Let it start today, March 26th, 2010....

with a picture of the new helmet...old helmet on the right:



I kind of like the granite...but I was hoping for a title before there were any uniform changes.

[This message has been edited by mule train (3/26/2010)]

The granite does look pretty cool...but I wonder how much harder it is to see the GRIZ decal from the stands or on tv now that they're darker. Also, I'm now kinda thinking that "bear paw" decal idea you posted a year or 2 ago would look kinda cool. I know I'd said the paw is an overused design but I still think it would look cool.

I guess my big question now is: now that "the beak" is out and Pflugrad is in - does the new coach get the team over the hump and get them to WIN the big game for a change, or does the program tank now?

I'm not so bothered that Hauck has moved onto UNLV as I am that he took Paulson with him - that guy's d-coaching was awesome.

At any rate, it should be an interesting fall when it gets here...but first, let's enjoy spring and summer...and GO GRIZ!!!

I can't wait to see green paint all over those shiny new helmets on Nov. 13th.

Eh.

I remember one year when my brother in-law, who works at MSU Bozeman, told me about a meeting of the faculty he attended. The head coach got up and showed them the new helmet for that year and explained that they were only a couple of hundred extra each and then said how inspiring they would be for the team. His comments were meet with absolute silence. The man had not lessoned to the speaker just before him who had announced that the budget had been cut that year so no person or department would get a raise that year except the athletic department. A testament to the faculty's restraint is the fact he made it out of the room alive.

the griz will not win the conf.

hiline...wanna bet?

good for Marc Mariani and Shane Schillinger...Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons respectively....Havre and Baker!!!!

Not sure if Schillinger will get a lot playing time in ATL...but, it sure would be sweet to see Schillinger and Bierman on the field together.

GO GRIZ!

So how about those UNLV Runnin' Rebels?

It is Shann Schillinger! Not Shane. Just thought I would let you know, he is a good family friend.

my bad montanajane...you are of course correct!

No problem!!

Speaking of UNLV...there are some strong indications that the Griz will be moving up in 2 years. It is sounding like they will join the Mountain West...replacing Utah who is looking at joining the PAC-10. It will be an interesting move if they decide to do it. I will miss the Bobcat-Griz tradition...but in all honesty it hasn't been much of a rivalry for quite some time...21-3 Griz in the last quarter century.

Getting the Griz against CSU and Airforce in Colorado would be nice.

Perhaps you know more of the situation than I do, but I don't understand why the Mountain West would extend an offer of membership to Montana, while having consistently refused to extend BSU the same.

Granted, there's a shakeup coming in 2012, and no one knows who will end up where, but again, I can't see how BSU wouldn't get the nod before Montana.

Bridger...I didn't know that Boise State wanted to leave the WAC??? I agree if they were only going to let one in it would be Boise St. I also heard that the PAC-10 is looking to expand by more than one team. I would also assume that Boise St. would perfer the PAC-10...PAC-12? I don't really know??? I am just reciting the stuff I am reading on egriz...maybe the Griz would join the WAC???

Boise State's been trying to get out of the WAC for a while (it's one of the constant topics of discussion here), but haven't been able to find a new home. The Pac-10 has a bunch of non-sports related requirements that BSU doesn't meet, and the basketball team isn't consistently good enough to make the jump into the MWC.

The real Armageddon that I've heard coming is when the NCAA decides to quit sponsoring the FCS, as it's a consistent money-loser. Where do teams like MSU, Webber, the ND schools, etc, that aren't quite good enough to jump even into a lower tier conference like the WAC end up? D-II? That's going to be a bitter pill to swallow for a lot of people.

Bridgier:

That would be Armageddon.

No way those teams would go back down to D2 at this point. Not nearly enough scholarships for football.

I'm not sure what would happen.

Mule... there is strong indications that you have no idea what you're talking about. Montana will not move up until: Appy State, Richmond, Villinova, and Georgia Southern move up. Montana will not blaze the trail to failure

Actually, most or all of those teams will probably explore the possibility of moving up once the NCAA lifts its moratorium on moves between FCS and FBS, in 2012.

Yes, "Explore the possibilities." Not make the jump

Another reason to hope that the griz stay put as long as they can is that moving up to FBS will mean the end of showcasing Montana talent on the football field.

The Mountain West ought kick TCU out of the conference, (no mountains in TX) and bring UM in to the conference. Cowboys love killing Grizzly Bears.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (4/27/2010)]

UCLA receiver transfers to Montana

By the Missoulian, July 10, 2010

The Montana Grizzlies and head coach Robin Pflugrad picked up a drop-down receiver this week in Antwan Moutra, who according to the Daily Breeze in Torrance, Calif., is tranferring from UCLA to Montana.

Moutra was a standout at Culver City in 2007, catching 74 passes for a school record 1,448 yards as a senior, with 13 touchdowns - including an 11-catch, 232-yard performance in the playoffs.

He was recruited heavily by Bowl Subdivision programs, including Oregon, where Pflugrad was then an assistant. Moutra chose UCLA, but after playing 10 games as a true freshman, he appeared in just four last fall for the Bruins. He caught one pass each season.

Greg Goodyear, an assistant coach at Culver City, confirmed the transfer, adding that Pflugrad had said Moutra has a chance to play right away for one of the top programs in the Football Championship Subdivision.

"They sell more season tickets there than they do at UCLA," Goodyear said. "Their stadium holds just 27,000, but they sell out every game.

"He loved how the people reacted to the team. They're rabid, and he loved that."

WOW! Jimmy Wilson is coming back to the Griz after spending the last 2 years in prison. This guy was great before he killed his aunt's boyfriend with an assault rifle. He was acquitted and freed...and now the U has decided he deserves to finish his degree and and play his senior year that he never had the opportunity to play. If he can return to his prior form the Griz will have the best secondary in the Big Sky....maybe all of the FCS.

Second chances are rare in life. Second chances after serving time in prison for murder are even more rare. Jimmy Wilson will have the eyes of the world on him this year. I would bet he won't blow it.

GO GRIZ!

I don't know who Charlie is but I like his thinking....


2010 FCS Preseason Poll

FCS by Charlie

1. Montana
2. Appalachian State
3. William & Mary
4. Villanova
5. South Carolina State
6. Southern Illinois
7. Elon
8. Richmond
9. New Hampshire
10. South Dakota State
11. Delaware

Villanova won it all in 2009, but doesn't have the talent to repeat.

Montana can never be counted out.

William & Mary could be in the title game.

Appalacian State will see what life is like witout Armanti Edwards.

The title game has been moved from Chattanooga to Frisco, Texas, and will have to compete with the Cotton Bowl. Too bad for the FCS. No team within 600 miles will be in the championship game. [Read: Good for Montana!]

It's always been my contention that having a murderer or two in your defensive secondary is good for morale - after all, when he says "You bastards better not get burned deep or I'll procreateing kill you", everybody know he's probably not speaking metaphorically. Case in point - The Baltimore Ravens.

I hear you Mr. Wood...Having a man on your squad that actaully killed someone....well, that's something you can't put a price tag on.

I believe the french call it esprit de corps, and if the French know anything, it's football.

pour encourager les autres

I guess the Jimmy Wilson situation can be looked at 2 ways:

1. Before too many people jump on the bandwagon of "Griz have no integrity. They recruit thugs!" Let's point-out that Wilson was acquitted of the crime. It was proven that he's not guilty of murder and did act in self defense. Witnesses testified to that. He is guilty of grabbing a loaded rifle that was pointed at his chest and trying to wrestle it out of another man's hands in self defense. Had he not done so, he would have been the one killed, most likely. This is the way I choose to look at the situation.

2. On the flip side, one could say: "The Bobcats recruited drug dealers and trespassers. The Griz recruited assaulters and a murderer. So the Griz kick the Cats ass in EVERYTHING, including the type of criminal recruited! GO GRIZ!" This is NOT the way I choose to look at the situation.

I wish Wilson luck and consider him very lucky to have been granted this last year of eligibility...but I do question this: how well can he shake off the rust and play well given how long he has been away from the team? We shall see.

College football season is only about 6 weeks away now...I can hardly wait!

JImmy Wilson is back in the news....this guy needs to just go away...

MISSOULA, Mont. -- University of Montana football coach Robin Pflugrad is holding cornerback Jimmy Wilson out of practice as the team begins fall drills after Wilson was cited for misdemeanor assault.

Wilson was granted an NCAA waiver to play his senior season. He was arrested just before the start of what would have been his senior season and jailed for two years in California before being acquitted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his aunt's boyfriend.

Pflugrad said Tuesday that Wilson's return will be a day-to-day decision, as the team gathers information about the incident.

Municipal Court Administrator Pat Morgan says Wilson was cited for misdemeanor assault for allegedly biting someone on the leg in a car early Friday. She says he pleaded not guilty Tuesday and asked for a jury trial.

oh and I lost my bet

Getting close to the ceremonial slaughter of the lamb to please the football gods. 3 weeks until Griz Football...what's gonna happen? New coach? Pac-10 transfers? All-Americans? Convicted Murderers? The Dirty D in Greeley? BANG!!!! All sorts of questions to answer. In the meantime, here's something to get everyone fired up.....



Shann and Marc both signed multi-year deals with the Titans and the Falcons.


BTW...where is the 2010 Bobcats thread? Or are all you stinking Cat fans going to post on the Griz thread all season long as in years past?

MT boys score all of Miami's 10 points....

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...0100814015

BTW, the unwritten rule of the internet is, if you post 5 times or more in a row without anyone else posting anything in return, in a thread that you started, that means that (a) there is a 67% chance that you are a loser; and (b) there is a 33% chance that you are a homo.

Just sayin'.

BTW, you can thank me later for breaking the streak (4 ready to turn to 5) and buy me a beer this fall.

>>The Mountain West ought kick TCU out of the conference, (no mountains in TX) and bring UM in to the conference. Cowboys love killing Grizzly Bears.<<


Richard, I couldn't agree more. -so tired of seeing purple frogs EVerywhere i go.

I think the WAC will probably be recruiting UM before the MWC...

I think the WAC will probably be recruiting UM before the MWC...

Actually, Bridger, the WAC is suddenly in danger of going out of existence:

http://sports.espn.go.com...id=5477045

If the Griz were to join that league (and they won't), it would be jumping on a sinking ship.

Teams left in the WAC:
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Utah State


Yuck. That's a bad football conference.

I thought about it for a while, and the Griz simply are not going anywhere. The Big Sky conference let's the Griz play for national championships and that's what the fans want. Could Montana play as well as Boise St? Why not??? but it would take time and when you are used to winning, it's tough to go backwards. Answer me this, why does Idaho St. suck so bad? How did Boise St. become a national powerhouse? Coaching? The Vandals suck as well...there's a reason they don't play for the little brown jug anymore. Because it would be embrassing to get whipped by an FCS school every year. What did Boise St do to make them the pride of Idaho? Is Boise that nice of a town? Bridger?

In the end...I gotta say that I am in favor of Montana staying FCS. I love the playoffs! It's such a better system than any BCS bowl game.

2 weeks until the Griz play Western St. of Colorado. My wife's alma mater. Colorado football is a whole different topic. Air Force is big here.

So, is little Rangvold going to be a Griz fan or a Western St. of Colorado fan?

Griz fan

mule train - Boise is better because they have a bunch of alumni who built them a beautiful facility, because it is way easier to recruit to Boise than either Pocatello or Moscow, and because they have got a hold some great talent and had some great coaches.

I still love the chant in Moscow though:

north side of the Kibbie Dome: "Who do we hate?"

south side of the Kibbie Dome: "Boise State!"
__________

Yes, the FCS is way better. The Vandals shoulda stayed.

Is Boise that nice of a town?

Yes, but from a certain perspective, the story of Idaho is really the story of how Ada County stole everything good and pure and holy from Northern Idaho. It started with the state capital, and the state's premier football program is simply the latest "theft" to cause the butthurt chorus to raise their voices.

The problem with football in Moscow is that it's in Moscow, and who wants to live there? I think having WSU just over the border doesn't really help in the recruiting, and now that BSU has established itself, Idaho is definitely perceived as being "second tier" for the in-state recruits.

BSU's also had a run of coaches that people like because they're decent people as well as successful coaches, from Pokey Allen (only an asshole or a Vandal wouldn't tear up over this: http://en.wikipedia.org/w...and_legacy), Dirk Koetter, Dan Hawkins and finally Chris Peterson.

Idaho had Tom Cable and Dennis Erikson. Akey's turned a lot of things around, but there's some seriously bad feelings between the two schools.

I'll be rooting for Boise St. in the BCS this year. I'd like to see a former Big Sky team win a NC. That would be pretty cool.

The Griz on the other hand will be tested early this year as it is sounding like their o-line is pretty beat up. And as any good football fan knows...it's all about the o-line...right bubba?

Did you see DE Josh Harris (projected starter) is out for the year with an injury?

I will never root for Boise State. I just can't handle that field.

You get used to it. It's my understanding that Tampax is looking to sponsor a bowl game in Cheney WA, now THAT's a field that's hard to take...

that's funny...the red field is something else. I did see Harris is out...that's a tough loss. But you know what they say.......


THE GRIZ DON'T REBUILD....THEY RELOAD!!!!!

GO CATS!!! Sorry, I had too... haha

Here's an interesting article: http://www.bozemandailych...03286.html

3 pick(s) six(es) in the 1st quarter??? Trumaine Johnson!

The Griz football games bore me. I prefer our local football games...

yeah Josh, 73 points is pretty boring

It is boring. When there is NO competition, it is boring.

UNLV is hanging with Wisconsin in the 3rd. Wisconsin is ranked 12th in the country. Big Ten teams are often over rated but this has got to be a surprise.

Up next: Cal Poly Sat. night. I am going out on a limb here and predicting a 3 touchdown victory for the Griz. Thank God the era of Bobby Ball is over!

The Griz lost but it may turn out to be good for them. Get their loss out of the way now instead of later.

[This message has been edited by Bob Netherton II (9/12/2010)]

Was that a pin I heard dropping.

That probably was a pin, Bob...but you didn't hear it drop from me because I'm not all that surprised.

As I understand it, the game at Cal Poly was a helluva good game - a back-and-forth shootout that tested BOTH teams...but every king-of-the-mountain gets knocked-off sooner or later. I pretty-much expect a good year from the Griz despite this loss and maybe another playoff year, but a couple more losses won't surprise me, either.

Do I love my Griz??? HELL YES! But I'm keeping it real: you can only replace the likes of Tuff Harris, Lex Hilliard, Marc Mariani, Colin Dow, Kroy Biermann, Colt Anderson, Cory Proctor, Dan Carpenter, Shann Schillinger, etc.. so many times and then a down year or 2 is just gonna happen sooner or later. Such is life.

Let's see how well they bounce-back at Eastern Washington on the blood turf...ISH!!! I still can't believe EWU put that stuff on their field....wrong, just wrong.

GO GRIZ!!!

Poor little Mason....yesterday he probably heard the first naughty words of his young life.

I don't feel too bad about the loss. The Griz didn't deserve to be #1. The o=line is shakey. The D-line had a hard time stopping the option. The punting game looked like a burnt raisin. Roper has to start next game.

That said, it was a good game to lose. Wake up call before conf. play. Next weekend at Eastern Wash will be big. I expect the Griz to win.

Hats off to James Madison...the new #1.

I'm not bailing on them after one loss but maybe "Bobby Ball" was not so bad.

Who is our third string QB? Their's did pretty good. Maybe Jimmie Wilson should have stayed in jail? Would think Chase needs to get alot more touch's? One game duz not a season make. Anyone remember Earl Solomson?

I agree with Ike. Grizzlies need to get the ball in the hands of Chase Reynolds.

Chase IS a damn good RB...the problem, as I understand it, is that the rather-inexperienced O-line is having trouble opening the running lanes for him. This kind of issue typically has to be fixed over the course of a season by the line getting experience and gelling together...not a quick fix.

no o-line is hurting them for sure...they can only get better.

their run defense didn't llok too hot either.

Big game for the Griz at Tampax stadium...loss at Eastern could spell the end of an era in Grizland.

And then the Yellowstone Lake Cauldron erupts and life as we know it is quashed.

Word on the street is Chase is hurting with a hamstring issue.

Well, crap...Griz lost a close one on the E. Wash blood turf 30-27. Turning the ball over 5 times (among other things) will do that to you. Sorry Griz.

36-27. Eastern ran a fumble in to end the game. I also forgot to mention...that red turf is the most stupididly ridiculous thing since Fonzie jumped the shark. I hope someone is embarrassed.

[This message has been edited by Bob Netherton II (9/18/2010)]

The end of an era?

When was the last time the Griz dropped 2 straight?

Offensively, I have seen better play calling on Super Techmo Bowl.

New Rankings...

1. Villanova Wildcats (2-1)
2. Appalachian State Mountaineers (3-0)
3. James Madison Dukes (2-0)
4. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (3-0)
5. Richmond Spiders (1-1)
6. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (2-1)
7. Delaware Blue Hens (3-0)
8. William & Mary Tribe (2-1)
9. Eastern Washington Eagles (2-1)
10. Elon Phoenix (1-2)
11. Massachusetts Minutemen (2-1)
12. South Carolina State Bulldogs (2-1)
13. Southern Illinois Salukis (1-2)
14. Montana Grizzlies (1-2)
15. Northern Iowa Panthers (1-1)
16. New Hampshire Wildcats (1-2)
17. Montana State Bobcats (2-1)
18. North Dakota State Bison (2-1)
19. McNeese State Cowboys (1-1)
20. Cal Poly Mustangs (2-1)
21. South Dakota Coyotes (2-1)
22. Liberty Flames (2-1)
23. Furman Paladins (1-1)
24. Penn Quakers (1-0)
25. Central Arkansas Bears (3-0)

Well, the hype is over, so it's time for some real football talk...namely, the Bobcats must defeat EW this weekend! Go Cats!!!!

On another note...how about them central arkansas bears! Where is central arkansas??

I think it's somewhere near the center of Arkansas.

EW just seemed to me to be the faster team.

Yes, T.Jones was the fastest player on the field,but you can't expect to win many games, whomever the opponent if you turn the ball over 7 times. Add on the overthrows and defenseive backs letting receivers get behind them. You can predict the result. The wheels have not come off as yet, but the lug nuts have loosened.

A little adversity(outside of what happens in championship games) is good for you.

"Add on the overthrows and defenseive backs letting receivers get behind them."

The receivers got past the D-backs because they were fasteeeeeeeeer.

An old football adage, play your position, "stay at home". If a faster player beats the cornerbacks and linebackers supposedly it is the safeties responsibility to see that they either make the tackle, but for sure not to let anyone behind them.

good win today. Roper, I think, proved himself to be the starter. Selle may get another chance later, but you have to go with the hot hand. Defense looked much improved from last week.

Bigger win for the cats today...looking like it could come down to the "Brawl of the Wild" played where?

Judging by Selle's dangling arm, I'd say Roper is the starter whether he wants to be or not. I think Roper has looked a little more effective than Selle anyway.

I have a feeling the "Brawl" is going to be more meaningful this year.

I am hearing some bad talk coming out of Grizland. Namely that Pflu doesn't like Roper because Roper left him at Oregon to go to Montana. Roper is a Hauck guy and he and Pflu are clashing. This is troubling if true, because Roper is clearly a better QB this year than Selle. Hopefully, Selle stays injured for a while. Coach Pflu needs to swallow his pride and put all his faith in the guy that already let him down once before.

I think if the coach can be the bigger man here, the Griz should have a great rest of their season, if not, then it'll be a Bobcat conference title.

Big game in Greeley this weekend!

And where exactly is the "Bad TALK" coming from? Let me guess, Main Street Quarterbacks that don't understand squat? Or just bar talk.

Wilson, AMEN!!!

I expected a bit of a "down year" for the Griz...but when they barely beat Sac. State at homecoming and boast about it?...hmmmm.

...I would second Mr. Wilson too, Mule...where are you getting this "bad talk" from? Not that I doubt you, just wondering what your source is.

The "bad talk" was not so bad in itself....Post game comments directed towards the QB that just won you your first FCS game...

Missouian wrote:
Pflugrad was happy with the big plays Roper provided, but also critical. The 6-foot-6 senior was stopped short on a few belly-option plays, and neither QB has played lights out in 2010.
"As seniors, I challenge those guys more than anyone else," Pflugrad said. "That's been part of our game I don't think has been at the caliber we expected it to be.

"I'm glad he did settle down and make some big plays. But he did miss a few things... we'll have a fireside chat tonight."

Fireside Chat? He just saved your ass. UM could easily be 1-3 right now. And I get most of my griz news from the papers, or egriz which yes, does have a lot of arm chair QBs.

I am not an insider, I just read the poop and then think about whether it makes sense or not, and in this case...it does. Either way it'll be all Roper next week.

Cat/Griz will probably determine the conference champ this year - either the Cats win it, or its some sort of 3 way tie with EWU. Saddens me to type it - but the Cats have a legit shot at the title this year. They gave Wash State a helluva a game (of course, the Miles City Cowboys would probably give the 'Cougs a good game this year, WSU stinks.) With what, 14 straight Big Sky Conf championships in a row, odds are, especially with a new coaching staff, that we could have a bit of a stumble. Lots of football left to be played, however.....

yep jcf...cats are in control of their own destiny...however, the griz team at the end of the year will be better than the one now...and they play the game at wash-griz stadium, where the bobcats record is???????????

all i'm saying is anything can happen. fun season in the bsc

They won at least one there, it was freaking great. Luuuulay, Lulay, Lulay, Lulay - good times.

I also heard a lot of complete BS this weekend at the game. Mostly it was guys who refer to the players as if they are longtime friends, talking about this or that guy being one of Bobby's prize recruits and being mistreated. They were giant assholes who didn't seem to derive any joy from the game or atmosphere. Amazing d-baggery.

I have a feeling that's how Yankees games go.

[This message has been edited by Buck Showalter (9/27/2010)]

this just in...

Griz QB Selle Suffers Career-ending Injury
9/27/2010 - FB
University of Montana starting quarterback Andrew Selle suffers career-ending injury

btw...the answer is once...the Cats are 1-11 lifetime in Wash-Griz

It was a good one.

And those same guys are probably cheering about Selle's injury - really.

[This message has been edited by Buck Showalter (9/27/2010)]

I have heard from a reliable source(someone who knows someone) the Griz will be receiving an invite from the WAC in approximately three months. Apparently O'Day was addressing an alumni group and said yes, they will probably accept. You heard it here first.

The advantages are increased revenue and a shot at a a bowl game which is another great source of income.

Disadvantages include fewer home games and going from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a big pond.

What really sucks about the Griz going to the WAC is losing the Cat-Griz rival, and I will no longer be able to watch the Griz in Colorado.

BTW...who will be left in the WAC?

Bad move for the Griz

I don't think it would be a great move for the Griz either, but they'd probably be competitive in the WAC. The Cats could be competitive in the new WAC as well - perhaps the regents will insist upon a "both or neither" solution, as was done with BSU and Idaho.

I think the Grz belong in the Mountain West.

BTW: the Orediggers belong in some miner conference.

The newspapers (I read it in the Montana Sub-Standard, and saw it on the Missoulian) are reporting that U of M is interviewing with the WAC, and that the WAC thinks the Griz have a high likelihood of being offered a spot in the league.

dumb idea if you ask me. Stay in I-AA!

moutain west would be great....but, it's not going to happen. The griz will take bsu's spot as the team that competes with Hawaii...at least that is what i'd hope for. i would love to see them stay 1-aa, but that's not going to happen. too much $$$ in bcs. mo money, mo problems... on the rainbow brite side, I do have really good friends living on wikiki...i would need a late Oct. match up (fall break) and it'd be... "Griz in Paradise"

A lot of players would quit transfering to UM... no advantage any longer. The griz would dominate in-state recruiting inside the state though. MSU would be reduced to second string class B all stars. No offense to Class B...but there's not a lot of them floating around if u get my meaning.

I could see UM having advantage recruiting world class offense lineman. they have always have some bruisers, but being 1-A would really help them. I'm thinking Wisconsin and Michigan big uglies. Guys who like to hunt and drink beer. What better than to go to school in Western Montana playing class a ball.

Mixed emotions, but change will happen, no use in talking about staying 1-aa...this is it. A third NC would be a nice swan song for a storied program.

Last question...MSU/UM Brawl of the wild will be history...for how long?

If the Griz move to BCS and the Cats stay FCS, the Griz would avoid that match-up like the plague. If the Griz win big...so what? If the Griz win a competitive game.....what's wrong? If the Griz lose....off with their heads!

Will the griz be able to maintain the number of wins they enjoy now when they move to the WAC? What will happen to attendance after a couple sub-par seasons? I don't see people driving several hours from places like Billings, Great Falls, even Miles City to watch the griz get pounded by Louisiana Tech. How many season ticket holders actually live in Missoula? Probably less that half. The band wagon will empty after a couple bad seasons. I predict an Idaho-ish caliber program with a stadium less half full after a few years. Time will tell.

I don't think the in-state recruiting picture is going to be as rosy as mule_train predicts - sure, the top players might be able to make the roster, but look at the situation now: in order to be competitive, you have to take FBS transfers. As mule said, that stream of players would dry up once the Griz moved divisions - and if the in-state players are good enough to fill in that gap, why aren't they playing for the griz or the cats already?

In-state recruiting for the 'Cats will improve immensely however.

Tom wrote:

Will the griz be able to maintain the number of wins they enjoy now when they move to the WAC? What will happen to attendance after a couple sub-par seasons? I don't see people driving several hours from places like Billings, Great Falls, even Miles City to watch the griz get pounded by Louisiana Tech.

Have you seen Louisiana Tech play lately? They suck.

There isn't really that much difference between the Big Sky and the WAC after the WAC loses Fresno, Boise, Nevada, etc...

A trip every other year to Ruston, Louisiana doesn't sound like much fun. OTOH, a trip every other year to Hawaii would be somewhat better.

I think that a lot of good athletes inside the state of MT go to bigger 1-A programs right now. If the Griz were 1-A, why go somewhere else, unless you are trying ot get away from your parents.

Doesn't it only take 6 wins to be bowl eligible? I see the Griz winning 6 games in the WAC for many years to come.

It all comes down to recruiting. UM could attract some players. Missoula is a nice town.

Lousiana Tech? Tommy??? I didn't think you were back on the pipe?

It all depends on which D-1 programs you're talking about. If they're mostly ending up in the WAC... then yes, there's probably no net benefit. But, a player who can play in the PAC-N (or any other conference that doesn't in " Belt") will not play in the WAC unless they really want to.

All bowls aren't created equal either - here's the list of currently WAC affiliated bowls:

Hawai?i Bowl - vs CUSA, automatically goes to Hawaii if they don't qualify for BCS.

Humanitarian Bowl - best available WAC team vs #1 Mid-American

New Mexico Bowl - vs Mountain West opponent.

Poinsettia Bowl - Mountain West vs WAC in 2011 and 2012.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl - Pac-10's 6th place team will play a WAC team in 2010 and 2013.

Don't get me wrong - I think from a financial standpoint, a move up will open new markets for the Griz. I just don't think they'll be doing it in the long run with predominantly Montana talent.

If the Griz join the WAC, I don't see them winning a road game for years. Hell. I can easily see them losing to the Northern Colorado juggernaut this weekend. It's a done deal. By 2012 the Griz will be in the WAC and I doubt they'll be playing the CATS.

And speaking of fan loyalty...the Griz basketball team used to play to raucous, packed houses on a regular basis. They're still generally as good as anyone in the Big Sky but I can't think of the last time they've come close to selling out. I went to the playoff game the Griz hosted with the Bobcats, in '08 I think, and the place was 3/4 full at the most. A Cat-Griz PLAYOFF GAME and they had a mediocre crowd, at best. The student section was active, but not real big. Go figure.

[This message has been edited by Bob Netherton II (9/30/2010)]

Bob...you are the very definition of a "hater."

You need to release your anger before you explode. It's okay, if the Griz don't sell out their basketball games. They probably don't see out track, or women's volleyball for that matter. It is what it is.

BTW...I'll bet you $100 the Griz win on Sat.

I said I can easily see them losing to NC. I can also see them winning(but I still think they're going to lose). And you can call me a hater all you want. I spent the last few years living in Missoula. I took some classes at UM. I went to quite a few games, and enjoyed them. I even enjoyed the company of the Griz fans seated around me(for the most part). I liked being showered with candy. I went to a lot of basketball games also. What I do "hate", however, is the attitude of a lot of Griz fans that are so ego-centric and arrogant that they can't understand someone being loyal to another school. Especially when they themselves aren't any more than fair-weather fans. I also especially dislike those two condescending jackholes who do the Griz radio coverage. What a pair of arrogant crybabies. Nothing gives me more pleasure than turning off the sound on the TV and turning on the radio when the Griz are losing to listen to those two assholes lay out their hit parade of excuses while they tearfully choke on their bile.

Golly. Maybe I am a hater. Thanks, Muley. I feel better now. My prediction: NC 34 - Griz 27. The Griz will be unable to stop NC's running game. And NC will be extremely fired up.

Word.

Bob, the criticisms you list above have been said about a great many football programs out there, not just the Griz...not that that would make fan arrogance okay, I'm just saying.

As to the topic at hand...I know I have no say in the matter, but I'm against a move to the WAC for the Griz for the simple reason that it will NOT be a step up. That conference is in shambles with the recent defections. Also, I agree with what some have said that this would ultimately hurt recruiting. Where is the incentive for athletes to transfer to Montana from the bigger programs? These transfers were happening because going to an FCS program allowed them to be eligible to play right away instead of being ineligible for a year. They wouldn't be able to do that now.

Glad I didn't take that bet.

Well, the game was great fun if you were a Griz fan. And believe me when I say there were a lot of happy people at Nottingham Field on Sat. Griz dominated about every aspect of the game, They put up 30 in 3 quarters and then put the backups in.

I shaked Chase Reyonds hand after the game and asked him if he had any doubt about this team coming together and their ability to run the table from here on out? His answer..."no"

There you have it folks...Griz roll all the way into the playoffs.

I also slapped Roper on the shoulder pads and told him "nice game"...he didn't look like he was in any coaches' dog house from what I could tell. Happy with win. Looking for another one next weekend.

Good times...j-lew puke fest in Theone's landscaping at the after game party in Severance was a highlight as well.

I'll say Griz by 31 today over ISU

Since I am pretty much talking to myself on this blog, I might as well ramble on a little about the Griz win yesterday over Idaho St.

Overall, I'd say the 14 points the Griz gave up on special teams should be a little concerning. Bobby Ball specialized in special teams and special ed. They ALWAYS won the special teams battle.

HOLY DOG TURDS!!!! I just saw Kroy Bierman's INT TD for the Falcons! That guy is a stud. Anybody on this forum remember playing HS football against him? It would have been around 2000-2004. Hardin games.

You're not by yourself, mule, I'm still here.

The Griz, overall, just aren't as strong this year. It's not just special teams. I've pretty-much just chalked it up as an "off year" they were bound to have at some point.

Yeah, Biermann is a stud, alright. He scored a TD for the Falcons last year on a fumble recovery, too!

Shu...I think the griz will make it to the semi-finals this year. They seem to be getting better every weekend. portland St. next weekend...I don't see them stumblin'. I just can't see them losing another one this year until the playoffs. But special teams need to step up.

Mariani with another big return today for the Titans.

Up next portland st.

Prediction:

UM 37
PSU 13

Griz fans... help out Monte...he's losing to the duck

http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

I remember in 7th-8th grade, and knowing guys on the varsity team, talking about the hardin games, and he played middle linebacker, and running back if i do remember right, and mark mariani went to harve i believe? but i didnt here as much about him, except i think he was part of the team to beat us out of the "snow bowl" if im correct?

There, muley. I voted for Monte. I hate the duck.

Since I am pretty much talking to myself on this blog,

muletrain, you should be extremely happy that football bores Larry to tears...otherwise, such an entry might send you to the same purgatory where the Sodbuster now languishes....

The good old sod_buster...I remember him....now there was a Cat fan! He used to piss and moan about the "god damn" Griz fans always having too much fun when they beat the Cats. Except of course for those 3 years when the Cats had Lulay. Those were the glory years for old sod_buster. He tattooed "KRAMER" on both arms and actually quit drinking because he was "high on life." But it was short lived and soon the Cats started losing again...2006, 2007, 2008, 2009....it was more than the old man could stand, and soon he was back on the stuff. He eventually lost his mind and starting making up elaborate stories of traveling Jewish musicians attacking old women in Kinsey with rye bread. That's when we lost him. God bless old Sod Buster...may he rest in Cat heaven with all the other great superfans of Bobcat Nation.

SODBUSTER R.I.P.


[This message has been edited by mule train (10/14/2010)]

Not quite the 37-13 blowout predicted. There was some interesting refereeing going on out there.

There were a lot of bad calls last night. The refs had some bad calls, Roper made some bad calls, the Montana coaching staff made a lot of bad calls, and Portland State made quite a few bad calls as well....

On the bright side, Chase looks like he is ready to play some football! And if the Montana coaching staff can realize that he is the best thing on their team, and get him at least 30+ touches, then things are going to be just fine in Grizland. On the other hand, they (the coaches) might decide that they should continue to call double reverse pass plays on 3rd and 4.

Now that sounds like a true Griz fan.

Here are some stats for the Big Sky Conference thus far

http://bigskyconf.com/cus...nfldrs.htm

After that last game, I'm surprised MSU looks as good as they do statistically on both offense and defense. I'm also surprised they're not dead last on kick and punt returns.

In what could be the 2nd biggest game of the year in the Big Sky (UM v MSU being #1), Montana has their work cut out for them against NAU. Should be a hell of game...even though I don't think the score will be close. I'd say upset if it weren't for the fact that the game is being played at Wash-Griz, were the Griz just don't loose. Especially to NAU, who have NEVER won there.

I'll say Roper rebounds from a crap game last week and the Griz score 5 TDs. Meanwhile, the Griz defense contnues to improve...

I'll say ...

Good God Griz 38
NAU 14

I will not be watching this one as I will be deep in the bush hunting wapiti. Hopefully Sat is a good day for both me and the Griz.

[This message has been edited by mule train (10/22/2010)]

WOW!!!!! THAT WAS A THRILLER!!! Great win Griz!

Next up Weber at Weber.

Prediction:
Griz 3
Weber 2

I think it'll be more like Griz 11, Weber 8

I took a hike this morning on the big butte at Golden, Colorado. And as I smelled the hops in the air coming from the Coors Brewery, a thought occured to me...."Bobby Ball."

Maybe "Bobby Ball" isn't Bobby ball at all, but rather Griz Football. I seem to remember the Griz pulling out many a tight game out of their asses before Bobby Hauck was ever the coach. Sure, there were a few blow outs along the way, but the Griz usually did something that always allowed the other team in the game. Close games seem to be what it's all about for this program.

That said...I see the Griz winning out the rest of the season with a combined total of 5 points in the three games left.

Having lived with the Assiniboine, I have developed a deep hatred for the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota, so a big win at WA-Griz would be nice. Hokay Hey motherf@#$ers!!! See you on the 13th!


[This message has been edited by mule train (10/27/2010)]

And as I smelled the hops in the air coming from the Coors Brewery,

The Coors Brewery uses hops ???

something smelled hoppy and warty...delicious!

bump

Bob...you must be creamin' in your jeans tonight. Bobcats looked great. Congratulations on your winning season.

mule deer: I've seen UND play this year - the Griz will have no trouble when they face the Fighting Sue in November.

Dr. Octopus can find a way to lose. Like putting in the freshman JJ when we are down 13-6 for another 3 and out series, thus punishing our defense more. Or not running the ball consistently after taking a 21-13 lead. Oh no, Dr. Octopus can find a way to lose, trust me.

The Bobcats looked great!?

Didn't take you long to turn on your coach.

hmmm...ya know, mule, I never thought of Pflugrad looking like Alfred Molina but, now that you mention it there does seem to be a resemblance.

I don't think you're turning on the coach - we used to critisize "the beak" quite a bit, too, when he was with the Griz...Hell, Hauck had a lot of stones cast at him even when the Griz would WIN for crying out loud!

I said long ago that I felt this would be a down year for the Griz and it is. I just felt they had lost a ton of their best skill position players from last year and didn't have enough to reload this time around. No team stays on top forever - it's a fact.

That said, I still predict the Griz will win-out their last 2 games and clinch a playoff spot (though not as the Big Sky champion) and I'd be happy for them if they did.

FORWARD, GRIZ!!! FORWARD!

Playoffs???

I would be excited at this point to beat Montana St. In fact, I would prefer the season to just come to an end with W.

The CARP!!!!

Good article on the best fish in Miami:

http://www.miamidolphins....thing-team

Just keeping the conversation alive....

good stuff Mr. Wood.

I have seen this same thing for different teams...pretty funny. Great movie..."Fallen."

North Dakota at Montana this weekend. Should be a close game.

Prediction:
UM 24
UND 17

How about this:

Montana 42
Sue 10

Bob: I'm starting to think you don't care much for UND's chances this weekend.

Also - how 'bout them Fargo South Bruins this weekend?

The Sue got worked 35-16 by Cal Davis (in Grand Forks) on Saturday. It's their first year playing a I-AA schedule.


Yeah, the Bruins made an improbable comeback against the Cake Eaters Bismarck Century Patriots on Saturday. Tough deal.

I just read that Colt Anderson was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles and is now on their active roster. I expect to see the native from Butte, America to be in on special teams very soon. Given his style of hitting, he will be -$76,000 by his 3rd week with with team.

Bye weeks have a tendency to make Griz football seem like a far away place. So in the hopes of getting the faithful fired up about the last two games of the season, and to remind everyone why UM has the best fans around...I thought I would post this "oldie but a goodie" photo of our very own "Griz Girls" I wonder where they are now???

A rare example of sanity in our times....
http://billingsgazette.co...002e0.html

I'm a little surprised, but relieved.

I am shocked really, but glad that they did decide to stay put. Now if only ISU can beat EW...

Only a few days left until the 110th Brawl of the Wild or Cat-Griz or Griz-Cat or bear-kittens...whatever. Ominous sign for the Cats last weekend as a couple of "Griz Guys" got 'er done in the hills of Colorado...

Speaking of 'gettin' 'er done'...Chase Reyonds got 'er done real good last week. 176 yrds. 3 TD's. Yes, North Dakota isn't a powerhouse, but neither is the Cats defense.

I expect the Drummond Mule to have a big game on Saturday.

Yeah? Well I hit one with a van. Going 55 miles an hour, with the headlights on and the horn blowin'! Woo, that's an elusive little creature! If you ever miss one, it's because the bullet's moving too fast. I'll tell you what; slow the bullet down to 55 miles an hour, put some headlights and a little horn on it, the deer will actually jump in front of the bullet!

Figures that griz fans would consider smokin a doe "getting it done".

Is that a Diet Sprite in the Koozie there, M T?

That would be Modus Hopperandi Rickenhawk, and yes, when you only can draw a buck tag once every three or four years in Colorado...so 'smoking a doe' is gettin' 'er done. Man, I had a trophy 5x5 in my sights, but refrained from being a despectable cat fan poacher.

You will be envious when I smoke 20 lbs of pepperoni snack sticks in my smoker this weekend. Much better than being a bobcat fan this weekend and smokin' pole. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

GO GRIZ!

You sure you can get 20 lbs off that jackrabbit?

The game is day after tomorrow and I am feeling pretty good about things. Freshamn QB vs. Senior QB. Chase Reynolds. Washington Griz Stadium. Cats are good and will probably beat the Griz next year at home, but not this year. Not in Missoula.

Ah Tommy, I can taste that Colorado Whiskey now.

Great Moments in Griz/Cat History...1997. I can still remember the big_dry_bug calling me from his apartment a couple of blocks from the stadium...getting ready to rub it in...



I LOVE the guy flipping off the camera at the end...good stuff

You can't spell DUMB without UM. Thats all I got to say about that.

I am not a fan of either team but I thought this was kind of funny!




http://www.kbzk.com/news/...na-campus/

Posted on twitter today by Kroy Biermann:

Montana football!! Big rival game tomorrow...FTC AND I GOT FAITH THE GRIZ WILL WIN!! Those little kittys can't play on the grizzly stage.

Sounds like it is going to be one cold mo' fo' for the game tomorrow...I heard -10 to -20 degrees below wind chill

That means two things: 1) Chase Reyonlds has a big day, and 2)...



FROZEN CATS!!!!

I know...but I can't stop

Well, if it is as cold as you say it will be, she will certainly be frigid.

SUH_WEEEEEEEEET!

Way to go Bobcats!!!

Three chances to score inside the 20. 2 fumbles on the one! That is what cat/Griz football is all about. Dr. Octopus had a pretty good game plan, the Roper/Chase option was working...although there were a few stupid decisions about when to throw the ball...but in the end the griz had every chance in the world to win the game, and in the end...if that what Coach Octavious gives us, well hell, I guess he can stay another year.

Good win for the Cats. Tough break for the Griz. Sweet helmets...not so sure about the uniforms. Tough break for Chase with the fumble and he ended up 3 yeards away from the all-time mark held by yo hump. Unless, the Griz get in the playoffs....and I sure hope they don't....Chase misses the mark.

One last little jab at Cat Nation...beside the 3 big turnovers in the red zone...your run defense looks like turd. Better hope for a playoff opponent who is pass happy.

Tough way for Chase to go out...if this is really it. One heckuva player.

I have a feeling they'll get in. What with the expanded field this year. Theres a 3 way tie for 3rd in the big sky. No telling for sure who they'll pick but I wouldn't be surprised to see 3 big sky teams get in.

I won't count on the Griz getting in...it was a down year. As I've said several times, it was bound to happen.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, I will be pulling for the 'Cats to do well in the playoffs - GO GET EM! Still don't like E-Wash and that stupid cotton candy-ass field, though.

I miss the Deer Slayer's post game commentary.

Mule Train, you lucky stiff. I just read replicas of those black outfits the Griz wore today can be purchased for a mere $200.00.

Why would anyone buy a replica for $200??? Are you sure they aren't the real jerseys? That's what they did the last time the game was in Missoula with the throw backs in 2008. A couple of friends of mine bought them...they are made to be really tight. Not the kind of attire you want to be lounging around the house in. And besides...what Griz fan would want to be reminded of the 2 fumbles on the 1 yard line? Those jerseys sucked.

Hope the Griz keep the helmets for next year though...I thought those were sharp.

Hal...I too miss the deer_slayers rants, but that's what happens when you have a kid...soberity! even during the Cat Griz game. I just thank GOD that I wasn't at the Brooklyn's sattelite party yesterday to hear all those screaming Cat fans...must have been miserable to have been a Griz.

Wow no 3rd team for the big sky. Surprised. MSU and EWU only

My mistake, muley. It is the replicas. But TWO HUNDRED BUCKS?

Not to mention...I was being sarcastic. I was pretty sure you wouldn't have been interested in them anyway

http://missoulian.com/new...03286.html

The fact the Griz only had 6 FCS wins probably spelled their doom.

$200 for a replica of the jersey that lost??? The athletic dept. is really hoping for some charity.

NDSU only had 6 fcs wins. Then again one of their non-fcs wins was Kansas, so I guess that helped.

Still shocked a team like that gets in before UM.

Rick:

What do you mean, "a team like that."

I believe NDSU beat Montana (in Missoula) when they last played.

NDSU has beaten Minnesota and Kansas straight up. Who is the last decent DI team Montana beat? Idaho doesn't count.

NDSU's athletic facilities, booster support, and fan support are as good or better than Montana's.

I don't know. I guess the fact that Montana was in the title game just last year would have some weight.

Especially before throwing them overboard for a team that hasn't been in there for a long time, bringing a 4-4 conference record.

Kind of an end to an era really. I think UM got in some other times when they probably deserved it less. Their history always seemed to play a part in their selection year after year.

I remember a few years back, UM finished behind the Cats in the conference, lost to the Cats, and they still got in while the Cats were left at home.

What do you mean, "a team like that."

Norwegians are subhuman.

Article from the Fargo paper:

http://www.inforum.com/ev.../homepage/


Two things of note:

(1) The head of the FCS selection committee was Monana's AD.

(2) NDSU submitted a bid of $100,000 to the NCAA. Maybe the rubes at the University of Montana didn't submit a large enough bid, sucks to be them if that's the case.

Especially before throwing them overboard for a team that hasn't been in there for a long time, bringing a 4-4 conference record.

Rick:

NDSU has only been eligible for the FCS playoffs since 2008.

In 2006, NDSU was ranked in the top five of Division I-AA but was not yet eligible for the playoffs.

I'm not really making a value judgement on whether it was the right or wrong decision.

It just surprised me, especially with a 20-team field.

I spent the first quarter trying to figure out why MSU was playing the Fruitland Grizzlies:
Particularly since it was my understanding that Fruitland was playing in the 3A title game on the blue turf later that evening.

That's funny stuff, Buck.

I think they might actually have a chance to win that opener:
http://missoulian.com/col...002e0.html

[This message has been edited by Bob Netherton II (12/11/2010)]

Bob II: Um, no. Ass kicking will be issued by the Vols.