More challenges for Griz, Cats

There's always a lot of excitement surrounding the University of Montana's homecoming game. But the 2017 affair might be even more interesting.

Not only are the Grizzlies unveiling their shiny new Washington-Grizzly Champions Center this weekend, but, their homecoming clash with defending Big Sky champion North Dakota also gives them a shot at winning their third straight game, and going into their bye week on a high note.

Montana comes home from two straight wins, now sitting at 4-2 and 2-1 in the Big Sky. The Grizzlies are also ranked in the FCS Top 25 for the first time this season, as the Griz entered the FCS Stats Poll this week at No. 24. To say life is good for Montana after tough road wins at Portland State and Idaho State, would be an understatement. But with the dangerous Fighting Hawks coming to town, Griz' head coach Bob Stitt warns against a letdown.

"We feel good about the last six weeks," Stitt said. "These guys have worked really hard, improved every week. We feel good about where we're at. But at the same time, you have to prepare for this game the exact same way, with the same effort. If you don't, then everything we've done the last six weeks, it all goes back to square one. You have to start all over."

The Grizzlies don't want that to happen. Montana, despite a defense that continues to struggle against passing attacks (the Griz gave up 500 yards in their 39-31 win at Idaho State last Saturday), is trending in the right direction. Freshman quarterback Gresch Jensen seems to get better and better and is now certainly battled-tested, while UM's running game, led by junior Jeremy Calhoun, who has rushed for nearly 200 yards in his last two games, is really picking up steam. Offensively, Montana leads the Big Sky in scoring, and is third in the league in total offense, so no doubt, the Griz are flying high.

However, there's no margin for error after the loss to Eastern Washington late last month, and North Dakota (1-2, 2-4), despite a horrendous start to the season, is still a very well-equipped team. The Fighting Hawks were banking on a top-notch defense this season, but they have lost many starters to season-ending injuries, including star safety Cole Reyes, the reigning Big Sky Player of the Year. In all, the Hawks' injury totals account for 12 different starters and 21 rostered players who are either out, or have missed time so far this fall.

Still, Stitt knows full well that UND, which went unbeaten in Big Sky play a year ago, is dangerous, especially with the two-headed running attack of Brady Olivera and John Santiago, who together account for 140 yards per game. Both are top-flight backs, and when you add veteran QB Keaton Studsrud to the mix, the Hawks, despite the injuries and slow start, are still a tough-nosed, old-school football team, and they will challenge Montana's offense and defense with extremely physical play.

"We're a confident football team," Stitt said. "But at the same time, they (Hawks) are a team that was picked to win our league. They won our league last year. We know they're a very good football team."

The Montana State Bobcats are also a confident football team right now, and why shouldn't they be? They rushed for over 400 yards in last week's dominant win over Portland State in Bozeman. The win upped the Cats to 2-3 overall, and pushed them to 2-1 in the Big Sky. But as confident as head coach Jeff Choate is, especially in his stellar rushing attack led by sophomore quarterback Chris Murray, and his standout defense, that is third in the Big Sky in both scoring and total defense, this Saturday's road trip is much different.

That's because the Bobcats are headed to Cheney, Washington, to take on the No. 11 Eastern Washington Eagles (3-0, 4-2). The Eagles are winners of four straight games, and in that stretch, they are averaging nearly 40 points and 500 yards of total offense. Of course, EWU is led by quarterback Gage Gubrud. The junior is one of the top passers in the FCS and has started to garner NFL attention. Gubrud's band of receivers includes senior Nic Splendorio, who caught 18 passes in Eastern's win in Missoula last month.

But as good as the Eagles have been offensively, MSU feels it has the formula to battle the Eagles on the Inferno Saturday. First, Murray and running backs Nick LaSane, Troy Andersen, Edward Vander and Logan Jones have started to perfect a ball-control offense, which is possibly the best way to defend Eastern's potent attack. Keeping the Eagles off the field means Gubrud can't do what he's been doing so far this season.

MSU's defense, while young, has also become extremely stingy. The Cats, led by Mac Bignell, Grant Collins and Bryson McCabe, are playing extremely well, especially considering the high-powered offenses they've already faced this season. And if they can get some pressure on Gubrud and force a few turnovers, they'll be in even better shape.

And still, while the Cats are hoping to make an even bigger statement than the one they made last month at UND, with a win in Cheney Choate knows the task at hand is big. As a matter of fact, MSU hasn't beaten the Eagles in its last six tries.

"Just a very dynamic, diverse offense," Choate said of the Eagles. "They're really clicking on all cylinders right now. From the Fordham game on they've been lighting it up, so it will be interesting."

MSU's road game at Eastern Washington is set for 2 p.m. M.D.T in Cheney, Washington. The game will be televised on all SWX Affiliates in Montana. The Grizzlies' homecoming game against North Dakota is set for 1 p.m. in Missoula. The game will be televised nationally on Root Sports.