How do Cats stack up against Griz

[MrGoodKat]

My two biggest concerns are how Lamson handles the griz pressure and getting a punt/kick blocked.

I could see him taking some bad sacks if he continues to hold on to the ball too long or waits too long to run with it and if he gets sacked a few times early how does that affect him the rest of the game. We've been good lately on our punts/kicks but you know Bobbi will have ST dialed up to try and turn the game there.

If we can handle those two threats well I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. This is a tough team with a lot of MT and/or experienced players on the team who understand what they'll be walking into.

I actually think that the fact that we have quite a few key players that aren't from MT is what will be key for us. They know it's a big game but they are less likely to get caught up in the emotion of it all....whether they wanted to go to the griz or always hated the griz. They obviously want to beat the griz as it's a culture thing but the emotion that many of the MT players will have surrounding this game won't be there for them, it will allow them to approach the game like any other big game. It's like being from cali and playing for ut in the red river shootout. yeah you know it's a rivalry game but it doesn't hit the same so you just play the game. you didn't grow up hating or loving one team, you don't have to go home and worry about hearing jeers from either side because you won or lost...that mental part of the game doesn't exist for quite a few of our best players. I think they would have been more up or emotional about Oregon than the griz. Now I do think the griz is going to throw everything at us so the whole team will need to ready for the tricks and the bs that I feel will present itself.

I feel one of two things will happen....1. we come out like we did against UNC and defensively we are on their necks. Offense will be a bit sluggish to start but the defense will energize them quickly and we put our foot on their throats. then i feel the griz will resort to some bs to rattle our cage so our guys need to not get caught up in that and get ejected or get any penalties to give them a shot in the arm. fans will be on the teams butt the whole game so they just got to block it out. or 2. we're in a hard hitting dog fight. both defenses will lead the way with big hits, stout play and the offenses will need to have one or two key drives to pull ahead. the special teams game will be the tipping point in this scenario. we HAVE to be solid every single time, zero glitches. if we are in scenario 2 the game will be won or lost by our STs play(big kor, pr..blocked kick..missed fg or xpt...something like that). I don't think the griz feels they are better than us on offense or defense so they will offset that with ST play to keep them in the game, we have to match that energy.

oh yeah i see the griz making it ugly, they are going to try to out physical us, hard physical runs, defensively hit the qb everytime they get a chance(even getting some roughing the passer calls to get in our heads). I don't see them lining up and just being better than us, but I do see them trying to out play us...again we have to match that level of intensity for the whole game. They remind me of Katy HS here in Texas. They aren't fancy but good lord are they physical ALL GAME. We have to be willing to hit and hit HARD all game regardless of the score.

Your first paragraph is an interesting perspective that I don't know if we've seen here before. The general consensus on BN, and the fandom at large, is that out of state guys are the weakness going into Cat-griz because they don't get it and have trouble rising to the moment. I suppose that could be backwards for some of the guys from TX because of the high school environment. There's always the possibility that the MT guys are overhyped for the game but that is kind of the point. It's not just another big game and both sides treat it like the super bowl. "It just means more" and you need the entire team on board with that to win.

I don’t think that out of state kids are a weakness by any means. I’ve seen plenty kids from out of state that have had massive games in the Brawl.

Rather, I would just say that having lots of in state kids is an advantage. The history of this rivalry is littered with examples of MT players elevating their play to new heights.

So for someone to say it’s an advantage to have more out of state players is just revealing that they don’t know much about this game. And I say that as someone who was not born in Montana.

[coloradocat]

My two biggest concerns are how Lamson handles the griz pressure and getting a punt/kick blocked.

I could see him taking some bad sacks if he continues to hold on to the ball too long or waits too long to run with it and if he gets sacked a few times early how does that affect him the rest of the game. We've been good lately on our punts/kicks but you know Bobbi will have ST dialed up to try and turn the game there.

If we can handle those two threats well I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. This is a tough team with a lot of MT and/or experienced players on the team who understand what they'll be walking into.

I actually think that the fact that we have quite a few key players that aren't from MT is what will be key for us. They know it's a big game but they are less likely to get caught up in the emotion of it all....whether they wanted to go to the griz or always hated the griz. They obviously want to beat the griz as it's a culture thing but the emotion that many of the MT players will have surrounding this game won't be there for them, it will allow them to approach the game like any other big game. It's like being from cali and playing for ut in the red river shootout. yeah you know it's a rivalry game but it doesn't hit the same so you just play the game. you didn't grow up hating or loving one team, you don't have to go home and worry about hearing jeers from either side because you won or lost...that mental part of the game doesn't exist for quite a few of our best players. I think they would have been more up or emotional about Oregon than the griz. Now I do think the griz is going to throw everything at us so the whole team will need to ready for the tricks and the bs that I feel will present itself.

I feel one of two things will happen....1. we come out like we did against UNC and defensively we are on their necks. Offense will be a bit sluggish to start but the defense will energize them quickly and we put our foot on their throats. then i feel the griz will resort to some bs to rattle our cage so our guys need to not get caught up in that and get ejected or get any penalties to give them a shot in the arm. fans will be on the teams butt the whole game so they just got to block it out. or 2. we're in a hard hitting dog fight. both defenses will lead the way with big hits, stout play and the offenses will need to have one or two key drives to pull ahead. the special teams game will be the tipping point in this scenario. we HAVE to be solid every single time, zero glitches. if we are in scenario 2 the game will be won or lost by our STs play(big kor, pr..blocked kick..missed fg or xpt...something like that). I don't think the griz feels they are better than us on offense or defense so they will offset that with ST play to keep them in the game, we have to match that energy.

oh yeah i see the griz making it ugly, they are going to try to out physical us, hard physical runs, defensively hit the qb everytime they get a chance(even getting some roughing the passer calls to get in our heads). I don't see them lining up and just being better than us, but I do see them trying to out play us...again we have to match that level of intensity for the whole game. They remind me of Katy HS here in Texas. They aren't fancy but good lord are they physical ALL GAME. We have to be willing to hit and hit HARD all game regardless of the score.

Your first paragraph is an interesting perspective that I don't know if we've seen here before. The general consensus on BN, and the fandom at large, is that out of state guys are the weakness going into Cat-griz because they don't get it and have trouble rising to the moment. I suppose that could be backwards for some of the guys from TX because of the high school environment. There's always the possibility that the MT guys are overhyped for the game but that is kind of the point. It's not just another big game and both sides treat it like the super bowl. "It just means more" and you need the entire team on board with that to win.

I don’t think that out of state kids are a weakness by any means. I’ve seen plenty kids from out of state that have had massive games in the Brawl.

Rather, I would just say that having lots of in state kids is an advantage. The history of this rivalry is littered with examples of MT players elevating their play to new heights.

So for someone to say it’s an advantage to have more out of state players is just revealing that they don’t know much about this game. And I say that as someone who was not born in Montana.

Yeah, weakness wasn't the right word for it. I think we're saying mostly the same thing.

[catapult]

There is a nice added bonus of playing ID State, Cal Poly & Weber State after the griz. There is overlap breaking down film preparing for those games and it does give us some familiarity of their personnel & scheme. Love to have been a fly on the wall when they broke down film of our Eastern Washington game...gulp!

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

My two biggest concerns are how Lamson handles the griz pressure and getting a punt/kick blocked.

I could see him taking some bad sacks if he continues to hold on to the ball too long or waits too long to run with it and if he gets sacked a few times early how does that affect him the rest of the game. We've been good lately on our punts/kicks but you know Bobbi will have ST dialed up to try and turn the game there.

If we can handle those two threats well I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. This is a tough team with a lot of MT and/or experienced players on the team who understand what they'll be walking into.

I actually think that the fact that we have quite a few key players that aren't from MT is what will be key for us. They know it's a big game but they are less likely to get caught up in the emotion of it all....whether they wanted to go to the griz or always hated the griz. They obviously want to beat the griz as it's a culture thing but the emotion that many of the MT players will have surrounding this game won't be there for them, it will allow them to approach the game like any other big game. It's like being from cali and playing for ut in the red river shootout. yeah you know it's a rivalry game but it doesn't hit the same so you just play the game. you didn't grow up hating or loving one team, you don't have to go home and worry about hearing jeers from either side because you won or lost...that mental part of the game doesn't exist for quite a few of our best players. I think they would have been more up or emotional about Oregon than the griz. Now I do think the griz is going to throw everything at us so the whole team will need to ready for the tricks and the bs that I feel will present itself.

I feel one of two things will happen....1. we come out like we did against UNC and defensively we are on their necks. Offense will be a bit sluggish to start but the defense will energize them quickly and we put our foot on their throats. then i feel the griz will resort to some bs to rattle our cage so our guys need to not get caught up in that and get ejected or get any penalties to give them a shot in the arm. fans will be on the teams butt the whole game so they just got to block it out. or 2. we're in a hard hitting dog fight. both defenses will lead the way with big hits, stout play and the offenses will need to have one or two key drives to pull ahead. the special teams game will be the tipping point in this scenario. we HAVE to be solid every single time, zero glitches. if we are in scenario 2 the game will be won or lost by our STs play(big kor, pr..blocked kick..missed fg or xpt...something like that). I don't think the griz feels they are better than us on offense or defense so they will offset that with ST play to keep them in the game, we have to match that energy.

oh yeah i see the griz making it ugly, they are going to try to out physical us, hard physical runs, defensively hit the qb everytime they get a chance(even getting some roughing the passer calls to get in our heads). I don't see them lining up and just being better than us, but I do see them trying to out play us...again we have to match that level of intensity for the whole game. They remind me of Katy HS here in Texas. They aren't fancy but good lord are they physical ALL GAME. We have to be willing to hit and hit HARD all game regardless of the score.

Your first paragraph is an interesting perspective that I don't know if we've seen here before. The general consensus on BN, and the fandom at large, is that out of state guys are the weakness going into Cat-griz because they don't get it and have trouble rising to the moment. I suppose that could be backwards for some of the guys from TX because of the high school environment. There's always the possibility that the MT guys are overhyped for the game but that is kind of the point. It's not just another big game and both sides treat it like the super bowl. "It just means more" and you need the entire team on board with that to win.

I think you have to consider the environments the TX boys have played in. They routinely play in front of 14-20k fans. They have played the likes of desoto, katy, north shore, duncanville. Those teams are top 10 in the nation every year. When I say they know what a big time game is about those kids know what it's like to play on national TV against nationally ranked teams or as a nationally ranked team. They really are used to it, they know what big games are like and don't need the history to know what a big game atmosphere is like, they had it every Thursday, Friday or Saturday. You also have to consider McMillan, Ross and Boyd ran track at a high level. They went to state where in Texas there's roughly 20k watching you run at state. In track you have no helmet to hide your face and what you do is on full display, it isn't a team thing when you run or get that baton it's you and the guys next to you...and all those guys never waivered in those high pressure moments. I was at the state meet when mcmillan ran anchor leg on the fastest 4x1 race ever, he didn't flinch, then he backdoored and anchored a 4x2 that was the 2nd fastest ever and again didn't flinch. I don't think you have anything to worry about with those young guys. the understand the moment, they just don't have the emotion that goes along with it that causes those miscues...you know trying to do too much.

With that said I do get it, it isn't your run of the mill game. Players are going to be emotional and players will raise their level of play. Again I think that plays into our hand that they know what it is like but they don't have that extra emotion involved. I feel they are more likely to show up and just play at a high level without the extra emotion because they don't have those ties, they just want to win because that's what they do...win. They don't want to win to stick it to UM, that mental hurdle doesn't exist for them. I think you are correct that the fandom makes it huge and the MT guys really get up for it, and they also make tons of mistakes trying to do too much because of that fandom. Some of our key players at key positions don't carry that weight so think it helps them to stay level headed and just play within themselves.

I may be wrong, we shall see.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

My two biggest concerns are how Lamson handles the griz pressure and getting a punt/kick blocked.

I could see him taking some bad sacks if he continues to hold on to the ball too long or waits too long to run with it and if he gets sacked a few times early how does that affect him the rest of the game. We've been good lately on our punts/kicks but you know Bobbi will have ST dialed up to try and turn the game there.

If we can handle those two threats well I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. This is a tough team with a lot of MT and/or experienced players on the team who understand what they'll be walking into.

I actually think that the fact that we have quite a few key players that aren't from MT is what will be key for us. They know it's a big game but they are less likely to get caught up in the emotion of it all....whether they wanted to go to the griz or always hated the griz. They obviously want to beat the griz as it's a culture thing but the emotion that many of the MT players will have surrounding this game won't be there for them, it will allow them to approach the game like any other big game. It's like being from cali and playing for ut in the red river shootout. yeah you know it's a rivalry game but it doesn't hit the same so you just play the game. you didn't grow up hating or loving one team, you don't have to go home and worry about hearing jeers from either side because you won or lost...that mental part of the game doesn't exist for quite a few of our best players. I think they would have been more up or emotional about Oregon than the griz. Now I do think the griz is going to throw everything at us so the whole team will need to ready for the tricks and the bs that I feel will present itself.

I feel one of two things will happen....1. we come out like we did against UNC and defensively we are on their necks. Offense will be a bit sluggish to start but the defense will energize them quickly and we put our foot on their throats. then i feel the griz will resort to some bs to rattle our cage so our guys need to not get caught up in that and get ejected or get any penalties to give them a shot in the arm. fans will be on the teams butt the whole game so they just got to block it out. or 2. we're in a hard hitting dog fight. both defenses will lead the way with big hits, stout play and the offenses will need to have one or two key drives to pull ahead. the special teams game will be the tipping point in this scenario. we HAVE to be solid every single time, zero glitches. if we are in scenario 2 the game will be won or lost by our STs play(big kor, pr..blocked kick..missed fg or xpt...something like that). I don't think the griz feels they are better than us on offense or defense so they will offset that with ST play to keep them in the game, we have to match that energy.

oh yeah i see the griz making it ugly, they are going to try to out physical us, hard physical runs, defensively hit the qb everytime they get a chance(even getting some roughing the passer calls to get in our heads). I don't see them lining up and just being better than us, but I do see them trying to out play us...again we have to match that level of intensity for the whole game. They remind me of Katy HS here in Texas. They aren't fancy but good lord are they physical ALL GAME. We have to be willing to hit and hit HARD all game regardless of the score.

Your first paragraph is an interesting perspective that I don't know if we've seen here before. The general consensus on BN, and the fandom at large, is that out of state guys are the weakness going into Cat-griz because they don't get it and have trouble rising to the moment. I suppose that could be backwards for some of the guys from TX because of the high school environment. There's always the possibility that the MT guys are overhyped for the game but that is kind of the point. It's not just another big game and both sides treat it like the super bowl. "It just means more" and you need the entire team on board with that to win.

I don’t think that out of state kids are a weakness by any means. I’ve seen plenty kids from out of state that have had massive games in the Brawl.

Rather, I would just say that having lots of in state kids is an advantage. The history of this rivalry is littered with examples of MT players elevating their play to new heights.

So for someone to say it’s an advantage to have more out of state players is just revealing that they don’t know much about this game. And I say that as someone who was not born in Montana.

What I don't think you get is that I'm from Texas....the Cat-Griz game is no bigger than the UT/A$M or UT/OU game. I full well understand the history of the game and understand the hatred vitriol and passion that comes with these types of games. TBH our high school rivalry games are gawd awfully passionate. I do feel it is an advantage to have guys at key positions that aren't from MT because they don't have that emotion that will have them to make mistakes by being overly hyped up. Their approach is little different but still can/has produced great play. Just a different perspective.

[ilovethecats]

My two biggest concerns are how Lamson handles the griz pressure and getting a punt/kick blocked.

I could see him taking some bad sacks if he continues to hold on to the ball too long or waits too long to run with it and if he gets sacked a few times early how does that affect him the rest of the game. We've been good lately on our punts/kicks but you know Bobbi will have ST dialed up to try and turn the game there.

If we can handle those two threats well I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. This is a tough team with a lot of MT and/or experienced players on the team who understand what they'll be walking into.

I actually think that the fact that we have quite a few key players that aren't from MT is what will be key for us. They know it's a big game but they are less likely to get caught up in the emotion of it all....whether they wanted to go to the griz or always hated the griz. They obviously want to beat the griz as it's a culture thing but the emotion that many of the MT players will have surrounding this game won't be there for them, it will allow them to approach the game like any other big game. It's like being from cali and playing for ut in the red river shootout. yeah you know it's a rivalry game but it doesn't hit the same so you just play the game. you didn't grow up hating or loving one team, you don't have to go home and worry about hearing jeers from either side because you won or lost...that mental part of the game doesn't exist for quite a few of our best players. I think they would have been more up or emotional about Oregon than the griz. Now I do think the griz is going to throw everything at us so the whole team will need to ready for the tricks and the bs that I feel will present itself.

I feel one of two things will happen....1. we come out like we did against UNC and defensively we are on their necks. Offense will be a bit sluggish to start but the defense will energize them quickly and we put our foot on their throats. then i feel the griz will resort to some bs to rattle our cage so our guys need to not get caught up in that and get ejected or get any penalties to give them a shot in the arm. fans will be on the teams butt the whole game so they just got to block it out. or 2. we're in a hard hitting dog fight. both defenses will lead the way with big hits, stout play and the offenses will need to have one or two key drives to pull ahead. the special teams game will be the tipping point in this scenario. we HAVE to be solid every single time, zero glitches. if we are in scenario 2 the game will be won or lost by our STs play(big kor, pr..blocked kick..missed fg or xpt...something like that). I don't think the griz feels they are better than us on offense or defense so they will offset that with ST play to keep them in the game, we have to match that energy.

oh yeah i see the griz making it ugly, they are going to try to out physical us, hard physical runs, defensively hit the qb everytime they get a chance(even getting some roughing the passer calls to get in our heads). I don't see them lining up and just being better than us, but I do see them trying to out play us...again we have to match that level of intensity for the whole game. They remind me of Katy HS here in Texas. They aren't fancy but good lord are they physical ALL GAME. We have to be willing to hit and hit HARD all game regardless of the score.

Your first paragraph is an interesting perspective that I don't know if we've seen here before. The general consensus on BN, and the fandom at large, is that out of state guys are the weakness going into Cat-griz because they don't get it and have trouble rising to the moment. I suppose that could be backwards for some of the guys from TX because of the high school environment. There's always the possibility that the MT guys are overhyped for the game but that is kind of the point. It's not just another big game and both sides treat it like the super bowl. "It just means more" and you need the entire team on board with that to win.

I don’t think that out of state kids are a weakness by any means. I’ve seen plenty kids from out of state that have had massive games in the Brawl.

Rather, I would just say that having lots of in state kids is an advantage. The history of this rivalry is littered with examples of MT players elevating their play to new heights.

So for someone to say it’s an advantage to have more out of state players is just revealing that they don’t know much about this game. And I say that as someone who was not born in Montana.

What I don't think you get is that I'm from Texas....the Cat-Griz game is no bigger than the UT/A$M or UT/OU game. I full well understand the history of the game and understand the hatred vitriol and passion that comes with these types of games. TBH our high school rivalry games are gawd awfully passionate. I do feel it is an advantage to have guys at key positions that aren't from MT because they don't have that emotion that will have them to make mistakes by being overly hyped up. Their approach is little different but still can/has produced great play. Just a different perspective.

I get what you're saying BBB, but in my personal opinion this line of thinking is always my biggest concern going into the brawl. How "big" a rivalry game is all subjective. Obviously on a national scale games like Alabama/Auburn, Michigan/Ohio State or Texas/Oklahoma are "bigger". But I couldn't care less about those teams. The biggest rivalry in the country is Cat/Griz because it is OUR rivalry. It's bigger than football. It goes way beyond the number of fans in attendance or how loud it is. The fact that some of these kids have played in front of 20k fans in high school means absolutely nothing.

To be clear, once you're a Bobcat you're always a Bobcat in my eyes. And you're a Montanan. I don't care where you're from one you wear that blue and gold. We wouldn't be where we are this season or even as a program without out-of-state kids; and I'm thankful for all of them. But as a fan of the Cats for over 40 years, seeing both really good football and really bad football, I can tell you we have gotten in trouble in the past with players underestimating this game. We've had players who have felt like they have played in bigger stadiums or came from a huge school or had a ton of amazing athletes or whatever else you want to put here. They acted as though this was just another game. Just a "rivalry" game at an FCS school when they came from SEC country so they downplay it. And it has never went well.

I'm not suggesting this is how these guys are viewing this game. I'm saying without a doubt this is how others before them have viewed this game. I don't care where any of our players are from. Montana or the moon. Doesn't matter. But when they take the field I want them KNOWING this is the biggest rivalry in the country. Because if you're playing in it that's just what it is.

I'm tired of going over there with what I consider a better team and getting crushed. Not just beat but crushed. It just can't happen anymore. Vigen needs to show he can win this game in Missoula. We literally control our own destiny and we need every single player giving this game the respect it deserves.

[nanacat]

What stands out to me is that the Cats have just gotten better and better. They've gelled as a team, playing complementary football in all facets. They've put teams away that the griz struggled to beat. And two of those teams should have won those games, EWU and ISU, with EWU fumbling the spike attempt and ISU having just horrible play calling on their last possession. Neither of those games came down to the gruz playing better, they basically got lucky.
If the game is close, it'll come down to mistakes, being in Missoula, and the magical way the griz get lucky when they shouldn't. If the Cats continue to produce like they have, like being 90-0 in the 3rd quarter as I read on another thread, it could be a blowout and Vigen will get his first win in Missoula.

[profisme]

What stands out to me is that the Cats have just gotten better and better. They've gelled as a team, playing complementary football in all facets. They've put teams away that the griz struggled to beat. And two of those teams should have won those games, EWU and ISU, with EWU fumbling the spike attempt and ISU having just horrible play calling on their last possession. Neither of those games came down to the gruz playing better, they basically got lucky.
If the game is close, it'll come down to mistakes, being in Missoula, and the magical way the griz get lucky when they shouldn't. If the Cats continue to produce like they have, like being 90-0 in the 3rd quarter as I read on another thread, it could be a blowout and Vigen will get his first win in Missoula.

If the Cats can put 90 points up in the 3rd quarter against the Griz this year, I would almost guarantee a victory

[nanacat]

What stands out to me is that the Cats have just gotten better and better. They've gelled as a team, playing complementary football in all facets. They've put teams away that the griz struggled to beat. And two of those teams should have won those games, EWU and ISU, with EWU fumbling the spike attempt and ISU having just horrible play calling on their last possession. Neither of those games came down to the gruz playing better, they basically got lucky.
If the game is close, it'll come down to mistakes, being in Missoula, and the magical way the griz get lucky when they shouldn't. If the Cats continue to produce like they have, like being 90-0 in the 3rd quarter as I read on another thread, it could be a blowout and Vigen will get his first win in Missoula.

If the Cats can put 90 points up in the 3rd quarter against the Griz this year, I would almost guarantee a victory

[MrGoodKat]

What I don't think you get is that I'm from Texas....the Cat-Griz game is no bigger than the UT/A$M or UT/OU game. I full well understand the history of the game and understand the hatred vitriol and passion that comes with these types of games. TBH our high school rivalry games are gawd awfully passionate. I do feel it is an advantage to have guys at key positions that aren't from MT because they don't have that emotion that will have them to make mistakes by being overly hyped up. Their approach is little different but still can/has produced great play. Just a different perspective.

No, you don't understand. Because you haven't followed it very long and you haven't experienced it. That's evidenced by your argument that out-of-state players, rather than MT players, are the real key to victory. If you had been following the game for a long time, you would know that isn't true-- this game has a history of defining games by Montana-born players. This is, in large part, because it's smaller and more personal than other, bigger places.

I am not close to the UT/AM rivalry and so I wouldn't presume to tell people in College Station or Austin how it works.

Everyone gets it. You're a McMillan connection/fan. That's great. He's a baller and Bobcat fans love that he's in Bozeman. We hope he never leaves until he's out of eligibility. But your perspective isn't informed by actually knowing anything about the Brawl; it's informed by the fact that you are a McMillan fan first and so you're always going to take the stance that favors him.

[TomCat88]

What I don't think you get is that I'm from Texas....the Cat-Griz game is no bigger than the UT/A$M or UT/OU game. I full well understand the history of the game and understand the hatred vitriol and passion that comes with these types of games. TBH our high school rivalry games are gawd awfully passionate. I do feel it is an advantage to have guys at key positions that aren't from MT because they don't have that emotion that will have them to make mistakes by being overly hyped up. Their approach is little different but still can/has produced great play. Just a different perspective.

No, you don't understand. Because you haven't followed it very long and you haven't experienced it. That's evidenced by your argument that out-of-state players, rather than MT players, are the real key to victory. If you had been following the game for a long time, you would know that isn't true-- this game has a history of defining games by Montana-born players. This is, in large part, because it's smaller and more personal than other, bigger places.

I am not close to the UT/AM rivalry and so I wouldn't presume to tell people in College Station or Austin how it works.

Everyone gets it. You're a McMillan connection/fan. That's great. He's a baller and Bobcat fans love that he's in Bozeman. We hope he never leaves until he's out of eligibility. But your perspective isn't informed by actually knowing anything about the Brawl; it's informed by the fact that you are a McMillan fan first and so you're always going to take the stance that favors him.

His take is the same as mine and I've lived here all my life. I started watching Cat-Griz games in 1973 and went to my first one in 1982. The game is typically won by the better team regardless of where it's played.

[coloradocat]

The Cats haven't really been tested since week 2 so it's hard to really know how they'll respond against a good team in Missoula. On the other hand the griz have been tested when they shouldn't have been and found ways to win every time, even (or especially) if that just meant letting the other team find a way to lose.

Will the griz's ability to win close games against bad teams help them against an elite team or will they be exposed as frauds?

Will the Cats get bogged down against the first real competition in 2+ months or just find a previously unused/unneeded gear and treat the griz like every other opponent?

[TomCat88]

The Cats haven't really been tested since week 2 so it's hard to really know how they'll respond against a good team in Missoula. On the other hand the griz have been tested when they shouldn't have been and found ways to win every time, even (or especially) if that just meant letting the other team find a way to lose.

Will the griz's ability to win close games against bad teams help them against an elite team or will they be exposed as frauds?

Will the Cats get bogged down against the first real competition in 2+ months or just find a previously unused/unneeded gear and treat the griz like every other opponent?

The Cats will get roughly the same competition this Saturday vs UCD. If they can't beat or don't play well vs the Aggies, then they're in trouble vs UM.

[Cataholic]

MONTANA KIDS ON ROSTER:

MSU 44
um 32

11 starters for MSU with 20 on the 2-deep
(don’t care enough to look at um)

For the Griz, it's either 2 or 3 starters and 9 total on the most recent 2-Deep I've seen. The reason I say 2 or 3 is that I'm not certain if Botner is starting. I don't believe he was against EW.

Ian Finch (Missoula) is listed as a WR2.

Drew Deck (Kalispell) is listed as a WR2.

Dillon Botner (Whitefish) is listed as RT1.

Geno Leonard (Missoula) is listed as one of their LB2's.

Clay Oven (Billings) is listed as one of their LB2's.

Kellen Detrick (Havre) is listed as a DE1.

Kade Cutler (Phillipsburg) is listed as NB2.

T.J. Rausch (Missoula) is listed as SS1

Kade Boyd (Billings) is listed as SS2.

-No one from the state of MT has attempted a pass for the Griz.

-MT players have accounted for 12 total rush attempts on the season-- the top 5 on the team in carries are from out of state.

-MT players have accounted for 21 total receptions on the season-- the top 3 on the team in receptions are from out of state.

-14 Griz players have at least 20 tackles on the season; four are from the state of MT-- their top 3 tacklers are from out of state.

No doubt that Wa. Griz and homefield advantage is the biggest factor in the Brawl, but this is also an important reality to consider.

What state are most of their players from?

Cats:

MT – 44
TX – 15
WA, ID – 9
CA -6
WY – 4
UT, AZ, OK, NV, OR, MN -2
GA, NJ, AK, WI – 1

Pandas:

MT – 32
WA – 20
CA -12
TX – 7
HI - 6
GA - 4
OR, MINN, AZ – 3
UTAH, FLA, OH, CO, - 2
NC, ILL, CONN, MICH, MARY, WY, IND, IOWA, ID - 1

On a soul-crushing virtual deposition as I do this so my numbers may be one off here or there but fairly representative.

Thank you! There are just as many Gris players from Washington and California as from the state of Montana. I will bet you that most of the scholarship money is allocated to the out of staters. A new name for the Gris: “Pacific Coast Pandas”. PCP for short.

[Joe Bobcat]

What stands out to me is that the Cats have just gotten better and better. They've gelled as a team, playing complementary football in all facets. They've put teams away that the griz struggled to beat. And two of those teams should have won those games, EWU and ISU, with EWU fumbling the spike attempt and ISU having just horrible play calling on their last possession. Neither of those games came down to the gruz playing better, they basically got lucky.
If the game is close, it'll come down to mistakes, being in Missoula, and the magical way the griz get lucky when they shouldn't. If the Cats continue to produce like they have, like being 90-0 in the 3rd quarter as I read on another thread, it could be a blowout and Vigen will get his first win in Missoula.

If the Cats can put 90 points up in the 3rd quarter against the Griz this year, I would almost guarantee a victory

It's very appropriate to also add the UND game. UND lost that game on stupidity more than UM won it on good play or talent or ability or....

[MrGoodKat]

His take is the same as mine and I've lived here all my life. I started watching Cat-Griz games in 1973 and went to my first one in 1982. The game is typically won by the better team regardless of where it's played.

I almost never like or agree with your takes, so this checks out.

[OldGriz]

His take is the same as mine and I've lived here all my life. I started watching Cat-Griz games in 1973 and went to my first one in 1982. The game is typically won by the better team regardless of where it's played.

I almost never like or agree with your takes, so this checks out.

I was at that game, too, Tom. That ‘82 season and the BSC championship for the Griz that year really launched the drive for the new stadium that opened four years later. The Griz won the conference but had to play Idaho in Moscow in the first round of the playoffs because old Dornblaser Stadium in Missoula wasn’t deemed by the NCAA as suitable for post-season play.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

What I don't think you get is that I'm from Texas....the Cat-Griz game is no bigger than the UT/A$M or UT/OU game. I full well understand the history of the game and understand the hatred vitriol and passion that comes with these types of games. TBH our high school rivalry games are gawd awfully passionate. I do feel it is an advantage to have guys at key positions that aren't from MT because they don't have that emotion that will have them to make mistakes by being overly hyped up. Their approach is little different but still can/has produced great play. Just a different perspective.

No, you don't understand. Because you haven't followed it very long and you haven't experienced it. That's evidenced by your argument that out-of-state players, rather than MT players, are the real key to victory. If you had been following the game for a long time, you would know that isn't true-- this game has a history of defining games by Montana-born players. This is, in large part, because it's smaller and more personal than other, bigger places.

I am not close to the UT/AM rivalry and so I wouldn't presume to tell people in College Station or Austin how it works.

Everyone gets it. You're a McMillan connection/fan. That's great. He's a baller and Bobcat fans love that he's in Bozeman. We hope he never leaves until he's out of eligibility. But your perspective isn't informed by actually knowing anything about the Brawl; it's informed by the fact that you are a McMillan fan first and so you're always going to take the stance that favors him.

First off I never said that the key to victory is out of state players. I said that it could be an actual advantage because they won't get caught up in the emotion of the game. If it came off as me saying that having more OOS players is the key, please accept my apologies as that's not what I'm saying. I simply said having some players at key positions that won't get caught up in the emotion is an advantage. Again never saying they ARE THE KEY to victory.


Oh and I can understand the rivalry. I don't have to be there to understand the passion that goes into this game. The sense of state pride in winning this game. I totally get it and I totally get how important it is for MT players play well in this game and in large part are the key players IN this game. This rivalry again is no bigger than UT/A$M...auburnVSbama.....etc. I totally get it and I still feel that it CAN be an advantage because those few players are less likely to get caught up in the overall emotion of this game because they are removed from the deep rooted history. My perspective has nothing to do with mcmillan, boyd, ross ezekiel williams brock the steeles or any other player that isn't from montana, it comes from being a competitor that has played, coached, or spectated these types of games pretty much my whole life. You don't have to agree that's fine. But again I never said they are the key to victory, I said it could actually be an advantage. That's it

[nutman]

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.

[Prodigal Cat]

What I don't think you get is that I'm from Texas....the Cat-Griz game is no bigger than the UT/A$M or UT/OU game. I full well understand the history of the game and understand the hatred vitriol and passion that comes with these types of games. TBH our high school rivalry games are gawd awfully passionate. I do feel it is an advantage to have guys at key positions that aren't from MT because they don't have that emotion that will have them to make mistakes by being overly hyped up. Their approach is little different but still can/has produced great play. Just a different perspective.

No, you don't understand. Because you haven't followed it very long and you haven't experienced it. That's evidenced by your argument that out-of-state players, rather than MT players, are the real key to victory. If you had been following the game for a long time, you would know that isn't true-- this game has a history of defining games by Montana-born players. This is, in large part, because it's smaller and more personal than other, bigger places.

I am not close to the UT/AM rivalry and so I wouldn't presume to tell people in College Station or Austin how it works.

Everyone gets it. You're a McMillan connection/fan. That's great. He's a baller and Bobcat fans love that he's in Bozeman. We hope he never leaves until he's out of eligibility. But your perspective isn't informed by actually knowing anything about the Brawl; it's informed by the fact that you are a McMillan fan first and so you're always going to take the stance that favors him.

His take is the same as mine and I've lived here all my life. I started watching Cat-Griz games in 1973 and went to my first one in 1982. The game is typically won by the better team regardless of where it's played.

No, The griz were not the better team in '21 (Cats went to the natty and that was their only FCS loss) and the Cats had losing records and were not better in '16 or '17. Those are 3 off the top of my head in just the last decade and I'm sure I could find plenty more. The best team not winning is far from an anomaly.