Grizzly Game Day Sept. 28, 2019

MONTANA AT UC DAVIS • KICKOFF: 2 P.M. MT • TV: ROOT SPORTS • SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 2019

HEMPHILL AIMS HIGH Diverse experiences shape Kadeem Hemphill’s outlook

BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN

Q&A: BRYSON DEMING • PICKS: THE STAFF PICKS THE BIG SKY • PLAYERS TO WATCH: UC DAVIS

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2 | Saturday, September 28, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

‘Embrace the grind’

Missoulian

Senior cornerback takes lessons from 4 colleges in 5 years

FRANK GOGOLA

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

Montana senior Kadeem Hemphill tells people he’s from California.

When he’s spent the first two-plus decades of his life moving from North Carolina to Detroit to Chicago to California to New York and now to Montana, with multiple stops at some of those destinations, he hasn’t stayed in one place for too long.

He feels the most at home in California, where the Griz will play when they open Big Sky Conference action against UC Davis at 2 p.m. MT Saturday in Davis, California, about 90 minutes from where he lived and still has residency.

“People always ask you where you’re from, and I have all these cities, and I’ve embraced them all, but I think I’m a California kid at heart,” Hemphill said.

“So, this is kind of a homecoming for me.”

With the constant moving, what Hemphill lacks in long-term entrenchment he makes up for with wide-ranging, diverse experiences that have helped shape his perspective on life.

Dealing with the adversity of adapting to new environments, he’s discovered how impactful coaches can be in his life. He feels helping other athletes directly or indirectly is the path he wants to follow beyond his college playing days, which will end at Montana, his fourth stop in five seasons and BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN‌ the first place where he’s spent more than one year.

Montana senior cornerback Kadeem Hemphill watches from the sideline during the game between the Griz and Monmouth at Washington“I have high regard for guys that walk Grizzly Stadium on Saturday. on to the program and try to earn their way onto the field and stick with it,” said coaching route.” embrace my role. I loved the school, but I Hemphill knows quite a bit about trans- didn’t really enjoy it as much because I was Montana coach Bobby Hauck, who gave ferring. After starting high school in Chi- like, ‘Man, I should be at a D-I right now.’ him that opportunity. “He’s done that. I Jersey number: 27 admire him for that. cago, he and his brother moved out to I think the biggest thing I learned there is Year: Redshirt senior California to live with their grandfather just embrace it.”

“Like all of our guys, I hope they think when their mother was working outside that their football experience makes them The Hemphill brothers transferred to Position: Cornerback better people moving forward and more the country. They moved back to Chicago, FBS San Jose State, where they spent a year Height: 6-foot attended a different high school and later before leaving. Kadeem was going to attend prepared to be successful.” returned to California at a fourth high Division II Wayne State in Detroit prior to Weight: 190 ‘Embrace the grind’‌ school, where they graduated.

Montana offering a walk-on opportunity Hometown: Novato, Hemphill’s goal for the future is to beKadeem and Jalen, star football players alongside his brother. He sat out last year California come a college athletic director. and track athletes in high school, opted to since he transferred in late but has had the He’s currently working on solidifying an attend Army to play football. They spent chance to earn playing time this season.

High School: Novato High School internship in Stanford’s athletic departtheir first year there as redshirts but soon “Also just with college, don’t try to jump ment. With that goal, Hemphill has been after decided to transfer back to California ahead, don’t try to be a professional right watching more sports like tennis and golf from them first hand. It’s basically just and went to Santa Rosa Junior College. now,” Hemphill said of the lessons he’s to learn all the sports involved in the full working in compliance, which deals with “When I was at the junior college for a learned. “Go with the flow. Just enjoy your college experience. transfers and stuff like that. That’s what little bit, I really enjoyed it there,” Hemp- time because there’s so many people who “I love sports, love being around sports,” I want to get in with that aspect first al- hill said, “but being a bounceback from a Hemphill said. “I’ll be able to go and learn though some athletic directors go the D-I and going to a junior college, I didn’t Please see HEMPHILL, Page 6

Kadeem Hemphill

Saturday, September 28, 2019 | 3

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Bryson Deming gaining confidence Billings West grad improving for Griz, scores first two TDs

Bryson Deming Jersey number: 87 Year: Redshirt sophomore

FRANK GOGOLA

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

‌Montana sophomore tight end Bryson Deming scored his first career touchdown this past Saturday — and then he scored again.

The Billings West grad has caught six passes for 69 yards with a long of 23 yards in four games this season. He’s roughly halfway to matching the numbers he put up in his first season, when he had 10 catches for 140 yards in 2018, and he has at least eight games left this year.

Deming, standing at 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, has been primarily used as a blocker, something he embraces doing. If the offensive line continues to improve and tight ends aren’t need as much to help block, he could possibly see his opportunities to catch passes increase.

Meet Bryson Deming:

Q: Can you walk me through the first touchdown catch against Monmouth and what the feeling was like for you to finally score and do it in front of the home crowd?

A: It was awesome. I couldn’t be happier. Just from the play at the start, I knew I had an opportunity to go down the field and get one. The backside safety rolled to our three-receiver side and there was nobody there. The only thing I was thinking was ‘just catch it.’

Q: Your second score sealed up the game and came in tight coverage. What do you recall about that play?

A: We were driving the ball well and capped off the drive how we wanted to. It’s six points. I was excited about that one, too. We had another kid open as well. It could have went either way.

Q: You had playing time last year, so what did you learn and how do you feel you’ve

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

BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana tight end Bryson Deming catches a touchdown pass during the Grizzlies’ 47-27 win over Monmouth on Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. improved since then?

A: Just progressing as a player in all aspects, like blocking, being more physical, getting stronger because (you’re) getting thrown around a little bit when you’re just a freshman out there trying to hold your own, but you’ve got some work to do after the season’s over. Then running routes faster, always trying to create more and more separation, get yourself open and catch the ball and do something with the ball after you catch it.

Q: So you’re just feeling more confident?

A: Yeah. With a year under my belt, definitely helps out.

Q: You probably want to be catching multiple passes every week, so how do you balance that with the blocking duties you’re largely asked to do?

A: It’s just my role on the team.

I’ve embraced it. Blocking’s a huge part of the offense. Anything I can do to help the team,

whatever it is, I’ll do it.

Q: You played quarterback in high school, so what’s it been like catching passes now, and how do you think playing quarterback helped you with the move to tight end?

A: It’s a little different. It’s kind of nice because you know kind of what the quarterback’s thinking on a lot of the stuff, especially coverage-wise when you’re running, what spots are open and if you put yourself in his shoes, where he’s going to put the ball, you’re kind of on the same page as him.

Q: What have you learned from (senior tight end) Colin Bingham over the years?

A: Colin’s a great dude. He’s a very silly guy, makes you laugh a lot. But he is one of the hardest workers you’ve ever met. Me, personally, he’s helped me out a ton since I’ve been here. He’s taken me in and taught me everything I know. I’ve learned everything

from him. I’ve learned a lot from him. I can’t thank him enough.

Q: Some fun ones to close.

What’s your go-to music before a game?

A: Honestly, I don’t listen to music. I sit there and just kind of relax and try not to get nervous.

So I just try to get in the zone.

Q: So are you sitting there thinking to yourself or do you go talk with other guys in the locker room?

A: No, I’m kind of isolated. I sit there and think about the game and think about my assignments and just mentally prepare. Not a big music guy before games.

Q: If you could time travel, when and where would you travel, or who would you want to meet?

A: My great-grandfather. My dad always said he was a really cool dude. He passed away before we were born. If he’s anything like my great-grandma, I’d love him.

Q: What’s the one food you would never eat?

A: I do not like tomatoes. Tomatoes, they just ruin whatever it goes on or in.

Q: Do you have a nickname?

A: Because I have a twin, I’ve always been just Dems. People that can’t tell us apart, it’s just easy for them.

Q: If you could choose your own nickname, what would it be?

A: Something involving ‘fast’ because I’ve always wanted to be fast. I’m not really fast. If I could get the nickname and then the persona comes with it, I’d take that.

Q: Why jersey No. 87?

A: It’s just what they gave me when I came here. There’s nothing special to it.

Q: What’s it like playing for Bobby Hauck?

A: I love Coach Hauck. He’s just a great guy. He brings as much energy as we do. He gets after it. He gets after us. He holds us to a high standard. He doesn’t let us slip. He doesn’t let us lay off. It’s great. It’s what you want in a coach. He’s pushing us every day and has us moving towards our goals.

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

6 | Saturday, September 28, 2019

Hemphill From 2

would like to get the opportunity to go to any of those schools and the University of Montana and be able to be here. Some people just take that for granted.

“When I was at Army, it was a big change for me, so I didn’t know if I wanted to do it, so there was a lot of unknown. But embrace it. Just embrace the grind.”

Throughout all the moves, those changes have meant new coaches. The positive interactions he’s had with some, including at Montana, have made him think coaching could also be an avenue for him at which to start.

“I am a little bit motivated to coach lately just from being here,” Hemphill said. “I feel like you really as a coach have a huge effect on a kid’s life. I had some great coaches when I was in Chicago. Being with them, they really changed my life. I’ve had some coaches that weren’t always as helpful. I just know that being a coach you can impact somebody’s life a lot.”

As he chases that dream of being an athletic director or potentially a coach, Hemphill hopes to put to use the lessons he’s learned, as well as his degree in organizational communication.

“He’s gotten himself straightened out academically, and he’s going to graduate, if he’s on schedule, this December,” Hauck said. “I’m fired up for him in that regard because a year ago I didn’t necessarily know that was going to happen. So, good for him.”

‘He doesn’t quit’‌

Hemphill has played only on punt return this season, blocking a gunner, but he hopes his continued work can help him earn playing time on defense. He made big plays during the spring but hasn’t been able to crack the starting lineup for Hauck, who goes with the simple approach that the best players get playing time.

While Hemphill knows the opportunity to play in the NFL is dwindling, he’s not going to give it up until it’s truly over. After graduating, he’s planning to continue working out while doing his internship and

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then participate in Pro Day before the NFL Draft, like fellow Griz Caleb Hill, who took part in Pro Day despite not playing much in his senior season in 2018.

“I remember people were like, ‘Why are you doing a pro day? You didn’t even play,’” Hemphill said. “I remember telling Caleb, ‘You worked for this thing for your whole life, just go do it,’ He ended up getting an opportunity with the Red Sox for baseball, but I really appreciated that he did that.

He’s somebody I really look up to with having the courage to do that.”

Throughout this season, Hemphill has been practicing and playing for twin brother Jalen, who left the Griz after spring camp. This is their first year ever not playing together.

“The part that motivates me the most is my brother’s not out here doing it,” Hemphill said. “Because he’s not out here, I know he’d want to be here and he’d be wanting to work hard and play. When I get tired, I’m like, ‘Let me do this rep for him,’ because I know how much he wants to be here.”

While Hemphill’s playing time hasn’t been what he likes, his hard work doesn’t

Missoulian

go unnoticed.

“He’s a really good dude,” said fellow defensive back Robby Hauck. “He’s well mannered. He works hard. He’s been to four different colleges. So he doesn’t quit.

That’s big in Grizzly football is that mentality and attitude. I respect him a lot for that. I think he’s a pretty dang good player, too.”

As Hemphill winds down his time at Montana, he carries with him the memories and lessons he’s learned from his experiences over the years on both coasts and points in between.

He also wears a red wristband on his left arm, keeping it turned inside out since it has “USC” on it, the school where a good friend of his plays lacrosse after starting college with him at Army.

“She’s the hardest worker I know,” Hemphill said. “So I wear it because it helps me remember to keep grinding.”

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

Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Saturday, September 28, 2019 | 7

SCOUTING UC DAVIS | BY FRANK GOGOLA

‌Montana (3-1) will open its Big Sky Conference schedule and play its first ranked FCS team when it takes on No. 4 UC Davis (2-2).

The following are key Aggies players to keep an eye on during the game, which will be broadcast on Root Sports.

Quarterback: Jake Maier, No. 15

Defensive line: Nas Anesi, No. 8

The 6-foot, 200-pound senior from La Habra, California, is widely considered one of the top FCS quarterbacks, if not the top one. Maier was a STATS FCS preseason first-team AllAmerican, was the preseason Big Sky Conference offensive MVP and made the watch list for the Walter Payton award, given to the FCS offensive MVP. Maier, who made two All-American lists in 2018, has thrown for 1,233 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions this year. He’s completed 66.8% of his passes for 308.3 yards per game. The pocket passer has only 4 rush yards gained.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound senior hybrid defensive lineman/ linebacker from Carson, California, has consistently found his way to the football. Anesi is the only player on the team who’s forced and recovered a fumble, forcing one and recovering two for 11 yards. He’s gotten into the backfield for 1.5 tackles for loss and is one of just eight players with a sack. Anesi is also tied for seventh on the team with 14 tackles. On the rest of the line, Jordan Franklin has two tackles for loss, Bryce Rodgers has 1.5 TFLs and one fumble recovery, and Roland Ocansey has 1.5 TFLs.

Running back: Ulonzo Gilliam, No. 34

Linebacker: Nick Eaton, No. 53

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound sophomore running back from Merced, California, is coming off a year in which he was named a freshman All-American, landed on the All-Big Sky third team and was ninth in voting for the Jerry Rice award, given to the FCS freshman of the year. Gilliam is again leading the Aggies in rushing, having piled up 353 yards and four touchdowns through four games. He’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 73 rushes with a long run of 53 yards. He’s been a safety valve for Maier, catching 18 passes, third most on the team, and gaining 77 yards there.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound redshirt freshman strongside linebacker from Rocklin, California, is making a disruptive impact.

Eaton leads the team in both tackles for loss and sacks, racking up 3.5 of each for 29 yards. He’s forced two of the six fumbles caused by the team and has broken up two passes. Eaton ranks fifth on UC Davis with 18 tackles and has one QB hurry. Middle linebacker Eric Flowers has a team-high 24 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss. Weakside linebacker Connor Airey has 23 tackles, one TFL, a team-high three breakups and one fumble recovery.

Wide receiver: Jared Harrell, No. 2

Defensive back: Devon King, No. 21

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior wide receiver from Los Angeles, was an All-Big Sky third-team selection last year and has big shoes to fill with Keelan Doss going to the NFL. Harrell, named to the preseason All-Big Sky first team, is tied for the team lead with 24 catches and is second with 279 yards to go with his one score. He’s complemented by tight end Wes Preece, who has 15 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Carson Crawford leads the Aggies with 317 receiving yards on 24 catches and is one of three players with two touchdown catches.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound sophomore cornerback from Richmond, California, has been a ball hawk to snag interceptions but has also been able to find his way into the backfield. King has two of the team’s three interceptions and has also forced two fumbles. He’s tied for second on the team with 23 tackles to go with 1.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup. Joining him in the secondary, cornerback Jordan Perryman has one interception, free safety Chris Venable is fourth on the team with 19 tackles and cornerback Isaiah Thomas has recovered two fumbles.

Offensive line: Jake Parks, No. 60

Special teams: Max O’Rourke, No. 43

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound sophomore right guard is coming off a true freshman season in which he received two first-team freshman All-American honors. Parks, a neurobiology major, moved positions after he started all 13 games in 2018 at center.

The former three-star recruit is one of four returning offensive linemen who started at least 11 games last season. The other three returning starters on the line are junior left tackle Colton Lamson, junior right tackle Kooper Richardson and sophomore center Connor Pettek, a third-team freshman All-American in 2018.

The 6-foot-1, 178-pound senior kicker from Rocklin, California, is off to a strong start in his third season for UC Davis after he started at Boise State and went the junior college route.

O’Rourke has made six of seven field goal attempts with a long of 48 yards. He’s connected on four field goals of 40 or more yards, three of which came last week. Punter Daniel Whelan is averaging 47.4 yards per punt with nine over 50 yards and a long of 62 yards. Jaylin White is averaging 13.2 yards per punt return, while Troy Spencer is at a clip of 22.4 yards per kickoff return.

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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 38 Nick Ostmo Fr. RB 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 6-0 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.

215 Portland, Ore. 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 21 Marcus Knight

QB 11 Dalton Sneed

RUSH 8 Nas Anesi

LG 74 Angel Villanueva

NT 69 Josiah Suani

RG 77 Moses Mallory

DE 95 Roland Ocansey

WR 18 Sammy Akem

K 39 Brandon Purdy

LT LG C RG RT

75 71 70 67 64

Sean Anderson, R-Fr. Kordell Pillans, Jr. Skyler Martin, So. Tyler Ganoung, R-Fr. Colton Keintz, So.

96 94 51 92 59 35

Doug Drakeley, Sr. Jordan Franklin, Sr. Sione Aliki, Jr. De’Andre Morgan, Jr. Terrell Sayles, Jr. Khanii Lesane, Jr.

MLB MLB CB CB FS S

42 58 22 7 1 4

Cole Hansen, Jr. James Scharetg, Jr. Amir Knox, So. Brandyn Lee, Sr. Isaiah Thomas, Jr. Tiger Garcia, Sr.

UC DAVIS STARTING OFFENSE WR 2 Jared Harrell

CB 3 Justin Calhoun

LB 33 Dante Olson

DE 93 Braydon Deming

S 13 Josh Sandry

NT 37 Jesse Sims

LB 34 Jace Lewis

S2 Gavin Robertson

P 37 Daniel Whelan

UC DAVIS BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DT NT DE DE RUSH WLB

MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE GRIZ 17 Robby Hauck

WLB 36 Connor Airey

CB 23 Jordan Perryman

MONTANA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE Cam Humphrey, Jr. Malik Flowers, So. Gabe Sulser, So. Bryson Deming, So. Adam Eastwood, So.

FS 14 Chris Venable

RT 64 Dylan Cook

WR 16 Jerry Louie-McGee

2 19 7 87 25

MLB 45 Eric Flowers

DT 99 Bryce Rodgers

C 66 Cy Sirmon

QB WR WR TE RB

SLB 53 Nick Eaton SS 16 Erron Duncan

LT 78 Conlan Beaver

DE 99 Alex Gubner REB 96 Ryder Rice

WR 6 Carson Crawford

RT 79 Kooper Richardson

QB 15 Jake Maier

RG 60 Jake Parks

RB 34 Ulonzo Gilliam Jr.

C 74 Connor Pettek LG 65 Jordan Ford LT 70 Colton Lamson WR 9 Khris Vaughn

CB 7 Dareon Nash

P 61 Adam Wilson

TE 87 Wes Preece

MONTANA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE NT DE DE REB LB

91 56 45 46 10

Eli Alford, So. Joe Babros, Jr. Vika Fa’atuiese, Sr. Jed Nagler, Jr. Marcus Welnel, So.

LB CB CB GRIZ S

52 8 28 14 4

Michael Matthews, So..

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

K 43 Max O’Rourke

UC DAVIS BACKUPS ON OFFENSE QB RB RB WR WR WR

11 14 31 8 17 83

Saturday, September 28, 2019 | 9

UC DAVIS ROSTER UC DAVIS STARTING DEFENSE

CB 21 Devon King

WR 8 -OR- 80 Samori Toure -OR- Mitch Roberts

TE 88 Colin Bingham

Brock Johnson, Jr. Tehran Thomas, Jr. Troy Spencer, So. Orlando Ornelas, Jr. Justin Kraft, So. Darius Livingston, Jr.

TE LT C RG RT

88 73 56 64 78

Matt Hyman, Sr. Nick Amoah, So. Will Martin, Sr. Majid Firoozi, Sr. Joe Albrecht, Jr.

‌No. 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 69 70 72 73 74 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Name Isaiah Thomas Jared Harrell Jehiel Budgett Gunnor Faulk Tiger Garcia Blake Thorpe Carson Crawford Miles Hastings Brandyn Lee Nas Anesi Orlando Ornelas Sean Harlston Khris Vaughn Jaylin White Brock Johnson Hunter Rodrigues Da’Von Frazier Tehran Thomas Chris Venable Jake Maier Erron Duncan Justin Kraft Evan Perkins Trent Tompkins Niko Harris Sequoia Magdalena Justin Poerio Devon King Amir Knox Jordan Perryman Jeremiah Chukwudobe Marqel McCoy Number retired in 2000 Josh Januska Henry Reich Casey Granfors Jon Amadi Christoph Hirota Algery McGuire Ryan Whalley Felipe Figueroa Troy Spencer Jordan Monroe Trever Facey Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. Khanii Lesane Connor Airey Daniel Whelan Matt Blair Daniel McFadden Garren O’Keefe Cole Hansen Jack Shippy Max O’Rourke Christian Skeptaris Eric Flowers Calvin Mouisset Cam Trimble Brandon Jamison Pat Miller Earl English Sione Aliki Nick Eaton Nico Sarale Montell Bland Will Martin Joe Kurung James Scharetg Terrell Sayles Jake Parks Fabian Hunkin Will George Ari Sallus Majid Firoozi Jordan Ford Nick Siembieda Malik Banks Josiah Suani Colton Lamson Riley Gallant Nick Amoah Connor Pettek Joe Albrecht Kooper Richardson Lance Babb II Scott Henrichs Chaz Davis Darius Livingston Bryce Peterson Theo Goodwin Evan Bearden Wes Preece Matthew Hyman Robert Simkins Cade Peacock Nick Fehrenbach De’Andre Morgan Luka Nixon Jordan Franklin Roland Ocansey Doug Drakeley Andrew Wilson John Aloma Bryce Rodgers

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

Pos. DB WR DB QB DB TE WR QB DB LB WR DB WR DB QB QB LB RB DB QB DB WR DB QB QB DB WR DB DB DB RB TE

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

Wt. Hometown 187 Van Nuys, Calif.

200 Los Angeles, Calif.

185 Elk Grove, Calif.

195 Sacramento, Calif.

184 Moraga, Calif.

225 Walnut Creek, Calif.

165 Beaverton, Ore. 180 San Marcos, Calif.

195 Canyon Country, Calif.

230 Carson, Calif.

175 Temecula, Calif.

205 Compton, Calif.

186 Redlands, Calif.

158 San Diego, Calif.

200 Mission Viegjo, Calif.

180 Rocklin, Calif.

185 Sacramento, Calif.

215 Goodyear, Ariz.

175 Corona, Calif.

200 La Habra, Calif.

200 Stockton, Calif.

170 Lincoln, Calif.

190 San Diego, Calif.

200 Fresno, Calif.

200 Agoura Hills, Calif.

210 Sherman Oaks, Calif.

160 El Dorado Hills, Calif.

165 Richmond, Calif.

183 Bakersfield, Calif.

191 Hanford, Calif.

180 Diamond Bar, Calif.

218 Pittsburg, Calif.

Sr. R-Fr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. R-Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Jr. R-Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. R-Fr. R-Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. R-Fr. Sr. R-Fr. Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. R-Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. R-Fr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

DB K/P WR DB RB DB K/P RB RB LB RB RB LB LB K/P K/P RB TE LB DB K/P FB LB LB LB DL TE LB DL LB OL LB OL LB LB LB OL DL DL OL OL OL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR WR WR TE TE TE WR DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL LS DL

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

179 Ventura, Calif.

178 San Carlos, Calif.

205 San Diego, Calif.

180 Roseville, Calif.

185 Bellevue, Wash.

170 Cerritos, Calif.

190 Auburn, Calif.

200 Stockton, Calif.

181 Corona, Calif.

210 Covina, Calif.

175 Sutter, Calif.

185 Merced, Calif.

193 Antelope, Calif.

215 Chino Hills, Calif.

215 Rancho Mirage, Calif.

200 Moraga, Calif.

190 Vacaville, Calif.

220 Colfax, Calif.

225 Yorba Linda, Calif.

185 San Clemente, Calif.

178 Rocklin, Calif.

235 Scottsdale, Ariz.

215 Van Nuys, Calif.

210 San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

220 Westlake Village, Calif.

238 Scottsdale, Ariz.

224 San Luis Obispo, Calif.

215 Rochester, N.Y. 257 North Hollywood, Calif.

215 Rocklin, Calif.

260 Oakdale, Calif.

205 Modesto, Calif.

290 Huntington Beach, Calif.

208 Chico, Calif.

215 San Francisco, Calif.

215 Corona, Calif.

290 Huntington Beach, Calif.

275 Salinas, Calif.

285 Stockton, Calif.

270 Pacific Palisades, Calif.

277 Seattle, Wash.

270 Fair Oaks, Calif.

260 Petaluma, Calif.

260 Villa Park, Calif.

329 Hayward, Calif.

285 El Dorado Hills, Calif.

300 Portland, Ore. 290 Davis, Calif.

300 Thousand Oaks, Calif.

310 South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

298 Folsom, Calif.

195 Montebello, Calif.

195 Granite Bay, Calif.

185 Stockton, Calif.

200 Stockton, Calif.

170 Riverbank, Calif.

180 Anchorage, Alaska 240 Sonora, Calif.

238 Rocklin, Calif.

240 Santa Rosa, Calif.

165 San Rafael, Calif.

240 Juanita, Wash.

253 Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

280 Concord, Calif.

230 Sherwood, Ore. 285 Altadena, Calif.

245 Hayward, Calif.

275 El Dorado Hills, Calif.

300 Twentynine Palms, Calif.

205 Moorpark, Calif.

285 East Palo Alto, Calif.

Go Griz!

www.BHHSMT.com

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

UNDER THE M Subscribe at missoulian.com/email

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

10 | Saturday, September 28, 2019

Missoulian

HOW WE SEE THE BIG SKY KYLE HANSEN

kyle.hansen@missoulian.com‌

‌Goodbyes are never easy, whether written or verbal.

But nonetheless, they are inevitable in life no matter who you are.

I’m filling in this week on our Big Sky Conference football picks column as a chance to offer my goodbye to sports readers of the Missoulian. My last day is Saturday, the day you will read this Griz Game Day tab.

In the year since I moved over to Missoula from Billings, I’ve fallen in love with the Garden City and this job. It’s allowed me to cover the Montana men’s basketball team during their second straight run to the NCAA Tournament along with countless other high school and college moments around western Montana.

Luckily, I won’t be going far for my new career path. I recently accepted a job in the sports department over at KPAX where I will be writing for montanasports.com, putting together video stories and anchoring the TV broadcast occasionally as well. It’s an exciting but scary change as I don’t have any on-camera experience.

However, in college at the University of Arizona, I had the opportunity to compile multimedia pieces together with videos, photos and interviews which is something I’m very much looking forward to doing again and was a big deciding factor in this difficult decision to leave the Missoulian. I will officially begin at KPAX on Monday.

I can’t thank Bill Speltz enough for bringing me on over here in Missoula, and Frank Gogola and Kyle Houghtaling at the Ravalli Republic have been incredible coworkers and friends during my time here. Former sports editor Bob Meseroll has also been a tremendous help with his institutional knowledge on the basketball beat. These four, along with former Griz football reporter Amie Just and the rest of my coworkers at the Missoulian, have meant a lot to me and I couldn’t ask for a better group to surround myself with. The work we produce everyday is tough not to be proud of and

Bill Speltz

Kyle Houghtaling

Frank Gogola

Kyle Hansen

Portland State at Idaho State: Idaho State hung tough with ranked Northern Iowa last week, losing by only a touchdown. Portland State had a valiant showing against Arkansas of the SEC to open the season, but I like ISU at home in this one. Speltz: Portland State 41, Idaho 38.

Gogola: Idaho State 24, Portland State No. 18 Montana at No. 4 UC Davis: 21. Hansen: Idaho State 28, Portland I’m grateful to have worked alongside I actually picked UC Davis to upset top- State 24. Houghtaling: Vikings 34, Benthese guys. gals 28 ranked North Dakota State last week, It’s been a lot of fun to grow as a jourNo. 9 Northern Iowa at No. 5 Weand was awfully close to looking like a nalist in Missoula while also seeing ber State: Weber State’s two losses genius, too. The Aggies fell short, and 406mtsports.com expand from where it have come at the hands of FBS schools was when I started back in 2016 with my with that in the back of their minds, by only one score (San Diego State, 6-0, I think they’ll be ready when Monfirst post-college job when the website and Nevada, 19-13). Northern Iowa won’t tana comes to town for a top-20 clash. was just beginning. Many thanks to our be a pushover, but the Wildcats will get executive sports editor, Jeff Welsch, who Speltz: Montana 31, Davis 28. Gogola: Montana 33, UC Davis 31. Hansen: Da- the job done at home. Speltz: Weber brought me into the newspaper world vis 35, Montana 30. Houghtaling: Griz- State 28, Northern Iowa 21. Gogola: as a wide-eyed kid back in 2016 and for Weber State 20, Northern Iowa 17. Hanzlies 30, Aggies 27. also serving as a patient mentor these sen: Weber State 35, Northern Iowa 21.

Northern Arizona at No. 7 Monpast three years. The sports guys at the Houghtaling: Wildcats 23, Panthers 17.

Billings Gazette also have my thanks and tana State: NAU was my other upset Cal Poly at Southern Utah: This gratitude as does Lindsay Rossmiller, the pick last week that fell short when the 406’s digital sports editor, who deserves Lumberjacks lost to ranked Illinois State. one is tough just because both teams are tough to figure out. Southern Utah’s Thanks to them, I’m now tied with Goa big thank you too for being a great cothree losses have come against an FBS gola and Houghtaling for second. My worker who has helped come up with school (UNLV) and two ranked FCS opguess is the Cats make quick work of good stories and fun ways to tell them ponents (Northern Iowa, South Dakota the Lumberjacks this week in Bozeman. while also becoming a close friend as State). Cal Poly’s two defeats were to WeSpeltz: Montana State 35, NAU 31. Gowell. ber State and FBS Oregon State. I’ll take And of course thank you to the readers. gola: Montana State 34, NAU 28. Hanthe Mustangs since they at least put up sen: MSU 38, NAU 20. Houghtaling: The feedback, good and bad, has helped a fight against the Wildcats. Speltz: Cal Bobcats 31, Lumberjacks 30. me grow, and it’s been a joy to bring you Idaho at Northern Colorado: Idaho Poly 29, Southern Utah 28. Gogola: Cal these stories. My job never feels like a job doomed all four of us last week when the Poly 38, Southern Utah 20. Hansen: Cal and our readers play a huge role in that.

Poly 28, Southern Utah 14. HoughtalI’m excited about this new challenge but Vandals shocked Eastern Washington.

Northern Colorado has yet to win a game ing: Mustangs 24, T-Birds 20. even more ecstatic to continue telling this year, and I don’t see that changing stories about the people who live in this Bill Speltz is in his 13th year as Missoulian this weekend. Speltz: Idaho 41, Northbeautiful state.

Sports Columnist. He also guides the sports ern Colorado 28. Gogola: Idaho 28, OK, the sappy part is out of the way. dept., scheduling day-to-day coverage. Do And now, for the real reason you’re here, Northern Colorado 13. Hansen: Idaho 35, Northern Colorado 17. Houghtaling: you have a story idea? Email Bill at bill. let’s dive into some Big Sky picks... speltz@missoulian.com.

Vandals 27, Bears 17.

40-2

38-4

38-4

38-4

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

MISSOULIAN

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 |

11

‘Maier is the difference’ UC Davis beat writer Bob Dunning shares thoughts on Aggies FRANK GOGOLA

frank.gogola@missoulian.com

Montana opens Big Sky Conference play on the road against defending league co-champ UC Davis at 2 p.m. MT Saturday in Davis, California.

The 18th-ranked Griz (3-1) are coming off a 47-27 home win over Monmouth to close non-conference play. The fourth-ranked Aggies (2-2) suffered a 2716 road loss to No. 1 North Dakota State.

406mtsports.com caught up with UC Davis beat writer Bob Dunning, who covers the Aggies for the The Davis Enterprise, to talk about this year’s UC Davis team, the close game against NDSU and the outlook for the game Saturday.

Q: How is the loss to No. 1 North Dakota State viewed among the team, with the fans and by you?

Is there a disappointing feeling they let it slip away, or is it encouraging UC Davis hung close with NDSU? A: They are not into moral victories. They know they played well enough to win, but came up short. They were poised to take the lead midway through the fourth quarter, trailing 20-16 with a first-and-goal at the North Dakota State 4. But Maier threw a ball that was intercepted. So they were extremely disappointed, even though they know they took the No. 1 team in the country down to the wire.

Q: What has impressed you most about this offense and the play of Big

KURT WILSON, MISSOULIAN

UC Davis cornerback Devon King makes an interception in front of Montana receiver Keenan Curran in the fourth quarter of UC Davis’ win in Missoula last season.

Sky preseason offensive MVP Jake Maier at quarterback? What are you still hoping to see from them?

A: Jake Maier is one of the best quarterbacks I have witnessed at a school that has produced a number of great ones. Very smart, very heady, never-say-die kind of guy. Incredibly accurate.

Perhaps his biggest strength is his quick release. Not just a quick release, but being able to find an open receiver and get the ball to him when under pressure.

I’ve never seen him under as much pressure as NDSU put on him, but he was sacked only once, very late in the game. He can spread the ball to a lot of receivers and rarely makes a mistake.

Plus, if defenses concentrate on the pass, Ulonzo Gilliam is a strong and talented running back who can burn you.

Q: How has the defense compared to preseason expectations? What’s stood out, and what question marks are there still?

A: Defense looked terrible against San Diego, a game they easily could have lost. However, it rose to the occasion in Fargo.

NDSU coach Matt Entz said, “I was surprised by how tough their defense was. We didn’t see that on the film.” NDSU came in averaging 316 yards a game on the ground but was held to just 198 and was very inconsistent in trying to solve the Aggie defense. Sneed, of course, is very good and can also scramble, so he presents a real challenge.

Q: What does UC Davis have to do to win this game? What areas or matchups from the UC Davis perspective will you be watching?

A: UC Davis has to take charge right out of the gate, although just the opposite was true last year in Missoula when they were down 21-3 at half and looked like they were about to get blown out. And then they win, 49-21. They will have to contain Sneed and those talented Griz tight ends.

Make no mistakes.

Q: What’s your score prediction for the game?

Why? A: UC Davis 35, Montana 31. I see this game as a huge challenge for both teams with certain playoff implications for both. Two coaches who both know how to win and are used to winning. I think both teams will be able to move the ball, but the Aggies are awfully good in front of their home crowd. Maier is the difference. He’ll figure out a way to 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.

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

AROUND THE BIG SKY

Idaho (2-2) at Northern Colorado (0-4)‌ Saturday, 1 p.m. MT Greeley, Colorado Nottingham Field (8,533 Natural Grass) Eleven Sports/Pluto TV Series History: This is the first meeting between Idaho and Northern Colorado.

The Coaches: Paul Petrino, a Carroll College alum, is in his seventh season coaching Idaho. Earnest Collins Jr. is in his ninth season coaching at Northern Colorado, his alma mater.

Notes: Idaho pulled a shocker last week with a win over then-No. 11 Eastern Washington, 35-27, in its biggest win since returning to the Big Sky Conference. Northern Colorado has lost its last six games, including the four contests it has played in this season.

Northern Arizona (2-2) at No. 7 Montana State (3-1)‌ Saturday, 1 p.m. MT Bozeman, Montana Bobcat Stadium (17,777 FieldTurf) SWX Montana/ABC Series History: Northern Arizona leads the all-time series, 27-23.

Last Meeting: Northern Arizona won, 37-36, in 2017.

The Coaches: Jeff Choate, a Montana Western alum, is in his fourth season coaching Montana State. Chris Ball, a Missouri Western State alum, is in his first season as the head coach at NAU. Notes: MSU had three running backs eclipse 100 yards rushing last week in a 56-21 blowout of Norfolk State. That was a first in school history for the Bobcats, who also switched up starting quarterbacks. NAU is coming off of a 40-27 loss to ranked Illinois State.

No. 18 Montana (3-1) at No. 4 UC Davis (2-2)‌

No. 9 Northern Iowa (2-1) at No. 5 Weber State (1-2)‌

Saturday, 2 p.m. MT Davis, California UC Davis Health Stadium (10,849 Shaw Sports Turf) ROOT SPORTS Series History: Montana leads the all-time series, 7-1.

Last Meeting: Davis won, 49-21, in 2018.

The Coaches: Bobby Hauck is in his second season of his second stint coaching Montana, his alma mater. It is Hauck’s ninth season overall coaching the Grizzlies. Dan Hawkins enters his third season as the head coach at UC Davis, his alma mater.

Notes: Montana went 3-0 against FCS teams including a 47-27 win over Monmouth last week. Davis fell just short it its upset bid against No. 1 North Dakota State last week with a 27-16 loss.

Saturday, 6 p.m. MT Ogden, Utah Stewart Stadium (17,500 FieldTurf) Pluto TV Series History: Northern Iowa leads the all-time series, 2-1.

Last Meeting: Northern Iowa won, 38-21, in 1991.

The Coaches: Jay Hill, a Utah alum, enters his sixth season coaching Weber State. Mark Farley is in his 19th season as the head coach at Northern Iowa, his alma mater.

Notes: Both of Northern Iowa’s wins have come against Big Sky Conference schools. The Panthers defeated Southern Utah, 34-14, on Sept. 7 before topping Idaho State 13-6 last week. Both of Weber State’s losses have come against FBS schools including two weeks ago when it lost to Nevada, 19-13.

Portland State (2-2) at Idaho State (1-2)‌

Cal Poly (1-2) at Southern Utah (1-3)‌

Saturday, 3:05 p.m. MT‌ Pocatello, Idaho Holt Arena (12,000 Helas Turf) Pluto TV Series History: Idaho State leads the all-time series, 26-17-1.

Last Meeting: Idaho State won, 48-45, in 2018.

The Coaches: Rob Phenicie, a Memphis alum, is in his third season as the head coach at Idaho State. Bruce Barnum, an Eastern Washington alum, is in his fifth season coaching Portland State.

Notes: Idaho State hung tough with ranked Northern Iowa a week ago but fell 13-6. The week prior, the Bengals lost to Utah, 31-0. Portland State is coming off a 59-9 victory over NAIA Eastern Oregon.

Saturday, 6:05 p.m. MT Cedar City, Utah Eccles Coliseum (8,500 Artificial Turf) Pluto TV Series History: Cal Poly leads the all-time series, 20-8.

Last Meeting: Cal Poly won, 38-24, in 2018.

The Coaches: Demario Warren, a UC Davis alum, enters his fourth season as the head coach at Southern Utah. Tim Walsh, a UC Riverside alum, is in his 11th year coaching Cal Poly.

Notes: Cal Poly won its opener before falling to Weber State and Oregon State in its last two contests. The Mustangs had a bye last week. Southern Utah is coming off of a loss to No. 3 South Dakota State, 43-7.

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Saturday, September 28, 2019 | 13

BY THE NUMBERS ‌‌MONTANA (3-1)

Griz Opp Scoring average 35.5 24.0 Rushing yards 546 490 Avg./Rush 4.0 3.8 Passing 118-176-4 103-162-6 Passing yards 1315 1297 Average per pass 7.5 8.0 Total offense 1861 1787 Average per play 5.9 6.1 3rd-down conv.

30-58 15-52 Time of possession 30:58 28:40 Fumbles-lost 3-2 2-1 Kick returns 14-25.8 13-18.8 Punt returns 6-26.0 1-8.0 Punting 16-42.8 20-45.4 Sacks by-yards 6-46 9-48 Montana 10 44 53 35 - 142 Opponents 21 41 20 14 - 96

‌Offensive leaders ‌RUSHING RB Marcus Knight 57-303 (5.3 ypc.), long 31, 4 TDs RB Nick Ostmo 20-80 (4.0 ypc.), long 9 QB Dalton Sneed 33-51 (1.5 ypc.), long 21, 2 TDs RB Drew Turner 5-30 (6.0 ypc.), long 9, 1 TD RB Adam Eastwood 10-27 (2.7 ypc.), long 11 WR Gabe Sulser 3-22 (7.3 ypc.), long 17 P Adam Wilson 1-19 (19.0 ypc.), long 19 WR Jerry Louie-McGee 2-17 (8.5 ypc.), long 14 K Brandon Purdy 1-3 (3.0 ypc.), long 3 QB Cam Humphrey 2-(-2) (-1.0 ypc.), long 6 TM Team 4-(-4) (-1.0 ypc.)

‌PASSING QB Dalton Sneed 111-160-4, 1214 yards, long 45, 8 TDs QB Cam Humphrey 6-15-0, 77 yards, long 21, 1 TD WR Samori Toure 1-1-0, 24 yards, long 24, 1 TD ‌RECEIVING WR Jerry Louie-McGee 27-228 (8.4 ypc.), long 30, 1 TD WR Samuel Akem 24-338 (14.1 ypc.), long 43, 1 TD WR Samori Toure 22-284 (12.9 ypc.), long 45, 1 TD RB Marcus Knight 9-67 (7.4 ypc.), long 15, 1 TD WR Mitch Roberts 8-112 (14.0 ypc.), long 25 WR Gabe Sulser 8-71 (8.9 ypc.), long 27 TE Colin Bingham 7-89 (12.7 ypc.), long 30, 2 TDs TE Bryson Deming 6-69 (11.5 ypc.), long 23, 2 TDs RB Adam Eastwood 3-29 (9.7 ypc.), long 16 TE Matt Rensvold 3-16 (5.3 ypc.), long 9, 1 TD RB Nick Ostmo 1-12 (12.0 ypc.), long 12, 1 TD

‌Defensive leaders ‌TACKLES LB Dante Olson 43, 23 unassisted GRIZ Robby Hauck 40, 18 unassisted S Gavin Robertson 26, 16 unassisted LB Jace Lewis 20, 8 unassisted S Josh Sandry 19, 10 unassisted NT Jesse Sims 17, 7 unassisted CB Dareon Nash 15, 10 unassisted DE Alex Gubner 12, 3 unassisted CB Justin Calhoun 12, 7 unassisted LB Marcus Welnel 11, 6 unassisted REB Patrick O’Connell 10, 4 unassisted REB Ryder Rice 10, 4 unassisted DE Joe Babros 6, 2 unassisted DE Milton Mamula 6, 2 unassisted S Nash Fouch 5, 2 unassisted S Michael McGinnis 4, 2 unassisted

Fall, Football, & Flooring

LB Tyler Flink 3, 3 unassisted REB Jed Nagler 3, 1 unassisted NT Eli Alford 3, 2 unassisted DE Braydon Deming 2, 1 unassisted K Adam Wilson 3, 0 unassisted LB Michael Matthews 3, 2 unassisted WR Mitch Roberts 2, 1 unassisted LB Braxton Hill 2, 1 unassisted CB Keynan Foster 2, 0 unassisted DE RJ Nelson 1, 0 unassisted GRIZ Gavin Crow 1, 0 unassisted WR Malik Flowers 1, 1 unassisted QB Garrett Graves 1, 1 unassisted DT Cole Rosling 1, 0 unassisted CB Corbin Walker 1, 0 unassisted DE Vika Fa’atuiese 1, 1 unassisted ‌TACKLES FOR LOSS LB Dante Olson 4.5-15 REB Patrick O’Connell 2.0-21 LB Marcus Welnel 2.0-6 S Josh Sandry 2.0-4 DE Alex Gubner 1.5-8 CB Dareon Nash 1.0-5 LB Jace Lewis 1.0-5 DE Milton Mamula 1.0-4 NT Jesse Sims 1.0-3 S Nash Fouch 1.0-3 GRIZ Robby Hauck 1.0-2 S Gavin Robertson 0.5-1 REB Ryder Rice 0.5-0 ‌SACKS REB Patrick O’Connell 2.0-21 LB Dante Olson 1.0-10 DE Alex Gubner 1.0-7 LB Jace Lewis 1.0-5 S Josh Sandry 1.0-3

‌INTERCEPTIONS S Nash Fouch 1-14 S Dareon Nash 1-6 DE Alex Gubner 1-6 CB Justin Calhoun 1-0 S Gavin Robertson 1-0 S Robby Hauck 1-0 ‌FUMBLES FORCED-RECOVERED S Josh Sandry 1-0 DE Milton Mamula 0-1 ‌PASS BREAKUPS S Josh Sandry 3 CB Dareon Nash 3 CB Justin Calhoun 3 LB Jace Lewis 2 GRIZ Robby Hauck 1 LB Patrick O’Connell 1 S Michael McGinnis 1

‌Special teams leaders ‌PATS/FIELD GOALS Brandon Purdy 13-15/4-6, long 47, 25 points ‌PUNTING Adam Wilson 16-685 (42.8 ypp.), long 57, 6 fair catches, 9 inside 20, 0 touchbacks, 4 50+ yards, 0 blocked ‌PUNT RETURNS WR Jerry Louie-McGee 6-156 (26.0 ypr.), long 74, 1 TD ‌KICKOFF RETURNS WR Malik Flowers 10-322 (32.2 ypr.), long 100, 1 TD TE Bryson Deming 2-21 (10.5 ypr.), long 15 TE Colin Bingham 2-18 (9.0 ypr.), long 9

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GRIZZLY GAME DAY

14 | Saturday, September 28, 2019

Missoulian

BY THE NUMBERS UC DAVIS (2-2)

UCD Opp Scoring average 27.0 25.5 Rushing yards 427 663 Avg./Rush 3.4 3.9 Passing 120-182-5 73-126-3 Passing yards 1308 835 Average per pass 7.2 6.6 Total offense 1735 1498 Average per play 5.7 5.1 3rd-down conv.

23-68 27-61 Time of possession 28:00 32:00 Fumbles-lost 7-3 10-7 Kick returns 12-18.4 12-22.6 Punt returns 10-8.7 9-12.6 Punting 17-47.4 23-38.7 Sacks by-yards 10-61 5-37 UC Davis 45 20 26 17 - 108 Opponents 14 30 24 34 - 102

Offensive leaders RUSHING‌ Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. 73-353 (4.8 ypc.), long 53, 4 TDs Tehran Thomas 21-55 (2.6 ypc.), long 13, 1 TD Daniel McFadden 4-28 (7.0 ypc.), long 8 Carson Crawford 5-11 (2.2 ypc.), long 7 Hunter Rodrigues 2-9 (4.5 ypc.), long 11 Troy Spencer 7-9 (1.3 ypc.), long 5 Lance Babb II 1-4 (4.0 ypc.), long 4 Niko Harris 1-2 (2.o ypc.), long 2 Justin Kraft 1-0 Jake Maier 9-(-44) (-4.9 ypc.), long 4 PASSING‌ Jake Maier 115-172-5, 1233 yards, long 53, 7 TDs Carson Crawford 2-3-0, 45 yards, long 37, 1 TD Hunter Rodrigues 3-7-0, 30 yards, long 15 RECEIVING‌ Carson Crawford 24-317 (13.2 ypc.), long 44, 2 TDs Jared Harrell 24-279 (11.6 ypc.), long 53, 1 TD Wes Preece 15-183 (12.2 ypc.), long 35, 2 TDs Khris Vaughn 15-150 (10.0 ypc.), long 45, 2 TDs Justin Kraft 7-95 (13.6 ypc.), long 27 Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. 18-77 (4.3 ypc.), long 22 Tehran Thomas 5-66 (13.2 ypc.), long 27 Matthew Hyman 2-45 (22.5 ypc.), long 37, 1 TD Lance Babb II 4-40 (10.0 ypc.), long 15 Orlando Ornelas 2-35 (17.5 ypc.), long 25 Darius Livingston 1-11 (11.0 ypc.), long 11 Blake Thorpe 2-5 (2.5 ypc.), long 6 Robert Simkins 1-5 (5.0 ypc.), long 5

Defensive leaders TACKLES‌ Eric Flowers 24, 17 unassisted Devon King 23, 17 unassisted Connor Airey 23, 13 unassisted Chris Venable 19, 14 unassisted Nick Eaton 18, 7 unassisted Jon Amadi 15, 9 unassisted Nas Anesi 14, 6 unassisted Jordan Perryman 14, 14 unassisted Roland Ocansey 12, 5 unassisted Bryce Rodgers 12, 5 unassisted Tiger Garcia 11, 3 unassisted Erron Duncan 10, 5 unassisted Da’Von Frazier 7, 7 unassisted James Scharetg 7, 2 unassisted De’Andre Morgan 7, 6 unassisted Jordan Franklin 7, 1 unassisted Andrew Wilson 6, 5 unassisted Terrell Sayles 5, 4 unassisted Josiah Suani 5, 1 unassisted Isaiah Thomas 4, 2 unassisted Cole Hansen 4, 1 unassisted Doug Drakeley 4, 0 unassisted Jaylin White 3, 3 unassisted Evan Perkins 3, 2 unassisted Niko Harris 3, 2 unassisted Calvin Mouisset 3, 2 unassisted Sione Aliki 3, 3 unassisted Troy Spencer 2, 1 unassisted Khanii Lesane 2, 1 unassisted Daniel Whelan 2, 1 unassisted

Jehiel Budgett 2, 1 unassisted Tehran Thomas 1, 0 unassisted Justin Poerio 1, 1 unassisted Amir Knox 1, 1 unassisted Algery McGuire 1, 1 unassisted Brandon Jamison 1, 1 unassisted Pat Miller 1, 1 unassisted Will Martin 1, 1 unassisted Colton Lamson 1, 1 unassisted Lance Babb II 1, 1 unassisted Darius Livingston 1, 1 unassisted Robert Simkins 1, 1 unassisted Nick Fehrenbach 1, 0 unassisted TACKLES FOR LOSS‌ Nick Eaton 3.5-29 Da’Von Frazier 3.0-9 Eric Flowers 2.5-7 Jordan Franklin 2.0-8 Nas Anesi 1.5-11 Bryce Rodgers 1.5-6 Devon King 1.5-3 Roland Ocansey 1.5-3 Chris Venable 1.5-3 James Scharetg 1.0-7 Connor Airey 1.0-5 Erron Duncan 1.0-5 Sione Aliki 1.0-4 Calvin Mouisset 1.0-2 Terrell Sayles 1.0-1 Evan Perkins 1.0-1 Brandon Jamison 1.0-1 Jehiel Budgett 0.5-3 Tiger Garcia 0.5-1 Josiah Suani 0.5-0

GENUINE. MONTANA. EXPERIENCE. SACKS‌

Nick Eaton 3.5-29 Nas Anesi 1.0-8 James Scharetg 1.0-7 Bryce Rodgers 1.0-6 Sione Aliki 1.0-4 Calvin Mouisset 1.0-2 Eric Flowers 1.0-1 Connor Airey 0.5-4 INTERCEPTIONS‌ Devon King 2-12 Jordan Perryman 1-0 FUMBLES FORCED-RECOVERED‌ Devon King 2-0 Nick Eaton 2-0 Nas Anesi 1-2 Pat Miller 1 Isaiah Thomas 0-2 Connor Airey 0-1 Jack Shippy 0-1 Bryce Rodgers 0-1

HOT SPRINGS LODGING DINING GOLF SPA PASS BREAKUPS‌

Connor Airey 3 Nick Eaton 2 Devon King 1 Chris Venable 1 Jon Amadi 1 Jordan Perryman 1 Roland Ocansey 1 Erron Duncan 1 Jordan Franklin 1 Isaiah Thomas 1 Amir Knox 1

Special teams leaders PATS/FIELD GOALS‌ Max O’Rourke 12-13/6-7, long 48, 23 points PUNTING‌ Daniel Whelan 17-806 (47.4 ypp.), long 62, 4 fair catches, 4 inside 20, 2 touchbacks, 9 50+ yards, 0 blocked

Bring in any UM Grizzly ticket stub and receive 33% off your lodging Sun-Thur nights and 15% off your lodging Fri-Sat nights now through 12/25/2019.

PUNT RETURNS‌ Jaylin White 5-66 (13.2 ypr.), long 27 Isaiah Thomas 4-21 (5.25 ypr.), long 10 Devon King 1-0 KICKOFF RETURNS‌ Troy Spencer 5-112 (22.4 ypr.), long 39 Isaiah Thomas 3-44 (14.7 ypr.), long 19 Jordan Perryman 2-35 (17.5 ypr.), long 20 Tehran Thomas 1-25 Pat Miller 1-5

FairmontMontana.com | 800.332.3272

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Saturday, September 28, 2019 | 15

GRIZ TRIVIA ‌1. UC Davis senior Jake Maier is widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in the FCS, if not the top one. What honors did he get prior to this season? a) STATS FCS first-team All-American b) Walter Payton award watch list c) Big Sky offensive MVP d) All of the above

2. Montana leads the all-time series against UC Davis. What is the Grizzlies’ record in those eight games? a) 7-1 b) 5-3 c) 6-2 d) 8-0

3. Montana’s last win over a ranked team was Sept. 1, 2018, against No. 13 Northern Iowa. Who was the last ranked team Montana beat on the road? a) Eastern Washington b) Northern Iowa c) Northern Arizona d) Montana State Answers: 1) d. 2) a. 3) b., Sept. 10, 2016, at No. 3 UNI ‌STATS FCS Top 25

7. Montana State 8. Villanova ‌ TATS FCS TOP 25 S 9. Northern Iowa The top 25 teams in the STATS Football Championship Subdivision 10. Towson poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sept. 11. Jacksonville State 12. Nicholls 21, points and previous rank: 12. Maine

Record Pts Pvs‌ 1. North Dakota State (153) 4-0 3921 1 14. Illinois State 2. James Madison (4) 3-1 3725 2 15. Central Arkansas 3. South Dakota State 3-1 3646 3 16. Furman 4. UC Davis 2-2 3115 4 17. N.C. A&T 5. Weber State 1-2 3005 6 18. Montana 6. Kennesaw State 3-1 2924 7 19. Southeastern Louisiana

3-1 4-0 2-1 3-1 3-1 2-1 2-2 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-1 3-1 2-1

2760 2545 2491 2456 2398 2069 2069 2014 1792 1603 1541 1228 1030

8 18 9 5 10 13 12 15 14 17 16 19 21

20. Delaware 3-1 963 20 21. Eastern Washington 1-3 679 11 22. Youngstown State 3-0 662 24 23. Southeast Missouri State 2-2 568 23 24. Elon 2-2 441 22 25. Citadel 2-2 339 25 Others: Princeton 268, Stony Brook 237, South Carolina State 97, Dartmouth 86, Indiana State 69, North Dakota 57, Sam Houston State 55, Yale 48, Idaho 25, Wofford 22, Sacramento State 17, Houston Baptist 12, Southern Illinois 12, Duquesne 11, Northern Arizona 10, Eastern Kentucky 7, Central Connecticut State 4, Lamar 2, Alcorn State 1, Idaho State 1.

16 | Saturday, September 28, 2019

Missoulian

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