Montana @ James Madison - FCS Semis

I've been following Montana all year.  They are a textbook ball control, pound it type of team.  Big offensive line, average qb, mediocre play calling.  The scheme is very vanilla, usually only 1 or 2 recievers in the pass routes, and about 70% run on first down.  All that being said, the Griz have beat some good teams this year, cal poly and weber st being the best. 

The defense is a typical 4-3, they roll coverages to the strong side, or the multiple recievers side.....lots of zone.  Perenially Montana has struggled to contain the read option game.  The defense sits back and reads the option, which inturn creates lots of space for the QB to run.  They play a classic bend but dont break type of defense.  In short, the idea on d is to give up yards, but dont give up points.

 

The Griz are confident heading into this game.  The word around Missoula is that the o-line is cocky and figures to dominate the game.  After watching nearly every game for years, I can confidently tell you that the gameplan is to get the game into the 4th quarter.  Don't expect to see montana come out and light up the score board through the air.....this isnt the great arial attacking squads of the late 90's......expect ball control and solid special teams (great kick return game with 80 Mariani).  The coaches for montana (Hauk and company) would love nothing more than a low scoring, fast moving game.

 

My biggest concern is that James Madison will run that option game up montana's ass.  Last week against Villanova, JMU looked sluggish most of the game and still managed to make big plays when it counted. If JMU comes out firing and runs the read option exclusively it will be a tall order for montana to hang in there....if JMU gets a 2 td lead and montana has to throw to get back in it is curtains for the grizzlies.

 

Prediction:  It is hard to know just how good montana is. This season was supposed to be a down one, but ended up being a solid year, and they are getting better every week.  My gut says Montana gets run by 21, but they do have balls so............Montana +7 and ml!!! My homer pick of the year

JMU alumni here living in Vegas.  The line at Caesar's is -7.5.  Hoping to get JMU at -7.  I think at -7.5, I'd have to bet Montana.  Let's face it, JMU hasn't exactly been blowing teams out.  That said, doesn't look like Montana will score more than 21 points. 

all signs point to the under,,looks like the safe play..lots of running and the clock will be moving

Montana +7.5

Richmond -4

The griz have the loudest fans, and are deep in talent. The Griz will have better play calling tonight and win by 3. On a side note our 25,000 seat stadium doesnt have a bad seat, and all visitors who come to our games have a lot of fun here with us. We are very hospitable and dont throw things at you like other 1-aa places.

All of you out there should come here once.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.5 and 56.5 is what I have, trying to gather some more info to see if there is any value in the game.

yeah I have it at 12 and 57 now B. Moving all over the place the last couple hours.