Grizzly Game Day

MONTANA VS. NORTH ALABAMA • KICKOFF: 7 P.M. MT • TV: ABC/FOX MONTANA • SATURDAY, SEPT. 7, 2019

STEADY SANDRY Josh Sandry has been consistent, productive presence for Griz

TOM BAUER, MISSOULIAN

Q&A: MATT RENSVOLD • PICKS: THE STAFF PICKS THE BIG SKY • PLAYERS TO WATCH: NORTH ALABAMA

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UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMER Senior Sandry has played in every game for Griz since 2016

FRANK GOGOLA

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

‌To say Montana senior Josh Sandry has been a regular presence might be an understatement.

The Bigfork native has been a mainstay of the Griz defense as a safety since the start of his redshirt freshman season in 2016.

Sandry has played in all 34 games since then. It’s a number that’s the most possible up to this point, tying him with just three other current Grizzlies: Justin Calhoun, Dante Olson and Jesse Sims.

The amount of playing the lifelong Montana fan and grandson of a former Grizzly has earned with his hard work and determination isn’t lost on him.

“Yeah, I’ve got a lot of football under my belt here,” Sandry said with a smile this week ahead of Montana’s home opener against North Alabama at 7 p.m. Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity.

I’ve grown so much since a couple years ago when I was a freshman. It’s pretty crazy to be standing here right now as a senior.”

Sandry’s durability has been an understated aspect of his time at Montana. Of the 34 games he’s played in, he’s started 25, including 22 of the past 23.

In those games, he’s displayed his playmaking ability as a coverage safety. His five career interceptions at Montana are the most among anyone on the roster.

Despite that success, his impact is possibly underappreciated because he’s not a flashy, in-your-face, attention-seeking player. He’s a composed and level-headed person, and that has aided as he begins his fifth year at Montana with his degree already in hand.

“He’s a tough guy that really cares about winning and performing well,” Hauck said.

“But he’s got the ability to joke around with everybody, which is fun.

“I enjoy interacting with him. I think he’s a funny guy. He’s a fun guy to be around. His coaches like him, his teammates like him, he’s got a good sense of humor, and that makes things enjoyable.”

See Sandry, PAGE 7

JOSH SANDRY Jersey number: 13 Year: Redshirt senior Position: Safety Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 210 Hometown: Bigfork, Montana High School: Bigfork High School

TOM BAUER, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana safety Josh Sandry tries to break up a pass to South Dakota’s Kody Case, right, last Saturday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota.

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Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Saturday, September 7, 2019 | 5

‘No carrot at the end of the stick’ North Alabama beat writer Gregg Dewalt shares insights FRANK GOGOLA

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

‌Montana will play its first home game when it hosts North Alabama under the lights at 7 p.m. Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The Griz (1-0) are coming off a 31-17 road win over Missouri Valley Football Conference foe South Dakota. The Lions (1-0) upset a young Western Illinois team at home, 26-17.

406mtsports.com caught up with North Alabama beat writer Gregg Dewalt, who covers the Lions for the TimesDaily in Florence, Alabama, to talk about this year’s team, the Lions’ move up to Division I and expectations for the game.

Q: What were the expectations for North Alabama coming into the season?

What does a season-opening upset win over Western Illinois mean for this team heading forward?

A: It’s weird in the way of expectations, simply because there is no carrot at the end of the stick, so to speak. UNA is not eligible for the playoffs, so that’s not a goal. Their games don’t count in the Big South standings, so that isn’t on the table.

I think the expectations are to have a winning record and be competitive each week.

Obviously, they would like to win their Big South games. If they were to do that, then coaches would probably give the players some sort of recognition as the true Big South champs.

After watching the Western Illinois game, I’m not sure it was an upset even though UNA was considered an 18.5-point underdog at kickoff. More than anything, I think it was a boost of confidence in that maybe they are already on the same level as at least a lot of FCS teams.

Q: Why have the Lions had the success they have since moving to Div. I? Do they physically resemble FCS athletes, or is there not much of a difference between the FCS and Division II? A: Part of UNA’s success last season was due in part to playing a split schedule vs.

FCS/Division II teams, so the record was a tad misleading. Two of the wins came against the weakest Gulf South Conference teams. One win came against a weak SWAC opponent.

There are a couple of reasons for their success in the early transition period. First, they played in a big boy Division II league.

There isn’t a lot of difference from the top tier of the GSC to the middle and lower tier FCS schools. The Gulf South Conference has a ton of transfer players. A lot of the JUCO transfers just don’t qualify for D-I but are D-I caliber players.

The biggest difference is in the offensive and defensive lines, coaches tell me. It’s more about length than size. That’s where UNA is looking to upgrade during its next few recruiting cycles. But the skill players UNA has and has had are on par with most everybody they’ll play.

Q: How does North Alabama stay motivated despite not being eligible for the playoffs until 2022? What is it the coaches and players say they’re playing for until then, especially this year?

A: Some of the answer to this is on the first question. Coaches are also selling this year’s team that it is an opportunity to lay the foundation for the future and prove that UNA will be ready to compete for the postseason when the transitional period ends. Winning that first game was important. Coaches know they need to have success early to keep the team motivated throughout the season.

Q: What does North Alabama have to do to beat Montana on Saturday? What areas of the game or matchups will you be watching?

A: UNA is going to have to be good in the run game and moving the chains to have a chance to win. The run game was spotty last week — a couple of big runs but a lot of 1- and 2-yard runs, too. Its offense isn’t really geared to long, methodical drives, but it needs to limit Montana’s possessions.

I’m curious to see how well UNA’s secondary holds up against what must be a pretty good passing attack. Western Illinois really didn’t have much of a passing game. UNA’s secondary has two young players and a couple of veterans, so that will be a key matchup.

Q: What’s your score prediction for the game? Why? A: It’s hard to see UNA traveling to Montana and winning. If not a win, I think a good outcome would be for the Lions to keep it close well into the fourth quarter with a chance to win.

One thing, UNA won’t be intimidated. A lot of these guys played last year at North Dakota State and they held their own for much of the game, so it won’t be a shock to be playing with such a hostile crowd.

This will be a good indicator of how far the Lions have come in the transition and how far they have left to go to be on the same level as one of the elite FCS programs in the country.

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

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UNDERCLASSMAN Q&A

Bringing a physical presence Polson native Matt Rensvold hoping to contribute more

Matt Rensvold

FRANK GOGOLA

Year: Redshirt sophomore

Jersey number: 81

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

‌M

ontana tight end Matt Rensvold showed flashes of what he’s capable of during his redshirt freshman season in 2018.

The Polson native helped with run blocking and made eight catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns, the most scores among the tight end group, one of which proved to be the winning touchdown against Sacramento State.

This year, Rensvold came into this season as one of the Grizzlies’ top three tight ends, a group Hauck reintroduced when he was hired in December 2017. With another offseason under his belt, he put on 13 pounds to get to 6-foot-4, 248 pounds and is hoping to be a bigger contributor.

Position: Tight end Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 248 Hometown: Polson, Montana High school: Polson

TOMMY MARTINO, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana tight end Matt Rensvold scores a touchdown in the second half of a win over Cal Meet Matt Rensvold: Q: Coming off the road win to start Poly in 2018. the season, what’s the energy and up to the college speed. That was great. confidence level around this team?

A: Yeah. There’s always the aspect of A: There’s a lot more confidence than Q: A local kid from Polson, what going and high-pointing the football when last year. We’re stronger because of the does it mean to you to be a Griz? you’re on a route and the quarterbacks offseason. We have more experience.

A: It means the world. It’s a dream come throw it high for you. As a tight end, you That’s big for what we did last week and true. I’ve always wanted to play here. I live can use your body to go high-point it just what we’re going to do the rest of the sea- 60 miles away, so Griz Nation has been like catching a rebound off the rim in basson. part of me for a long time. ketball. Or even running a route and being Q: What are you hoping to contribQ: You were an all-state basketball in man and sitting up and boxing someone ute to the team in a loaded tight end player and 3-point shooting champ in out and getting them on your back. That’s group? high school. How much are you still something that basketball’s brought to A: Just whatever I can do to help them. able to play? football for sure.

A: I don’t play very often because I alDo my job every play. Finish plays. Be Q: Are you still a wildlife biology physical. Get the run game going. That’s ways seem to be dinged up, so I try not to major? the big thing. If us tight ends can do that, go out there and play because I don’t want A: I am. then we’ll be good, and that’s all I need. to hurt myself anymore because I want to Q: How did you get interested in Q: After your redshirt year, you be able to play football. I get out and shoot that? missed spring 2018 with a knee injury a little bit, but that’s about it.

A: I’ve always been into the outdoors.

Q: Who’s the best basketball player I’m a big hunter. I fish a little bit, but I’m but still made an impact during the not as big a fisherman as I am a hunter. I season. How do you think having a full on the team? offseason and a second year in Bobby’s A: Probably Jerry Louie-McGee. I’ve like getting out and walking the hills and watched him play a little bit, and he’s all that stuff. I’ve always been interested system will help you this year?

A: That helps a lot. I feel like for me that quick and he can shoot the ball. I’d say for in the wildlife aspect of the world.

Q: Do you have something in mind really helped me get more into the physi- sure Jerry. He’s so quick, like he is on the cal aspect of it because I haven’t been able football field. He’s quick on the basketball you want to do with that degree? to play the full-speed stuff until last fall court, too.

A: I’m not quite sure. There’s always the camp. That helped me out more, getting to Q: Do you notice any basketball skills game warden path. You got quite a bit of go out there and play and be able to catch translating over to being a tight end? leverage there. As long as I get my major,

I’ll be able to do most of that stuff.

Q: Getting ready for a game, what’s your go-to music?

A: I like some rock ‘n’ roll. Guns N’ Roses. AC/DC. Me and my dad used to listen to that before high school games, so that’s something I like listening to.

Q: Any specific songs?

A: Guns N’ Roses has their big ones like ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ and ‘Paradise City,’ so those are pretty much go-to ones for me.

Q: Who’s your favorite professional team or player?

A: The Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is my favorite player.

Q: How does someone from Montana become a Green Bay fan?

A: I don’t really even know. My dad was always a Broncos fan. Then when I was like 8 years old, I just started like Green Bay. I was a young guy, so I guess I could do that.

Q: Why No. 81?

A: Good question. Well, I was 7 when I came in here. Then I changed to 81 because that’s more of a tight end-oriented number, so I just went to 81 after that.

Q: So no special meaning or story behind 81?

A: No. I like 81, though. I think it’s a cool number.

Q: What’s it like playing for Bobby?

A: I love it. He brings the energy every day, gets after you and does everything we need for our team to go out there and win.

Frank Gogola covers Griz football and prep sports for the Missoulian. Follow him on Twitter @FrankGogola or email him at frank. gogola@missoulian.com.

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Sandry Continued from 2

‘Dream come true’‌

Sandry has been a longtime Griz fan since growing up two hours north of Missoula on the northern bank of Flathead Lake as an avid hunter and country music fan.

His grandfather, Bruce Olson, played for the Griz as a quarterback, lettering in 1957 and 1958.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t ever able to meet him,” Sandry said. “He passed before I was born. It’s pretty special that I’ve got a little family history here. To come here and play for the Griz and represent the state of Montana is awesome. It means the world.”

Now standing at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Sandry started playing football in fourth grade for Flathead Valley Little Guy Football after playing in the backyard with his two older brothers.

Sandry played running back and linebacker as a kid and transitioned to quarterback and safety in high school before coming to Montana as a safety. He was a Class B allstate football player as a junior and senior, an all-state basketball player as a junior who

led Bigfork to its first state title, and the state high jump champion as a junior.

Suiting up for the Griz, Sandry has gotten to play for safeties coach Shann Schillinger, one of his two childhood idols along with Colt Anderson. He’s also had the opportunity to play for Hauck after committing to former head coach Bob Stitt and spending his first three seasons with him.

Balancing on-field success with exceling in the classroom, Sandry was awarded the Michael R. Jorgensen Endowment Fund scholarship following the 2015 and 2016 seasons, and the GSA License Plate Scholarship after 2018. He graduated with a degree in finance over the summer and declared a second major in psychology that he started this fall.

“It’s been everything I expected, really,” Sandry said of his time at Montana. “It’s just been a dream come true, really. Growing up, I always dreamed of playing here. To get the opportunity to come here and play for a guy like coach Hauck, just a legendary coach and just a great person, I’m pretty grateful.”

into an early groove by playing all 11 games and starting three as a redshirt freshman.

Sandry has picked off five passes, highlighted by a pick-6 against Washington quarterback Jake Browning, who’s now in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. It was in that same 2017 season that he battled a tweaked ankle but never missed a game and was named the Big Sky Conference defensive player of the week in October.

Sandry has also blocked a kick, recovered two fumbles, forced another and tallied 144 career tackles, topped by a single-seasonhigh of 61 last year.

Hauck has been impressed with how well Sandry has been in coverage. While as a safety, Sandry plays more like a linebacker compared to the other safeties, sometimes lining up on the edge of the box.

“His coverage skills are a lot better than I thought they would be when I first got here,” Hauck said. “He’s got great hands playing the ball. That’s kind of the thing that surprised me. He does a lot of things well, but I was surprised that he was as good in the coverage aspect as he is.”

Dominating defender‌ Sandry couldn’t point to anything specific Sandry has been a playmaker for the Griz that’s led to him excelling in being a coverin his time in the defensive backfield. He got age corner, crediting Schillinger with help-

Saturday, September 7, 2019 | 7

ing him on a daily basis in practice and film study.

“I think we just have good coaches that teach us the right techniques,” Sandry said.

“Coach Shann, he’s obviously a legend here and played in the League, so he really knows what he’s doing. I’ve just taken what he’s taught me and ran with it.”

Thirty-four games since coming to Montana, Sandry has at least 11 left and the rare opportunity to play in every game of his career. Never on to focus on individual stats, he hopes his final ride is one for him and the team to remember.

“I just want to have as much fun as I can,” Sandry said. “Back when I was a redshirt freshman, you have all these older guys that say, ‘Don’t take it for granted. Time flies.’

And I’d be like, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’ But it really does.

“I just want to have fun with all my brothers, my teammates and win as many games as we can and just have a really memorable season.”

Frank Gogola covers Griz football and prep sports for the Missoulian. Follow him on Twitter @FrankGogola or email him at frank. gogola@missoulian.com.

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

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BY THE NUMBERS ‌‌MONTANA (1-0)

UNA Opp Scoring average 26.0 17.0 Rushing yards 122 119 Avg./Rush 3.7 3.5 Passing 17-32-0 18-30-1 Passing yards 290 183 Average per pass 9.1 6.1 Total offense 412 302 Average per play 6.3 4.7 3rd-down conv.

4-16 2-13 Time of possession 30:17 29:43 Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-1 Kick returns 1-24.0 4-18.3 Punt returns 0-0 3-15.7 Punting 8-35.0 6-41.7 Sacks by-yards 4-31 2-16 North Alabama 6 13 7 0 - 26 Opponents 0 14 3 0 - 17

‌Offensive leaders

Offensive leaders

‌ USHING R RB Marcus Knight 7-47 (6.7 ypc.), long 17 RB Adam Eastwood 8-14 (1.8 ypc.), long 4 WR Jerry Louie-McGee 1-14 (14.0 ypc.), long 14 QB Dalton Sneed 10-11 (1.1 ypc.), long 8, 1 TD TM Team 3-(-3) (-1.0 ypc.) ‌PASSING QB Dalton Sneed 37-52-2, 427 yards, long 45, 3 TDs ‌RECEIVING WR Samuel Akem 9-158 (17.6 ypc.), long 43, 1 TD WR Samori Toure 9-142 (15.8 ypc.), long 45, 1 TD WR Jerry Louie-McGee 8-41 (5.1 ypc.), long 11 RB Adam Eastwood 3-29 (9.7 ypc.), long 16 RB Marcus Knight 2-21 (10.5 ypc.), long 15, 1 TD WR Gabe Sulser 2-16 (8.0 ypc.), long 13 TE Bryson Deming 1-8 (8.0 ypc.), long 8 TE Matt Rensvold 1-6 (6.0 ypc.), long 6 TE Colin Bingham 1-5 (5.0 ypc.), long 5 WR Mitch Roberts 1-1 (1.0 ypc.), long 1

‌Defensive leaders

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NORTH ALABAMA (1-0)

Griz Opp Scoring average 31.0 17.0 Rushing yards 83 106 Avg./Rush 2.9 3.5 Passing 37-52-2 23-33-1 Passing yards 427 246 Average per pass 8.2 7.5 Total offense 510 352 Average per play 6.3 5.6 3rd-down conv.

11-17 2-10 Time of possession 35:27 24:33 Fumbles-lost 1-0 0-0 Kick returns 4-29.0 3-21.3 Punt returns 1-6.0 0-0 Punting 2-43.5 4-49.2 Sacks by-yards 1-5 2-14 Montana 0 17 14 0 - 31 Opponents 0 10 7 0 - 17

‌ ACKLES T GRIZ Robby Hauck 10, 7 unassisted LB Dante Olson 7, 4 unassisted NT Jesse Sims 6, 5 unassisted CB Dareon Nash 5, 4 unassisted LB Jace Lewis 5, 5 unassisted S Josh Sandry 4, 3 unassisted DE Alex Gubner 4, 2 unassisted S Gavin Robertson 4, 4 unassisted REB Ryder Rice 3, 1 unassisted LB Marcus Welnel 2, 0 unassisted DE Joe Babros 2, 1 unassisted REB Jed Nagler 1, 1 unassisted CB Justin Calhoun 1, 1 unassisted DE RJ Nelson 1, 0 unassisted S Michael McGinnis 1, 1 unassisted QB Garrett Graves 1, 1 unassisted NT Eli Alford 1, 1 unassisted ‌TACKLES FOR LOSS LB Dante Olson 2.0-3 CB Dareon Nash 1.0-5 LB Jace Lewis 1.0-5 NT Jesse Sims 1.0-3 ‌SACKS LB Jace Lewis 1.0-5 ‌INTERCEPTIONS CB Justin Calhoun 1-0 ‌FUMBLES FORCED-RECOVERED None ‌PASS BREAKUPS LB Jace Lewis 2 GRIZ Robby Hauck 1 CB Dareon Nash 1 CB Justin Calhoun 1

‌Special teams leaders ‌ ATS/FIELD GOALS P Brandon Purdy 4-44/1-2, long 43, 7 points ‌PUNTING Adam Wilson 2-87 (43.5 ypp.), long 45, 1 fair catches, 0 inside 20, 0 touchbacks, 0 50+ yards, 0 blocked ‌PUNT RETURNS WR Jerry Louie-McGee 1-6 (6.0 ypr.), long 6 ‌KICKOFF RETURNS WR Malik Flowers 4-116 (29.0 ypr.), long 34

RUSHING‌ Terence Humphrey 12-102 (8.5 ypc.), long 62, 1 TD Ron Thompson 10-17 (1.7 ypc.), long 13 Andrew Little 1-3 (3.0 ypc.), long 3 Duncan Hodges 1-3 (3.0 ypc.), long 3 Ja’Won Howell 2-1 (0.5 ypc.), long 1 TEAM 1-(-1) (-1.0 ypc.)

Christian Lopez 6-(-3) (-0.5 ypc.), long 5, 1 TD PASSING‌ Christian Lopez 17-32-0, 290 yards, long 75, 1 TD RECEIVING‌ Cortez Hall 2-113 (56.5 ypc.), long 75, 1 TD Dexter Boykin 6-83 (13.8 ypc.), long 29 Andre Little 3-41 (13.7 ypc.), long 17 Jakobi Byrd 2-25 (12.5 ypc.), long 23 Duncan Hodges 2-22 (11.0 ypc.), long 16 Ron Thompson 2-6 (3.0 ypc.), long 4

Defensive leaders TACKLES‌ D’Andre Hart 11, 6 unassisted Jalen Dread 8, 6 unassisted K.J. Smith 7, 4 unassisted Brodric Martin 6, 2 unassisted Will Evans 6, 1 unassisted A.J. Bracey 5, 3 unassisted Jakob Cummings 5, 2 unassisted Will Singleton 4, 2 unassisted Wallace Cowins 4, 2 unassisted Brady Owensby 3, 2 unassisted Charlie Ryan 3, 1 unassisted Jeffery Battle 2, 2 unassisted Devonte Toles 2, 1 unassisted Christian Lopez 1, 1 unassisted Ja’Won Howell 1, 1 unassisted David Swen 1, 0 unassisted Kendric Haynes 1, 0 unassisted Jarrod Reedus 1, 0 unassisted Gerrell Green 1, 0 unassisted TACKLES FOR LOSS‌ Brodric Martin 1.0-6 Wallace Cowins 2.0-13 Charlie Ryan 1.0-6 Jalen Dread 1.0-9 Will Evans 1.0-7 SACKS‌ Wallace Cowins 1.0-9 Will Evans 1.0-7 Jalen Dread 1.0-9 Brodric Martin 1.0-6 INTERCEPTIONS‌ A.J. Bracey 1-0 FUMBLES FORCED-RECOVERED‌ Jakob Cummings 1-0 Charlie Ryan 0-1 PASS BREAKUPS‌ A.J. Bracey 1 Jalen Dread 1

Special teams leaders PATS/FIELD GOALS‌ Joe Gurley 2-2/2-2, long 48, 8 points Sam Contorno 0-1/0-0, 0 points PUNTING‌ Joe Gurley 7-280 (40.0 ypp.), long 54, 2 fair catches, 2 inside 20, 0 touchbacks, 1 50+ yards, 1 blocked PUNT RETURNS‌ None KICKOFF RETURNS‌ K.J. Smith 1-24 (24.0 ypr.), long 24

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Saturday, September 7, 2019 | 9

SCOUTING NORTH ALABAMA | BY FRANK GOGOLA

Montana will open its season at 7 p.m. MT Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium against North Alabama.

The following are key Lions players to keep an eye on during the game.

Quarterback: Christian Lopez

Defensive line: Wallace Cowins

The 5-foot-11, 197-pound senior from Henderson, Nevada, began his second season as North Alabama’s quarterback by throwing for 290 yards with one score in an upset win over Western Illinois. Lopez took care of the ball in 2018, throwing for 2,184 yards with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions in his first season with the Lions after transferring from Mesa Community College in Arizona, where he was second in the country for touchdown passes in 2017. He was named to the Big South preseason all-conference team as an honorable mention in 2019.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior defensive end from Conyers, Georgia, brings FBS talent to the defensive front after dropping down from Coastal Carolina. Cowins tallied eight tackles and 0.5 TFLs in 10 games last year at Coastal Carolina after spending his first season at Georgia Military. He had two of the Lions’ six tackles for loss, one of four sacks and two of three quarterback hurries in the season-opening win over Western Illinois while drawing double teams. He’s one of just two upperclassmen on the Lions’ defensive line two-deep along with Brady Owensby.

Running back: Terence Humphrey

Linebacker: Jalen Dread

The 6-foot, 229-pound fifth-year senior from Huntsville, Alabama, is North Alabama’s leading returning rusher. Humphrey was second on the team in rushing yards last season, picking up 290 yards and two touchdowns. He ran for 102 yards and one touchdown last week on his way to being named the Big South offensive player of the week. The Lions go with a rotation of three running backs that includes Ron Thompson and Ja’Won Howell while they try to find who their go-to guy will be.

Thompson is a junior college transfer, and Howell is a redshirt freshman.

The 5-foot-10, 221-pound senior middle linebacker from Foley, Alabama, began his career in the SEC at South Carolina, where he started 10 games. Dread transferred to North Alabama after two seasons and has played in all 21 games for the Lions. He had eight tackles, one sack and one pass breakup in the season-opening win after finishing 10th on the team last year with 28 tackles, one quarterback hurry and no other stats. Dread centers a linebacker group of junior Will Evans on the strongside and redshirt freshman Jakob Cummings on the weakside.

Wide receiver/tight end: Jakobi Byrd

Defensive back: K.J. Smith

The 5-foot-8, 190-pound sophomore from Florence, Alabama, broke out as a redshirt freshman in 2018 for his hometown team and comes into this season as a Big South preseason first-team all-conference wide receiver. Byrd was the Lions’ top receiver last season, hauling in 48 catches for 517 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 57.4 yards per game and 10.8 yards per game. In the 2019 opener, he caught two passes for 25 yards with a long of 23 yards. The Lions have multiple receivers they can spread the ball around to if defenses try to lock down Byrd.

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound senior strong safety from Perry, Georgia, gives the North Alabama defense another SEC presence after transferring from Georgia, where he was a member of the scout team. Smith played in all 10 games in 2018 and made eight starts, finishing with 49 tackles, the third-most on the team and the most among returners, and three tackles for loss. Making plays on the ball, Smith broke up five passes and had three interceptions that he returned for 79 yards. He’s one of three projected senior starters in the Lions’ secondary.

Offensive line: Ethan McMullan

Special teams: Joe Gurley

The 6-foot-3, 278-pound junior from DeCatur, Mississippi, transferred from East Central Community College in the offseason. McMullan came in with the intention to help shore up a young offensive line that features six underclassmen on the two-deep. He’s currently listed as the starting right tackle on a line that includes one grad transfer, two players coming off a redshirt and one player who started six games for UNA last year.

McMullan played quarterback, tight end, linebacker and long snapper in high school, and was a state champion tennis player.

The 6-foot-2, 216-pound junior from Killen, Alabama, handles both field goals and punts for North Alabama. Gurley was named the Big South special teams player of the week following the season opener in which he made a pair of field goals, including a long of 48 yards. In that game, he averaged 40 yards on seven punts with a long of 54 yards and placed two of them inside the 20-yard line. Gurley had primarily handled punting duties and occasionally kickoff duties each of the past two seasons. True freshman Sam Contorno handled kickoffs in the first game.

10 | Saturday, September 7, 2019

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No. Name Year Pos. 2 Cam Humphrey R-Jr. QB 2 Gavin Robertston R-Jr. S 3 Justin Calhoun R-Sr. CB 3 Jesse Owens Fr. WR 4 Nash Fouch R-Fr. S 4 Ryan Simpson Fr. WR 5 Kobey Eaton R-Sr. CB 5 Garrett Graves R-Fr. QB 6 Jace DeWalt Fr. WR 6 Jackson Pepe R-Fr. S 7 Dareon Nash R-Jr. CB 7 Gabe Sulser So. WR 8 Samori Toure R-Jr. WR 8 Corbin Walker Fr. CB 9 David Koppang R-Fr. S 10 Marcus Welnel R-So. LB 11 Cole Grossman Fr. LB 11 Dalton Sneed R-Sr. QB 12 Kris Brown Fr. QB 12 Marcus Hee Fr. S 13 Josh Sandry R-Sr. S 14 Ryan Arntson Jr. RB 14 Michael McGinnis R-So. S 15 Retired in Honor of Dave Dickenson 16 Jerry Louie-McGee R-Sr. WR 17 Robby Hauck R-So. S 17 Keelan White Fr. WR 18 Samuel Akem R-Jr. WR 18 Jace Schneider R-Fr. S 19 Malik Flowers R-So. WR 19 Nick Guerena Fr. S 20 Gavin Crow R-Jr. S 20 Nick Ostmo Fr. RB 21 Marcus Knight So. RB 22 Retired in Honor of Terry Dillon 23 Josh Egbo R-Jr. CB 24 Elias DeWaters Fr. RB 25 Adam Eastwood R-So. RB 26 Trevin Gradney Fr. CB 27 Kadeem Hemphill R-Sr. CB 28 Keynan Foster R-Sr. CB 29 Mykal Tolliver R-Jr. CB 30 Ryder Meyer Fr. S 31 Trase Le Texier R-Jr. FB 32 Drew Turner R-Fr. RB 33 Dante Olson R-Sr. LB 34 Jace Lewis R-Jr. LB 35 Braxton Hill Fr. LB 36 Levi Janacaro R-Fr. RB 37 Jesse Sims R-Sr. DT 38 Max Feight Fr. S 39 Brandon Purdy R-Jr. KP 40 Kale Edwards Fr. LB 41 Gabe Peppenger R-Jr. KP 42 Soane Vaohea Jr. LB 43 Mason Vinyard R-Jr. LB 44 Ryan Tirrell Fr. LB 45 Vika Fa’atuiese R-Sr. DE 46 Jed Nagler R-Jr. LB 47 Cole Rosling R-Jr. DT 48 Caine Fitiausi-Fung Fr. LB 49 Matthew O’Donoghue R-Jr. LS 50 Johnny Barthel Fr. OL 52 Michael Matthews R-So. LB 53 Lorenzo Brown R-Fr. DE 54 Tyler Flink R-Fr. LB 55 Alex Hurlburt Fr. DE 56 Joe Babros R-Jr. DE 57 Garrison Poetzl Fr. DL 58 Patrick O’Connell R-So. LB 59 Milton Mamula R-Fr. DE 60 Dillon Botner Fr. OL/ATH 61 Adam Wilson Sr. KP 62 Dylan Eickmeyer R-Jr. OG 63 Trevor Welnel R-Fr. OT 64 Dylan Cook R-So. OT 65 Gerrit Bloemendaal R-Fr. OG 66 Cy Sirmon R-Sr. C 67 Tyler Ganoung R-Fr. OG 68 Cody Kanouse So. OG 69 Dumitru Salagor Fr. OL 70 Skyler Martin R-So. OG 71 Kordell Pillans R-Jr. OG 72 Conor Quick R-Fr. C 73 Colin Dreis Fr. OL 74 Angel Villanueva R-Sr. OG 75 Sean Anderson R-Fr. OT 76 Colton Keintz R-So. OT 77 Moses Mallory Jr. OG 78 Conlan Beaver R-Jr. OT 79 Easi Longoria R-Jr. OG 80 Mitch Roberts R-So. WR 81 Matt Rensvold R-So. TE 82 Carver Gilman Fr. KP 83 Nick Germer R-Fr. WR 84 Joey Elwell Fr. TE 85 Danny Burton Jr. WR 86 Colten Curry R-Fr. TE 87 Bryson Deming R-So. TE 88 Colin Bingham R-Sr. TE 89 Noah Ambuehl Fr. TE 90 Zane Whiting So. DE 91 Eli Alford So. DT 92 Jacob McGourin Fr. DL 93 Braydon Deming R-So. DE 95 Brian Buschini Fr. KP 96 Ryder Rice R-Sr. DE 97 RJ Nelson R-So. DE 99 Alex Gubner R-Fr. DT

Hgt. 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-2 5-9 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-1 5-7 6-3

Wt. 194 208 184 169 203 183 170 202 164 194 190 165 190 165 2-1 230 220 216 204 178 210 181 208

Hometown Issaquah, Wash.

Auburn, Wash.

Long Beach, Calif.

Billings, Mont.

Woodinville, Wash.

Bozeman, Mont.

Vancouver, Wash.

Eureka, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Covina, Calif.

Billings, Mont.

Portland, Ore. Renton, Wash.

Missoula, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Vancouver, Wash.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Bozeman, Mont.

Honolulu, Hawaii Bigfork, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Sidney, Mont.

5-9 5-10 6-2 6-4 5-8 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-1

171 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 185 Missoula, Mont.

181 North Vancouver, B.C. 201 Broken Arrow, Okla.

176 Bellevue, Wash.

195 Fontana, Calif.

184 Encinitas, Calif.

216 Kennewick, Wash.

215 Portland, Ore. 194 San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

6-2 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-5 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-7 6-5 6-7 6-8 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-7 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-0 6-6 6-4 6-3

190 Gilbert, Ariz.

172 Missoula, Mont.

215 Del Mar, Calif.

180 Billings, Mont.

190 Chicago, Ill. 165 Mill Creek, Wash.

175 Bellflower, Calif.

170 Fairfield, Mont.

240 Boulder, Mont.

218 Kalispell, Mont.

240 Medford, Ore. 230 Townsend, Mont.

225 Anaconda, Mont.

230 Missoula, Mont.

280 Stevensville, Mont.

188 Whitehall, Mont.

176 Kalispell, Mont.

220 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 206 Missoula, Mont.

228 Kihei, Hawaii 240 El Cajon, Calif.

204 Missoula, Mont.

241 Vista, Calif.

23- Whitefish, Mont.

264 Helena, Mont.

197 Honolulu, Hawaii 250 Santa Ana, Calif.

262 Bellevue, Wash.

218 Camas, Wash.

235 Las Vegas, Nev. 216 Missoula, Mont.

234 Salem, Ore. 243 Mission Viejo, Calif.

244 Billings, Mont.

225 Kalispell, Mont.

230 Newtown Square, Penn.

224 Whitefish, Mont.

185 San Diego, Calif.

290 Tucson, Ariz.

270 Helena, Mont.

285 Butte, Mont.

296 Great Falls, Mont.

290 Wenatchee, Wash.

320 Hillsboro, Ore. 318 Gig Harbor, Wash.

265 Vancouver, Wash.

284 Vancouver, Wash.

333 Kodiak, Alaska 278 Helena, Mont.

228 Tucson, Ariz.

301 Duarte, Calif.

301 Litchfield Park, Ariz.

3-4 Missoula, Mont.

350 Herriman, Utah 301 Fredericksburg, Va. 320 Caldwell, Idaho 200 Missoula, Mont.

248 Polson, Mont.

179 Whitefish, Mont.

190 Missoula, Mont.

237 Meridian, Idaho 172 Helena, Mont.

220 Valier, Mont.

248 Billings, Mont.

248 Missoula, Mont.

248 Great Falls, Mont.

215 Queen Creek, Ariz.

285 Park City, Utah 236 Cheney, Wash.

258 Billings, Mont.

191 Helena, Mont.

215 Savage, Mont.

240 Hillsboro, Ore. 285 West Hills, Calif.

MONTANA STARTING OFFENSE

RB 25 Adam Eastwood

QB 11 Dalton Sneed

NORTH ALABAMA ROSTER NORTH ALABAMA STARTING DEFENSE

CB 1 A.J. Bracey

WR 8 Samori Toure

TE 88 Colin Bingham

Missoulian

LT 78 Conlan Beaver

DE 92 Charlie Ryan

LG 74 Angel Villanueva

WLB 36 Jakob Cummings

SS 12 K.J. Smith

MLB 16 Jalen Dread

DT 96 Brady Owensby

C 66 Cy Sirmon

DT 99 Brodric Martin

67 Tyler Ganoung

SLB 44 Will Evans

DE 10 Wallace Cowins

RT 76 Colton Keintz

FS 5 D’Andre Hart

WR 16 Jerry Louie-McGee WR 18 Sammy Akem

K 39 Brandon Purdy

CB 4 Will Singleton

MONTANA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE QB WR WR WR TE RB

2 80 19 7 87 21

LT LG C RG RT

Cam Humphrey, Jr. Mitch Roberts, R-So. Malik Flowers, So. Gabe Sulser, So. Bryson Deming, So. Marcus Knight, So.

75 77 70 71 64

Sean Anderson, R-Fr. Moses Mallory, Jr. Skyler Martin, So. Kordell Pillans, Jr. Dylan Cook, So.

NORTH ALABAMA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE DT DT DE SLB MLB

39 95 93 94 32 19

Devonte Toles, So. Jbril Glaze, So. Khamari Brown, R-Fr. Drew Beddingfield, R-Fr. Nate Reed, R-Fr. Kendric Haynes, So.

MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE GRIZ 17 Robby Hauck

LB 33 Dante Olson

DE 56 Joe Babros NT 37 -OR- 91 Jesse Sims -OR- Eli Alford

LB 34 Jace Lewis

S2 Gavin Robertson

WLB CB CB SS FS

30 13 3 23 29

Caleb Dawson, Fr. David Swen, Sr. Chase Brown, R-Fr. Jarrod Reedus, R-Sr. Jeffery Battle, R-So.

NORTH ALABAMA STARTING OFFENSE CB 3 Justin Calhoun

S 13 Josh Sandry

P 88 Joe Gurley

DT 99 Alex Gubner REB 96 Ryder Rice

WR 15 Dexter Boykin

WR 8 Cortez Hall

RT 78 Ethan McMullan RG 58 Jake Whitehead C 54 Eli Cazola

QB 6 Christian Lopez

RB 2 Ron Thompson

LG 62 Jacob Gentle LT 50 Zach Davis WR 11 Andre Little

CB 7 Dareon Nash

P 61 Adam Wilson

WR 9 Jakobi Byrd

MONTANA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE DE REB LB LB

93 45 46 10 52

Braydon Deming, So. Vika Fa’atuiese, Sr. Jed Nagler, Jr. Marcus Welnel, So. Michael Matthews, So..

CB CB GRIZ S S

8 28 20 14 4

Corbin Walker, Fr. Keynan Foster, Sr. Gavin Crow, Jr. Michael McGinnis, So. Nash Fouch, R-Fr.

K 88 Joe Gurley

NORTH ALABAMA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE QB QB RB RB WR WR

18 7 21 24 14 83

Rett Files, R-Fr. Blake Dever, R-Jr. Terence Humphrey, R-Sr. Ja’Won Howell, R-Fr. Israel Washington, R-Fr. Jack Peavey, Jr.

WR LT LG C RG RT

85 70 75 55 74 71

Cameron Turner, R-So. Nathan Brown, Fr. Brody Collier, So. Dawson Cazola, R-So. Noah Stern, R-Jr. David Woodruff, R-So.

‌No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 58 61 62 63 65 66 70 71 74 75 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 99

Name A.J. Bracey Ron Thompson Chase Brown Will Singleton D’Andre Hart Christian Lopez Blake Dever Cortez Hall Jakobi Byrd Wallace Cowins Jr Andre Little K.J. Smith David Swen Israel Washington Dexter Boykin Jalen Dread Duncan Hodges Rett Files Kendric Haynes Camyen Feagins Terence Humphrey Tyler Price Jarrod Reedus Ja’Won Howell C.J. Sturdivant Jaxton Carson Gerrell Green Jeffery Battle Caleb Dawson Lyndon Harris Nate Reed Jordan Robinson Creed Parker Jakob Terry Jakob Cummings Sam Contorno Davares Jones-Brown Devonte Toles Mark Robinson Tyler Antkowiak Will Evans Andrew Freeman Grayson Easterling Colby Knoblock Austin Underwood Zach Davis Cody Mann Tarelle Lett Eli Cazola Dawson Cazola Jake Whitehead Russ Green Jacob Gentle Nate Thompson Trent Grisham Jakobi Lewis Nathan Brown David Woodruff Noah Stern Brody Collier Daniel Raybon Ethan McMullan Takairee Kenebrew Parker Driggers E.J. Rogers Jack Peavey Avery Moates Cameron Turner Kenny Rawls Corson Swan Joe Gurley Rashad Nelson Hasani Adams Kedarius Davis Charlie Ryan Khamari Brown Drew Beddingfield Jbril Glaze Brady Owensby Ryan Taylor Brodric Martin

Year Sr. Jr. R-Fr. R-So. Sr. Sr. R-Jr. R-So. R-So. Jr. R-So. Sr. Sr. WR R-So. Sr. Jr. R-Fr. So. Fr. R-Sr. R-Fr. R-Sr. R-Fr. R-So. So. R-So. R-So. Fr. R-Jr. R-Fr. Sr. Fr. R-Jr. R-Fr. Fr. R-Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. R-So. Fr. Sr. R.Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. R-Fr. So. Jr. Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-So. Fr. R-So. R-Jr. R-So. Fr. Jr. R-Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. R-Fr. So. Fr. So. Jr. R-Jr. Fr. R-So. So. R-Fr. R-Fr. So. R-Sr. R-Fr. R-So.

Pos. DB RB DB CB S QB QB WR WR DE WR DB DB R-Fr. WR LB QB QB LB DB RB RB DB RB RB RB DB S LB DB DB DB S FB LB K LB DE DL DE LB LB K DL LS OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR WR WR TE TE K/P WR DL DE DL DL DL DL DL DL DE

Hgt. 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-8 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-2 5-7 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-6 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-5

Wt. 184 193 170 171 206 197 257 214 190 240 174 187 190 206 188 221 230 235 215 177 229 211 191 200 206 221 166 186 218 184 208 216 200 236 221 175 236 238 267 226 234 218 161 241 237 308 303 282 243 292 307 260 277 322 333 243 254 369 295 297 330 278 185 191 173 189 160 212 233 223 216 191 351 280 261 299 248 311 276 303 329

Hometown Raymond, Miss.

Bassfield, Miss.

Hoover, Ala. Hoover, Ala. Pinson, Ala. Henderson, Nev. Wellington, Fla. Hoover, Ala. Florence, Ala. Conyers, Ga. Anchorage, Alaska Perry, Ga. Philadelphia, Pa. Franklin, La. Fairfield, Ala. Foley, Ala. Kimberly, Ala. Gulf Shores, Ala. Mobile, Ala. Phenix City, Ala. Huntsville, Ala. Montgomery, Ala. Birmingham, Ala. Lanett, Ala. Hoover, Ala. Phenix City, Ala. Birmingham, Ala. Birmingham, Ala. Goshen, Ala. Jasper, Ala. Florence, Ala. Gilbert, Ariz.

Trussville, Ala. Moulton, Ala. Auburn, Ala. Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tuscaloosa, Ala. Pass Christian, Miss.

West Memphis, Ark. Trussville, Ala. Haleyville, Ala. Birmingham, Ala. West Point, Miss.

Red Bay, Ala. Tuscumbia, Ala. Rogersville, Ala. Winfield, Ala. Mobile, Ala. Gardendale, Ala. Gardendale, Ala. Pisgah, Ala. Jasper, Ala. Florence, Ala. Milton, Ga. Athens, Ala. Sheffield, Ala. Spanish Fort, Ala. Winfield, Ala. Huntsville, Ala. Madison, Ala. Olive Branch, Miss.

Decatur, Miss.

Childersburg, Ala. Brantley, Ala. Wetumpka, Ala. Ocford, Ala. Florence, Ala. Conyers, Ga. Franklin, Tenn.

Spanish Fort, Ala. Killen, Ala. Madison, Ala. West Memphis, Ark. Suwanee, Ga. Montgomery, Ala. Hoover, Ala. Elkmont, Ala. Tampa, Fla. Gardendale, Ala. Loganville, Ga. Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Saturday, September 7, 2019 | 11

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE MISSING AT UM Just like the Griz football team, the Missoulian goes long, wide and deep in its coverage of the University of Montana

Each week we compile our UM coverage, plus links to other higher education stories, into a lively email newsletter called

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12

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

| SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019

MISSOULIAN

HOW WE SEE THE BIG SKY BILL SPELTZ

bill.speltz@missoulian.com

It must be a challenge, identity wise, playing college football for North Alabama.

It’s kind of like appearing in the same movie as Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

Or maybe playing the same rock concert as Pearl Jam and Metallica.

I can about imagine the conversations that go on between North Alabama players and the unknowing public.

“Oh, you play college football in Alabama? Well we love the Crimson Tide!

What’s that? You don’t play there? Well we love those Auburn Tigers! Nice win over Oregon last week!”

Second-fiddle status aside, the North Alabama Lions are making a name for themselves on the FCS level. You remember that Western Illinois team that beat Bobby Hauck’s Griz last year? Well the Lions beat them 26-17 last week in Florence, Alabama.

That’s right, the Lions are from Florence. Geez, if the Griz lose to a team from Florence, will they ever hear the end of it?

By the way, not to toot my own horn, but did anyone else notice I picked the score of last week’s 31-17 Griz win on the nose? That never happens, so I’m bringing it up now that it has happened.

North Alabama at No. 22 Montana: This is going to be fun. Maybe even a shootout.

The Lions have proven they can move the ball effectively with the run and pass. The Griz defense will be tested. I’ll give the nod to Montana, but only because the game will be played in front of 25,000 friendly fans.

Speltz: Montana 35, North Alabama 31.

Gogola: Montana 38, North Alabama 28.

Hansen: Montana 38, North Alabama 33.

Houghtaling: Grizzly Bears 34, Lions 30.

No. 12 SE Missouri State at No. 13 Montana St.: There’s a little place south of Cape Girardeau, home of SE Missouri State, that prides itself on being the home of the throwed rolls. It’s called Lambert’s Cafe and Elvis reportedly ate there once. They actually throw warm rolls at you. Then you eat them with molasses and they’re terrific.

SEMO threw for 248 yards and ran for 281 last week in a home win over Southern Illinois. They’ll test the Cats but I like MSU to win at home. Speltz: Cats 30, SEMO 27. Go-

Bill Speltz

10-0

Kyle Houghtaling

9-1

Frank Gogola

9-1

Kyle Hansen

10-0

North Alabama senior strong safety K.J. Smith plays during a football game. The Lions come to Missoula to face Montana in the Grizzlies’ home opener.

NORTH ALABAMA ATHLETICS

gola: Montana State 31, SEMO 28. Hansen: MSU 28, SEMO 24. Houghtaling: Redhawks 31, Bobcats 24.

Lindenwood at No. 4 Eastern Washington: Lindenwood is an NCAA Division II team from St. Charles, Missouri. That’s a long way to travel to get humbled on the red turf in Cheney. Speltz: Eagles 52, Lindenwood 14. Gogola: EWU 49, Lindenwood 13. Hansen: Eastern Washington 45, Lindenwood 7. Houghtaling: Eagles 51, Lions 10.

No. Colorado at No. 22 Washington State: The Bears will get buried in Pullman, Washington. Speltz: Wazzu 56, UNC 10. Gogola: Washington State 59, Northern

Colorado 13. Hansen: WSU 56, No. Colorado 7. Houghtaling: Cougs 44, Bears 14.

No. 5 UC Davis at San Diego: Last Saturday the Toreros, a non-scholarship FCS program, lost at Cal Poly, 52-34. Based on that result, I’m picking Davis to win handily.

Speltz: Aggies 41, San Diego 21. Gogola: UC Davis 53, San Diego 28. Hansen: Davis 45, San Diego 14. Houghtaling: Aggies 40, Toreros 30.

Simon Fraser at Portland St.: The Vikings represented the Big Sky well last week, losing 20-13 at Arkansas. This week they’ll represent the United States well with a win over their Canadian counterpart. Speltz:

PSU 28, Simon Fraser 13. Gogola: Portland State 34, Simon Fraser 17. Hansen: Portland State 30, Simon Fraser 14. Houghtaling: Vikings 27, Clan 10.

So. Utah at No. 11 Northern Iowa: The Panthers lost a 29-26 overtime heartbreaker at Iowa State last week. They’ll bounce back and get their first win Saturday. Speltz: Northern Iowa 28, Thunderbirds 20. Gogola: Northern Iowa 42, Southern Utah 21.

Hansen: Northern Iowa 28, So. Utah 14.

Houghtaling: Panthers 32, T-Birds 17.

Central Washington at Idaho: The Vandals only lost by 72 points last week at Penn State. What a joke. Games like that should never be played. This week Idaho is the favorite but don’t expect a blowout. Speltz: Vandals 35, Central Washington 28. Gogola: Idaho 31, CWU 21. Hansen: Idaho 20, Central Washington 17. Houghtaling: Vandals 35, Wildcats 21.

Cal Poly at No. 7 Weber St.: Like Portland State, Weber State did the Big Sky proud in a 6-0 loss at San Diego State last week. The Mustangs will test the Wildcats this week but Weber will win at home.

Speltz: Wildcats 38, Mustangs 35. Gogola: Weber State 24, Cal Poly 17. Hansen: Weber State 35, Cal Poly 14. Houghtaling: Wildcats 25, Mustangs 22.

Northern Arizona at Arizona: The Wildcats lost to Hawaii last week so they’re going to be extra hungry to redeem themselves.

That spells bad news for the upset-minded Jacks. Speltz: Arizona 61, NAU 20. Gogola: Arizona 45, Northern Arizona 28. Hansen: Arizona 56, NAU 10. Houghtaling: Wildcats 55, Jacks 24.

Bill Speltz is in his 13th year as Missoulian Sports Columnist. He also guides the sports dept., scheduling day-to-day coverage. Do you have a story idea? Email Bill at bill. speltz@missoulian.com.

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

14 | Saturday, September 7, 2019

GRIZ TRIVIA

The top 25 teams in the STATS Football Championship Subdivision poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sept. 1, points and previous rank: Rec Pts Pvs‌ 1-0 3983 1 13. Montana State 0-1 3719 2 14. Indiana State 0-1 3658 3 15. North Carolina A&T 0-1 3398 4 16. Illinois State 0-1 3258 5 17. Furman 1-0 3167 7 18. Jacksonville State 0-1 2909 8 19. Wofford 1-0 2641 11 20. Central Arkansas 1-0 2612 10 21. Delaware 0-1 2031 12 22. Montana 0-1 1884 18 23. Southeastern Louisiana 1-0 1696 17 24. Villanova 25. Sam Houston State

Rec Pts Pvs‌ 0-1 1568 14 0-1 1531 16 1-0 1512 20 0-1 1473 15 1-0 1434 19 0-1 1298 6 0-1 1176 9 1-0 1055 NR 1-0 1022 22 1-0 781 25 1-0 746 NR 1-0 535 NR 0-1 518 23

Others: Princeton 401, Elon 325, Stony Brook 264, Colgate 247, Eastern Kentucky 203, S.C. State 161, Duquesne 124, Dartmouth 106, ETSU 103, McNeese 70, Chattanooga 65, Alcorn State 48, Northern Arizona 41, New Hampshire 32, Monmouth 31, Richmond 29, Mercer 26, Yale 26, Lamar 21, The Citadel 21, Cal Poly 18, San Diego 15, Youngstown State 8, Incarnate Word 6, Idaho State 1, North Dakota 1, Sacramento State 1, Wagner 1. missoulian.com

‌1. Montana has won 15 consecutive home openers, last losing in 2003. Which team beat the Griz that year, Bobby Hauck’s first as head coach? a) Maine b) North Dakota State c) Sam Houston State d) Hofstra

2. Montana quarterback Dalton Sneed and North Alabama quarterback Christian Lopez both started out at the same college. Where was that? a) UNLV b) Fort Scott Community College c) Mesa Community College d) Sacramento State

3. North Alabama is the second-winningest program in the state of Alabama since 1990. Which team is the only one ahead of the Lions? a) Auburn b) Jacksonville State c) Samford d) Alabama Answers: 1) B. 2) A. 3) D.

‌STATS FCS TOP 25

1. North Dakota State (148) 2. James Madison (11) 3. South Dakota State 4. Eastern Washington (1) 5. UC Davis 6. Maine 7. Weber State 8. Towson 9. Kennesaw State 10. Nicholls 11. Northern Iowa 12. Southeast Missouri State

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Saturday, September 7, 2019 | 15

AROUND THE BIG SKY Lindenwood (0-0) at No. 4 Eastern Washington (0-1)‌

Last Meeting: Portland State won, 28-21, Cal Poly (1-0) at in 1982.

No. 7 Weber State (0-1)‌ The Coaches: Bruce Barnum, an Eastern Washington alum, is in his fifth season coachSaturday, 2 p.m. MT Saturday, 6 p.m. MT ing Portland State. Thomas Ford, a Linfield ColCheney, Washington Ogden, Utah lege alum, is in his second season coaching at Roos Field Stewart Stadium Simon Fraser.

(8,600 Red Sprinturf) (17,500 FieldTurf) Notes: Portland State went on the road and SWX/Pluto TV Pluto TV almost shocked the college football world last Series History: This is the first meeting beSeries History: Weber State leads the allweekend when the Vikings narrowly lost to tween Lindenwood and Eastern Washington. time series, 8-6.

SEC Arkansas, 20-13. Simon Fraser, a Division The Coaches: Aaron Best is in his third year Last Meeting: Weber State won, 24-17, in II school, went 1-9 last season. coaching Eastern Washington, his alma mater.

2018.

Jed Stugart is in his third year as the head The Coaches: Jay Hill, a Utah alum, enters coach at Lindenwood.

Central Washington (0-0) his sixth season coaching Weber State. Tim Notes: Eastern fell to Pac-12 foe WashingWalsh, a UC Riverside alum, is in his 11th year at Idaho (0-1)‌ ton, 47-14, in Seattle last weekend. The Eagles coaching Cal Poly. will look for their first win of the season when Notes: In the first Big Sky Conference Saturday, 7 p.m. MT they welcome Lindenwood to Cheney. Lindenmatchup of the season, Cal Poly and Weber Moscow, Idaho wood is a Division II football school and went State both enter with momentum. The MusKibbie Dome 4-7 last season. Saturday’s game serves as Lintangs defeated San Diego, 52-34, last week to (16,000 MatrixTurf) denwood’s season opener. open the season with a win. Weber State went Pluto TV Series History: This is the first meeting be- toe-to-toe with an FBS opponent, narrowly losing to San Diego State, 6-0.

Northern Colorado (0-1) at tween Idaho and Central Washington.

FBS No. 22 Washington State (1-0)‌ Saturday, 2 p.m. MT Pullman, Washington Martin Stadium (32,952 FieldTurf) Pac-12 Networks Series History: This is the first meeting between Washington State and Northern Colorado.

The Coaches: Earnest Collins Jr. is in his ninth season coaching at Northern Colorado, his alma mater. Mike Leach, a BYU alum, is in his eighth season as the head coach at Washington State.

Notes: For the second straight week Northern Colorado will take on an FBS opponent. Last week UNC fell to San Jose State, 35-18. Washington State opened up the 2019 campaign with a 58-7 victory over New Mexico State.

The Coaches: Paul Petrino, a Carroll College alum, is in his seventh season coaching Idaho.

Chris Fisk, a University of Jamestown alum, is in his first season as the head coach at Central Washington.

Notes: Idaho lost to Penn State 79-7 last weekend in a game where the Vandals were paid $1.45 million to play in. Central Washington, a Division II school, went 8-3 last season.

North Alabama (1-0) at No. 22 Montana (1-0)‌

Series History: Northern Iowa leads the all-time series, 5-1.

Last Meeting: Southern Utah won, 24-21, in 2017.

The Coaches: Demario Warren, a UC Davis alum, enters his fourth season as the head coach at Southern Utah. Mark Farley is in his 19th season as the head coach at Northern Iowa, his alma mater.

Notes: Southern Utah fell at FBS UNLV last weekend, 56-23, while Northern Iowa almost defeated FBS Iowa State on the road. The Cyclones, then ranked No. 21, topped the Panthers 29-26 in three overtimes.

No. 5 UC Davis (0-1) at San Diego (0-1)‌ Saturday, 3 p.m. MT San Diego, California Torero Stadium (6,000 Grass) WCC Network Series History: UC Davis leads the all-time series, 6-1.

Last Meeting: UC Davis won, 54-21, in 2018.

The Coaches: Dan Hawkins enters his third season as the head coach at UC Davis, his alma mater. Dale Lindsey, a Western Kentucky alum, is in his seventh year coaching San Diego.

Notes: UC Davis fell at Pac-12 school Cal, 2713, to open the season. San Diego was defeated

by Cal Poly, 52-34.

Saturday, 7 p.m. MT Missoula, Montana Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217 Field Turf) ABC Fox Montana Series History: This is the first meeting beNo. 12 Southeast Missouri tween Montana and North Alabama.

Northern Arizona (1-0) at The Coaches: Bobby Hauck is in his second State (1-0) at season of his second stint coaching Montana, Arizona (0-1)‌ No. 13 Montana State (0-1)‌ his alma mater. It’s Hauck’s ninth season overall Saturday, 7:45 p.m. MT coaching the Grizzlies. Chris Willis is in his third Saturday, 6 p.m. MT Tucson, Arizona year as North Alabama’s head coach and his Bozeman, Montana Arizona Stadium 18th season with the program.

Bobcat Stadium (55,675 FieldTurf) Notes: Montana raced past South Da(17.777 FieldTurf) Pac-12 Networks kota, 31-17, last weekend to open the season SWX Montana/Fox Series History: Arizona leads the all-time 1-0. Quarterback Dalton Sneed passed for a Series History: This is the first meeting be- career-high 430 yards in the win. North Ala- series, 13-1. tween Montana State and Southeast Missouri bama comes to Missoula after beating Western Last Meeting: Arizona won, 62-24, in 2017.

State.

The Coaches: Chris Ball, a Missouri Western Illinois, 26-17.

Simon Fraser (0-0) at The Coaches: Jeff Choate, a Montana State alum, is in his first season as the head Western alum, is in his fourth season coachcoach at NAU. Kevin Sumlin, a Purdue alum, Portland State (0-1)‌ Southern Utah (0-1) at ing Montana State. Tom Matukewicz is in his is in his second season as the head coach of Saturday, 3 p.m. MT sixth season as the head coach at Southeast the Wildcats.

Northern Iowa (0-1)‌ Hillsboro, Oregon Missouri State.

Notes: Northern Arizona opened the seaSaturday, 3 p.m. MT Hillsboro Stadium Notes: The Bobcats opened up the season son with a 37-23 victory over Missouri State Cedar Falls, Iowa (7,200 Field Turf) on the road, where they lost to Big 12 opponent University as Case Cookus threw for 290 yards UNI-Dome Texas Tech, 45-10. Southeast Missouri State deand two scores. Arizona fell to Hawaii 45-38 in Pluto TV (16,324 Mondoturf) Series History: Portland State leads the feated Southern Illinois, 44-26, to begin the its opener as the Wildcats were stopped on the all-time series, 8-2.

ESPN 3 2019 season with a win.

1-yard line on the final play of the game.

16 | Saturday, September 7, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

TOM BAUER, MISSOULIAN‌

South Dakota’s Bakhari Goodson, left, breaks up a pass intended for Montana’s Samuel Akem last Saturday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota. Goodson drew a pass interference penalty on the play.

G

Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Saturday, September 7, 2019 | 19

TOM BAUER, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana running back Marcus Knight, left, avoids South Dakota’s Cori Fant Jr. last Saturday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota. Knight scored a touchdown on the play.

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