Griz Earns Conference Player of Week Award

Being involved in one of the strangest plays in Montana Grizzly football history factored into the honor. But Griz cornerback JR Nelson contributed plenty more and secured a Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week award.

Nelson came through in the clutch against Idaho State, intercepting a pass and returning it 20 yards for a touchdown. It is Montana’s only pick-six of the season. Nelson also played smothering defense at the corner, and accounted for four solo tackles. Nelson was also instrumental in the final game-winning play that led to a Montana touchdown in overtime to secure the insane 33-27 victory.

It was Nelson who alertly scooped up the loose ball on Idaho State's botched field goal attempt and flipped it to teammate Eric Johnson, who ran the ball the rest of the way into the end zone for an unlikely finish to the chaotic play.

The Griz didn't show much movement in the weekly FCS rankings, hanging in there at #22. The final regular season home game is a huge one this Saturday, when Montana hosts Eastern Washington. Scott Gurnsey and I will be on the air at 11:30 for the Statewide Tailgate Show on KGVO AM 1290/FM 101.5. Military Appreciation Game...See ya then, Griz Nation!   DB