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A scouting report on the Montana Grizzlies (8-4 overall, 6-2 Big Sky), who play USD (9-2, 7-1 Pioneer Football) at 1 p.m. (PST) Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
The big picture
While the Toreros are making their first trip to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, this is routine stuff for the Grizzlies. Montana is advancing to the postseason for the 20th time in the past 22 years. The Grizzlies’ 23rd trip to the playoffs lead all FCS teams.
Related
USD at Montana / Saturday 1 p.m. (PST) Washington-Grizzly Stadium / On the air: ESPN3; usdtoreros.com
Montana’s fans are known to be a bit rowdy, tossing Twinkies at opposing offensive linemen and snowballs in the direction of the opposing team’s coaching booth. “But only when the window is shut,” quipped a member of the Grizzlies’ athletic staff.
The Grizzlies regularly sell out 25,217-seat Washington-Grizzly Stadium, but USD may catch a break. With the game coming during the Thanksgiving holiday and students exiting Missoula, only about 17,000 are expected to attend.
Montana finished in a three-way for second in the Big Sky. The winner of Saturday’s game faces Eastern Washington, the Big Sky champion.
Grizzlies on offense
Montana runs a pro set, sometimes lining up three wide receivers, sometimes flexing muscle with two tight ends. Try this for balance: the Grizzlies ran the ball 382 times and attempted 373 passes.
And the team is careful with the football. Montana’s two lost fumbles and seven turnovers were the fewest in the FCS. On the flip side, Montana forced 23 turnovers.
Jordan Canada rushed for 1,011 yards. Senior QB Jordan Johnson passed for 2,405 yards and 20 TDs, suffering only four interceptions. He’s 27-10 as a starter. Helix High product Travon Van, who lines up primarily at wide receiver, is second on the team in receptions (55) and rushing (478 yards). He has scored a team-high 11 touchdowns.
Grizzlies on defense
End Zack Waggenmann (13.5 sacks) was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year today. Safety Matt Hermanson is a ball hawk. He picked off six interceptions (three last Saturday against Montana State) and forced a fumble.
Vista High and Palomar College product Jeremiah Kose is second on the team with 102 tackles at linebacker.
A scouting report on the Montana Grizzlies (8-4 overall, 6-2 Big Sky), who play USD (9-2, 7-1 Pioneer Football) at 1 p.m. (PST) Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
The big picture
While the Toreros are making their first trip to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, this is routine stuff for the Grizzlies. Montana is advancing to the postseason for the 20th time in the past 22 years. The Grizzlies’ 23rd trip to the playoffs lead all FCS teams.
Related
USD at Montana / Saturday 1 p.m. (PST) Washington-Grizzly Stadium / On the air: ESPN3; usdtoreros.com
Montana’s fans are known to be a bit rowdy, tossing Twinkies at opposing offensive linemen and snowballs in the direction of the opposing team’s coaching booth. “But only when the window is shut,” quipped a member of the Grizzlies’ athletic staff.
The Grizzlies regularly sell out 25,217-seat Washington-Grizzly Stadium, but USD may catch a break. With the game coming during the Thanksgiving holiday and students exiting Missoula, only about 17,000 are expected to attend.
Montana finished in a three-way for second in the Big Sky. The winner of Saturday’s game faces Eastern Washington, the Big Sky champion.
Grizzlies on offense
Montana runs a pro set, sometimes lining up three wide receivers, sometimes flexing muscle with two tight ends. Try this for balance: the Grizzlies ran the ball 382 times and attempted 373 passes.
And the team is careful with the football. Montana’s two lost fumbles and seven turnovers were the fewest in the FCS. On the flip side, Montana forced 23 turnovers.
Jordan Canada rushed for 1,011 yards. Senior QB Jordan Johnson passed for 2,405 yards and 20 TDs, suffering only four interceptions. He’s 27-10 as a starter. Helix High product Travon Van, who lines up primarily at wide receiver, is second on the team in receptions (55) and rushing (478 yards). He has scored a team-high 11 touchdowns.
Grizzlies on defense
End Zack Waggenmann (13.5 sacks) was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year today. Safety Matt Hermanson is a ball hawk. He picked off six interceptions (three last Saturday against Montana State) and forced a fumble.
Vista High and Palomar College product Jeremiah Kose is second on the team with 102 tackles at linebacker.
