What is Going on With Montana Grizzly Spring Football

Little things that might not have seemed like a big deal just over a year ago sure feel like noteworthy major events once you get them back.

That is true for ravenous Montana Grizzly football fans, who are so fired up to see their team get back to something that at least passes for "normal." So, let the spring festivities begin today! (Friday)

UM Sports Information Director Eric Taber tells us that the team's first official practice on Friday kicks off a 36-day, 21-practice spring season that more closely resembles the traditional college football spring training period that would normally culminates with our annual Griz Maroon/Silver spring scrimmage. While the Griz opted out of the Big Sky Conference spring season along with four other Big Sky teams, Montana will have the unique added bonus of two games. And yes, they are games that matter in terms of the scoreboard running and stats counting in players' career totals.

The results of those tests should give head coach Bobby Hauck and his staff a good opportunity to measure the team's performance as the Grizzlies look toward their ultimate goal of a normal fall schedule and a chance to compete for a Big Sky championships in the fall. Following COVID-19 directives, practices are closed to the public.

Montana will first host Central Washington on April 10, followed by Portland State on April 17 in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Times have yet to be announced. And of course, what matters most to fans is, will we able to watch them play? The amount of in-stadium fan participation has yet to be determined, and the Missoula City-County Health Department will have a lot to say about that.

The guess here is that no matter what the final number that will be allowed in the stadium, from 100 to 25,000, count on two sellouts.

Spring practice schedule is as follows:

Fri. 3.12 – Practice 1

Sat. 3.13 – Practice 2

Mon. 3.15 – Practice 3

Wed. 3.17 – Practice 4

Fri. 3.19 – Practice 5

Mon. 3.22 – Practice 6

Wed. 3.24 – Practice 7

Fri. 3.26 – Practice 8

Mon. 3.29 – Practice 9

Wed. 3.31 – Practice 10