a great finish.

I hope you're right. Honestly, Whitney (outside of his running) hasn't been very good this year. I feel he was better last year, and his passing game has taken a step back this year. Brandon Harvey is a really nice WR, but it's a shame he's lost in this offense.

[feb18blacksunday]

I'd like to see Montana get the run game goin with Reynolds. Use those huge lineman to wear down the 'Nova defense.

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

Marc is doing really well but Chase is averaging over 4 per carry right now and with how this o line takes over in the 4th I would not be suprised if 100 yrd game is in the cards

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

Take one to the HOUSE peter

[Henny]

so far they have played the FIRST HALF , this is what I'm talking about with Nova.

[charliej]

anyone have 1 half stats yet?
I know Selle has connected for too many out of alot, for way too many yards... He looks good.xsmhx

Whitney needs to calm down. He's better than this.

Still a half to play tho,Nova's been down before.xthumbsupx

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

Ya but NOVA is playing a second half team. Period end of story

[Philliesfan980]

Wow, big 3rd down stop for Nova there. Nice way for them to start the half.

[dwtime]

3 and out for the Grizz

[Philliesfan980]

Don't want to get too off topic, but it seems like I've seen a lot of teams implement a "soccer style" punting approach this year. Anyone think this will catch on in the NFL? I think it's not a bad strategy, I don't see too many guys wanting to risk a muff trying to catch one of those bouncers.

[dwtime]

32 for the Grizz just got jacked up......... nice run Nova

[TheValleyRaider]

anyone have 1 half stats yet?

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=293520222

Stats have already updated from the start of the 2nd half, but it's something

Total Yards: Montana 302-241
Passing Yards: Montana 253-82
Rushing Yards: Villanova 159-49

Penalties: Montana 1-10, Villanova 1-5

Turnovers: Montana 0, Villanova 1

[charliej]

Dang!...Big hit by Harvey!

[Stubbins]

I'd like to see Montana get the run game goin with Reynolds. Use those huge lineman to wear down the 'Nova defense.

nope...gotta throw the ball the whole game

[Tribe07]

Nice drive Nova's putting together

[TokyoGriz]

Yep Nova rolling here.

Lets see a TO Griz!

[GSU Eagle]

This is shaping up to go down to the last few minutes.

[Tribe07]

That guy is ridiculous

[dwtime]

Whitney threaded the needle there......Nova looking good

[TokyoGriz]

Great pass whitney! :(

Cmon griz hold em!

[GRIZCLAW]

MONTANA Swiss cheese defense...no sense of urgency. Secondary, where'd you go???

[GSU Eagle]

ceazur is a heck of a player

[Philliesfan980]

Nova is doing their best trying to self-destruct on this drive. Let's see if they can convert.

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

is this game in Missoula with all these false starts

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

big play right here!!!

[Tribe07]

I thought Montana was a second half team?

[Philliesfan980]

Nice redemption for Chris Farmer with the TD catch.

[GSU Eagle]

Nova scores. Montana has been here before and fallen short. We will see if they respond.

[dwtime]

Wow no Grizz D there......Nova takes the lead again, remember it started 3-0

[charliej]

See...told you he was better than that. :D

[Philliesfan980]

I know it's still relatively early in the game, but do you go for 2 in that situation to try and make it a 3 point game? Especially with the momentum you gained from that drive.

[TokyoGriz]

Need a nice long scoring drive here.

Go Griz!

[GRIZCLAW]

Perhaps a little too much celebrating by the Griz?? Where was the defense in the end zone? Who blew the coverage, 32? So much for dominating the first half... Hope we get the message that Nova isn't going to lay down...

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

THey are

[Baller1]

heckuva drive for Nova right here

[Stubbins]

I thought Montana was a second half team?

depends on if bobby wants to outcoach everyone or just throw the ball...nova's defense sucks against the pass, but we are gonna run the ball with a fu{king qb sneak?

[BEAR]

Nova QB only has 5 INTs this year...quality....one in the rain today. He apparently adjusted his throwing methods to adapt to the rain.

[TokyoGriz]

Sombrano holding his knee there after the runback? Not good. xsmhx

[Baller1]

Anybody else see Jabin Sambrano grabbing his knee after that return??? Yikes!! hope he's ok

[GRIZCLAW]

3 false starts and they still score? Paulson better nut it up, in a hurry. Why do I get a sickening feeling in my stomache? Now, what will our OC do? Run, Run pass? Why did we run Selle on 3rd down? No passes to Marini so far? Ride the horse that brought you, Griz.

[GSU Eagle]

Both of these teams have moved the ball well tonight. I am partial to a team that runs the ball better and right now that would be Nova.

Big, big drive coming up for Montana.

[Henny]

go to the other thread !

[BEAR]

2 threads on the same game? Why has CSN started a seperate thread? xconfusedx

[Dblue]

Anybody else see Jabin Sambrano grabbing his knee after that return??? Yikes!! hope he's ok

Maybe they can cast his knee up like the Nova DE had his thumb casted. xrotatehx

[ForShizzleGrizzle]

I think thats the season avg. that nova gives up right there

[Tribe07]

This thread has more posts and more people. Tell them to come here.

[GSU Eagle]

Here comes Montana.

[Tribe07]

This is a HUGE possession. Montana needs points.

[GSU Eagle]

Stay on this thread.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Just got home and turned on the game. It's sad to see such a poor crowd. It's not a good reflection of the FCS football. This is the divisions showcase event.

Hopefully the Griz can pull this one out!

[BEAR]

2 threads of the same game just makes it look like CSN is being typical CSN...c'mon folks...one thread will do. xthumbsupx

[paward]

Third quarter has less than 3 mins

[Tribe07]

Yeah I'm sick of CSN.

[GSU Eagle]

Now Montana is trying to run Reynolds a lot more.

Whoever has the ball last may win this one.

[Tribe07]

Mean looking block on that one.

[wapiti]

Sounds like a decent game. keep the posts coming, I do not have espn.

[dwtime]

Sacked, nice play Nova D

[Tribe07]

HUGE sack. Great penetration by Nova on that

[Tribe07]

But terrible field position for the Wildcats

[Stubbins]

Bobby Ball!!! just throw the ball on first down please...please oh pretty please!

[GSU Eagle]

Nova got a stop there. Nova up 16-14 with the ball on their own 5 almost at end of 3rd quatert.