Surely it’s too early to even think about, much less mention... but what the heck: the 2007 playoffs have a potential matchup of true intrigue with both the Montana Grizzlies and the Eastern Washington Eagles placed in the same bracket.
I know, it’s way too early and there are huge obstacles facing both teams. But ever since the Grizzlies eked out a nail-biting 24-23 victory over the Eagles on Oct. 6, we’ve heard grumblings from around the Big Sky that the better team lost. And it’s true, the Eagles won nearly every major statistical category in that game... except the final score.
What a blast a potential third-round playoff confrontation would be. And what a perfect opportunity for the Eagles to actually prove they’re the better team. Numerous Big Sky media writers, coaches and bloggers have ranked the Eagles as the team with more weapons... one that’s gotten stronger as the season has progressed. Last week even Eagle coach Paul Wulff strongly intimated (in a Spokesman Review story defending an at-large playoff selection for his team) that the Eagles were the better team.
Getting to a third-round playoff game will be no easy task for either team. To score a rematch with the Grizzlies the Eagles would have to win road games against undefeated McNeese State (a distinct possibility in my book) and the winner of the Appalachian State - James Madison game.
There must be numerous doubters nationwide regarding the Griz this year. Because, despite a number two ranking in this week’s Sports Network's FCS College Football Poll, the Grizzlies were seeded fourth. That’s not all. Several RPI strength rankings place the Grizzlies as low as 12th which, by the way, ranks them behind the Wofford Terriers.
All conjecture, of course. For my money, the Griz of the past three weeks have easily been as dominant as any of the “great” Montana teams of the past 12 years. And their distinct brand of power football has been truly enjoyable to watch. I personally think the Griz matchup well against Wofford.
But enough of that. That’s what the playoffs are for, and they’re always great fun.
So, I’ll ride for now with the intrigue of a Griz-Eagle matchup. It’d surely be a great game. And good for the conference on a national “recognition” scale. And of course, my money’s on the Griz to make it to the championship.
Let the games begin.
