Last week I remixed ECU’s football field logo. This week I put Yosef and one of Montana’s Grizzly Bears together in a fight to the death to see who would win. (HINT: It was the guy with the shotgun.)
So we are finally to a game that matters (playoff wise). Sure FCS teams get rewarded by the selection committee when they beat an FBS team. But historically they don’t get “punished” for losing. If we win out we’ll definitely have a seed come playoff time.
Overview
Since 2005, App State and Montana are the winningest programs in FCS with App having the slight edge 79-78. The bad news: App State is 0-2 against Montana all-time. That 0-2 number will also be our record should we lose – that would be just the third 0-2 start in the past 19 seasons. Hopefully, we’ll be 1-1 and looking at Montana in the rearview.
Negatives
Montana set a school record 34 first downs last week. Judging by the score, I’m thinking that’s more of an indicator that they get a few yards at a time, rather than making big plays. Either way, our defense is going to have to prove they are as good as they looked last week if we want a chance to win. Our biggest enemy in this game may be ourselves. If our special teams haven’t fixed the glitches from last week, we are going to be in for a long game. Giving up 90 yard kickoff returns just flat out can’t happen.
Positives
I’m sure Montana was excited about playing South Dakota and everything, but compared to that they are about to play Michigan (only better). We’ve already played the toughest opponent we are going to face all season. This is a big game for us too, but after going to ECU last week and holding our own, I don’t think we’ll be intimidated in the slightest. Our defense is lights out, and against an FCS team I expect our offense will make a statement.
Conclusion
Although Montana won their opener against South Dakota 35-23, they caught a lot of breaks. Now I’m not saying they didn’t earn those turnovers and trick play scores. I’m just saying that you can’t count on getting those every game and without them, Montana would have lost. I don’t think App will fall for trick play nonsense and unless the Griz brought ECU’s refs with them I’m hoping we don’t give up any easy turnovers. The turnover battle will decide this game in my mind and I think we win that battle at home.
Prediction
Montana 17 / Appalachian State 27
