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Duck Quackings - WIU

hunt-ducks

Well-known member
Downtown Missoula was in rare form last night! Looks like everyone was ready for a return to Grizzly football!

Defense......

What can one say that hasn't been said by others in different threads? This may be the best team defense we have had here since the 2000 National Championship team. It's still early, and we must avoid injuries to key players, but jeeez, I can not recall seeing such dominance from a Griz defense.

The WIU QB can really sling the rock, but nobody watching last night would believe that. Our D-line and LBs were in his face all evening, and by the second half, you could tell that he didn't wanna be there any longer. The WIU passing attack is designed to hit teams with long pass plays. Their great WR impressed me, when he could get open, which wasn't often. But we totally erased their long passing game by putting relentless pressure on their QB, giving him zero time to let a long play develop.

The other factor in making his night miserable was the incredible coverage from our two CBs. When I attended fall practice, Ford did not participate, due to a tweaked ankle, so I never got to see him. I knew Onu was a shut-down corner, capable of playing man, but it looks like Ford is also capable of the same. Their ability to play man opens-up our 3-3-5 to provide multiple defensive looks with the safeties and LBs.

I now must agree with several posters who stated that Bobby and Baer have finally recruited the players who fit the 3-3-5 defensive scheme. The "Ace Card" for that defense is Robertson. If you remember, Arizona wanted to move Gavin to LB, which was one of the reasons he transferred...... he wanted to play safety. But he is big enough and physical enough to play like a LB in the 3-3-5, giving us more of a 3-4 look many times. The various looks we can give an offense with these players is endless, keeping offenses confused much of the time.

Our three LBs are each unique in their skill set. Lewis is....well....Lewis. But Welnel has such incredible speed for a LB, and is so good dropping into coverage. And O'Connell is such a great pass-rusher off the edge, and hits like a scalded mule, that we have three different skill sets at the LB position. Together, they are an incredible force which all offenses must deal with. UDUB found that out!

The X-factor regarding our defense which has yet to be determined, is how we will perform against great running offenses who feature a running threat from the QB position (like EWU and MSU). Can we defend this style of offense too???

Offense.....

Our offense still provides many questions for me. Last night we were not able to generate the great run-blocking from our O-line as we did in Seattle. Was it because we were playing 4th and 5th string RBs? Or was it that WIU's game plan was to load the box to stop our running game, and make Cam show that he could beat them with the pass? I think the latter is more of a factor.

And now, Cam Humphrey. <sigh> Last night, Cam did not disappoint in looking exactly like I predicted he would look........ looking like Tom Brady on several passes, but again making those head-scratching throws which lead to inaccuracy and interceptions. I think that the Cam you saw last evening, is the Cam we will live with all season. His problem, to me, is not physical, it is between his ears. My fear is that he will have a couple of those 3-4 interception/turnonver games during the season, which could lead to a loss. I hope not, but Cam is who he is. I have said earlier that we will go as far this season as our QB position allows us to go.

Oh, finally, how did Brown look? I have always maintained that one can not evaluation the potential of a QB unless he is able to play with the first unit offense. I remember how bad Cam looked when he got into a game playing with the second unit during the Sneed days. Brown threw one great pass, threw another into coverage, and then threw an ill-advised desperation throw after a poor snap which lead to an interception. I would loved to have seen Brown get a couple of series playing with the first unit during the 4th quarter last night.
 
I guess I’ll never understand how someone can look at a stat line of 20-27, 5 TD’s and 2 INTs (one of which clearly looked like it bounced) and give a big <sigh>.

you state you’re worried about the passing game. The kid made TWO poor decisions all night. Threw some absolute DIMES dropping them over the top to Roberts, Flowers, Akem, etc. and you want to bitch about TWO plays. They averaged 12.5 yards per completion. Hell, he had more TD’s and the same # of INTs as Tom Freaking Brady did on Thursday night. Yes <gasp!> even Brady makes a mistake or two a game!

But hey, your savior got Danny Burton to catch a pass, so I guess there’s that.

I’ve asked you a number of times (and you NEVER fail to not answer) but what in the world would Cam have to do to get you to admit you’re wrong about him? I mean, if 5 TD’s and a 42-7 win aren’t enough, I’m not sure there IS an answer. You’d have to admit you just flat out don’t like him.
 
I don’t think the criticism of Humphrey is unwarranted. The Griz played a team that may take last In their conference. A good win? Yes, but too many mistakes. Sooner or later you pay for that. One interception is understandable and the corner made a great break on the ball. The pick six just can’t happen. My hope and belief is that Humphrey will get even better than he played yesterday. He just need to play smarter. Can he pass. Hell yes. Scramble, yep and quite well. He had some greats throws placed perfectly yesterday. Just clean up the mistakes and God knows how far this team can go. Hard to believe they played with their fifth option at running back for a large part of that game! Think about that. Brown will be stellar. He just need time and he is not ready yet.
 
We weren't able to generate the great run blocking we did against UW? We rushed for 240+ yards and almost 6.0 yards/carry.

And you may "remember" how bad Cam was as a back up playing with the second string. Over two seasons he was 29-61 for 441, no picks and three TD's.
 
Copper Griz said:
I don’t think the criticism of Humphrey is unwarranted. The Griz played a team that may take last In their conference. A good win? Yes, but too many mistakes. Sooner or later you pay for that. One interception is understandable and the corner made a great break on the ball. The pick six just can’t happen. My hope and belief is that Humphrey will get even better than he played yesterday. He just need to play smarter. Can he pass. Hell yes. Scramble, yep and quite well. He had some greats throws placed perfectly yesterday. Just clean up the mistakes and God knows how far this team can go. Hard to believe they played with their fifth option at running back for a large part of that game! Think about that. Brown will be stellar. He just need time and he is not ready yet.

I hope and believe he will get even better than yesterday too, but I’ll take 275 yards, 5 TD’s to two picks EVERY. SINGLE. GAME.
 
"He’s a great game manager," Western Illinois coach Jared Elliott said. "You can tell he’s been in the system. He’s confident in what he’s doing. He’s very poised. He’s collected. He’s a hard kid to rattle. Even when you get around him, he sat in the pocket tonight, insert of the pocket, and made some really good throws down the field.

"He’s got the ability to extend plays. He’s a competitive kid, you can tell he’s got some edginess to him, which you want out of your guy under center. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, especially now playing him in person. Seeing him compete, I think he’s a really good football player."

On the first drive of the second half, Humphrey connected with Flowers for a 39-yard touchdown in stride. The seven-point game had become a 21-point lead for the Griz in 181 seconds of game action across the two halves."

https://406mtsports.com/college/big-sky-conference/university-of-montana/montana-blasts-western-illinois-as-cam-humphrey-tosses-5-tds-defense-pitches-shutout/article_6c671c28-9482-5bb3-8766-c696f2c5aac8.html
 
AZGrizFan said:
Copper Griz said:
I don’t think the criticism of Humphrey is unwarranted. The Griz played a team that may take last In their conference. A good win? Yes, but too many mistakes. Sooner or later you pay for that. One interception is understandable and the corner made a great break on the ball. The pick six just can’t happen. My hope and belief is that Humphrey will get even better than he played yesterday. He just need to play smarter. Can he pass. Hell yes. Scramble, yep and quite well. He had some greats throws placed perfectly yesterday. Just clean up the mistakes and God knows how far this team can go. Hard to believe they played with their fifth option at running back for a large part of that game! Think about that. Brown will be stellar. He just need time and he is not ready yet.

I hope and believe he will get even better than yesterday too, but I’ll take 275 yards, 5 TD’s to two picks EVERY. SINGLE. GAME.

Don’t disagree AZ. Those stats are great. I am not saying he shouldn’t be the #1, just want to see him have a perfect game or damn close. Mainly for him. The kid works his arse off and he has paid his dues.
 
Copper Griz said:
I don’t think the criticism of Humphrey is unwarranted. The Griz played a team that may take last In their conference. A good win? Yes, but too many mistakes. Sooner or later you pay for that. One interception is understandable and the corner made a great break on the ball. The pick six just can’t happen. My hope and belief is that Humphrey will get even better than he played yesterday. He just need to play smarter. Can he pass. Hell yes. Scramble, yep and quite well. He had some greats throws placed perfectly yesterday. Just clean up the mistakes and God knows how far this team can go. Hard to believe they played with their fifth option at running back for a large part of that game! Think about that. Brown will be stellar. He just need time and he is not ready yet.

Can isn’t a robot. He played a great game! I hope Brown will be stellar a day in the future. However, Cam is the starting quarterback. Support him! Don’t be a dufus!!
 
Spanky2 said:
Copper Griz said:
I don’t think the criticism of Humphrey is unwarranted. The Griz played a team that may take last In their conference. A good win? Yes, but too many mistakes. Sooner or later you pay for that. One interception is understandable and the corner made a great break on the ball. The pick six just can’t happen. My hope and belief is that Humphrey will get even better than he played yesterday. He just need to play smarter. Can he pass. Hell yes. Scramble, yep and quite well. He had some greats throws placed perfectly yesterday. Just clean up the mistakes and God knows how far this team can go. Hard to believe they played with their fifth option at running back for a large part of that game! Think about that. Brown will be stellar. He just need time and he is not ready yet.

Can isn’t a robot. He played a great game! I hope Brown will be stellar a day in the future. However, Cam is the starting quarterback. Support him! Don’t be a dufus!!

Fair enough Spanky2. I won’t be a doofus. Not sure if that was intended or not. Made me laugh at least
 
Copper Griz said:
Spanky2 said:
Can isn’t a robot. He played a great game! I hope Brown will be stellar a day in the future. However, Cam is the starting quarterback. Support him! Don’t be a dufus!!

Fair enough Spanky2. I won’t be a doofus. Not sure if that was intended or not. Made me laugh at least

Good Copper. It’s not easy to laugh these days!
 
SaskGriz said:
We weren't able to generate the great run blocking we did against UW? We rushed for 240+ yards and almost 6.0 yards/carry.

And you may "remember" how bad Cam was as a back up playing with the second string. Over two seasons he was 29-61 for 441, no picks and three TD's.
Tap,tap,tap.

Sorry, isn't this a football post?

To quote an old Montana friend of mine; I double nerd-dog dare you. Let's see your football knowledge. Man up and make a football post that refutes rushing yards and Cam's numbers as a back up.

Oh, and just to cut you off at the pass. I'm not gay (two kids and I didn't experiment in college) and I'm not poor (teachers here make a shit load and I own two houses and yeah.)
 
SaskGriz said:
SaskGriz said:
We weren't able to generate the great run blocking we did against UW? We rushed for 240+ yards and almost 6.0 yards/carry.

And you may "remember" how bad Cam was as a back up playing with the second string. Over two seasons he was 29-61 for 441, no picks and three TD's.
Tap,tap,tap.

Sorry, isn't this a football post?

To quote an old Montana friend of mine; I double nerd-dog dare you. Let's see your football knowledge. Man up and make a football post that refutes rushing yards and Cam's numbers as a back up.

Oh, and just to cut you off at the pass. I'm not gay (two kids and I didn't experiment in college) and I'm not poor (teachers here make a shit load and I own two houses and yeah.)
I missed saying that naming your ramblings after yourself was a baller move.
Western Illinois Head Coach said that Cam Humphrey was the real deal and his pocket presence was first class. Now, I know that I'm pedestrian and a no-nothing libtard, socialist, gay from a second rate country like Canada; that being said at which points did you disagree with WIU head coach and why?
 
SaskGriz said:
SaskGriz said:
Tap,tap,tap.

Sorry, isn't this a football post?

To quote an old Montana friend of mine; I double nerd-dog dare you. Let's see your football knowledge. Man up and make a football post that refutes rushing yards and Cam's numbers as a back up.

Oh, and just to cut you off at the pass. I'm not gay (two kids and I didn't experiment in college) and I'm not poor (teachers here make a shit load and I own two houses and yeah.)
I missed saying that naming your ramblings after yourself was a baller move.
Western Illinois Head Coach said that Cam Humphrey was the real deal and his pocket presence was first class. Now, I know that I'm pedestrian and a no-nothing libtard, socialist, gay from a second rate country like Canada; that being said at which points did you disagree with WIU head coach and why?

It's posts like this that make egriz what it is and always has been.....
*no worries lil' stevie dill will promptly be back immediately after his impending band.
History is always the best predictor of future events
 
AZGrizFan said:
I guess I’ll never understand how someone can look at a stat line of 20-27, 5 TD’s and 2 INTs (one of which clearly looked like it bounced) and give a big <sigh>.

you state you’re worried about the passing game. The kid made TWO poor decisions all night. Threw some absolute DIMES dropping them over the top to Roberts, Flowers, Akem, etc. and you want to bitch about TWO plays. They averaged 12.5 yards per completion. Hell, he had more TD’s and the same # of INTs as Tom Freaking Brady did on Thursday night. Yes <gasp!> even Brady makes a mistake or two a game!

But hey, your savior got Danny Burton to catch a pass, so I guess there’s that.

I’ve asked you a number of times (and you NEVER fail to not answer) but what in the world would Cam have to do to get you to admit you’re wrong about him? I mean, if 5 TD’s and a 42-7 win aren’t enough, I’m not sure there IS an answer. You’d have to admit you just flat out don’t like him.

This!!! Sure, it would be terrific if every pass were a TD, and there was never an INT. That's not going to happen, ever, ever, ever. I think the Griz offense is in good hands with Cam at the helm.
 
Trent Dilfer, for the 2000 Ravens - their Super Bowl year, completed 59% of his passes. He thew 12 TD’s with 11 interceptions. They just needed him to manage the game and not lose it for them. I think Cam will have better numbers
 
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