FCS Championship Game - Montana

[SlapJack]

On paper, the SDSU-Montana comparison is either a wash or SDSU has the edge pretty much across the board. How does Montana overcome this? Create splash plays to get SDSU off balance on Offense and Defense.

Statistically, Montana has the edge in TFLs and sacks per game. If they produce, they'll be able to keep the SDSU O off schedule and possibly give their Offense more opportunities. Montana will need to get their offensive playmakers involved. Bergen needs touches. And their run game has to produce enough to keep the SDSU D honest. Albany's 66 yds wasn't enough to cut it. Montana will need 100+ yds on the ground.

SDSU run game will likely see some tough sledding early in the game, but like the NDSU game, I expect Montana's D line to wear down in the 2nd half. By the end of that game, NDSU's o-line was getting ridiculous push every play. Montana's DT is a beast, and he reminds me of UNI's DT. If we can keep him on the field and winded, he's ineffective.

[jakejc795]

It doesn't mean a lot with the game over two weeks away, but the weather forecast for game day has improved. A few days ago the forecast said mid 40's with a chance of rain. Today it says sunny and a high of 60, with light winds. Which would be ideal for players and fans.

Rain 1/2-1/5 is less then impressive, particularly on that dang field. Hopefully 1/6-1/7 remains dry

[OldHare]

Many of the Griz fans are certain the Jackrabbits will be sleeping on the quality of the opponent in the Championship game. There are a few more sober fans who believe the championship game should be competitive.
https://egriz.com/grizboard/viewforum.php?f=1

[MontanaRabbit]

Many of the Griz fans are certain the Jackrabbits will be sleeping on the quality of the opponent in the Championship game. There are a few more sober fans who believe the championship game should be competitive.
https://egriz.com/grizboard/viewforum.php?f=1

I sure hope the team isn't overlooking the griz. They made it to the Natty so they deserve respect.

That being said, as a fan it's hard not to have confidence. They struggled with Furman and NDSU. In fact, it took 2 special teams TD's against Furman and 1 against NDSU to get those games into OT at home. Special teams is part of the game but hard to count on something like that every game.

Also, NDSU had to have been running on fumes. Played 12 straight weeks. 3rd straight playoff road game. The wear and tear from travel is very real.

Montana is clearly very good, but this SDSU team is unlike any in the history of the program. Experienced, physical, and deep. There isn't a weakness on the team. The game might be close for a half but I don't see how we don't wear them down and enforce our will in the 2nd half.

[bigticket1]

I sure hope the team isn't overlooking the griz. They made it to the Natty so they deserve respect.

That being said, as a fan it's hard not to have confidence. They struggled with Furman and NDSU. In fact, it took 2 special teams TD's against Furman and 1 against NDSU to get those games into OT at home. Special teams is part of the game but hard to count on something like that every game.

Also, NDSU had to have been running on fumes. Played 12 straight weeks. 3rd straight playoff road game. The wear and tear from travel is very real.

Montana is clearly very good, but this SDSU team is unlike any in the history of the program. Experienced, physical, and deep. There isn't a weakness on the team. The game might be close for a half but I don't see how we don't wear them down and enforce our will in the 2nd half.

Jimmy's final game as a player was the playoff debacle in Missoula. I have the feeling that the Jacks will not overlook the Grizz.

[jakejc795]

Jimmy's final game as a player was the playoff debacle in Missoula. I have the feeling that the Jacks will not overlook the Grizz.

Not to mention Bobbit playing in '15 playoff game versus them and Lujan being backup QB.

The Jacks have refuted many narratives this season. I have faith they can turn the page on being winless versus the Griz(z) to cap the season.

[SUPERBUNNY]

If the team was going to overlook a team, it would have been in the semi-final. We all saw how that turned out. They had their scare with the slow start against Villanova.

Like others have mentioned about the coaching staff and their playoff experiences against Montana, I fully expect the team to be ready from the opening kick!

Can't wait to get it on in Frisco!

SUPERBUNNY

[bigticket1]

Tale of the Tape : http://www.twitter.com/HEROSports_FC...45629675360732

[jakejc795]

Tale of the Tape : http://www.twitter.com/HEROSports_FC...45629675360732

Do you think Sam copied from Craig?

[bigticket1]

Do you think Sam copied from Craig?

Either way, Jacks fans have to like the analysis.

[jakejc795]

Either way, Jacks fans have to like the analysis.

I'll be curious to see if they'll revise their predictions for the game's outcome

[ringthebells]

I've found after lurking on eGrizz that if you give Montana folks a paragraph they can talk themselves into anything. Things I've read
1) Montana will win because we only beat Montana St by 4.
2) Isiah and Amar would be middle of the pack in their RB room.
3) Even though they have never played in Frisco, it should be moved to a new venue. There is no way a site that has never sold out will be able to hold all of the Jizz fans that will over take the town.
4) Did you know they had 26,000 at their last playoff game?
5) We've never beat their team and don't know how.
6) Their defense is like nothing we've ever seen. A thee man line with non-stop blitzing.
7) They are playing with house money.
8) Lots of mentions of "Montana boys" on their rosters.

My thoughts;
1) It was early. We've gotten a lot better. I've noticed they don't play the compare the score game vs NDSU.
2) Dumb, just dumb.
3) We will see I guess. There is a limited number of tickets, but I'm guessing there will be seats left empty that are sitting on second hand sites and sitting on the dressers of local business folks that were given some and didn't go.
4) If attendance was really that important, they would be relevant more than once every decade.
5) irrelevant
6) You live by the blitz, you die by the blitz. It will take an experienced team to handle the blitzing, thankfully that is exactly what we have.
7) Meh, kind of seems like a cop out.
8) I don't care how many SD kids are on our roster as long as we are able to get any that we want.

I feel if the rain stays away, we pick up the blitz and don't kick to their returner we should be in a position to repeat. Montana is a good team and we are far from invincible, but it will take a Herculean effort on their part to win. Go Jacks!

[jakejc795]

I've found after lurking on eGrizz that if you give Montana folks a paragraph they can talk themselves into anything. Things I've read
1) Montana will win because we only beat Montana St by 4.
2) Isiah and Amar would be middle of the pack in their RB room.
3) Even though they have never played in Frisco, it should be moved to a new venue. There is no way a site that has never sold out will be able to hold all of the Jizz fans that will over take the town.
4) Did you know they had 26,000 at their last playoff game?
5) We've never beat their team and don't know how.
6) Their defense is like nothing we've ever seen. A thee man line with non-stop blitzing.
7) They are playing with house money.
8) Lots of mentions of "Montana boys" on their rosters.

My thoughts;
1) It was early. We've gotten a lot better. I've noticed they don't play the compare the score game vs NDSU.
2) Dumb, just dumb.
3) We will see I guess. There is a limited number of tickets, but I'm guessing there will be seats left empty that are sitting on second hand sites and sitting on the dressers of local business folks that were given some and didn't go.
4) If attendance was really that important, they would be relevant more than once every decade.
5) irrelevant
6) You live by the blitz, you die by the blitz. It will take an experienced team to handle the blitzing, thankfully that is exactly what we have.
7) Meh, kind of seems like a cop out.
8) I don't care how many SD kids are on our roster as long as we are able to get any that we want.

I feel if the rain stays away, we pick up the blitz and don't kick to their returner we should be in a position to repeat. Montana is a good team and we are far from invincible, but it will take a Herculean effort on their part to win. Go Jacks!

Well, I'd agree with their Item #3. I'd have no objections to moving the game. If Barstool Sports can host a bowl game in Tucson, there's no reason a playoff game couldn't be held in a warmer weather, or even dome stadium instead of a dang soccer field that's had poor field conditions/delays due to weather.

Having said that, I think the ticket office impressively adapted yet again by capping the number of allocated tickets that season ticket holders could purchase, thereby maximizing the probability that "new" attendees could purchase tickets.

Regarding #8, both teams have the same number of in-state players, as Sam Herder mentioned.

[bigticket1]

Well, I'd agree with their Item #3. I'd have no objections to moving the game. If Barstool Sports can host a bowl game in Tucson, there's no reason a playoff game couldn't be held in a warmer weather, or even dome stadium instead of a dang soccer field that's had poor field conditions/delays due to weather.

Having said that, I think the ticket office impressively adapted yet again by capping the number of allocated tickets that season ticket holders could purchase, thereby maximizing the probability that "new" attendees could purchase tickets.

Regarding #8, both teams have the same number of in-state players, as Sam Herder mentioned.

Moving to another location would require someone to come up with a bid that beats what Frisco puts up. Sounds like it may be a situation like the Summit tourney and Sioux Falls. Lots of people complain, but no one willing to put their money where their mouth is.

[jakejc795]

Moving to another location would require someone to come up with a bid that beats what Frisco puts up. Sounds like it may be a situation like the Summit tourney and Sioux Falls. Lots of people complain, but no one willing to put their money where their mouth is.

I wonder how much of it is due to folks being unwilling/unable to submit bids versus prospective sites having the perception that it would be an exercise in futility because they wouldn't be objectively considered. Regardless, it will be interesting to see if reports of the $16 million economic impact (if accurate) prompt other locations to submit more robust/competitive bids.

A good first step would be moving the game from Sun., which FCS reps reportedly suggested, but Frisco folks balked at. Doing so would allow increased flexibility if adverse weather/field conditions require rescheduling the game.