Preseason Rankings

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Updated with the TSN ranking. Seems that 12th is the consensus.

 

[HannahO]

Fox Sports News Big Sky Conference rankings:


OUTLOOK: After the 2010 FCS national champions disappointed last season - their 0-4 start basically knocked them out of the playoff picture - Baldwin is handing the keys to the offense to Padron. And he's telling the SMU transfer not to go easy on the engine. Padron, who threw for 5,902 yards and 41 touchdowns in 24 career games after he replaced Mitchell, who transferred to Eastern Washington and won the national title and then the 2011 Walter Payton Award, has three 1,000-yard receivers in Edwards, Herd and Kaufman. No defense will slow that trio. It is pivotal, and likely, the Eagles will get the running game going - 79 ypg last season - because the injury-ravaged offensive line is healthy again. The balanced defense is deeper after it slumped last season. It will benefit from Johnson, who played in only four games last season, getting back to his 2010 form. Ena and Ceja provide the pass rush, making life easier for a secondary that features Minnerly and Lee. Miller could be one of the best punters in the FCS. The Eagles have to guard against the first half of the schedule burying them again.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/08/14/in-fcs-huddle-2012-big-sky-conference-preview/#ixzz23XB2PTtJ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

So other than our QB situation can you name one position that we didnt improve on from last year even with the people we lost?

CB - Nope, we lost TJ and gained Nate Harris and I will even be so bold as to say as a group we are WAY better at Cb than we were last year. Goodwin, Dennard and Murray are very solid and give us depth we didnt have last year.

S - We lost McCord (Thank God) and have our true sophomore from last year Hermanson returning along with Tully who got torched in the SHSU game. We have a stud in waiting Lebsock who is always around the ball he seems to be playing a S/LB hybrid at times so far this fall and he is possibly the most talented Lebsock we have ever had. JC Transfer Coogan is a HAMMER he is 2 weeks in and already the WR and TEs are fearing this dude he lays it out there, if he gets this down hopefully Tully is an after thought.

LB - We lost McSurdy and have 7 guys that would start on any other team in the BSC Tripp, Kanongataa, Coyle, Stuberg, Holt, Owen and Kose all have playing time under their belt, the have speed.

DL - We lost Waldo and Alt but return Harris, Wagenmann and Bienemann who all got significant playing time last year. Add into the mix a guy who is a true freshman that has been virtually unblockable this fall Tyrone Holmes. This kid is explosive off the end and we havent had a guy like this in YEARS playing DE for us. We have great size on the DL with Takai (315) and Ginn (308) so try and move that out of the way.

OL - we lost a few guys but this years starters played a lot last year and are better as the group that ran the ball down yours and MSUs throats. Sabin, Kistler Oiland, Poehls and the Hines twins give us much more depth and versatility than last year. Also the true freshman MCCauley Todd is a steal from Iowa he comes in at 6'8 295 and has possibly the best feet on the OL.

RB - We return Canada, Nguyen and Moore, but Walden, Kirschner got playing time last year so we are 5 deep plus Nelo Butler is back from a knee injury and looks as good as any of our starters and M&M (mini Moore) from Arizona is a stud waiting to happen Joey Counts is a beast and all around the best RB we have and he may not even get a sniff because of the depth and the fact he is a true freshman.

QB - JJ goes down with legal troubles and we bring in Brezczek he is just a better version of JJ with a stronger arm and just as accurate. The rest of our QBs are not that good.

WR - next to QB the weakest part of our team. We lost Moutra and Sambrano and replaced them with more size and speed. Haynes and Saylor are studs, you guys will find that out soon enough, then we have Gratton and Carver that got playing time last year in the slot. We have added Ellis Henderson and Taylor Walcott that have size and more speed than the starters and I would bet both get some playing time this fall because they are too good as freshmen to not play.

We have a better punter than last year Shaw is 6'3" 235lbs and booms routine 55-60 with GREAT hang time so I expect that part of our special teams to improve dramatically.

K- Lider seems to have this locked down, he is a left footed kicker and is very accurate from 30 in. and I have seen him make a 48 yarder in practice but he would never be consistent at that range in a game situation at this stage of his career


You guys know me, you know Im honest and call out the Griz when things are not sugar covered rainbows like the rest of the idiot Griz fans. So really, enlighten me as too why we wont be a VERY solid football team again this fall? The off season stuff was months ago, the coaching stuff was months ago and trust me Delaney isnt a step down from Pflu, hes a step up in accountability and toughness, IMO hes better than Hauck and Pflu and we definitely upgraded our OC position with Timm Rosenbach.

I havent been this excited about a Griz team since 1996 and possibly 2001. The talent, size and SPEED that Pflu brought in have never been on a Griz team like this since I have been watching (1983ish)

If this team stays healty and progresses like good teams do this could be the best team overall we have ever had at UM. Bold words? Hell yes but I am dead serious.

You want some?

COME GET SOME!

 

[LDopaPDX]

I, for one, think UM will be pretty good this year. The QB thing isn't going to be too much of an issue IMO because it's been a long time since the Griz were a QB-centric offense. These aren't the Dave Dickinson years.

I think the loss of the defensive coach might be the biggest loss for the year. Everybody I've heard says the guy was seriously legit.

 

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

I, for one, think UM will be pretty good this year. The QB thing isn't going to be too much of an issue IMO because it's been a long time since the Griz were a QB-centric offense. These aren't the Dave Dickinson years.

I think the loss of the defensive coach might be the biggest loss for the year. Everybody I've heard says the guy was seriously legit.

True, Breske was a great one but Gregorak is no slouch, he has been around the last 5 years or so in one capacity or another under hauck, Paulson and Pflu and Breske. He is hard but fair and the players dig him.

 

[marceagfan5]

I, for one, think UM will be pretty good this year. The QB thing isn't going to be too much of an issue IMO because it's been a long time since the Griz were a QB-centric offense. These aren't the Dave Dickinson years.

I think the loss of the defensive coach might be the biggest loss for the year. Everybody I've heard says the guy was seriously legit.

I agree, Griz are the defending conference champs and they remain that way until someone knocks them off. They will play us in Cheney but we will be coming off 3 straight on the road, they also get MSU at home. They have a nice conference schedule, I see the Griz 7-1 (loss to EWU) or 6-2 in conference, I think they finish 9-2 or 8-3 overall (at app is going to be tough).

Everyone talks about the QB loss, but the Griz will be a pretty heavy running team. They are solid up front and have a couple beast's for Running backs. If their defense is as good as they have been the past few years (they lost a lot last year), they will be tough to deal with. The griz remind me, a little bit, of the NDSU team the past 2 years...

I think EWU, MSU, and the Griz all make the playoffs this year and both Cal Poly and SUU have outside shots as well.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

The Griz better at CB this year than last? :rofl:

Yeah, that's why all of their scrub QBs raped their secondary in Spring Ball. :roll:

 

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

If you knew what you were talking about, you would know it was JJ doing the raping in "Spring" ball.


We have the size and speed to shut your guys down and it scares you that you know it. We wont miss a thing with our CBs this fall.......tick tock.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

If you knew what you were talking about, you would know it was JJ doing the raping in "Spring" ball.


We have the size and speed to shut your guys down and it scares you that you know it. We wont miss a thing with our CBs this fall.......tick tock.

Padron and our NFL WRs are going to shred the Griz.

 

[marceagfan5]

MY TAKE ON THE TOP 3 (IMO) TEAMS IN THE BIG SKY

EWU - The Key to Eastern's season is going to be, can we establish a run game. We will be able to throw the ball on any team we play. There isn't an FCS secondary that can match the talent and size of our WR's. Throw in our tight ends and our passing game is going to be crazy good. Most teams will bring in 5 or 6 DB's, leaving only 5 or 6 in the box. We need to be able to run the ball when that happens (that was a big issue last year). I think we have a very talented group of backs (bronson, talley, forte) who all gained valuable experience last year and are due to break out this year. On the defensive side of the ball, we will need to be able to stop the run, something we couldn't do at all towards the end of last year. We have a really talented secondary, and if we stay healty, should have a great front 7. I think the addition of Pulu will really help shore up our D-Line

GRIZ - I think the grizzlies key is going to be can they throw the ball? Most teams will stack the box against the Griz early to make whichever QB prove he can throw it. If he can, the Griz will be successful, if he can't, I think the Griz will lose some games they normally would not. I do think the Griz have talent on Defense, but it is fairly unproven with a lot of new faces in starting roles. I think the Griz will begin to roll towards the end of the season, but I think there will be some early season bumps.

MSU - MSU is a question mark. The last two years they came out of the gates like gangbusters and then imploded to end the season. They should be challenged early this year at Drake and hosting SFA. They have a difficult conference schedule as well as they travel to SUU (Who is underrated) as well as the Griz, they also host us. They should be solid on offense and have one of the best QB's in FCS. McGhee still needs to prove he can win consistently in big games. MSU's front 7 is good, but I think we should be able to throw the ball all over the field against them. Last year BLM was running for his life against MSU, I think our new QB will have better protection this year although MSU's D-line is awful good. MSU does have a lot back from their past couple seasons, and McGhee is a stud, but all they have to show for it is a 1-2 playoff record. I think their key is they need to play the 2nd half of their season as they have played the first half the past 2 years.

From a scheduling standpoint, I hate the back to back FBS games and 3 straight to start on the road, but i'm glad we finally don't have to play the montana schools in back to back weeks for the first time since 2006. I think we go 9-2 or 8-3 and make the playoffs and once the playoffs start its anyone's game.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

MY TAKE ON THE TOP 3 (IMO) TEAMS IN THE BIG SKY

EWU - The Key to Eastern's season is going to be, can we establish a run game. We will be able to throw the ball on any team we play. There isn't an FCS secondary that can match the talent and size of our WR's. Throw in our tight ends and our passing game is going to be crazy good. Most teams will bring in 5 or 6 DB's, leaving only 5 or 6 in the box. We need to be able to run the ball when that happens (that was a big issue last year). I think we have a very talented group of backs (bronson, talley, forte) who all gained valuable experience last year and are due to break out this year. On the defensive side of the ball, we will need to be able to stop the run, something we couldn't do at all towards the end of last year. We have a really talented secondary, and if we stay healty, should have a great front 7. I think the addition of Pulu will really help shore up our D-Line

GRIZ - I think the grizzlies key is going to be can they throw the ball? Most teams will stack the box against the Griz early to make whichever QB prove he can throw it. If he can, the Griz will be successful, if he can't, I think the Griz will lose some games they normally would not. I do think the Griz have talent on Defense, but it is fairly unproven with a lot of new faces in starting roles. I think the Griz will begin to roll towards the end of the season, but I think there will be some early season bumps.

MSU - MSU is a question mark. The last two years they came out of the gates like gangbusters and then imploded to end the season. They should be challenged early this year at Drake and hosting SFA. They have a difficult conference schedule as well as they travel to SUU (Who is underrated) as well as the Griz, they also host us. They should be solid on offense and have one of the best QB's in FCS. McGhee still needs to prove he can win consistently in big games. MSU's front 7 is good, but I think we should be able to throw the ball all over the field against them. Last year BLM was running for his life against MSU, I think our new QB will have better protection this year although MSU's D-line is awful good. MSU does have a lot back from their past couple seasons, and McGhee is a stud, but all they have to show for it is a 1-2 playoff record. I think their key is they need to play the 2nd half of their season as they have played the first half the past 2 years.

From a scheduling standpoint, I hate the back to back FBS games and 3 straight to start on the road, but i'm glad we finally don't have to play the montana schools in back to back weeks for the first time since 2006. I think we go 9-2 or 8-3 and make the playoffs and once the playoffs start its anyone's game.

Great post, I agree.

 

[HannahO]

So other than our QB situation can you name one position that we didnt improve on from last year even with the people we lost?

CB - Nope, we lost TJ and gained Nate Harris and I will even be so bold as to say as a group we are WAY better at Cb than we were last year. Goodwin, Dennard and Murray are very solid and give us depth we didnt have last year.

S - We lost McCord (Thank God) and have our true sophomore from last year Hermanson returning along with Tully who got torched in the SHSU game. We have a stud in waiting Lebsock who is always around the ball he seems to be playing a S/LB hybrid at times so far this fall and he is possibly the most talented Lebsock we have ever had. JC Transfer Coogan is a HAMMER he is 2 weeks in and already the WR and TEs are fearing this dude he lays it out there, if he gets this down hopefully Tully is an after thought.

LB - We lost McSurdy and have 7 guys that would start on any other team in the BSC Tripp, Kanongataa, Coyle, Stuberg, Holt, Owen and Kose all have playing time under their belt, the have speed.

DL - We lost Waldo and Alt but return Harris, Wagenmann and Bienemann who all got significant playing time last year. Add into the mix a guy who is a true freshman that has been virtually unblockable this fall Tyrone Holmes. This kid is explosive off the end and we havent had a guy like this in YEARS playing DE for us. We have great size on the DL with Takai (315) and Ginn (308) so try and move that out of the way.

OL - we lost a few guys but this years starters played a lot last year and are better as the group that ran the ball down yours and MSUs throats. Sabin, Kistler Oiland, Poehls and the Hines twins give us much more depth and versatility than last year. Also the true freshman MCCauley Todd is a steal from Iowa he comes in at 6'8 295 and has possibly the best feet on the OL.

RB - We return Canada, Nguyen and Moore, but Walden, Kirschner got playing time last year so we are 5 deep plus Nelo Butler is back from a knee injury and looks as good as any of our starters and M&M (mini Moore) from Arizona is a stud waiting to happen Joey Counts is a beast and all around the best RB we have and he may not even get a sniff because of the depth and the fact he is a true freshman.

QB - JJ goes down with legal troubles and we bring in Brezczek he is just a better version of JJ with a stronger arm and just as accurate. The rest of our QBs are not that good.

WR - next to QB the weakest part of our team. We lost Moutra and Sambrano and replaced them with more size and speed. Haynes and Saylor are studs, you guys will find that out soon enough, then we have Gratton and Carver that got playing time last year in the slot. We have added Ellis Henderson and Taylor Walcott that have size and more speed than the starters and I would bet both get some playing time this fall because they are too good as freshmen to not play.

We have a better punter than last year Shaw is 6'3" 235lbs and booms routine 55-60 with GREAT hang time so I expect that part of our special teams to improve dramatically.

K- Lider seems to have this locked down, he is a left footed kicker and is very accurate from 30 in. and I have seen him make a 48 yarder in practice but he would never be consistent at that range in a game situation at this stage of his career


You guys know me, you know Im honest and call out the Griz when things are not sugar covered rainbows like the rest of the idiot Griz fans. So really, enlighten me as too why we wont be a VERY solid football team again this fall? The off season stuff was months ago, the coaching stuff was months ago and trust me Delaney isnt a step down from Pflu, hes a step up in accountability and toughness, IMO hes better than Hauck and Pflu and we definitely upgraded our OC position with Timm Rosenbach.

I havent been this excited about a Griz team since 1996 and possibly 2001. The talent, size and SPEED that Pflu brought in have never been on a Griz team like this since I have been watching (1983ish)

If this team stays healty and progresses like good teams do this could be the best team overall we have ever had at UM. Bold words? Hell yes but I am dead serious.

You want some?

COME GET SOME!

Aaaah yes, AG1 doesn't have enough to do with developing smack YouTube videos directed against the Cats so he has to come over here and randomly insert himself and the Griz in topics in which they aren't even being discussed. If what's got you riled up is the ranking -- Don't care where UM is rated or whether you think it's an appropriate. Also don't care whether you like your team ... that's a given. We all know UM is a force within the Big Sky and, unlike some team's fans, most of us haven't been predicting the downfall of your program so check the chip on your shoulder and have another beer!

 

[93bird]

The Griz will be lucky to avoid a postseason ban this year. IF they somehow make it to the playoffs, it will be because their QB who has yet to complete a pass in college was able to equal Johnson's 600 yards rushing and 25 TDs last year. Then there's the defensive line. Did anyone watch the Bearkats rush for almost 400 yards in last season's semifinal? What a strength. I agree that there must be improvement at CB after reading about Trumaine sleeping through his first day on the job in the NFL. What an idiot. Anyway, it doesn't really matter. They'll fold at App State or go out with a whimper if they're lucky enough to make it to the playoffs. Same old, same old. Meanwhile 2 or 3 other BSC teams will be fighting for the title.

 

[EWURanger]

Griz will be pretty good this year. Running game will be good even if there won't be much of a vertical pass game. Lb's will be the strength defensively. Secondary will be adequate but not better than the last several years. Certainly not better with losing T Johnson.

 

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Wow you guys just dont get it.

As a group there is no doubt in my mind the secondary is head and shoulders above last season. Our CBs as a pair are light years ahead of TJ and whoever played on the other side last year.

Also Padron isnt going to pan out for you guys.

You have had a good run with above average QBs and this is the year it doesnt work, he will get hurt or just not click, something is going to happen but he wont emulate Meyers, Nichols, or BLM. I know you guys already know that but I figured I would tell you anyway.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Wow you guys just dont get it.

As a group there is no doubt in my mind the secondary is head and shoulders above last season. Our CBs as a pair are light years ahead of TJ and whoever played on the other side last year.

Also Padron isnt going to pan out for you guys.

You have had a good run with above average QBs and this is the year it doesnt work, he will get hurt or just not click, something is going to happen but he wont emulate Meyers, Nichols, or BLM. I know you guys already know that but I figured I would tell you anyway.

Tell you what, dipshit. Actually talk football instead of trolling, or get the fuck out. The more you post your pathetic BS over here, the more I'll post EWU shit over on your mangina forum.

 

[clawman1]

he will get hurt or just not click, something is going to happen but he wont emulate Meyers, Nichols, or BLM. I know you guys already know that but I figured I would tell you anyway.

Is this what your crystal ball tells you or just some epiphany stemming from Eagle envy?

 

[marceagfan5]

Wow you guys just dont get it.

As a group there is no doubt in my mind the secondary is head and shoulders above last season. Our CBs as a pair are light years ahead of TJ and whoever played on the other side last year.

Also Padron isnt going to pan out for you guys.

You have had a good run with above average QBs and this is the year it doesnt work, he will get hurt or just not click, something is going to happen but he wont emulate Meyers, Nichols, or BLM. I know you guys already know that but I figured I would tell you anyway.

So our unproven QB isn't going to work out, but your unproven CB's will. I love the logic. We heard the same thing about BLM in 2010 from you guys. Eastern will be the first really pass heavy offense the griz will face so we will find out soon enough. Also, our freshman backup (possibly starter as Padron hasn't won the job yet) Vernon Adams is "heads and shoulders" above any QB the Griz will put on the field this year.

From a defensive standpoint (and no, we are not talking about defense attorneys on this board), you better not worry about how good your CB's are because they don't mean squat. The only way you are going to slow down the passing attack is with your D-Line and pressure. I don't care how good your CB's are, if our QB and WR's have time, they will eat you alive.

We can argue players, stats, and facts all day, bottom line is this game will be played out on the field and we will find out soon enough, but the Griz aren't even on our radar right now, focus is on Idaho.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Wow you guys just dont get it.

As a group there is no doubt in my mind the secondary is head and shoulders above last season. Our CBs as a pair are light years ahead of TJ and whoever played on the other side last year.

Also Padron isnt going to pan out for you guys.

You have had a good run with above average QBs and this is the year it doesnt work, he will get hurt or just not click, something is going to happen but he wont emulate Meyers, Nichols, or BLM. I know you guys already know that but I figured I would tell you anyway.

So our unproven QB isn't going to work out, but your unproven CB's will. I love the logic. We heard the same thing about BLM in 2010 from you guys. Eastern will be the first really pass heavy offense the griz will face so we will find out soon enough. Also, our freshman backup (possibly starter as Padron hasn't won the job yet) Vernon Adams is "heads and shoulders" above any QB the Griz will put on the field this year.

From a defensive standpoint (and no, we are not talking about defense attorneys on this board), you better not worry about how good your CB's are because they don't mean squat. The only way you are going to slow down the passing attack is with your D-Line and pressure. I don't care how good your CB's are, if our QB and WR's have time, they will eat you alive.

We can argue players, stats, and facts all day, bottom line is this game will be played out on the field and we will find out soon enough, but the Griz aren't even on our radar right now, focus is on Idaho.

Just disregard his posts. All he's looking for is a rise out of anyone. He knows as does everyone else that Padron and our WRs are going to tear the Griz tertiary apart.

 

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Padron is an unproven quantity and he wont gel with your team, your QB run is done.