Montana Grizzly Football Continues to Eye a Perfect Season

Let's use a business term: A Big Return on a Minimal Investment.

That's one way to look at how the University of Montana's business model on the football field paid big dividends.

The Griz shook off a fumble on the opening kickoff, giving Portland State a very short field. The Vikings took advantage, jumping out to a 7-0 in the opening minute of the game. And while PSU racked up a lot of passing yardage and an eye-popping disparity in number of plays and time of possession in the first half, it was Montana that made the big plays on both sides of the ball, as they methodically steamrolled the Vikings 63-17  Saturday afternoon at Providence Park in Portland.

While his passing numbers were modest in terms of total yardage (184), Griz quarterback Keali'l Ah Yat threw three touchdown passes and ran for one more. Running back Eli Gillman broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run, one of his two touchdowns on the day.

Leading 21-10 at halftime, the Griz erupted for 21 points in both the third and fourth quarters, giving head coach Bobby Hauck ample opportunity to sit many of his starters the rest of the way.

The win also gave Coach Hauck the most Big Sky Conference career wins, 86 and counting.

Montana now leads the nation in pass interceptions with 18, as they improve to 11-0 on the season, 7-0 in conference play.

Oh, and that Big Return on a Minimal Investment? The Griz racked up all those points running only 73 plays to Portland State's 64.

Who's ready for next Saturday's Brawl of the Wild?

Up With Montana!