South Dakota is 4-5 for the year, yet this game could be a real challenge. Their offense is much improved after switching QB's mid-season. So statistical season averages are somewhat misleading. Among their losses is Univ of Kansas, Northern Arizona (a 5 pt loss, closer than our game), and last week Youngstown St (8-1) who needed to score with 14 seconds left in order to win 38-34. Add to that we're playing there on the road. Coach Joe Glenn's desire to beat his old team. The Coyotes certainly desire to prove they're good even though they essentially drop out of the playoff race last week. Everything suggests this may be a real tough game.
On the other hand, they have to be extremely deflated after letting a huge upset slip through their fingers. South Dakota also has their in-state rivalry game with SD St the following week, then NDSU after that one. So their team may not be as focused on Montana as they should be. I hope these potential distractions help our cause because this is anything but an easy game. Also hope our Grizzlies are ready to play from the start. These last three weeks should have our Grizzlies knowing they can score at will when we need/want to. I'd love to see us take it to them early. We want to crush the Coyote's already depressed spirits so we don't end up with another last minute nail biter. Building a large early lead would do that.
Final Score: Montana 31 South Dakota 17 :ugeek: