Griz aiming for even more success in 2024

After a season in which Montana made an almost surprise run to the FCS national championship game, expectations are gong to be sky-high when the Grizzlies open their season this Saturday in Missoula.

Montana went on an epic run last fall, a run that including winning a Big Sky championship for the first time since 2009, beating North Dakota State in overtime in the FCS semifinals and playing South Dakota State in the championship game.

Yes, it would be hard for the Griz to duplicate all that. But that's exactly what Montana will try and do this fall as head coach Bobby Hauck's team is picked to win the Big Sky, and comes into the season ranked No. 3 in the FCS.

And the expectations and excitement are with good reason. Despite losing All-American Alex Gubner on defense, as well as starting to quarterback Clifton McDowell, the Griz are loaded at nearly every position.

Montana returns All-American wide receiver and returner Junior Bergen, as well as the rest of the receiver group. Tight end Cole Grossman returns from injury to bolster the group even more.

But, despite having the best wide receiver group in the FCS, the Griz will also have a new starting quarterback. The battle between sophomore standout KEALI'I Ah Yat and FBS transfer Logan Fife, the Griz will have a new signal caller this fall.

Helping the new quarterback however, is a huge offensive line, and perhaps Montana's most talented running back group ever. Eli Gillman was the FCS Freshman of the Year a year ago, while sixth-year senior Nick Ostmo is back, and the addition of Arizona transfer Stevie Rocker, makes Montana so dangerous in the backfield, and even more dangerous offensively.

And if the Griz have a defense to match, they will be very hard to beat. Montana lost key starts on defense like Gubner and others, but DL transfers, as well as the return of DE Hayden Harris, All-American linebacker Riley Wilson, All-American cornerback Trevin Gradney, and a slew of veteran defensive backs, the Griz are going to be as stingy as ever. That defense also features former Havre Blue Pony Kellen Detrick who was a big contributor last fall.

With 31 seniors and graduate players, Montana is also as veteran a team as has been in Hauck's second stint, so if the Griz can navigate a schedule that includes non-conference games against Missouri State, Morehead State and No. 22 Western Carolina at home, as well as a tough trip to North Dakota in week two, they will be poised and ready for the Big Sky.

And that slate is favorable as plays Weber State, Northern Arizona, UC Davis and Portland State at home. Road games at Eastern Washington, and the massive Brawl of the Wild Nov. 23 in Bozeman could end up making or breaking the Griz' season. Montana opens the season Saturday night against Missouri State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.