ICYMI: Griz Enter Hibernation, Cats Continue to Advance

Grizzlies’ season ends with a loss to SDSU, Cats welcome in conference-rival Vandals

As the U of Montana fell last weekend, Montana’s hopes of a title continue with Montana State. The #14 Grizzlies had a tough road ahead of them, and after an equally tough season, the playoff loss wasn’t too far from expected.

As the Grizzlies enter hibernation, the Cats will be looking toward their next opponent, the Idaho Vandals. Big Sky rivals, this matchup could be the best game of the week in the FCS playoffs as the title match draws ever closer.

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After a strong performance against Tennessee State in the first round, the Grizzlies fell to SDSU in the second round. Managing only 3 points in the first 3 quarters, the U of M couldn’t overcome the 21-3 hole they found themselves dug into.

Not much went well for the Grizzlies, only managing 306 total yards on the game offensively and allowing a pair of touchdowns both through the air and on the ground for the Jackrabbits.

SDSU borrowed the Montana State game plan, rushing for 222 yards with two players over the 90-yard mark. South Dakota State will continue their threepeat pursuit as they’ll take on UIW.

The Cats strolled to victory at Bobcat Stadium.

Montana State started strong, scoring in their first drive of the game as they welcomed UT Martin into Bobcat Stadium. Their dominance wasn’t done after that, as they earned 22 first downs on their way to 501 offensive yards.

“Touchdown” Tommy Mellott was on fire, as he went nearly perfect through the air (22/25) with 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. It was an all-round performance from the Cats, adding 5 sacks and 9 TFLs on the defensive end as UT Martin struggled to score. UT Martin had only 10 points to their name until 3:29 left in the 4th when they managed to push across their second touchdown of the game.

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Friday night under the lights against the Idaho Vandals.

Montana State will again have home-field advantage thanks to their undefeated season and a Big Sky title netting them the overall #1 seed. Speaking of the Big Sky, we’ll see a Big Sky matchup on Friday, December 13th at 7:00 MST as the Idaho Vandals will head to Bozeman.

The two teams met once already this year in conference play, and the Bobcats came out on top 38-7. The Vandals were 4-2 entering their last game against the Cats, but since then, they have gone undefeated, winning six straight.

Idaho enters the game with the 31st-ranked run defense in the nation, but as Montana State showed last week that’s not the only thing to be wary of. With forecasts calling for a 60% chance of snow, this under-the-lights conference matchup should be one of the best of the FCS Quarterfinals.