Commentary: Games

vs. Griz, ‘Boys a great idea
By Steve Behr, sports editor

I remember the last time Appalachian State visited Montana to play football. In fact, it was the only time Appalachian State visited Montana to play football.

The year was 2000 and it was the semifinals of the Division I-AA playoffs. Montana managed to beat Appalachian State 19-16 in overtime on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Overtime was nearly avoided when Appalachian State quarterback Joe Burchette hit Troy Albea on a tunnel screen, but Albea was stopped seven yards from a touchdown.

The Mountaineers settled for a field goal that tied the game 13-13, added a field goal in overtime, but lost on a touchdown pass.

It was a I-AA classic.

A great crowd. Two very good teams loaded not only with talent, but with great tradition.

It seemed like a game that should be played again.

Thanks to those at both schools, and at McNeese State, it will happen. Appalachian State, Montana and McNeese State agreed to play home and road games against each other next decade.

Appalachian Nation will get a chance to sample a potential rivalry this fall when McNeese State visits The Rock on Sept. 12. The first showdown against Montana is in 2012.

ESPN, are you paying attention?

These are games that are not only great for FCS football, but should be on national television. Even if it means playing one of them on a Thursday night, go ahead and do it.

Appalachian State fans have seen what a good non-conference rivalry can be like. Just ask James Madison if it feels like ASU is a rival.

A tough loss in the playoffs in 2007 led to the Dukes being so keyed up for the regular-season rematch last year, they didn’t settle down and fell behind 21-0. Some big plays in the second half, including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, helped the Dukes beat the Mountaineers 35-32.

Great players making great plays on both sides of the ball. You don’t have to be in the Southeastern Conference to do that.

These games have the potential to do the same things. Great teams play great games and generally the losing team wants a second chance at the winning one.

It’s how rivalries are made.

The games at Kidd Brewer, McNeese’s Cowboy Stadium and at Montana’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium will no doubt be sold out. All three teams have built great following with their teams and have a great gameday experience.

The rest of the nation has seen this during the playoffs. An ESPN2 audience got a close-up look at the explosiveness of Appalachian State’s offense when the Mountaineers blasted Wofford 70-24 last Halloween.

These will be games played by good teams with great players. They’ll be the equivalent of an Ohio State-USC non-conference games.

Kudos to the athletic directors for making them happen.