Air Force Falcons @ Montana Grizzlies
Excitement is in the air in Missoula! The Grizzlies are home once again, and coming off a win against rival Montana State to put them at 5-0 - and in first place. How long can it last? Vegas bookkeepers are rewarding the Griz by making them an 11 point favorite at home, against the Falcons. I doubt many in Griz nation figured we'd be at this point, this soon in our new FBS role. A win today would also make the Griz bowl elgible - although that probably doesn't excite many does it.
Air Force, wins the coin toss, who choose to kick off. After a poor kick - Ellis Henderson is able to return the ball to the Griz 47, where Jordy Johnson quickly finds another of his weapons in Jones, quickly hitting him for gains of 11 and 12 on the exact same play. From the 28, the Griz are unable to move the ball, and have to settle for the FG Montana 3 Air Force 0
The Falcons cannot manage anything against the Grizzlies on their possession, and a punt of 38 yards with a Henderson return puts the Griz back on the 47. Johnson immediately finds Henderson on the Fly for 20, and Jones for another 20 on the slant....then hands it off to Canada, who is among the leaders nationally in touchdowns, for a 6 yard scamper into the end zone...and Montana scores on just 4 plays. Montana 10 Air Force 0
Not much happens the rest of the first quarter. Nate Harris had a nice interception, his 3rd, but the Griz could not capitalize when Worst missed a 36 yarder. Wags also picked up a sack. However, at the end of the first the Grizzlies are once again threatening after a Johnson to Henderson 22 yard pass play.
As the second quarter begins, the Grizzlies waste no time - and go right back to the air. Johnson hits Henderson on the fly again, and Henderson makes a nice move. TOUCHDOWN MONTANA!!!! Montana 17 Air Force 0
The Falcons continue to stay on the ground, but finally it starts to pay off thanks to an run off tackle on the left side by Hart who gains 21, La Coste then adds another 28 off the right side. From there the qb Roberts takes over, and mixes up a few runs and passes - and AF finally scores the touchdown on a 5 yard Roberts keeper. Montana 17 Air Force 7
Montana then goes on an incredible 17 play drive, mixing runs with timely passes to drive them down field. When you get that many chances you should be able to score a touchdown. However, Montana cannot get past the Falcons 16 yard line, and have to settle for a FG. Montana 20 Air Force 7
Air Force is starting to warm at the engines, as LaCoste & Hart start driving the Falcons down field. After a nice 10 yard run by LaCoste, Roberts then finds Robinett in the end zone for the score. And the Falcons are finally making this a game Montana 20 Air Force 14
With 3 minutes left in the half, Montana would love to get another score here as Air Force will be returning the ball to start the 2nd half. After a 1st down 1 yard loss by Canada here's the play from the field.....
Montana leads by 6
2nd and 11 from the 30
Johnson with a hard count
Johnson is changing it up, barking out the signals
he fades back to pass
Johnson is scrambling
he may run
Wait, Johnson finds Canada
he pulls it in at the 42
there he goes
50
40
stepped out at the 33
pick up of 37!
From there Johnson starts working his receivers; he finds Pierson on a 3rd&6 on the 18, with a nice 9 yard pickup. From there Johnson hits Warren...and with less than a minute left in the half the Grizzlies score. Montana 27 Air Force 14
I would imagine the Griz are nationaly ranked too, after they way they thrashed Boise,and I don't mean in the FCS poll.