By Lance Berndt & Kris Kallem
The Review
#12 Montana 38 #1 North Dakota State 35
Coming into this season, one of the biggest question marks for the Griz was how Brady Gustafson will adapt to being both Jordan Johnson’s successor and also the leader of a very fast paced offense. He answered that question and more throwing for 434 yards on a NDSU defense that hasn’t allowed that many passing yards since, I believe, 2009 against Sam Houston State. Gustafson wasn’t the only shining light for the Griz offense. Receivers Ellis Henderson and Jamaal Jones combined for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 receptions. Running back John Nguyen also racked up 134 yards of total offense. King Frazier led the Bison combining for 145 yards of offense and a touchdown, while potential All-American Carson Wentz showed that he’s not just lethal through the air running for 70 yards with a couple highlight reel moves and 2 touchdowns.
While it was a high scoring battle, both teams appeared to have defensive leaders step forward heading into the rest of the season. Nate Tanguay and Nick DeLuca were menaces all game for the Bison defense combing for 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and 24 tackles. For Montana, Tyrone Holmes invaded the Bison backfield, while Kendrick Van Ackeren, Jeremiah Kose, and Connor Lebsock provided a balanced linebacker attack. Van Ackeren picked up 2 fumble recoveries and Holmes added a sack, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble.
This game in some ways reminds me of the Eastern Washington win against Montana in the inaugural game on the red turf. Montana was coming off of back to back FCS Championship game appearances and a long streak of Big Sky Conference Championships. Eastern was able to bring in a new era by vanquishing the evil empire in exciting fashion. The win served as a spring board to Eastern’s first National Championship. Of course Eastern had to first lay an egg the next week against Montana State in Bozeman losing 33-7. Hint: This win could be the start of a magical season for Montana, but beware of the hangover trap against Cal Poly this week, Griz fans.
· Carson Wentz injured his ankle late in the third quarter & played on a high ankle sprain which hurt his mobility.
· The Griz defense gave up just 61 yards and held the Bison scoreless in the 3rd quarter.
· When was the last time the Bison gave up 544 yards of offense?
· I expected the Griz offense to be clicking later in the season but not this early against a historically great defensive program.
· Montana has a great wider receiver combo in Jamal Jones and Ellis Henderson.
· Up tempo – no huddle offenses can be very effective between the 20’s but sometimes struggle as the field gets tighter. Montana will need to do some work on its red zone efficiency.
· Is North Dakota State’s defense exposed? Will the rest of the Missouri Valley look to attack the bison like Montana did?
· Herbert Gamboa’s return at linebacker will make the Griz one of the most complete teams in the Big Sky.
The Preview
Southern Utah vs. Utah State
The Tbirds bring Senior Quarterback Ammon Olsen who finished last season strong into Logan against a solid Aggie defense that gave up just 19.7 points per game in 2014. The Aggies will counter at QB with Chuckie Keaton who pitched a near perfect game against Southern Utah the last time the teams met back in 2012.
UC Davis @ Nevada
Another Big Sky program that faces an FBS bowl team from last season. The Aggies return QB Ben Scott who put up impressive numbers after earning the starting job in the middle of the 2014 campaign. His favorite target, Ramon Vargas is also back at wide receiver.
Portland State @ Washington State
Interim Head Coach Bruce Barnum and the Vikings visit Mike Leach and the Coug’s Air-Raid offense in the smokey Palouse. Portland State once again has a roster filled with transfers and talent but getting them to play with discipline is the challenge.
North Dakota @ Wyoming
We know North Dakota can play some defense and you’d expect nothing less out of Craig Bohl’s Cowboys. This could be one of those low scoring intra-division matchups where the FCS team is in it until the end.
Northern Arizona @ Stephen F Austin
Star cornerback Marcus Alford leads a talented Northern Arizona secondary against the Texas Lumberjacks. Northern Arizona will need Kyren Poe to improve his passing if they are going to return to the playoffs in 2015. Stephen F. Austin is looking to build on a playoff season from a year ago with an experienced offense line and quarterback Zach Conque returning.
Eastern Washington @ #7 Oregon
For those who have been stranded on a desert island, Eastern Washington faces ex quarterback Vernon Adams and the high flying Ducks in Autzen Stadium. The Eagles are loaded on offense and young but talented on defense. Oh, and they might be playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
Eastern Oregon @ Sacramento State
The Hornets are looking to replace a ton of production in all Big Sky quarterback Garret Saffron and wide receiver DeAndre Carter. Getting back Nnamdi Agude at wide receiver and Darnell Sanky at linebacker should help against the Mountaineers.
D-II Fort Lewis @ #11 Montana State
Dakota Prukop and company have a chance to flex their muscles before a crucial three game stretch. Fort Lewis did struggle most of last season, but they did upset the eventual DII national champion and return 18 starters from last season. They have not fared well against the Big Sky in the past, and Montana State will likely continue that trend with a blowout win.
Weber State @ FBS Oregon State
Well Oregon State is holding football tryouts on the 7th, so that may show how confident they are right now. Weber State will be led by an experienced offense with Jadrian Clark taking snaps, and Zach Smith leading the rushing attack. Weber State might have a chance for an FBS upset here against the likely Pac 12 cellar dweller.
D-II Western State Colorado @ Northern Colorado
Like Oregon State, Northern Colorado should win this game, but they face a Western State team looking to prove themselves this season. Mountaineer running back Austin Ekeler totaled over 2,000 all-purpose yards last season and will be helped QB Brett Arrivey who threw for over 2,400 yards. With many question marks on who is going to lead the team on offense, NoCo will rely on their deep corps at linebacker led by senior JaQueal Walker.
D-II Black Hills State @ #20 Idaho State
With such a long list of talented returning starters for this Bengal offense, the player to look for in this first game is new quarterback Michael Sanders. If he is able to transition into being a strong and capable leader, this Idaho State team could make a lot of noise this season. Black Hills State should be happy if they keep this game within 40.
#25 Cal Poly @ #12 Montana
Coming off a win that could very well rejuvenate both their program and their fans, Montana once again faces a tough as nails opponent in Cal Poly. Returning stud quarterback Chris Brown will head the Mustang triple option attack. Last season he ran for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns and threw for 107 yards and another touchdown against Montana. The Griz defense headlined by outstanding lineman Tyrone Holmes will have a tough task in stopping the Mustang offense. Montana quarterback Brady Gustafson and his tremendous supporting task may need to put up another high score to start the season 2-0.