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Will Tennessee's youth teach Montana's experienced players a lesson about Big 6 FBS competition?
Can the Vols' speed overpower the Griz defense?
Will this be a blowout?

Discuss.

Don't think it'll be a blowout. I think the Vols will win, but only by about 10-12.

I think the Griz will definitely silence the crowd a few times but depth is gonna be an issue.

Willie wrote: I think the Griz will definitely silence the crowd a few times but depth is gonna be an issue.

For most FCS teams, true. Montana probably has some depth in some positions waiting to be explored, but Tennessee is way too talented for the Griz to overcome.

Unless Tyler bray starts throwing the ball to the wrong team there is no chance this game is close. Vols offensive line size will control the game, and Tennessee simply has too much speed and too many playmakers. Vols 49 grizzlies 10. I love seeing 1-aa teams beat the big boys but let's please be realistic. Montana isn't playing some MAC school here, they are going into the big time here.

easterntennhen wrote:Unless Tyler bray starts throwing the ball to the wrong team there is no chance this game is close. Vols offensive line size will control the game, and Tennessee simply has too much speed and too many playmakers. Vols 49 grizzlies 10. I love seeing 1-aa teams beat the big boys but let's please be realistic. Montana isn't playing some MAC school here, they are going into the big time here.

Vol's offensive line is smaller than Montana's. Vol's defensive line is smaller than Montana's.

Any other arguments?

AZGrizFan wrote:

easterntennhen wrote:Unless Tyler bray starts throwing the ball to the wrong team there is no chance this game is close. Vols offensive line size will control the game, and Tennessee simply has too much speed and too many playmakers. Vols 49 grizzlies 10. I love seeing 1-aa teams beat the big boys but let's please be realistic. Montana isn't playing some MAC school here, they are going into the big time here.

Vol's offensive line is smaller than Montana's. Vol's defensive line is smaller than Montana's.

Any other arguments?

Umm...it's loud and cold in Knoxville?

SDHornet wrote:

AZGrizFan wrote:
Vol's offensive line is smaller than Montana's. Vol's defensive line is smaller than Montana's.

Any other arguments?

Umm...it's loud and cold in Knoxville?

Nope. Louder and colder in Missoula. I'm sure of it.

AZGrizFan wrote:

SDHornet wrote: Umm...it's loud and cold in Knoxville?

Nope. Louder and colder in Missoula. I'm sure of it.

Oh, just checking.

Slow white guys against fast black guys= no chance. If you want to continue to delude yourselves be my guest. And you say?

easterntennhen wrote:Slow white guys against fast black guys= no chance. If you want to continue to delude yourselves be my guest. And you say?

Mariani is fast. He's white.



Oh wait. Nevermind.

easterntennhen wrote:Slow white guys against fast black guys= no chance. If you want to continue to delude yourselves be my guest. And you say?

Ah. Finally, an argument that has merit. Nice to see you join the conversation.

sorry griz brethren, i smell blowout. i just don't know how the griz are gonna score. green QB making first start versus SEC defense? "not-your-older-brother's griz o-line" versus SEC d-line? FBS depth vs FCS depth? i know tennessee is down, but i'll bet they still have some size and speed defensively(..and, again, depth). i can see the griz defense getting a few stops here and there, but they're gonna be on the field A LOT. probably too much to keep it close.

big_meowski wrote:sorry griz brethren, i smell blowout. i just don't know how the griz are gonna score. green QB making first start versus SEC defense? "not-your-older-brother's griz o-line" versus SEC d-line? FBS depth vs FCS depth? i know tennessee is down, but i'll bet they still have some size and speed defensively(..and, again, depth). i can see the griz defense getting a few stops here and there, but they're gonna be on the field A LOT. probably too much to keep it close.

Tennessee is returning 7 starters on offense and 6 on defense....I'll take Vols -27

Upon further inspection it looks like Tennessee is bringing back their LT (6'5 299,) RG (6'5 334), C (6'3 307), RT (6'6 330), QB, RB, and FB.

So, I don't know much about UM's size this year, but they are bigger than UT up front? That means (assuming UT's other OL is say 305, and he'd be a G so 305 is "small" so I'll say 315 ...Montana's offensive line will run on average 318+ (since Tennessee would be 317)?

Damn, thems is big boys.


Oh, I also found that 3 of the 4 OL were freshman last year....so they were starting in the SEC as freshmen. I'd bet they are "slightly" improved this year.

I'd love to see a Griz upset/keep it close. I just don't see it happening.

clenz wrote:Upon further inspection it looks like Tennessee is bringing back their LT (6'5 299,) RG (6'5 334), C (6'3 307), RT (6'6 330), QB, RB, and FB.

So, I don't know much about UM's size this year, but they are bigger than UT up front? That means (assuming UT's other OL is say 305, and he'd be a G so 305 is "small" so I'll say 315 ...Montana's offensive line will run on average 318+ (since Tennessee would be 317)?

Damn, thems is big boys.


Oh, I also found that 3 of the 4 OL were freshman last year....so they were starting in the SEC as freshmen. I'd bet they are "slightly" improved this year.

I'd love to see a Griz upset/keep it close. I just don't see it happening.

This is directly from e-griz, and I'm too lazy to verify:

UT UM

Dallas Thomas, Jr, OT-6'5" 295lbs Charles Burton, Sr, OT-6'5" 315lbs
Juwuan James, So, OT-6'6" 324lbs John Opperud, Sr, OT-6'7" 300lbs
JerQuari Schofield, So, OG-6'6" 331lbs William Poehls, So, OG-6'8" 331lbs
Zach Fulton, So, OG-6'5" 315lbs Danny Kistler Jr, So, OG-6'8" 315lbs
James Stone, So, C-6'4" 295lbs Stephen Sabin, Sr, C-6'4" 308lbs

Average Weight-312lbs Average Weight-313.8lbs
Average Height-6'5 1/5" Average Height-6'6 2/5"

William Bohannon, Jr, DE-6'3" 238 lbs Ryan Fetherston, Sr, DE-6'4" 235lbs
Jaques Smith, So, DE-6'2" 248lbs Bobby Alt, Sr, DE-6'3" 240lbs

Average Weight-243lbs Average Weight-237.5lbs
Average Height-6'2 1/2" Average Height-6'3 1/2"

Malik Jackson, Sr, DT-6'5" 265lbs Ben Hughs, Sr, DT-6'0" 285lbs
Daniel Hood, So, DT-6'4" 275lbs Bryan Waldhauser, Sr, DT-6'4" 260lbs

Average Weight-270lbs Average Weight-272.5lbs
Average Height-6'4 1/2" Average Height-6'2"

AZGrizFan wrote:

clenz wrote:Upon further inspection it looks like Tennessee is bringing back their LT (6'5 299,) RG (6'5 334), C (6'3 307), RT (6'6 330), QB, RB, and FB.

So, I don't know much about UM's size this year, but they are bigger than UT up front? That means (assuming UT's other OL is say 305, and he'd be a G so 305 is "small" so I'll say 315 ...Montana's offensive line will run on average 318+ (since Tennessee would be 317)?

Damn, thems is big boys.


Oh, I also found that 3 of the 4 OL were freshman last year....so they were starting in the SEC as freshmen. I'd bet they are "slightly" improved this year.

I'd love to see a Griz upset/keep it close. I just don't see it happening.

This is directly from e-griz, and I'm too lazy to verify:

UT UM

Dallas Thomas, Jr, OT-6'5" 295lbs Charles Burton, Sr, OT-6'5" 315lbs
Juwuan James, So, OT-6'6" 324lbs John Opperud, Sr, OT-6'7" 300lbs
JerQuari Schofield, So, OG-6'6" 331lbs William Poehls, So, OG-6'8" 331lbs
Zach Fulton, So, OG-6'5" 315lbs Danny Kistler Jr, So, OG-6'8" 315lbs
James Stone, So, C-6'4" 295lbs Stephen Sabin, Sr, C-6'4" 308lbs

Average Weight-312lbs Average Weight-313.8lbs
Average Height-6'5 1/5" Average Height-6'6 2/5"

William Bohannon, Jr, DE-6'3" 238 lbs Ryan Fetherston, Sr, DE-6'4" 235lbs
Jaques Smith, So, DE-6'2" 248lbs Bobby Alt, Sr, DE-6'3" 240lbs

Average Weight-243lbs Average Weight-237.5lbs
Average Height-6'2 1/2" Average Height-6'3 1/2"

Malik Jackson, Sr, DT-6'5" 265lbs Ben Hughs, Sr, DT-6'0" 285lbs
Daniel Hood, So, DT-6'4" 275lbs Bryan Waldhauser, Sr, DT-6'4" 260lbs

Average Weight-270lbs Average Weight-272.5lbs
Average Height-6'4 1/2" Average Height-6'2"

I took my numbers from the UT media guide

Straight from the UT roster

71 Dallas Thomas OL 6-5 305 RS JR
70 Ja'Wuan James OL 6-6 324 SO
75 JerQuari Schofield OL 6-6 333 RS SO
72 Zach Fulton OL 6-5 330 SO
64 James Stone OL 6-3 308 SO


So even I misread the media guide, granted I didn't zoom in on the PDF to get a better look


That gives UT an average of 320, and UM at 313. As far as height goes, I'm not too concerned on that.

I decided to run the DL for UT as well to see any differences

86 Willie Bohannon DL 6-2 254 (+15 over egriz)
55 Jacques Smith DL 6-2 255 (+7 over egriz)

average of 245.5 (+2.5 from egriz)for UT to 237.5 for UM

97 Malik Jackson DL 6-5 270 (+5 from egriz)
76 Daniel Hood DL 6-4 293 (+18 from egriz)

Average of 281.5 (+11.5 from egriz)


So it looks like:

UTO/UMD
320/255 (65lb difference per man)

UTD/UMO
263.5/313 (49.5lb difference per man)


I'd say UT has the size, and more than likely speed across the board, advantage.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:

easterntennhen wrote:Slow white guys against fast black guys= no chance. If you want to continue to delude yourselves be my guest. And you say?

Mariani is fast. He's white.



Oh wait. Nevermind.

But he's a "smurf"

easterntennhen wrote:Slow white guys against fast black guys= no chance. If you want to continue to delude yourselves be my guest. And you say?

Biased, but agree with that.

big_meowski wrote:sorry griz brethren, i smell blowout. i just don't know how the griz are gonna score. green QB making first start versus SEC defense? "not-your-older-brother's griz o-line" versus SEC d-line? FBS depth vs FCS depth? i know tennessee is down, but i'll bet they still have some size and speed defensively(..and, again, depth). i can see the griz defense getting a few stops here and there, but they're gonna be on the field A LOT. probably too much to keep it close.

I side with you, a blowout is more than likely given the size and speed of the Vols.

I don't expect a blowout...but Tennessee is a team on the rebound and in need of a win to start the season, I just don't see them coming out of the gates playing anything but as good as they can. If the Griz can handle the first quarter well it'll be a respectable score. If the defense can't keep up with Tennessee's speed then...well then it will get ugly.

I'm expecting something along the lines of UT 35 UM 17 with the game being closer than the score.

Tennessee returns - A lot of talent at the QB, RB, and WR position. Their OL is fairly young but return All-American Center(was freshman last year). On defense they have a ton of talent in the secondary (81 starts) that had 9 picks between two of their players and Waggner (DB) is up for top defensive player in the nation (Lott Award). However between LB and DL they return one starter at DT and a bunch of kids with some experience but not much.

I think the Griz defense (especially the LB) will have a big day vs the Vols. The Griz offense should be able to make some plays and take advantage of all that youth, especially with that QB option play where he pitches out to WR.

Biggest concern (esp. 1st game) is that the Griz don't have a defined starter that has developed the necessary timing with his receivers. They have a ton of talent to choose from, but they have been splitting reps all spring, summer and fall at the QB position.

Tennessee controls the line of scrimmage and wins 37-13. Should be a close game going into the half.

AZGrizFan wrote:

big_meowski wrote:sorry griz brethren, i smell blowout. i just don't know how the griz are gonna score. green QB making first start versus SEC defense? "not-your-older-brother's griz o-line" versus SEC d-line? FBS depth vs FCS depth? i know tennessee is down, but i'll bet they still have some size and speed defensively(..and, again, depth). i can see the griz defense getting a few stops here and there, but they're gonna be on the field A LOT. probably too much to keep it close.

this kinda makes my poorly illustrated point. there's no doubt UM's o-line has some big boys, they ALWAYS have. what's concerning is are these guys left over "bobby ballers?" is their size in tune with pflu's desire to be oregon? oregon's o-line averages something like 280 and rely on speed,technique, and wearing down opposing d-lines while the track team behind sprints by. UM's o-line size didn't really do them any favors last fall.

keep in mind, i'm NOT a spread offense guru AND an MSU guy who hasn't seen 1 griz practice/scrimmage. could be way off base here.

big_meowski wrote:

AZGrizFan wrote:

this kinda makes my poorly illustrated point. there's no doubt UM's o-line has some big boys, they ALWAYS have. what's concerning is are these guys left over "bobby ballers?" is their size in tune with pflu's desire to be oregon? oregon's o-line averages something like 280 and rely on speed,technique, and wearing down opposing d-lines while the track team behind sprints by. UM's o-line size didn't really do them any favors last fall.

keep in mind, i'm NOT a spread offense guru AND an MSU guy who hasn't seen 1 griz practice/scrimmage. could be way off base here.

They guy in this photo is a Pflu recruit.

AZGrizFan wrote:

big_meowski wrote:
this kinda makes my poorly illustrated point. there's no doubt UM's o-line has some big boys, they ALWAYS have. what's concerning is are these guys left over "bobby ballers?" is their size in tune with pflu's desire to be oregon? oregon's o-line averages something like 280 and rely on speed,technique, and wearing down opposing d-lines while the track team behind sprints by. UM's o-line size didn't really do them any favors last fall.

keep in mind, i'm NOT a spread offense guru AND an MSU guy who hasn't seen 1 griz practice/scrimmage. could be way off base here.

They guy in this photo is a Pflu recruit.

there you have it...shows what i know. however, this could send me on the "pflu-is-a-bad-coach/recruiter" tangent

as an aside, i'm pretty sure i played for the guy on the left in this photo.