What Hit Us? Montana Griz Football Smashes Utah Tech Like a Bus

Neither desert heat nor questionable stadium lighting could make our guys lose their cool.

With a dominant first half effort, the University of Montana Grizzly football team seized control immediately. The Griz cruised to a 36-0 halftime lead and went on to handle the Utah Tech Trailblazers by a score of 43-13 Saturday night in St. George, Utah. Game time temperature was 96 degrees.

Griz quarterback Clifton McDowell got the start and played the entire half, mixing in some crisp passes and contributing to the powerful running game. Running back Nick Ostmo was back in the lineup, running for two first-half touchdowns. Freshman Eli Gilman also ran for TDs, and the electrifying Junior Bergen returned a punt for another first half score.

The second half was, to say the least, lackluster compared to the explosiveness in the first half. Montana did finally move deep into Utah Tech territory late in the third quarter, but missed a 38-yard field goal attempt. A short time later, a Griz interception leads to a 1-yard touchdown pass and a little insurance for that 36-point halftime lead. Against mostly second-and-third string defenders, the Trailblazers put two touchdowns on the board in the fourth quarter to make the game look a lot closer than it was.

Montana returns home to Missoula Saturday evening, September 16, hosting two-time defending Division II national champion Ferris State, who, like the Griz, are 2-0 to start the 2023 season. It will be a "Blackout Game." Fans are encouraged to wear their best black Griz gear, and the team will unveil special black uniforms. There will also be a fireworks show, sponsored by TDS Fiber, after the game.

Congrats to the Griz! We will see you at the Grizzly Scholarship Association Tailgate Site starting at 4:00 p.m. Saturday for the live pregame show.