It was bitter sweet to put the 2010 football season to rest last night on the Robin Pflugrad show and it also was disappointing.
If I might say so myself it was a memorable show filled with pertinent information not so much about the season, which has been dissected by all fans way smarter than me, but what I like to do best - in-depth introspective sports journalism about issues and opinions from Pflu and Director of Athletics Jim O’Day.
And the entire football staff and their families and a host of other supporters were present.
But what was disappointing was not the season or the amount of effort everyone put into it.
With few exceptions, while this was a team that didn’t overachieve like we sometimes expect and usually enjoy, it was a team that continued to fight through the adversities that all football teams endure and continue to put the effort out and leave it on the field.
They didn’t win as many games as we or they would have liked and yes were not selected for the post-season and if you listened last night or were in attendance you heard a complete explanation of what took play inside the committee room in Indianapolis, how close the Griz were to be included, and why even though there is a 6-5 team in the field and several 7-4 entities, the Griz were not included.
It also is interesting I believe to watch the dynamics between Plfu and his boss and while as usually is the case they don’t agree on everything, they are trying to get to the same place and do what is best for University of Montana football.
But what was disappointing to me, and I have to admit even surprising, was there was not a single call or a single positive comment for the coach, the players, anyone about the 2010 season.
Now I know we are spoiled with success in Missoula when it comes to Montana football and all you have to do is read the chat room stuff to realize how disastrous it was for the Griz to lose to the Cats and then be left out of the playoff field.
The Grizzlies are a product of their overall success and their domination of the Bobcats.
But the finest run of football success in the history of the school has just occurred and yes come to an end and yes another one will begin.
Not unlike our lives a season isn’t always going to come up roses and while disappointing, it doesn’t mean the season, or any player, coach or administrator for that matter, was a failure.
These guys didn’t work or prepare or compete any less than teams that achieved more than they did and if you are one of those pointing fingers that they did, you are just wrong.
I know for most of us it’s all about winning because we live vicariously through the teams that we support. Sorry folks but it just isn’t always going to happen.
Would I have liked some things to be different? Of course. Would I like to be inviting a Southern team inside the Grizzly house in arctic conditions Saturday? Of course I would, but on this eve of Thanksgiving I’m equally happy to have participated in another football season that saw the Grizzlies again have a winning season.
Will there be a lot of these guys playing in the NFL? Probably a couple but some of the finest guys I have had the opportunity to be around that won’t play-for-pay also were on this team and I’m so fortunate just to know them.
So be disappointed, even be critical if you must, but do not minimize the effort put forth through the season or the dedication of the Grizzlies and their supporting staff.
No there won’t be a lot of letters of support to the editors. I guess that’s not the nature of athletics and that’s unfortunate.
Most of the time in sports I’m a half-glass-full kind of guy. Realistic, probably not, but for sure joyful and thankful on this wintry morning.
Mick, you have hit the nail right on the head and thank you for publishing this article. I have been an avid Griz fan and have not seen many down years in my 35 year life, but we have been very spoiled. I would like to thank the “Program” for having the vision to allow success of this magnitude that may never be seen again by any school. On Sunday morning I shook coach Pflugrad’s hand to hopefully show that not all fans are fickle and he has my support 100%. Trust me Griz Nation there is no one more disappointed than coach Pflugrad on Sunday, and looking in his eyes he will bring us back to the promise land. Thank you again Mick and I hope all “True” Griz fans read your article and get behind our program rather than get in its way.
24 winning seasons in a row! Coach Pflu is still the man. It is only a matter of execution for these kids and they will be the first ones to point out their mistakes. They played their hearts out and sometimes the ball just didn’t bounce their way but it was never a result of a lack of effort.
Great winning season Griz, heal up, get in shape, be ready to rock em in 2011. Oh, and let’s keep that winning season record rolling!
What a great insite on our Grizzlies and coaching staff! Thanks for writing it Mick. We’ll miss our seniors…Chase, Andrew, Sevrin and all the rest. We’ll still be talking about them next year.
Their injuries hurt us as well and we feel for them. But their comeback as men will make us all proud to be part of GRIZ nation. Now we’ll settle in, watch some Griz basketball and talk about what next year has to offer. Happy Thanksgiving Grizzlies and coaching staff!
Right on Mick.
These guys played damn hard and I am fortunate to have been able to celebrate many more victories than defeats with “My” team this year.
Mary and I had many high fives listening to you yell “touchdown Montana” as we worked out in the garage.
Thanks everybody for another winning season.
Dittos on these comments. Coach Pflugrad is a 1st class guy, and will point this program and team in the success we are used to. Players train, play and leave it all on the field. Next week we reload!
The Griz will rise from the ashes like the Phoenix. Coach Pflu said this team never lacked effort and that I believe for sure. Chase running the ball like he did against the Cats with a badly injured shoulder was more effort than I can imagine. Good luck to all the Seniors and we can’t wait to see the underclassman on the field again next season for another winning season and a return to the playoffs. Thanks Mick for all you do as well!
To say the 2010 season was a “disappointment” would be an understatement. We were outcoached in every phase of the game this year, except for defense, thanks Coach Breske, you are the man. So, this all falls on Pflugrad 100%. He could not make the necessary half time adjustments we needed to win the big games. I am used to montana football being a second half team, not the case this year. Another thing, we had no identity on offense this year, in other words we were not making a statement as to how we were going to beat you and impose our will on the other team’s defense. You play to the strengths of your team (i.e. chase reynolds), not this stupid pistol-formation look that had our pathetic quarterback Roper running an option play. Are you kidding me?? Roper averaged 2 interceptions a game this year, so at some point Pflugrad has to ask himself “does this guy give our team the best chance to win?” The answer is no. Roper is the worst QB montana has ever had. Even mick and Gurns on the radio were like, “I have no idea who roper was throwing to. Just a bad throw” Cole Bergquist was better his freshman year. No wonder why Selle had such a hard time adjusting to this offense. He was used to an offense that controlled the clock, ran Chase 25+ times a game, setting up our deep play action downfield, with twin tight formations of Beaudin and phfaler. Our special teams play and offense sputtered this year to a degree that is unfathomable. Remember the weber state and idaho state game?? You hear the buzz around campus, the players did not have the same level of respect for Pflugrad as they did coach Hauck. I loved hauck because winning was everything to this guy, no b.s., you play us and you are always going to remember the day you played montana. He may have not been the most ‘personable’ guy to approach at times, but who cares? He shouldnt have to be concerned about the stupid P.R. politics of missoula and never was. He built our team into a national champion contender every year and this was all destroyed by Pflugrad. For example, peter nygun fumbles the ball on several occasions during the year. Do we remember what coach hauck’s philosophy was?? You fumble, you don’t play. But apparently it was ok to fumble because they would send Nygun right out on the next play. Pflugrad had our team playing a really undisciplined style of play. Stupid penalties all year long killed us. What coach in the history of college football, besides Les Miles of LSU, goes for a fake field goal on an extra point?? And I don’t want to hear the injury bug excuse, apparently chase reynolds never got that memo either, as he willed his team on his back to beat MSU, unfortunately his stupid qb and coaching staff let him down. 7-4, only six of those wins against D-1 opponents. Out of those 6 wins, we beat ONE quality team, NAU. And coach Pflugrad thinks we “deserved” a chance to represent THE University of Montana in the playoffs. Give me a break. You take care of your business ON THE FIELD and we did not. To the seniors, especially chase and andrew. You guys represented what montana football is all about and I will always remember how much you brought to our program. I apologize to you guys that your lack-luster coach failed not only you, but the entire griz nation. I remember the North Dakota game when they were up on us going into half time. Did you see how many empty seats there were coming back for the second half?? I am not saying Pflu needs to be fired by any extent, but in the best interest of griz nation, especially our corporate sponsors, he needs to be re-evaluated if this winning tradition of montana football is to be carried on. I can’t believe people are actually thanking this guy for a “winning season.” As one of the most die hard griz fans you will see, i am at the same token a huge critic, as i can be. I have shelled out $60,000 in paying for school, i have a right to speak my displeasure. Coach Hauck will always live in my mind, maybe someday coach Pflu can do so as well. But, he has to earn it just like Hauck did. Mick, i love you and Gurns calling the games. You guys are the best and tell it how it is…this goes out to you and to “the good guys”, aka Montana football.
Mick, thanks for the comments. I am as disappointed as anybody (except certainly the players and the staff). And though I have posted in the chat rooms a few questions about why some things happen, I’m definitely a maroon-colored-glasses kind of guy. I truly don’t understand how some “fans” think the coach and the team aren’t trying hard. I think some of the chat room guys are happier when the Griz lose so it “justifies” what they say about the coach. I have never, under any circumstances, believed the team is trying to lose a game, but I swear some chat room guys think they are. Wow.
One question: Is there a link to a podcast of that show? Or can I listen online? I try to avoid the coach’s shows to be honest as my poor wife gets enough of my reaction to Griz football, both good and bad, throughout the season. But your comments on this one make me really want to hear it. Any way to do that or is it lost to the ether?
Keep up the great work. I’m proud to know you.
I’m glad to see that the comments are nearly all in favor of the team and the coaches. I guess some folks forget how many wins in 2009 involved a lot of luck (UC Davis, NAU and Idaho State). If those games had gone the other way, this year’s record wouldn’t have been much different than last year’s. I do think that injuries were the biggest problem this year. If Chase had been carrying the ball 25 times a game, he couldn’t have made it thru the season. Let’s hope his shoulder does heal up, or he finds the money to pay for the appropriate surgery.
Hey Mike Farmer,
Are you retarded? I only ask the question because if you knew anything about college football or the NFL, you would agree that luck is involved in many wins in both leagues. Look at Auburn and Oregon this year. Oregon wins 15-13 against Cal on a Cal missed field goal, luck. Auburn roars back to beat Alabama in the last 4 minutes, partially luck. Nevada upsets Boise St over 2 missed field goals. Now lets look at the NFL. Back in 2006, indianapolis vs new england for the AFC championship. Patriots up by 21 points going into the closing minutes of the 3rd quarters. What happens? Some big, lucky plays gets Indy and Peyton manning the win. Next year, Patriots vs Giants in the superbowl. Eli Manning drops back, avoids the rush, heaves a near hail mary in the air to David Tyree, who makes an unbelievable, might I add a somewhat lucky catch, to basically win the game. Then, that same year, new york giants vs green bay for the nfc championship game. BOTH field goal kickers missed crucial kicks in this game, as it was green bay’s kicker who misssed the first crucial kick that sent the game into overtime. He makes that kick, packers are playing in the superbowl. One word for the giants in that game, luck. Last year when we played UC Davis, we won 17-10. How is that luck? We went on a game winning drive that set up Brody for the winning kick against Idaho State. Might I add, that if you actually watch the history of Montana vs Idaho state, they ALWAYS pull out every trick in the game to beat us. For some reason, we have a tough time playing them. And lucky against NAU?? We forced them into overtime in which schillinger intercepted a pass to seal the game. Yes, remember the shan schillinger who is playing in the league right now. So I guess all the plays he made his entire career at the U is justfiably “lucky.” The only valid point you have is not running chase 25 times a game. As I would agree, but if you actually payed attention to what I wrote, I said it was an offense Selle was used to, that was it. But of course you implied that I actually thought running chase 25 times a game was the key to success. Do yourself a favor Mike, before you actually write something stupid next time, check yourself and your lack of knowledge of football. thanks buddy
Hey Ted,
I wonder what comments you would have made at the end of the season about a Griz team of the past? This team struggled to find it’s identity. The passing game sputtered all season to the point that the fans favorite QB was a true freshman who came in and ran the veer option. This team lost to a division II school at home on a fake field goal. The season ended with a loss to those other guys in thier place and a first round exit from the playoffs. People blamed that coach too and wished they had the previous coach back because he, after all, was a winner! This coach didn’t know what he was doing and was in over his head. Many fans wanted him fired on the spot.
This was the 2003 team, Bobby Hauck’s first year as head coach. I remember how even a trip to the Championship game in 2004 still didn’t quiet some on the “Fire Bobby” band wagon. Yes, you have a right to be critical. You have a right to be disappointed by the season, even though most programs would take 7-4 we do have higher standards for our Griz. I was disappointed as well. I felt that mistakes were made and that some players didn’t play up to their potential. The part that most fans forget is that whenever a program transitions from one coaching staff to another there is a period of adjustment. The changes range from an entire new system on offense, defense, and special teams to little things like how you line up to stretch and how meetings and practices are conducted. I don’t know personally what all those changes are but I do know that sometimes an extra loss or two can result from this. Pflu, just like Bobby in 2003, is in his first year as a head coach. He will learn from this year and improve on the things that need improvement. He and his staff are good coaches who know their football and know how to win. I’m sure in another season or two the Griz Football machine will be rolling along just fine. If this isn’t good enough for you then step out from behind the message board and show us how to do things better. Show us how you would run the offense and defense, organize practices, and deal with a group of 18 to 22 year old young men. Who should have replace Peter Ngyen as kick returner? If you said Trumane or Jabin, what if they got hurt doing it? As I said, you have the right to be critical but I also have the right to ask you what you would do to make it better if you were the head coach. If you think it’s so easy to win go get yourself a coaching job and see how you do. I’ve tried it and it is alot harder to put together a winning program than you think and even tougher to maintain that success.