I think we will be fine in 2008.

Offensive line=Russum, Dow, Quinn, Hillesland or Carter, Horn or Dyk. This is an incredible strong group and when they gel this year will be our strength! Anyone who knows football knows that games are won in the trenches. This area will finally come to fruition!

Quarterback=Cole will be much more seasoned than ever before! Experience and good quarterback play has more value than any other position.
WR=Ferriter and Mariani will be go to guys! Palmer, Kaz, schulte will contribute. A couple signees could see time (Johnson).

Tight End= should improve incrementally from last year.

Running Back= Anyone who knows football knows this is the most replaceable position in football. We have all the supporting cast and will find somebody to run through nice holes. We ran the ball fine the year we had Brady Green carrying the ball (he was tiny).

Defense
Ends=Stadnyk and Palmer. Depth Pitcher, Mullins, Fetherston, etc.
Tackles=Same as last year except Kain is gone.
Safeties= Goes without saying
CB=Smith and Campbell, two JC guys, maybe a couple incoming freshmen.
Linebacker=We are very solid here and will experience little dropoff from last year.

Guys, the pieces are mostly here to be about as good as last year.
We'll have a little dropoff from Lex and kroy but not as much as you think. Also, Other areas should improve.

We should be fine in 2008!

If TBF can find his groove behind that line, and Cole can get comfortable in the pocket without taking off or throwing the ball straight to the DB, we could have a seriously bad ass offense.

Poly typically has one of the best defenses in the country, so we'll know about where we stand after the first game.

Not worried about the defense, Griz are almost always well above average in scoring defense.

It's the O we have to worry about. Duh.

"Poly typically has one of the best defenses in the country"

In '07, Cal Poly was 62nd in Total Defense, 54th in Scoring Defense (25.27) and 81st in Pass Defense.

djollieballs wrote:If TBF can find his groove behind that line, and Cole can get comfortable in the pocket without taking off or throwing the ball straight to the DB, we could have a seriously bad ass offense.

Poly typically has one of the best defenses in the country, so we'll know about where we stand after the first game.

Not worried about the defense, Griz are almost always well above average in scoring defense.

It's the O we have to worry about. Duh.

TBF sucks plain and simple..no improvement...just stalled talent

PlayerRep wrote:"Poly typically has one of the best defenses in the country"

In '07, Cal Poly was 62nd in Total Defense, 54th in Scoring Defense (25.27) and 81st in Pass Defense.

They produced the Buck Buchanan Award winner in '04, '05, and '06.

In '06 they held the semi-final bound Griz to 10 points at Wash/Griz.

In '05 they humiliated us in the first round of the playoffs at Wash/Griz.

Typically (key word there) Poly has one of the top defenses in the country.

In 2005, Cal Poly had a real tough defense. The Griz couldn't move the ball very well against them, especially in the playoffs.

Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

PlayerRep wrote:"Poly typically has one of the best defenses in the country"

In '07, Cal Poly was 62nd in Total Defense, 54th in Scoring Defense (25.27) and 81st in Pass Defense.

Yes, but where were they ranked in ....2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006? Those years they were in the top ten in most defensive catagories. Cal Poly struggled on defense in 2007 for the first time under Ellerson. They went into the year having to replace 6 starters, four of which were All-Americans including the 2006 Buck Buchanan winner. Shotwell was the third Cal Poly player in a row to win the Buchanan.

You are correct that Cal Poly was not a top defense in 2007 (heck they were not even a good defense in 2007), but I think it is safe to say that Cal Poly usually has one of the top defenses in the FCS. I expect to see them back toward the top in 2008.

I think that the Griz are one of those teams that do not rebuild, but reload. I think the Griz will be near the top of the FCS in 2008, just like every other year.

ronbo wrote:Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

I agree Ronbo. The one thing that I would bring up is what is Ellerson's record against Hauck (the only real record that counts in 2008) and how many were played in Missoula? The answer is Hauck owns a 4-1 record over Ellerson, but four of the five games were played in Missoula and the only game that was played in SLO was in Ellerson's first year when he took over a Cal Poly team that was coming off three straight years of being 3-8 so he did not have much to work with. Here are the scores of the game and where they were played:

2001: 31-17 Griz (@ SLO)
2003: 17-14 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 36-27 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 35-21 Mustangs (@ Missoula in the playoffs)
2006: 10-9 Griz (@ Missoula)

The Griz only dominated the Mustangs in one game. The other four were all still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Here is a question, do you think that the record would be 4-1 in favor of the Griz if four of the five were played in SLO?

We'll see in Sept. We'll be either .500 or 1.000 after two games. Predicting what the 4-1 record would be if 2-3 of the games were in SLO is just speculation. The one loss we took was the worst team the Griz have had in this century and they beat you earlier that year. It will be a good game for the Mustangs this season as we have alot of question marks and could be miles away from gelling that early. It's a good year to knock us off in an early season game.

SloStang wrote:

ronbo wrote:Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

I agree Ronbo. The one thing that I would bring up is what is Ellerson's record against Hauck (the only real record that counts in 2008) and how many were played in Missoula? The answer is Hauck owns a 4-1 record over Ellerson, but four of the five games were played in Missoula and the only game that was played in SLO was in Ellerson's first year when he took over a Cal Poly team that was coming off three straight years of being 3-8 so he did not have much to work with. Here are the scores of the game and where they were played:

2001: 31-17 Griz (@ SLO)
2003: 17-14 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 36-27 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 35-21 Mustangs (@ Missoula in the playoffs)
2006: 10-9 Griz (@ Missoula)

The Griz only dominated the Mustangs in one game. The other four were all still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Here is a question, do you think that the record would be 4-1 in favor of the Griz if four of the five were played in SLO?

I thought coaching made all the difference in close games, or is that only when you guys win a close one? BH Haters will arrive in 5 4 3 2 ........

1. Cal Poly's defense, in terms of Total Defense, was ranked 5th, 22nd, 37th and 21st in '06, '05, '04 and '03.

2. The relevant question for next fall is how good will CP's defense be, not how good it was in the past. The quality of the '07 defense is probably more relevant to and predictive of the '08 defense than the years prior to '07, but, again, the real question is how good will the D be next fall.

3. Here is some information. You can judge whether you think the CP defense is going to be "one of the best defenses in the country" in '08.

CP returns 5 starters on defense. From the '08 spring football prospectus: "Our personnel is the big question," said Ellerson. We are real excited about some of our younger defensive guys .... We could have as many as 5 sophomores and juniors starting on defense and as many as 5 seniors. We can and need to be alot better on defense, and we need to be more physical up front. All of our starters up front need to get that going."

4. I agree that CP will be good, and probably very good, next season. I also agree that it will be a very tough game for the Griz to open the season with. It will be a measurement of where both teams are at that point of the season, but I don't believe it will measure where the Griz will be later in the season. UM's defense, as well as its offense, should improve considerably as the season progresses. Also, coach Hauck does not want his teams to peak too soon, so I assume he will treat this is a regular game and not try to do anything that would impact having the team hitting on all cylinders by early November.

Grizbacker1 wrote:

SloStang wrote:

ronbo wrote:Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

I agree Ronbo. The one thing that I would bring up is what is Ellerson's record against Hauck (the only real record that counts in 2008) and how many were played in Missoula? The answer is Hauck owns a 4-1 record over Ellerson, but four of the five games were played in Missoula and the only game that was played in SLO was in Ellerson's first year when he took over a Cal Poly team that was coming off three straight years of being 3-8 so he did not have much to work with. Here are the scores of the game and where they were played:

2001: 31-17 Griz (@ SLO)
2003: 17-14 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 36-27 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 35-21 Mustangs (@ Missoula in the playoffs)
2006: 10-9 Griz (@ Missoula)

The Griz only dominated the Mustangs in one game. The other four were all still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Here is a question, do you think that the record would be 4-1 in favor of the Griz if four of the five were played in SLO?

I thought coaching made all the difference in close games, or is that only when you guys win a close one? BH Haters will arrive in 5 4 3 2 ........

The coach, the refs and the best home field advantage in the FCS. I am not trying to take anything away from Montana, they are one of the top programs in the FCS, I am just saying the Mustangs under Ellerson are a good. You have to admit playing all but one game in Missoula helped.

SloStang wrote:

Grizbacker1 wrote:

SloStang wrote:

ronbo wrote:Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

I agree Ronbo. The one thing that I would bring up is what is Ellerson's record against Hauck (the only real record that counts in 2008) and how many were played in Missoula? The answer is Hauck owns a 4-1 record over Ellerson, but four of the five games were played in Missoula and the only game that was played in SLO was in Ellerson's first year when he took over a Cal Poly team that was coming off three straight years of being 3-8 so he did not have much to work with. Here are the scores of the game and where they were played:

2001: 31-17 Griz (@ SLO)
2003: 17-14 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 36-27 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 35-21 Mustangs (@ Missoula in the playoffs)
2006: 10-9 Griz (@ Missoula)

The Griz only dominated the Mustangs in one game. The other four were all still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Here is a question, do you think that the record would be 4-1 in favor of the Griz if four of the five were played in SLO?

I thought coaching made all the difference in close games, or is that only when you guys win a close one? BH Haters will arrive in 5 4 3 2 ........

The coach, the refs and the best home field advantage in the FCS. I am not trying to take anything away from Montana, they are one of the top programs in the FCS, I am just saying the Mustangs under Ellerson are a good. You have to admit playing all but one game in Missoula helped.

I have never discounted Ellerson, but please don't say you are not trying to take away from the program in one sentence, the say refs in the next. I guess the Mustangs have never gotten a call at home or on the road. Please.

PlayerRep wrote: I assume he will treat this is a regular game and not try to do anything that would impact having the team hitting on all cylinders by early November.

Like what?

Actually winning a game that he's supposed to?

Too funny.

So Hauck is "supposed" to beat Cal Poly on the road in UM's first game of the season?

Too funny.

I'm sorry to inform you that the Cal Poly game is not the most important game of the season for UM, unless UM plays is matched with them in the playoffs, in which case that game would be one of the most important of the season.

Grizbacker1 wrote:

SloStang wrote:

Grizbacker1 wrote:

SloStang wrote:

ronbo wrote:Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

I agree Ronbo. The one thing that I would bring up is what is Ellerson's record against Hauck (the only real record that counts in 2008) and how many were played in Missoula? The answer is Hauck owns a 4-1 record over Ellerson, but four of the five games were played in Missoula and the only game that was played in SLO was in Ellerson's first year when he took over a Cal Poly team that was coming off three straight years of being 3-8 so he did not have much to work with. Here are the scores of the game and where they were played:

2001: 31-17 Griz (@ SLO)
2003: 17-14 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 36-27 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 35-21 Mustangs (@ Missoula in the playoffs)
2006: 10-9 Griz (@ Missoula)

The Griz only dominated the Mustangs in one game. The other four were all still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Here is a question, do you think that the record would be 4-1 in favor of the Griz if four of the five were played in SLO?

I thought coaching made all the difference in close games, or is that only when you guys win a close one? BH Haters will arrive in 5 4 3 2 ........

The coach, the refs and the best home field advantage in the FCS. I am not trying to take anything away from Montana, they are one of the top programs in the FCS, I am just saying the Mustangs under Ellerson are a good. You have to admit playing all but one game in Missoula helped.

I have never discounted Ellerson, but please don't say you are not trying to take away from the program in one sentence, the say refs in the next. I guess the Mustangs have never gotten a call at home or on the road. Please.

Of course they have, and they gotten more at home than on the road. Are you saying that the Griz don't get more at home than on the road? Come on. The Griz don't have one of the best home field advantages in the FCS? Of course they do.

I was trying to make the point that four of the five have been in Missoula and all but one have been very close. You did not answer the question that I was asking. Would the outcome of some of the games possibly have had a different outcome if they were played in SLO? Where would the Griz have a better chance of winning in 2008, SLO or Missoula? I thnk they have a good chance at both places, but they would most definately have a better chance in Missoula. Do you disagree.

PlayerRep wrote:So Hauck is "supposed" to beat Cal Poly on the road in UM's first game of the season?

Too funny.

I'm sorry to inform you that the Cal Poly game is not the most important game of the season for UM, unless UM plays is matched with them in the playoffs, in which case that game would be one of the most important of the season.

You're the one pointing out flaws in Poly's defense. UM is ranked higher in all the available pre-season polls.

Why do you think UM is the underdog in this game?

djollie, where did I say UM was the "underdog" in this game?

I provided the information on CP's defense to show that your initial statement about CP's defense typically being one of the best was not necessarily relevant. Similar things could be said about UM's defense. The lack of returning starters on UM's defense is one of the reasons that I believe UM, and especially UM's defense, should improve considerably during the season.

I don't take much stock in pre-season polls, especially the ones that have come out so far. In my view, CP should be ranked higher, and I think it will be ranked higher in the TSN poll when it comes out.

Who ever comes out on top Sept. 6th should climb in the polls. I am betting it will be another battle that wont be decided until late in the 4th quarter.

Yes, the winner will climb in the polls. However, the more important time for a win is in the playoffs, just like it was in '05, or like it was in '04 when UM lost to SHS early in the season and beat them later in the playoffs.

SloStang wrote:

Grizbacker1 wrote:

SloStang wrote:

Grizbacker1 wrote:

SloStang wrote:

ronbo wrote:Cal Poly is 1-11 against the Griz even with their good defenses. They have alot more to prove than we do.

I agree Ronbo. The one thing that I would bring up is what is Ellerson's record against Hauck (the only real record that counts in 2008) and how many were played in Missoula? The answer is Hauck owns a 4-1 record over Ellerson, but four of the five games were played in Missoula and the only game that was played in SLO was in Ellerson's first year when he took over a Cal Poly team that was coming off three straight years of being 3-8 so he did not have much to work with. Here are the scores of the game and where they were played:

2001: 31-17 Griz (@ SLO)
2003: 17-14 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 36-27 Griz (@ Missoula)
2005: 35-21 Mustangs (@ Missoula in the playoffs)
2006: 10-9 Griz (@ Missoula)

The Griz only dominated the Mustangs in one game. The other four were all still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Here is a question, do you think that the record would be 4-1 in favor of the Griz if four of the five were played in SLO?

I thought coaching made all the difference in close games, or is that only when you guys win a close one? BH Haters will arrive in 5 4 3 2 ........

The coach, the refs and the best home field advantage in the FCS. I am not trying to take anything away from Montana, they are one of the top programs in the FCS, I am just saying the Mustangs under Ellerson are a good. You have to admit playing all but one game in Missoula helped.

I have never discounted Ellerson, but please don't say you are not trying to take away from the program in one sentence, the say refs in the next. I guess the Mustangs have never gotten a call at home or on the road. Please.

Of course they have, and they gotten more at home than on the road. Are you saying that the Griz don't get more at home than on the road? Come on. The Griz don't have one of the best home field advantages in the FCS? Of course they do.

I was trying to make the point that four of the five have been in Missoula and all but one have been very close. You did not answer the question that I was asking. Would the outcome of some of the games possibly have had a different outcome if they were played in SLO? Where would the Griz have a better chance of winning in 2008, SLO or Missoula? I thnk they have a good chance at both places, but they would most definately have a better chance in Missoula. Do you disagree.

Try not to spin like bac, he is a master, you are but a rookie. You are the one who brought up officiating at WaGriz, so don't be shocked when it comes back at you. Hell, oneof the worst calls I have seen in mlife came at WaGriz and it went against EWU when Zornes was the coach. But officiating has nothing to do with the team. The Griz don't control officials anymore than Ellerson does. Officials make mistakes, period.

Is WaGriz an advantage? DUH. Name one team in college football history that doesn't have a better winning percentage at home than away. Nothing new there.

Now, your what if's mean squat. If a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his ass so much.

Cal Poly has a great team and a solid coach, you should be very proud.