2024 Week 11: UC Davis (8-1) @ Montana (7-2) Was great to see the Aggies win in Wa-Griz. My thoughts from being there (my wife and I happened to be in a group of otherwise 5 random Aggie fans to include
@Idaho Aggie who was a very engaging guy.)
- for the most part, Griz fans were very polite, and enjoyed visiting with a couple of them in the adjacent seats. Of course the few lubed-up obnoxious ones. ESPN probably avoided showing shots of it after halftime, but there were a lot of empty seats on the west side that remained empty (and increased in number) throughout the second half. Overall the atmosphere was kind of magical with the setting (M lit up on Mount Sentinel, crowd energy, etc.). Would have been better if they had a better band. “America the Beautiful” was horribly out of tune. Maybe they need to go to the portal.
-The Aggies were the more disciplined, poised, and better coached team. Big points in the game were TD drives immediately after the 2 Griz TDs. After the second TD response you could just feel that the Aggies were in control. The Griz fans were not expecting this for what was supposed to be a “magical nationally televised night game” at WA-Griz
Line of scrimmage was dominated by the Ags, and defense overall played marvelously. The good teams separate themselves with defensive play.
Special team play was good (my main concern going into the game). Only one kickoff resulted in poor field condition - Griz were ready for that pooch punt and Bergen-I think- just ran up and took it and ran. Banks-Altecruse did a good job neutralizing Bergen with only one semi-shanked punt and one great short-hop fielding of a low snap and his subsequent best punt of the night. Ridley was banging those field goals.
Was very happy for Jackson Cloyd who had a great game - good to have him back after early season injury. It appears Fisher is being worked into the rotation now. He looked good - patient for the hole to open, then acceleration - maybe he has been taking lessons from Lan. Simpson is a real plus. Not only catching the ball but also with blocking, and he brings an attitude (you’re not going to intimidate me) that was especially helpful in a hostile environment. Good to have him back. Ags have quite a tight end group. Another good game for Miles. A couple of near picks, but he did a good job in that environment communicating, and had some nice last split-second throws after moving up in the pocket.
A great night to be an Aggie.