Some of the national prognosticators who have made predictions for the Wofford at Montana game are summarized below, along with their game comments. If you have more, post them here.
Don Hansen: Montana 31, Wofford 24 (+7)
Kent Schmidt: Montana 38 Wofford 21 (+17)
Eric Gemunder: Montana
FCS Weekly Match-ups: Montana
Football Gameplan: Wofford 27, Montana 23 (-4)
David Coulson: Wofford 42, Montana 35 (-7)
UpChuck Burton: Wofford 30, Montana 20 (-10)
Kent Schmidt: Montana 38 Wofford 21 (+17)
Like New Hampshire, the Wofford Terriers get the displeasure of a Thanksgiving weekend trip across the country. The Southern Conference automatic bid squad is a little displeased to have to travel but that is in fact what they will have to do. They will play undefeated Montana in Missoula. This is the first match-up between these two teams.
The Terriers have a unique option attack that the Griz defense has not seen before—at least in the Wofford form. The 11th best rush defense statistically will, however, likely be the difference in this game against the run happy Wofford team. The Terriers ranks second in the country at running the ball.
The Griz have had an up and down season offensively but luckily for the Griz, the Terriers are giving up 25.1 points per game—55th in the country.
The weather for a southern team coming to the altitude and cold of Montana is never easy. I like the Grizzlies to win at home as it is never easy to win in Missoula. Montana 38 Wofford 21
Eric Gemunder: Montana
Poor Wofford. They win the Southern Conference automatic berth (by virtue of their 42-31 win over Appalachian State back in September) and their reward is going into Missoula to take on the Montana Grizzlies. Montana is (11-0) this year and has allowed 30 points just once all season. Defensive end Kroy Biermann, a Buchanan award finalist was been named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, while for the second season in a row, UM Head Coach Bobby Hauck has been named the Big Sky’s Coach of the Year. In the last four games, Wofford’s only wins have been to SoCon bottom feeders Western Carolina and Chattanooga. They lost to Elon and Georgia Southern. They are (3-2) against ranked teams this year (that is, ranked when Wofford played them) while the Griz have yet to play a ranked opponent this year. (EWU, ranked No. 14 now, was unranked when Montana played them). The Terriers actually have the more prolific scoring offense this year, while Montana has had the tougher defense. Some of that could be attributable to their schedule strength, but not all of it. No team from the South has ever gone into Missoula for a playoff game and come out with a win. As good as Wofford is – and they have some impressive wins this year – I don’t think they’ll be the first. Montana defends their home turf again.
FCS Weekly Match-ups: Montana
When Wofford beat then #1 Appalachian State earlier in the season, it appeared for a while they might be the team to beat. However, they slipped in the polls after dropping two more contests, and eked out the conference title when Georgia Southern blew its opportunity. Montana, looking for its first championships since 2001, held firm as one of the top ranked teams all season, methodically dispatching all opponents. Wofford has an explosive
rushing attack that averaged 318 yards per game during the season. Eleven different terriers have scored rushing touchdowns this season. It’s not likely Montana will stop that onslaught, but they might just be able to slow it down - their defense rated 11th in the FCS, allowing just 106 yards rushing per game and a mere nine rushing TDs all season. When Montana goes on offense, look for them to exploit Wofford’s weak secondary. The Terriers allowed over 227 yards passing per game. Montana QB Cole Berquist, ,412 yards and 19 touchdowns, should have a productive day. A close one, but the Griz prevail.
Pick: Montana
Football Gameplan: Wofford 27, Montana 23 (-4)
This is an excellent 1st round match-up. Wofford's opportunistic defense has picked off 19 passes this season and can also get to the quarterback. The Grizzlies have been flirting with danger all season. The Cardiac Grizzlies have been playing uninspired football the latter part of the season. One thing is for certain, the Grizzlies can play offense. Montana's well balanced attack is averaging 423 yards per game. I think they've danced with the devil one too many times and this time, the dance is over ...
Prediction: Wofford 27 - Montana 23
David Coulson: Wofford 42, Montana 35 (-7)
The most intriguing of playoff matchups are those that put teams of contrasting styles against each other and such is the case as Wofford travels to Montana. So-Con co-champion Wofford brings an experienced, disciplined squad to Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The Terriers run what they call the wingbone, a hybrid of the Jim Brakefield wishbone and the Delaware Wing-T. The attack features triple option and plenty of misdirection. HB Kevious Johnson has 1,030 yards rushing and QB Josh Collier is averaging 133 yards in total offense. Ben Widmyer spells Collier at QB and adds another 60 yards per game. The Terriers also have an effective fullback in Michael Hobbs (400 yards rushing). Wofford is second nationally in rushing (318 yards), but 104th in passing (124 yards). That still is good for 11th in total offense and ninth in scoring (37.4). The Terriers try to control the ball and the clock to keep a suspect defense on the sidelines. Wofford is 70th in total defense (377 yards), but has allowed just 25 points per game (55th). Injuries to the secondary, particularly safety Dan Tavani (son of Lafayette coach Frank Tavani), have hurt a team that is allowing 227 yards through the air (88th). Look for some trick plays from crafty coach Mike Ayers, particularly with the Terriers having two weeks to prepare for this game. No. 3 seed Montana has been a bend, but not break unit on defense, allowing 334 yards (31st in total defense), but just 14 points per game (third). Buchanan Award candidate DE Kroy Biermann is second nationally in sacks (15), but Montana has given up 228 yards per game in passing. The Grizzlies are better in rushing defense, giving up 107 yards per contest (11th). But Montana doesn't see many option-based attacks, so it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies adjust. The offense for the Big Sky champion has been up and down all year, though they are coming off one of their better efforts of the year with a 41-20 win at Montana State. The Griz attack ranks 17th in total offense (424 yards per game) and 22nd in scoring (32.3), but has struggled to finish drives in many games. RB Lex Hilliard has fought off injuries, but is averaging more than 100 yards per game. QB Cole Bergquist is 20th in passing efficiency and 19th in total offense (255 yards), but he has lost his favorite receiver, Ryan Bagley, to a broken arm. This is a game that has every indication of being a wild one and in-game coaching adjustments by a pair of master staffs might make the difference. Wofford's tougher schedule, however, has made it better prepared for the rigors of the postseason and could carry the Terriers through to a big upset.
Wofford 42, Montana 35
UpChuck Burton: Wofford 30, Montana 20 (-10)
A lot of folks have said that Montana has had it easy in their perfect 11-0 season this year. Five home games to start the year, including games against 0-11 Southern Utah and D-II Fort Lewis. Only one win (at home) against a playoff opponent, a 24-23 squeaker against Eastern Washington. Folks have been wondering when they might get their first real test. That test is traveling to Missoula this weekend.
Wofford, 8-3 and autobid out of the SoCon, runs the most effective and creative triple-option offense in the country. With only a week to prepare for it, Montana may find it extremely difficult to stop quarterback Josh Collier (865 passing yards, 461 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and a rushing attack that has seen 21 different Terriers carry the ball this year with the leading rusher being runningback Kevious Johnson (1,029 yards, 10 touchdowns). That’s not to say that the Terrier defense is bad either, led by linebacker Seth Goldwire (90 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble) and sophomore defensive back Gary Blount (45 tackles, 3 interceptions).
The key to this game will be how the Griz defense handles this powerful offensive attack, and Montana has one of the best in the country. Defensive end Kroy Biermann (59 tackles, 15 sacks) is one of the best in FCS, while defensive back Colt Anderson (60 tackles, 3 interceptions) helps anchor the secondary. That defense paves the way for runningback Lex Hilliard (1,015 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns) and quarterback Cole Bergquist (2,412 yards passing, 21 touchdowns) to deliver wins this year for the Griz.
One final factor to consider is the weather. Can the Terriers get things done in 40 degree temperatures in front of all those fans in Washington-Grizzly stadium? I think they can, making this game the first big upset of the weekend.
Terrier Terror 30, Grouchy Griz 20
After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it ....up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep .... your mouth shut. -- Will Rogers
Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Posts: 2620 Location: Tracy, CA 1371 eGriz Bucks
Football Gameplan wrote:
The Cardiac Grizzlies have been playing uninspired football the latter part of the season.
What is this guy smoking? There may be an argument for the Griz playing "uninspired" football during the first half of the season. But the second half? Seems to me that the Griz have been smoking hot since the end of the Sac game. Did this guy see what the Griz did to the Kitties? Looks like the Griz are peaking at the right time. This guy's a complete ECB nincompoop.
Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 924 Location: Great Falls 1658 eGriz Bucks
SuperHornet wrote:
Football Gameplan wrote:
The Cardiac Grizzlies have been playing uninspired football the latter part of the season.
What is this guy smoking? There may be an argument for the Griz playing "uninspired" football during the first half of the season. But the second half? Seems to me that the Griz have been smoking hot since the end of the Sac game. Did this guy see what the Griz did to the Kitties? Looks like the Griz are peaking at the right time. This guy's a complete ECB nincompoop.
exactly what i was thinking...i don't think these so called journalists have been doing their homework.
Some of the national prognosticators who have made predictions for the Wofford at Montana game are summarized below, along with their game comments. If you have more, post them here.
Don Hansen: Montana 31, Wofford 24 (+7)
Kent Schmidt: Montana 38 Wofford 21 (+17)
Eric Gemunder: Montana
FCS Weekly Match-ups: Montana
Football Gameplan: Wofford 27, Montana 23 (-4)
David Coulson: Wofford 42, Montana 35 (-7)
UpChuck Burton: Wofford 30, Montana 20 (-10)
Kent Schmidt: Montana 38 Wofford 21 (+17)
Like New Hampshire, the Wofford Terriers get the displeasure of a Thanksgiving weekend trip across the country. The Southern Conference automatic bid squad is a little displeased to have to travel but that is in fact what they will have to do. They will play undefeated Montana in Missoula. This is the first match-up between these two teams.
The Terriers have a unique option attack that the Griz defense has not seen before—at least in the Wofford form. The 11th best rush defense statistically will, however, likely be the difference in this game against the run happy Wofford team. The Terriers ranks second in the country at running the ball.
The Griz have had an up and down season offensively but luckily for the Griz, the Terriers are giving up 25.1 points per game—55th in the country.
The weather for a southern team coming to the altitude and cold of Montana is never easy. I like the Grizzlies to win at home as it is never easy to win in Missoula. Montana 38 Wofford 21
Eric Gemunder: Montana
Poor Wofford. They win the Southern Conference automatic berth (by virtue of their 42-31 win over Appalachian State back in September) and their reward is going into Missoula to take on the Montana Grizzlies. Montana is (11-0) this year and has allowed 30 points just once all season. Defensive end Kroy Biermann, a Buchanan award finalist was been named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, while for the second season in a row, UM Head Coach Bobby Hauck has been named the Big Sky’s Coach of the Year. In the last four games, Wofford’s only wins have been to SoCon bottom feeders Western Carolina and Chattanooga. They lost to Elon and Georgia Southern. They are (3-2) against ranked teams this year (that is, ranked when Wofford played them) while the Griz have yet to play a ranked opponent this year. (EWU, ranked No. 14 now, was unranked when Montana played them). The Terriers actually have the more prolific scoring offense this year, while Montana has had the tougher defense. Some of that could be attributable to their schedule strength, but not all of it. No team from the South has ever gone into Missoula for a playoff game and come out with a win. As good as Wofford is – and they have some impressive wins this year – I don’t think they’ll be the first. Montana defends their home turf again.
FCS Weekly Match-ups: Montana
When Wofford beat then #1 Appalachian State earlier in the season, it appeared for a while they might be the team to beat. However, they slipped in the polls after dropping two more contests, and eked out the conference title when Georgia Southern blew its opportunity. Montana, looking for its first championships since 2001, held firm as one of the top ranked teams all season, methodically dispatching all opponents. Wofford has an explosive
rushing attack that averaged 318 yards per game during the season. Eleven different terriers have scored rushing touchdowns this season. It’s not likely Montana will stop that onslaught, but they might just be able to slow it down - their defense rated 11th in the FCS, allowing just 106 yards rushing per game and a mere nine rushing TDs all season. When Montana goes on offense, look for them to exploit Wofford’s weak secondary. The Terriers allowed over 227 yards passing per game. Montana QB Cole Berquist, ,412 yards and 19 touchdowns, should have a productive day. A close one, but the Griz prevail.
Pick: Montana
Football Gameplan: Wofford 27, Montana 23 (-4)
This is an excellent 1st round match-up. Wofford's opportunistic defense has picked off 19 passes this season and can also get to the quarterback. The Grizzlies have been flirting with danger all season. The Cardiac Grizzlies have been playing uninspired football the latter part of the season. One thing is for certain, the Grizzlies can play offense. Montana's well balanced attack is averaging 423 yards per game. I think they've danced with the devil one too many times and this time, the dance is over ...
Prediction: Wofford 27 - Montana 23
David Coulson: Wofford 42, Montana 35 (-7)
The most intriguing of playoff matchups are those that put teams of contrasting styles against each other and such is the case as Wofford travels to Montana. So-Con co-champion Wofford brings an experienced, disciplined squad to Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The Terriers run what they call the wingbone, a hybrid of the Jim Brakefield wishbone and the Delaware Wing-T. The attack features triple option and plenty of misdirection. HB Kevious Johnson has 1,030 yards rushing and QB Josh Collier is averaging 133 yards in total offense. Ben Widmyer spells Collier at QB and adds another 60 yards per game. The Terriers also have an effective fullback in Michael Hobbs (400 yards rushing). Wofford is second nationally in rushing (318 yards), but 104th in passing (124 yards). That still is good for 11th in total offense and ninth in scoring (37.4). The Terriers try to control the ball and the clock to keep a suspect defense on the sidelines. Wofford is 70th in total defense (377 yards), but has allowed just 25 points per game (55th). Injuries to the secondary, particularly safety Dan Tavani (son of Lafayette coach Frank Tavani), have hurt a team that is allowing 227 yards through the air (88th). Look for some trick plays from crafty coach Mike Ayers, particularly with the Terriers having two weeks to prepare for this game. No. 3 seed Montana has been a bend, but not break unit on defense, allowing 334 yards (31st in total defense), but just 14 points per game (third). Buchanan Award candidate DE Kroy Biermann is second nationally in sacks (15), but Montana has given up 228 yards per game in passing. The Grizzlies are better in rushing defense, giving up 107 yards per contest (11th). But Montana doesn't see many option-based attacks, so it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies adjust. The offense for the Big Sky champion has been up and down all year, though they are coming off one of their better efforts of the year with a 41-20 win at Montana State. The Griz attack ranks 17th in total offense (424 yards per game) and 22nd in scoring (32.3), but has struggled to finish drives in many games. RB Lex Hilliard has fought off injuries, but is averaging more than 100 yards per game. QB Cole Bergquist is 20th in passing efficiency and 19th in total offense (255 yards), but he has lost his favorite receiver, Ryan Bagley, to a broken arm. This is a game that has every indication of being a wild one and in-game coaching adjustments by a pair of master staffs might make the difference. Wofford's tougher schedule, however, has made it better prepared for the rigors of the postseason and could carry the Terriers through to a big upset.
Wofford 42, Montana 35
UpChuck Burton: Wofford 30, Montana 20 (-10)
A lot of folks have said that Montana has had it easy in their perfect 11-0 season this year. Five home games to start the year, including games against 0-11 Southern Utah and D-II Fort Lewis. Only one win (at home) against a playoff opponent, a 24-23 squeaker against Eastern Washington. Folks have been wondering when they might get their first real test. That test is traveling to Missoula this weekend.
Wofford, 8-3 and autobid out of the SoCon, runs the most effective and creative triple-option offense in the country. With only a week to prepare for it, Montana may find it extremely difficult to stop quarterback Josh Collier (865 passing yards, 461 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and a rushing attack that has seen 21 different Terriers carry the ball this year with the leading rusher being runningback Kevious Johnson (1,029 yards, 10 touchdowns). That’s not to say that the Terrier defense is bad either, led by linebacker Seth Goldwire (90 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble) and sophomore defensive back Gary Blount (45 tackles, 3 interceptions).
The key to this game will be how the Griz defense handles this powerful offensive attack, and Montana has one of the best in the country. Defensive end Kroy Biermann (59 tackles, 15 sacks) is one of the best in FCS, while defensive back Colt Anderson (60 tackles, 3 interceptions) helps anchor the secondary. That defense paves the way for runningback Lex Hilliard (1,015 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns) and quarterback Cole Bergquist (2,412 yards passing, 21 touchdowns) to deliver wins this year for the Griz.
One final factor to consider is the weather. Can the Terriers get things done in 40 degree temperatures in front of all those fans in Washington-Grizzly stadium? I think they can, making this game the first big upset of the weekend.
Terrier Terror 30, Grouchy Griz 20
One final factor to consider is the weather. Can the Terriers get things done in 40 degree temperatures in front of all those fans in Washington-Grizzly stadium?
What's this guy talking about. It'll be at least 55F with all this global warming!!
Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 4621 Location: NE corner of the NEZ 6605 eGriz Bucks
Peems wrote:
Poor UNI, got the curse of the Lou Holtz pick. I mean I like the guy, but it seems every team he picks loses.
Yaaaa- Really!
They may be out tommorrow night with that ringing endorsement.
I love watching Mark May's reaction to the ramblings of a well past his prime Lou Holtz.
Lou, step aside...Please. It's embarrassing. (this was a once great great coach and brilliant, intense football man, he should know better than too hang on this way)
The Good Lord tells me he can get me out of this mess... but he's pretty sure your f@&%ed.!!
Joined: 11 Dec 2004 Posts: 2641 Location: Mill Creek, WA 4329 eGriz Bucks
Quote:
The Cardiac Grizzlies have been playing uninspired football the latter part of the season.
This just shows they don't know what the hell they're talking about. Most of these guys (especially Coulson) has seen about 4 teams play. He goes to the freakin' app state game every week.
Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 4621 Location: NE corner of the NEZ 6605 eGriz Bucks
EverettGriz wrote:
Quote:
The Cardiac Grizzlies have been playing uninspired football the latter part of the season.
This just shows they don't know what the hell they're talking about. Most of these guys (especially Coulson) has seen about 4 teams play. He goes to the freakin' app state game every week.
His mgmt. might not really understand this...maybe they need some FCS/I-AA fans to explain this a bit more to them.
He needs to go.
The Good Lord tells me he can get me out of this mess... but he's pretty sure your f@&%ed.!!
Joined: 11 Dec 2004 Posts: 2641 Location: Mill Creek, WA 4329 eGriz Bucks
I sent an e-mail to TSN saying that very thing. I got no reply.
But c'mon. If you're supposed to be a national writer, you gotta go see games all around the country. Coulson's going to the app state playoff game this week. Of course.
Joined: 29 Nov 2002 Posts: 6934 Location: Rattlesnake Valley 9230 eGriz Bucks
EverettGriz wrote:
I sent an e-mail to TSN saying that very thing. I got no reply.
But c'mon. If you're supposed to be a national writer, you gotta go see games all around the country. Coulson's going to the app state playoff game this week. Of course.
I sure hope it works out that ASU comes up to Montana on a Friday night ESPN game. Will sell out in 24 hours.
Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 4621 Location: NE corner of the NEZ 6605 eGriz Bucks
Bronco wrote:
EverettGriz wrote:
I sent an e-mail to TSN saying that very thing. I got no reply.
But c'mon. If you're supposed to be a national writer, you gotta go see games all around the country. Coulson's going to the app state playoff game this week. Of course.
I sure hope it works out that ASU comes up to Montana on a Friday night ESPN game. Will sell out in 24 hours.
Might be some Coulson signs in the stands
There will be one on my
The Good Lord tells me he can get me out of this mess... but he's pretty sure your f@&%ed.!!
Joined: 11 Dec 2004 Posts: 2641 Location: Mill Creek, WA 4329 eGriz Bucks
Bronco wrote:
EverettGriz wrote:
I sent an e-mail to TSN saying that very thing. I got no reply.
But c'mon. If you're supposed to be a national writer, you gotta go see games all around the country. Coulson's going to the app state playoff game this week. Of course.
I sure hope it works out that ASU comes up to Montana on a Friday night ESPN game. Will sell out in 24 hours.
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