A couple early mistakes and the inability to stop, frankly, anything, contributed to one of the most embarrassing losses in the history of the rivalry.

And things never got better, as the Montana State Bobcats saved their best game of the year for the annual Griz-Cat Brawl of the Wild, and crushed the University of Montana Grizzlies 55 - 21 Saturday afternoon in Bozeman.

What was supposed to be a solid challenge for Montana State's efficient running game never materialized, as the Bobcats totally flummoxed the University of Montana Grizzly defense, piling up huge chunks of yardage and scoring on every possession until their last one, where they just took knees in victory formation. And the Griz did not have the answer on offense, only matching their first touchdown to make it 7-7 early in the first quarter, thanks to a 30-yard touchdown pass from Lucas Johnson to Malik Flowers. Johnson also suffered an injury in the third quarter and left the game.

From there it was all Bobcats and the kind of humiliating loss that could easily slam the door on the Montana season at 7-4, with a strong possibility of no at-large FCS playoff bid. In fact, it was the second-largest margin of victory for Montana State in the history of the rivalry.

What an impressive performance by Montana State. Congratulations to them and their perfect game plan, as they have a chance to stay at home deep into the playoffs.

We will know Montana's fate tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 10:30 Mountain Time, when ESPN2 presents the FCS Playoffs Selection Show. Because of the outcomes of some other FCS games today, the chance for the Griz to advance as an at-large team could be even more grim.

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