Game Overview
The Montana Grizzlies remained unbeaten with a 41-30 victory over the Idaho Vandals on Saturday night in Missoula. The matchup marked the Big Sky Conference opener for both programs.
Montana (4-0) never trailed after taking an early lead on a field goal and continued to build momentum behind a balanced offensive attack. Idaho (2-3) fought back in the second half but could not overcome the deficit.
Key Performers
- Eli Gillman (Montana): Rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.
- Keali’i Ah Yat (Montana): Completed 17 of 23 passes for 223 yards, threw a touchdown, and added a rushing score.
- Michael Wortham (Montana): Ran for an 11-yard touchdown and caught a 22-yard touchdown pass.
- Joshua Wood (Idaho): Passed for 262 yards and rushed for three second-half touchdowns (8, 4, and 1 yards).
- Ryan Jezioro (Idaho): Four receptions for 102 yards.
- Nate Thomas (Idaho): 70 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Scoring Summary
- Montana opened with a 37-yard field goal by Ty Morrison.
- Gillman scored on a 2-yard run late in the first quarter.
- Idaho responded with a 33-yard field goal from Owen Adams.
- Wortham added an 11-yard rushing touchdown to extend Montana’s lead.
- Ah Yat connected with Wortham for a 22-yard passing touchdown and later ran for a 1-yard score.
- Wood kept Idaho in the game with three rushing touchdowns, but Montana’s consistent offense held the lead.
Game Notes
- Attendance at Washington-Grizzly Stadium was 27,025.
- Montana entered the contest ranked No. 4 in the FCS coaches poll.
- Idaho came in ranked No. 10 in the FCS poll but fell to 0-1 in conference play.
Big Sky Standings Snapshot
- Montana: 1-0 (4-0 overall)
- Idaho: 0-1 (2-3 overall)
Other Big Sky teams, including Northern Arizona, UC Davis, and Montana State, also secured conference wins this week.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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