Last week, we compared two football programs and their ups and downs since their last meeting, which was three seasons ago. Similarly, the team that ended Appalachian’s season back in 2009 is the program they will face this weekend in their home opener. For only the third time ever, Appalachian and Montana, two of the best programs in FCS/I-AA history will play a football game. The previous two games were dandies, both basically decided on the games final play. Erasing the image of Jimmy Farris catching the game clinching touchdown over Appalachian All-American Corey Hall will always be tough. Perhaps even tougher, most of us watched Armanti Edwards play his final game as a collegian in a blizzard on television, thousands of miles from home. This time around, Montana finally hits the road to play the Mountaineers; the first such meeting between the two schools in the regular season. Montana was able to escape from South Dakota last week while the Mountaineers fell to East Carolina in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated. Montana seems to be the same team they always have been, a power running team that will dominate the line of scrimmage, while Appalachian looked much like its former self, compiling 419 yards of offense despite only scoring three times. Only once last year did Appalachian eclipse that yardage mark on the road: Jamal Jackson’s first start against The Citadel.

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ASU - 31

MONTANA -27

Size advantage vs speed advantage. Last time we had to play in snow which negates speed. If rain limits our passing game and reduces speed, it could be tough for us to win a smash mouth game. If the field is dry, we pull away and win by a comfortable margin.

Good stuff C

NP

Injuries and weather play a factor in another ASU contest.

Montana 24
ASU 21

Mountaineers: 24

Grizzlies: 21

I predict a score of 21-17 in favor of the Grizzlies with three minutes or less on the clock when the Mountaineers get possession. Jackson to Malachi Jones for the clutch TD. After we're in the lead, the Grizzlies will try to make some major plays in the air with little time on the clock. Our defensive backfield will secure the game with an interception. The Rock will be heard throughout the Appalachian Mountain Range as the game clock hits zero.

This game measure if we are on the rebound, hate we are without as many starters. It' been a while since we've had an OOC quality win. I like where I think we are based on the ECU game. Win the turnover battle, limit the miscues and penalties and score 27+ points we win.

We owe Montana 28

Montana 27



Prediction:
Sumler houses 6 points

App will pull away in the 4th

Apps 34

Grizz 24

Another fine job, C.

I believe this team has the ability to be great. That said, the season is still young, and the injury bug has already bitten. A wet field would tend to favor a running game which hasn't been our long suit lately. Hopefully, the home crowd will be loud and large.

The only prediction I'll make is that I'll be there with the usual crew and will be cheering our hearts out for the Black and Gold.

Awesome job as always C.

Welcome to the Rock - 48
Got rocked - 24

Mountaineers by 7 to 10. I hope.

I'll be rocking, apparently the only one anymore, the old trusty MMB tshirt.

RankinApp wrote:Mountaineers by 7 to 10. I hope.

I'll be rocking, apparently the only one anymore, the old trusty MMB tshirt.

I've still got four of 'em in regular rotation.

Good job as always BigC. Since my prediction didn't come to fruition last week I was hesitant to predict again. Oh hell, why not!

ASU - 28
Montana- 17

I was pretty close with my 31-17 score last week.

This is one of those games that you an size up all you want, but in the end it'll come down to sheer force of will. I can already sense the mountain magic building up.

Beast of the East 38
Best of the West 28

T-Dog wrote:This is one of those games that you an size up all you want, but in the end it'll come down to sheer force of will. I can already sense the mountain magic building up.

It does have that feel.

APPS win.

Neers 38
Griz 34

We give them boys from the west a taste of what real mountain boys are made of.

Grandfather Mountain 34
Hells Gate Canyon 24

Beast from the East - 28
Beast from the West- 21

Nice job C!
Appalachian 31
Montana 30

If it is the same ole same ole, the griz will kill us with a running game, and swing passes to the running back. We will have to keep up with scoring. Might lose by 7 to 10. Will be tough to start 0-2.

However, if we can shore up our mistakes from last week (big plays, 100 yards plus in penalties, and turnovers), play dominant defense, players stepping in and stepping up, and show up prepared with our minds right, I like our chances:
Longrifles knock down Grizzlies 24 to 21