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January 4th, 2008, 01:20 AM
The CSN Way: Whew, 2007
Charles Burton, CSN Columnist
The 2007 season began -- and ended -- with historic achievements. Conference by conference, here’s a look back at the “year that was” in FCS football. The champions, the games of the year, the highest moments, the biggest disappointments, the best players and the unsung heroes, the "what if's" and the peeks forward. Whew, 2007!
Big Sky Conference
Champions: Montana Grizzlies
Game of the Year: October 6th, Montana 24, Eastern Washington 23.
It looked like it could be the biggest test the Grizzlies faced all year in the regular season, and ultimately it was. With the lead changing four times in the second half, Grizzly kicker Dan Carpenter put the 34 yard field goal through the uprights with 26 seconds left to seal the win – and ultimately, sealing the Big Sky title as well.
Highest Moment: Eastern Washington 44, McNeese State 15.
The Eagles gave the citizens of Cheney, Washington a thrill as they pounded the undefeated Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs. That they won may not have been a surprise – that it wasn’t even close was a shock.
Biggest Disappointment: Montana State.
Although you could make a case for Portland State, whose celebrity head football coach Jerry Glanville had them limp to a 3-8 season in his first year, you have to think that the Bobcats, with another first-year coach in Rob Ash, had it worse. From a fantastic 4-1 start (the only loss coming to FBS Texas A&M), to lose four of their last six was a sight to behold. The biggest lowlight could be their 16-13 loss to 1-11 Northern Colorado, breaking the Bears’ sixteen game losing streak and for all practical purposes knocking the Bobcats out of the playoff race.
Player of the Year: Montana defensive end Kroy Biermann.
The senior also walked away with the Buchanan award after amassing 68 tackles, 15 sacks, and five forced fumbles on the season.
Unsung Player of the Year: Northern Arizona Safety Cyrus Igono.
Sure, he was a special-teams hawk with an eye-popping four blocked kicks on the year (including one he returned for a touchdown), but he got even better on defense as the year went along with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
What If: Montana had held off Wofford?
What if Montana kicker Dan Carpenter had connected on that 47 yard field goal and sent Wofford home in the first round? Might that have been the spark that would have them beat Richmond and Appalachian State to get to Chattanooga – both games at home at Washington-Grizzly stadium?
A Peek Towards 2008:
Whomever steps into the situation at Eastern Washington upon the departure of head coach Paul Wulff to Washington State will have an excellent team to build upon, with quarterback Matt Nichols, super receiver Aaron Boyce and defensive end Greg Peach returning. Montana State might be one to watch too, with a lot of players returning including standout linebacker Bobby Daly.
READ MORE... http://www.collegesportingnews.com/article.asp?articleid=89669
Charles Burton, CSN Columnist
The 2007 season began -- and ended -- with historic achievements. Conference by conference, here’s a look back at the “year that was” in FCS football. The champions, the games of the year, the highest moments, the biggest disappointments, the best players and the unsung heroes, the "what if's" and the peeks forward. Whew, 2007!
Big Sky Conference
Champions: Montana Grizzlies
Game of the Year: October 6th, Montana 24, Eastern Washington 23.
It looked like it could be the biggest test the Grizzlies faced all year in the regular season, and ultimately it was. With the lead changing four times in the second half, Grizzly kicker Dan Carpenter put the 34 yard field goal through the uprights with 26 seconds left to seal the win – and ultimately, sealing the Big Sky title as well.
Highest Moment: Eastern Washington 44, McNeese State 15.
The Eagles gave the citizens of Cheney, Washington a thrill as they pounded the undefeated Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs. That they won may not have been a surprise – that it wasn’t even close was a shock.
Biggest Disappointment: Montana State.
Although you could make a case for Portland State, whose celebrity head football coach Jerry Glanville had them limp to a 3-8 season in his first year, you have to think that the Bobcats, with another first-year coach in Rob Ash, had it worse. From a fantastic 4-1 start (the only loss coming to FBS Texas A&M), to lose four of their last six was a sight to behold. The biggest lowlight could be their 16-13 loss to 1-11 Northern Colorado, breaking the Bears’ sixteen game losing streak and for all practical purposes knocking the Bobcats out of the playoff race.
Player of the Year: Montana defensive end Kroy Biermann.
The senior also walked away with the Buchanan award after amassing 68 tackles, 15 sacks, and five forced fumbles on the season.
Unsung Player of the Year: Northern Arizona Safety Cyrus Igono.
Sure, he was a special-teams hawk with an eye-popping four blocked kicks on the year (including one he returned for a touchdown), but he got even better on defense as the year went along with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
What If: Montana had held off Wofford?
What if Montana kicker Dan Carpenter had connected on that 47 yard field goal and sent Wofford home in the first round? Might that have been the spark that would have them beat Richmond and Appalachian State to get to Chattanooga – both games at home at Washington-Grizzly stadium?
A Peek Towards 2008:
Whomever steps into the situation at Eastern Washington upon the departure of head coach Paul Wulff to Washington State will have an excellent team to build upon, with quarterback Matt Nichols, super receiver Aaron Boyce and defensive end Greg Peach returning. Montana State might be one to watch too, with a lot of players returning including standout linebacker Bobby Daly.
READ MORE... http://www.collegesportingnews.com/article.asp?articleid=89669