Montana Parlay: Statements and Trap Games
Raise your hand if you thought the Griz would score 38 points on NDSU’s defense…….
What a game. From beginning to end there was not a dull moment. A few takeaways: Bob Stitt is the real deal, Gustafson is the real deal, the Griz are not afraid to go for it on 4th down.
Bold Decisions, Big Payoffs
I want to focus on the Griz going for it on 4th down so many times: for years I have screamed at the field/TV as my beloved Cats punted on 4th and short from midfield or attempted a field goal (especially from the hash mark). Fights have nearly broke at as my math adverse friends argued with my reasoning.
Montana went for it 6 times on 4th down and succeeded 4 times. Against a physically dominant team like NDSU (basically a Big 10 team in an FCS conference) you need to maximize your drives. Punting is not maximizing a drive. As someone who bet on the Griz, I was excited. As a fan of the Cats, I was scared to death that UM has some smart coaches to go with a talented offense.
Statement Time
Not quite facing a four time defending champ, MSU must silence the Griz noise across the state in their opening game against run of the mill division 2 team Fort Lewis. Vegas says no chance for Fort Lewis in this one and has set the line at 35 points (want to bet that the Cats will just win? You must plop down $24,750 to make $100). I wouldn’t touch this line with a 10 foot pole and usually would take the points, but I think MSU is sick and tired of hearing about how great the Griz were on Saturday and want to put 60+ up on the board.
MSU here’s a tip: don’t punt the ball, and don’t kick a field goal unless it’s in the 4th quarter for practice purposes.
The Pick: MSU covers. MSU 58 Fort Lewis 17
Be Wary of the Trap
Coming off the emotional high of beating a 4 time champion, the Griz must regroup and focus against Cal Poly. Cal Poly is no slouch, and generally has no problem putting up points. The smart play here may be the over (currently at 56.5 and sure to go up).
Vegas sees the trap and has set the spread at 8 points. We will see how good Stitt’s traditional coaching skills are if the Griz come out focused in this one. I still like taking the points in this ‘trap’ game.
The Pick: The Griz don’t cover, but win. UM 31 Cal Poly 27
Montana Parlay is 1-0 for the year.
Photo from BelgradeBobcat on wikimedia.
About the Author
Montana Parlay Born in Billings. Attended MSU. Likes sports, enjoys gambling, loves Montana. Purveyor of wit and bullshit. Wannabe poet, occasional writer.
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