While there always is anticipation for a Griz football fix, it just couldn’t occur at a better time for FCS semi-final round Montana.

That’s right you saw it here.

This is the Grizzly team coming off an 11-win playoff run that ended at the hands of Sam Houston State.

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Although the spring game and accompanying festivities were long ago set for Washington Grizzly Stadium instead of the rotation to the Mission valley that previously was scheduled, with the turmoil surrounding the program returning to John Hoyt Field will no doubt and hopefully have a settling effect.

Tonight’s elongated scrimmage – Mick Delaney estimates he might run 100 plays – will debut the game lighting surrounding the field but since it’s light out approaching 8:30 p.m., it is more for effect than necessity.

The Grizzly National Advisory Board met with Delaney Friday and the Grizzly Scholarship Board will here from UM President Royce Engstrom Saturday.

And a trio of players met the media for the first time Friday since the firings of Robin Plfugrad and Jim O’Day.

The GSA is hopeful of a loyal following packing Washington Grizzly Stadium and enjoying a carnival atmosphere which includes a two-hour tailgate north of the Rec Center. Free tickets through the Griz Kidz program also are available at the north entrance.

But spring football won’t end after the annual affair like in previous years.

With four of the 15 NCAA mandated days remaining, the coaching staff will get a good look at this part of the team Saturday, then return to the field with spring practice closing next Saturday with a final scrimmage.

There’s bound to be plenty of unknowns – especially with some key performers not yet up for contact after injuries and surgeries – but like previous years championships are won as much in the off-season as they are in the fall.

Some in the Big Sky Conference look for this to be the season to break into the dominance of Montana football. I don’t see Mick Delaney and the remainder of a veteran coaching staff allowing that to happen.

BY MICK HOLIEN, GRIZ VOX
http://grizvox.com/2012/04/gridiron-fix/