MONTANA

[JMappfan5]

We were without our suspended players for the ECU game and their back-ups played admirably. We could have benefitted greatly by playing our receiver (Price). Missed converting on several 3rd down opportunities and I feel that he would have helped in those situations with his height and excellent hands.

Losing our RB is a serious blow. We are fairly thin at this position. May have to pull a redshirt off Sean Holloway and play him this season. Losing Middleton may be even more damaging!!! He is an excellent cover man and a big hitter...also an excellent return man. We will have an injured CB (Walker) returning to the field this week. He is very quick, but not as big as Middleton. Walker did start and play in just about every game last year...so he does have experience. Our true freshman CB- A. Krah had to "come of age" very quickly last week and actually played fairly well.

This should be another Grizz-App WAR!!! Can't wait to hoist a few with your fans! Cheers to a great, hard fought game!

[App90]

the#1grizfan wrote:
I think this is going to be a good year for the Grizz. This game aginst you guys will be a big tell on how it is going to go for us. I judge our team alot off how we play you guys. It is always a good game, but I think that we will come out with the win. Our o-line looked amazing aginst SD I think its going to be a low scoring game across the board. Maybe left to the kickers. I wouldnt mind some honest feed back about what you guys though of the Grizz aginst SD for those of you who watched it.

I watched some of your game, your OL is huge. Montana made alot of mistakes. But that should be fixed after next week. The most impressive thing was that your guys did not give up. They seem to have come together so to speak. ASU sort of had the same problems against ECU but could not over come them. We have lost a promising senior RB in Chisolm, but thier is a pretty good freshman who reminds me of the EWU RB from 2 years ago. He may come in and play well if ASU lifts his red shirt status, Middleton broke his foot, so hopefully Krah should take his spot. Its sort of a bitter sweet meeting because both teams are not meeting on the field with thier best players due to dismissals or suspensions on both sides. Either way Im sure UM will be prepared...should be a hard fought game. Right now WR Price is not playing and he is 605/210 and is really talented. But Jones came in and had a good game against ECU so time will tell. See you at the Rock.

[JTApps1]

I think this is going to be a good year for the Grizz. This game aginst you guys will be a big tell on how it is going to go for us. I judge our team alot off how we play you guys. It is always a good game, but I think that we will come out with the win. Our o-line looked amazing aginst SD I think its going to be a low scoring game across the board. Maybe left to the kickers. I wouldnt mind some honest feed back about what you guys though of the Grizz aginst SD for those of you who watched it.

I don't think there is a clear front-runner in this game........Im gonna go out on a limb and say this one could go either way. APPY has a homefield advantage similar to UM's; they RARELY lose there. Both teams will need to bring their A game and play mistake free football to win this one. Il garuntee you that If Peter Nguyn muffs a punt, or if our corners blow their assignments like they did three or four times against USD, APPY will makes us pay. We were able to get away with that against USD but will certainly NOT at "The Rock". On the flip side, APPY will need to clean up their special teams play if they want to come out with a win in this one as well.

I have a couple questions for knowledgeable APP fans; who will be replacing your starting running-back and return-man/corner (out with injuries), as well as the two suspended players, and how do you think it affects your chances of coming out of this game with a win?

GO GRIZ!!!

The replacement at CB will be either Aaron Krah (Fr) who finished the ECU game or Rodger Walker (Jr) who is just coming back from an injury in camp. Tacoi Sumler (transfer from Oregon) will most likely take over the return duties since he had a return late at ECU. At RB we still have Steven Miller (Sr), Michael Fraiser (Jr), Ricky Fergerson (Walkon Fr), and Tysean Holloway (Fr) will probably have the redshirt removed. He was a big time pick up for us that we hoped could wait a year to start. For now we are ok, but if we lose anyone else at those positions we're in trouble. We were able to compensate for the suspended players last week so hopefully that continues. It will definitely be a challange to play the Griz minus 4 starters.

[YesAppCan]

I'm going to say three things here:

1. When we played in Missoula in 2009, many expected a "decent" game. What we got were the two best matched teams in the FCS and two most marquee programs to have played at this level in 20 years giving us the best game anyone has ever seen See: Brian Quick, Trumaine Johnson. Meeting in Missoula was a dream come true for anyone from Boone or Missoula that knows what D1 FCS football is about. That being said, here is point number...

2. Boone sits at a slightly higher elevation than Missoula. People from the Rockies think that the Appalachian front is tiny by comparison. As it turns out.....Not true, at least in this case. Missoula: 3,209 feet. Boone: 3,333 ft. We all found out during that semi that Appalachian State knows how to play in cold, harsh weather, which brings me to point number

3. This is the third time we will have met. There are no programs better than our two. None more storied than our two. We are, for lack of a better term fraternal twins. I have more respect for The Appalachian State Mountaineers than any other team in the nation, outside The University Of Montana Grizzlies. I expect this to be the best game played all year across college football. If you guys win, it will have been another of many honors to lose to you. If we win, I hope that you feel the same. Here's to Griz Nation! Here is to the Rock!

I concur.

[Saint3333]

Great post and agree about the programs, thank you to both ADs. Looking forward to a good tailgate and great game!

[AppState89]

Like I said when I came home from the Montana game in 2009, their fans are the best ever.

I haven't seen any negative posts at all from the Grizz fans. Nothing but respect for our Apps and our football program. This is the reason I wanted this game so bad. I'll be in Montana next year with about 8-10 people for the game. I can't wait to see our friends from out West Friday and Saturday.

Go Apps!!!!

[AppinATL]

Thankfully, we won't have C-USA referees. Every call might not be for App this Sat., but at least they won't ALL be against us.

Really? Have you been to any home games with the SoCon refs?

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

I think this is going to be a good year for the Grizz. This game aginst you guys will be a big tell on how it is going to go for us. I judge our team alot off how we play you guys. It is always a good game, but I think that we will come out with the win. Our o-line looked amazing aginst SD I think its going to be a low scoring game across the board. Maybe left to the kickers. I wouldnt mind some honest feed back about what you guys though of the Grizz aginst SD for those of you who watched it.

I don't think there is a clear front-runner in this game........Im gonna go out on a limb and say this one could go either way. APPY has a homefield advantage similar to UM's; they RARELY lose there. Both teams will need to bring their A game and play mistake free football to win this one. Il garuntee you that If Peter Nguyn muffs a punt, or if our corners blow their assignments like they did three or four times against USD, APPY will makes us pay. We were able to get away with that against USD but will certainly NOT at "The Rock". On the flip side, APPY will need to clean up their special teams play if they want to come out with a win in this one as well.

I have a couple questions for knowledgeable APP fans; who will be replacing your starting running-back and return-man/corner (out with injuries), as well as the two suspended players, and how do you think it affects your chances of coming out of this game with a win?

GO GRIZ!!!

The replacement at CB will be either Aaron Krah (Fr) who finished the ECU game or Rodger Walker (Jr) who is just coming back from an injury in camp. Tacoi Sumler (transfer from Oregon) will most likely take over the return duties since he had a return late at ECU. At RB we still have Steven Miller (Sr), Michael Fraiser (Jr), Ricky Fergerson (Walkon Fr), and Tysean Holloway (Fr) will probably have the redshirt removed. He was a big time pick up for us that we hoped could wait a year to start. For now we are ok, but if we lose anyone else at those positions we're in trouble. We were able to compensate for the suspended players last week so hopefully that continues. It will definitely be a challange to play the Griz minus 4 starters.

Thanks for the Info. It sounds as though you will have the depth to weather the storm. Im sure your boys will be as jacked for this game as ours, and will come out swinging! This game will have a playoff feel, and it's only the second week of the season. What a treat!

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

I am flying out on Wednesday and will be in Boone on Friday.

Here is to a great game with 2 elite programs throwing down in one of the best FCS stadiums in the whole damn country. How can this not be great win or lose?

All I want is:

Moonshine
Fun
A great game with great fans.
A mild hangover

See you guys on Saturday

[AppAlum1]

Thankfully, we won't have C-USA referees. Every call might not be for App this Sat., but at least they won't ALL be against us.

Really? Have you been to any home games with the SoCon refs?

Yes, really. And, yes.

Were you there? At least SoCon refs rarely decide the game. C-USA refs do.

[AppinATL]

It really bugs me when our fans immediately start blaming refs for costing us a game. That is SOOO Furman! The refs didn't decide yesterdays game, although I grant you they blew the call on that first fumble/TD play. Poor tackling on special teams, sub-par conditioning, the heat, the inability to finish good drives and the 22 scholarship deficit all had more to do with losing that game than the refs. Not saying they were great, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary from the crap we get from the socon refs at home. Hell, at least this crew finally called a hold on an opponent. First time that's happened since 2010!

[vegattk]

Like I said when I came home from the Montana game in 2009, their fans are the best ever.

I haven't seen any negative posts at all from the Grizz fans. Nothing but respect for our Apps and our football program. This is the reason I wanted this game so bad. I'll be in Montana next year with about 8-10 people for the game. I can't wait to see our friends from out West Friday and Saturday.

Go Apps!!!!

I'd love to go to the Missoula game... but I'm worried about cost. Anyone know how much it'll be to go with the Yosef Folks to the game next year? It'd be nice to have a number to start saving for...

After all... I don't think Chip's bus company will get a fan bus to make THIS particular trip...

[vegattk]

It really bugs me when our fans immediately start blaming refs for costing us a game. That is SOOO Furman! The refs didn't decide yesterdays game, although I grant you they blew the call on that first fumble/TD play. Poor tackling on special teams, sub-par conditioning, the heat, the inability to finish good drives and the 22 scholarship deficit all had more to do with losing that game than the refs. Not saying they were great, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary from the crap we get from the socon refs at home. Hell, at least this crew finally called a hold on an opponent. First time that's happened since 2010!

Ref's gave ECU 14 points... Hands down... We still lost the game... But the home field cooking helped ECU out of a hole in the 3rd and 4th quarter.

[G2ASU]

It is going to be so nice to welcome true FCS football fans to the Rock! From downtown to the stadium, spend some time floating around the various tailgate spots. Don't lock in on one area too early but take in the whole game day atmosphere. Don't miss the "Short Bus" on Rivers St. I'll be cooking 50+ wings in the First Baptist Church Lot on king st. You will be welcomed everywhere. Apps use speed to win a close one!

[ASUMountaineer]

I'm going to say three things here:

1. When we played in Missoula in 2009, many expected a "decent" game. What we got were the two best matched teams in the FCS and two most marquee programs to have played at this level in 20 years giving us the best game anyone has ever seen See: Brian Quick, Trumaine Johnson. Meeting in Missoula was a dream come true for anyone from Boone or Missoula that knows what D1 FCS football is about. That being said, here is point number...

2. Boone sits at a slightly higher elevation than Missoula. People from the Rockies think that the Appalachian front is tiny by comparison. As it turns out.....Not true, at least in this case. Missoula: 3,209 feet. Boone: 3,333 ft. We all found out during that semi that Appalachian State knows how to play in cold, harsh weather, which brings me to point number

3. This is the third time we will have met. There are no programs better than our two. None more storied than our two. We are, for lack of a better term fraternal twins. I have more respect for The Appalachian State Mountaineers than any other team in the nation, outside The University Of Montana Grizzlies. I expect this to be the best game played all year across college football. If you guys win, it will have been another of many honors to lose to you. If we win, I hope that you feel the same. Here's to Griz Nation! Here is to the Rock!

I am going to rep you on this post, but I think it will be hard to have lost to the Griz AGAIN. I was a sophomore in 2000. A devoted alum in 2009. And now, I need revenge in 2012!

[ASUMountaineer]

Like I said when I came home from the Montana game in 2009, their fans are the best ever.

I haven't seen any negative posts at all from the Grizz fans. Nothing but respect for our Apps and our football program. This is the reason I wanted this game so bad. I'll be in Montana next year with about 8-10 people for the game. I can't wait to see our friends from out West Friday and Saturday.

Go Apps!!!!

I've heard such good things about the Griz faithful. We're planning to head out next year, and may even bring some dirty ECU family members along for the trip. They'll really be introduced to the absolute best of FCS football having been to KBS and Wash-Griz.

[AppAlum1]

It really bugs me when our fans immediately start blaming refs for costing us a game. That is SOOO Furman! The refs didn't decide yesterdays game, although I grant you they blew the call on that first fumble/TD play. Poor tackling on special teams, sub-par conditioning, the heat, the inability to finish good drives and the 22 scholarship deficit all had more to do with losing that game than the refs. Not saying they were great, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary from the crap we get from the socon refs at home. Hell, at least this crew finally called a hold on an opponent. First time that's happened since 2010!

I have never blamed the refs before. But, then again, I have never seen such a game before either. I might have missed one game at KBS in the last 15 years. So, for your Furman reference, you can kiss my ... OK wait I don't want this post deleted. It all went downhill after that "fumble"; Call after call or lack thereof. Special teams, yep that's a problem. Sub-par conditioning? Nope ... I thought we were well conditioned. The heat? Nope ... it was hot, but we were ready for it. The one time I thought I saw us cramp was when Middleton went down with a broken foot. Inability to finish drives ... yeah, I'm concerned about that; but, at least part of that was the goofy-a$$ed officiating. Scholarship deficit ... well, duh ... no surprise there. I noticed ECU's holding call too. But, there was at least one hold that was not called & it cost us 7.

I stand by my earlier post. The officials at ECU made bad calls that affected the game worse than any I have ever seen.

[asutrnr81]

It really bugs me when our fans immediately start blaming refs for costing us a game. That is SOOO Furman! The refs didn't decide yesterdays game, although I grant you they blew the call on that first fumble/TD play. Poor tackling on special teams, sub-par conditioning, the heat, the inability to finish good drives and the 22 scholarship deficit all had more to do with losing that game than the refs. Not saying they were great, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary from the crap we get from the socon refs at home. Hell, at least this crew finally called a hold on an opponent. First time that's happened since 2010!

I have never blamed the refs before. But, then again, I have never seen such a game before either. I might have missed one game at KBS in the last 15 years. So, for your Furman reference, you can kiss my ... OK wait I don't want this post deleted. It all went downhill after that "fumble"; Call after call or lack thereof. Special teams, yep that's a problem. Sub-par conditioning? Nope ... I thought we were well conditioned. The heat? Nope ... it was hot, but we were ready for it. The one time I thought I saw us cramp was when Middleton went down with a broken foot. Inability to finish drives ... yeah, I'm concerned about that; but, at least part of that was the goofy-a$$ed officiating. Scholarship deficit ... well, duh ... no surprise there. I noticed ECU's holding call too. But, there was at least one hold that was not called & it cost us 7.

I stand by my earlier post. The officials at ECU made bad calls that affected the game worse than any I have ever seen.

AppinATL missed the point IMO....it is hard to tell the "dejection" impact on the kids but it was evident because they had been pouring their souls into the game...and was hanging in there. The conditioning was NOT an issue IMO....I was impressed based on the CLIMATE that we did not have 12-15 kids out with heat related issues....and the refs were definitely out of touch. The fumble call, the no hold on the kick return, the "interference" on the punt, and the pass interference calls were too much for a young team down 22 scholarships.....now I thought JJ got a little jumpy and threw a bad pass, their coaching staff "put in" at halftime, much more offense than they had wanted which is a fact....and a credit to our team, they were "holding" some things back for South Carolina, It was the first game with a relatively new offensive staff....I expected much of what I saw that was negative, but was pleasantly surprised by:

Our ability to run the ball, our OL play, the pressure that our DL was able to get and the play of the DB's. Missing Price and Lott I think was bigger than most think!....and we will not have them for Montana it looks like!

Overall, we are better than I thought we would be, Ruffin may be able to get his 4th year, we need to find a replacement RB...and work on special teams!

[AppAlum1]

AppinATL missed the point IMO....it is hard to tell the "dejection" impact on the kids but it was evident because they had been pouring their souls into the game...and was hanging in there. The conditioning was NOT an issue IMO....I was impressed based on the CLIMATE that we did not have 12-15 kids out with heat related issues....and the refs were definitely out of touch. The fumble call, the no hold on the kick return, the "interference" on the punt, and the pass interference calls were too much for a young team down 22 scholarships.....now I thought JJ got a little jumpy and threw a bad pass, their coaching staff "put in" at halftime, much more offense than they had wanted which is a fact....and a credit to our team, they were "holding" some things back for South Carolina, It was the first game with a relatively new offensive staff....I expected much of what I saw that was negative, but was pleasantly surprised by:

Our ability to run the ball, our OL play, the pressure that our DL was able to get and the play of the DB's. Missing Price and Lott I think was bigger than most think!....and we will not have them for Montana it looks like!

Overall, we are better than I thought we would be, Ruffin may be able to get his 4th year, we need to find a replacement RB...and work on special teams!

I completely agree. Our response to the bad calls was not as I would have wished. Our team is young; they got a lesson on Saturday. I could tell the wind came out of our sails. Maybe the coaches should have told them to expect crappy refs. We'll see what we learned in Greenville on Sat. against Montana.

But, there was a whole lot that I liked. the OL play was fantastic - JJ was hit 3 times behind the line & never sacked that I recall. We ran well. JJ threw a great game. Our D was fabulous, especially the pressure we got with no blitzes. Kimbrough was a beast.

I hope Price & Lott have got that discipline problem behind them. What were they thinking? Finally, I expect to see Holloway.

[fjblair]

It really bugs me when our fans immediately start blaming refs for costing us a game. That is SOOO Furman! The refs didn't decide yesterdays game, although I grant you they blew the call on that first fumble/TD play. Poor tackling on special teams, sub-par conditioning, the heat, the inability to finish good drives and the 22 scholarship deficit all had more to do with losing that game than the refs. Not saying they were great, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary from the crap we get from the socon refs at home. Hell, at least this crew finally called a hold on an opponent. First time that's happened since 2010!

I haven't heard any fan immediately blaming refs for costing us the game. Officiating did not cost us the game but there were a couple of big bad calls that clearly benefited ECU with the non fumble TD return being a glaring example. "Sub-par conditioning"? What? I would not consider ASU's conditioning sub par at all, in fact I think we benefit from great conditioning.