BILLINGS — After seven games, the Montana football team stands at a solid but not stellar 5-2 overall, with a 2-1 record in the Big Sky Conference—decent by program standards.
Offensively, the Grizzlies are performing well, averaging 41.3 points per game, which ties them with rival Montana State for the fourth-highest in the FCS. Quarterback Logan Fife has stepped up, leading the team to four games with over 500 yards, including a remarkable 701-yard performance in a thrilling 52-49 victory over Eastern Washington, the second-highest total in the program’s history.
However, defensively, the situation is more concerning. The Grizzlies have struggled, allowing big plays, significant yardage, and high scores as they adjust to replacing several key players from last year’s Big Sky championship team.
Following the game against Eastern Washington on September 28, there was likely some concern among fans, especially after a loss to Weber State, which came into Missoula and won 55-48 in overtime.
Despite these challenges, Montana’s defense showed improvement in a recent 31-20 win over Northern Arizona, although they faced the Lumberjacks’ third-string quarterback. The defense allowed just one offensive touchdown—albeit a lengthy 88-yard completion—marking progress compared to their previous outings.
“We stepped up,” linebacker Riley Wilson reflected. “We executed our assignments and did our jobs. This is just a taste of what this defense can do, and the sky’s the limit for us.”
Bobby Hauck’s tenure at Montana has emphasized building momentum for November and the FCS playoffs. Last season was a perfect example of this approach.
This week is a bye for Montana, and their next two opponents, Northern Colorado and Cal Poly, currently have a combined three wins. The real test will come on November 9, when they host UC Davis under the lights, a game broadcast on ESPN2, against a team tied for the top of the Big Sky standings with MSU.
“I believe our best football is still ahead of us,” Hauck said last week.
This improvement is essential, as the Grizzlies have struggled with complementary play. Offensively, Fife has established himself as a top quarterback, ranking among the league’s best without throwing an interception while averaging 302.3 yards and eight touchdowns in the last three games. The ground game has thrived with Eli Gillman (710 yards, 10 TDs) and Nick Ostmo (534 yards, three TDs), while receiver Keelan White has stood out with 35 catches. Overall, the Grizzlies rank fifth in the FCS for total offense.
On defense, the loss of prominent players like tackle Alex Gubner, end Kale Edwards, and several linebackers and defensive backs has tested Montana’s depth. The team is committed to an aggressive style of play, which can leave their defensive backs exposed. As a result, the points and yardage allowed—35 and 477 to Western Carolina, 49 and 551 to EWU, and 55 and 541 to Weber State—are unusual for a Griz defense.
Historically, Hauck-coached teams have excelled at creating favorable turnover margins, with a cumulative plus-91 during his first seven years at UM. So far this season, Montana is even in turnover ratio, with six takeaways and six giveaways, having recovered only two fumbles.
Special teams have also been inconsistent. While kicker/punter Ty Morrison has shown promise, the team is allowing nearly 25 yards per kick return and is the only Big Sky team to have given up a kickoff return for a touchdown this season. All-American Junior Bergen has yet to make a significant impact in the return game, but his past success suggests big plays may be on the horizon.
For a program that reached the FCS championship game last year, the Grizzlies still have work to do. Nonetheless, they remain on solid ground. Hauck believes their best performances are still ahead, viewing the season as a step-by-step journey.
One thing is certain: the Grizzlies will continue to work hard, and they should never be counted out.
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