It's time to get the season started.
It's as simple as that.
I'm just going to empty my mind of some leftover fall camp thoughts...
- There's nothing else to learn from watching practice anymore. Of course practice is still beneficial to these guys, but we need to see how they guys handle game situations. How the freshmen handle a road crowd. How the kickers kick in the fourth quarter when the Griz are behind. How the three-headed monster at running back picks up tough yards in goal line situations.
To some extent, I get the feeling the coaching staff feels this way too. Bobby Hauck has said on several occasions he wishes he had more time to prepare, and I don't doubt that's true, but I think it's also just the natural paranoid nature that's required to be a successful head coach.
- Hauck said today he probably won't know who the starting kicker and punter is going to be until he gets to see the Ken Wood-Russel Schey-Brody McKnight trio kick in game situations. He said a decision on the starter against Cal Poly is expected to come in the next couple days, but so far none of the three have stood out in camp. I think the play of the starting kicker is as big of a key to the Griz season as any other position.
- I think the biggest concern for the Griz heading into the season has to be the state of the running game. The last two times we've seen the Griz scrimmage (spring in Polson, and week and a half ago) the RB's have averaged under 3 yards per carry. I'm definitely not writing off the backs the Griz have. They are all talented, but none of them are bruisers. It'll be interesting to see how the coaching staff plays to each of their strengths, because I truly believe all three will see time for at least the first few weeks. The players rave about new running backs coach Mick Delaney's ability to break down film, so that should be a plus.
- Bobby Hauck is a very good coach. If this seems like a ridiculously obvious statement, that's because it is. His record at Montana speaks for itself. After watching hours and hours of practice over the last few weeks I've gotten an even better sense of just how good of a coach he actually is. He's a motivator, disciplinarian, and teacher. He rides the players hard, but is also quick to offer encouragement. I think that's especially important with this year's team because it's easy for young players to get down on themselves. He's also takes a very involved and hands on approach in the drills, constantly coaching players individually and demonstrating proper technique.
- Junior defensive end Jace Palmer is not going to replace Kroy Biermann's production. That's unrealistic to expect. But I think he's poised to have a very good year. He really stood out in the scrimmage, with two sacks and a 70 yard interception return for a touchdown. Talking to him at media day on Saturday, he's very humble and quick to point out areas where he needs to improve. He also talked about how much he observed Biermann, Dustin Dhloui, and Mike Murphy before him. Seems to be very bright and a hard worker.
Just 4 days until game time. I'll have as preview and prediction up here later this week
~Varun
varun@maxmontana.com
