How do Cats stack up against Griz

[Cataholic]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

[OldGriz]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

[grizzh8r]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

Mods, can we change this guys handle from OldGriz to ObtuseGriz? Cuz it's much more fitting...

[OldGriz]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

Mods, can we change this guys handle from OldGriz to ObtuseGriz? Cuz it's much more fitting...

If my comment was off-topic or inappropriate, I am sorry.

[91catAlum]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

Yet, the playoff committee has MSU at #2 and above the griz... go figure.

[coloradocat]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

The voters qualify by writing about college football, not watching it.

[nanacat]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

Yet, the playoff committee has MSU at #2 and above the griz... go figure.

Ya, but in his mind it's the sport's writers interns, and coach's assistants, who have much more insight than the committee who actually determines the seeding. He doesn't let facts get in the way of his opinions.

[PapaG]

Unfortunately, having an FCS player who’s seen the ‘big deal’ that Texas football is, doesn’t relate to wins in this game. Statistically, the team with the better Montana kids wins it. Oddly, the out of state kids sometimes are the ones pressing. Bobcat fans will remember , as we climbed the big stage, having team with incredible skill players and being outplayed on the lines one or two games a year was confusing. We do t have that anymore because of a mix of players from anywhere that will don the blue and gold. Luckily, it doesn’t come up to us. Calm heads prevail, usually because they are the skilled and talented. Where they are from doesn’t matter. Passion doesn’t have to mean going insane and being the aggressor. But you better understand the Griz are going to employ that this year. Explosiveness, big plays, disruption…..yes. It’s their best chance of winning.

Totally agree... never said it equates to wins... said it could be an advantage. That's all. Like you said everyone needs to know this is THE game of the regular season and prepare and enter accordingly.

Fanatics care more about this game than players. JJ Dolan’s dad is one of the biggest Bobcat fans I know now and he played for the first Gris title team.

The Streak still gives me fandom PTSD as a mere MSU alumnus and fan.

[grizzh8r]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

Mods, can we change this guys handle from OldGriz to ObtuseGriz? Cuz it's much more fitting...

If my comment was off-topic or inappropriate, I am sorry.

It was neither and you know it. You're being obtuse by willfully ignoring the fact that the SDSU team MSU played in early September was fully healthy and a much stronger opponent - worthy of their lofty ranking at the time - has been decimated by injuries to key players, which has led to them stumbling the last 3 weeks. Thankfully the only people who really matter (playoff committee) seem to understand this, unlike the "slot voters" to whom you've hitched your wagon...

Hya Mule! Or dare I say... Jackass?

[iaafan]

Listened to both the Tripp interview and the one with Tootell. The "Bobby plays backups to develop them" thing was mentioned in both interviews, first by Tripp, then repeated by Colter when he was talking to Tootell. I think Tootell nailed it when he commented, essentially, that if that's what Bobby is doing, his timing is really bad because playing around with your team is a September/October thing but by November you better have a team identity and the Gris really don't. With all the success and such that Bobby has had, you'd think he'd know better by now. Personally, I don't buy it, but I did find it entertaining that Tootell called it out.
The other thing that stood out to me was Tootell talking about the chip on their shoulder that the Cats have this year due to being compared to last year's team, and the concerns they wouldn't measure up. He's right of course. This team has something to prove and has a swagger that I don't really think last year's team had.
Reading between the lines in these interviews, it's pretty obvious that they all really want to say that the Cats are the better team by far, but they have to try to remain unbiased. The only real claim to fame the griz have is that 10-0 record, which is certainly admirable. However, I struggled a bit last year with the undefeated record the Cats had because there's just extra pressure to keep it. All teams are gunning for you, all eyes are on you and that record. It's been a little frustrating that the Cats haven't been getting much love this season due to the two losses, but it's actually working out fine because, as Tootell said, they're just doing whatever the heck they want to other teams.

It is hard to understand that our only FCS loss was to a healthy and very good at the time #2 ranked SDSU in double overtime, and voters are still penalizing us for that. Crazy.

Voters have difficulty seeing a 7-3 team (3-3 in conference) as “very good” regardless of which week you played them. And you lost to them. Not Crazy.

Chase Mason: Starting quarterback, injured in mid-October with a foot injury.
Lofton O'Groske: Top wide receiver, sidelined with an injury.
Chase Van Tol: Top linebacker, out due to injury.
Aaron Wolfcale-Holsten: Defensive lineman.
Mason Broussard: Defensive lineman.

They’ve also lost their main backup running backs. Would UM have won over UND, ISU and EWU without Ah Yat and Wortham?

[BelligerentBobcat]

Tripp talks some in this pod about how the Griz rotate subs in early and it prevents them from boat racing teams. I’ve heard a lot of Griz fans cite that as the reason why they’re winning games a lot closer than the Cats.

What’s so funny to me about that is that virtually no one rotates like the Bobcats. They play backups like crazy— even in 1st quarters. The difference is that their subs dominate on a level fairy comparable to their starters.

So I have no doubt that Bobby is rotating and that it partially explains UM’s slumps after Q1. But it’s certainly not true that MSU blows teams out just because they keep their ones in all game.

Well, that explains why the gris almost lost to EWU and ISU - the subs were playing. Subs played the whole first half against Cal Poly.

Frankly, if playing subs is why the gris are not running up scores, that is a real turn around from past years.

Sounds like some really bad coaching decisions if you are barely beating teams because you are playing backups. Sounds like they SHOULD be playing the starters more to create the gap THEN play your back ups when you know you have the game in hand. Because what are you going to do when you HAVE to play your starters the most of the game?? fatigue, mental lapses, potential injuries due to NOT playing through full games. Sounds like a dereliction of duty if you ask me to put your team in a position to lose a game by playing guys who aren't quite ready. You also are showing that you DON'T have depth, which would become part of my game plan in playing you. I would do everything I could to wear down your 1s so I can get your 2s because they obviously aren't anywhere near as good as the 1s......

That’s the beautiful thing for when they play us. They may be forced to play their starters a lot. That’s fine. They’re good. But we don’t have to, and by the 3rd quarter we’ll have them worn out on the lines.

I genuinely don’t think a single one of their defensive lineman would start for us, probably one or two would get regular snaps. I know Colter has said one of the offensive lineman would start for MSU, but I’m not sure I buy that either. Their OL isn’t good, and that bodes well for us.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I have to say regarding the rotating of players…Griz fans might legitimately be stupid. On one hand, they seem to think just rotating players at positions like RB, WR, LB, and DL is completely abnormal, and a sign of playing backups because that’s “Bobby Ball”. They don’t seem to realize that almost nobody outside of the QB, and OL are playing every single snap during a game (obviously some exceptions, usually seen at CB, S, or LB). But these guys needs breaks. It’s just how it goes. Normal football, everybody rotates.

Then on the other hand, Hauck has them all convinced that rotating a center is completely normal, and happens all the time. I don’t know if they’re just not able to question the narrative, or if they don’t actually follow football at all. But I think that’s where a lot of their “we’re playing backups early!” stuff comes from. They’re just rotating, which everybody does.