Grizzly Game Day Saturday, October 5, 2019

MONTANA VS. IDAHO STATE • KICKOFF: 1 P.M. MT • TV: ROOT SPORTS • SATURDAY, OCT. 5, 2019

Tight end Colin Bingham going from football field to medical field

BRAINY

BINGHAM

TOMMY MARTINO, MISSOULIAN

Q&A: MITCH ROBERTS • PICKS: THE STAFF PICKS THE BIG SKY • PLAYERS TO WATCH: IDAHO STATE

SAVE

152

$

UP TO

– ON A SET OF 4 SELECT LIGHT TRUCK AND SUV TIRES –

www.LesSchwab.com

2 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

A SHOT IN THE ARM

Missoulian

Griz senior tight end Bingham sets sights on becoming a doctor

FRANK GOGOLA

Colin Bingham

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

‌Montana tight end Colin Bingham could’ve graduated this past year.

That would’ve opened the door for the fifth-year senior to potentially grad transfer or end his football playing early as he works toward a career as a doctor.

Bingham decided to take more classes at Montana, adding minors in psychology and biology. Along with his major in health and human performance, he feels those will benefit him as he chases medical school.

The Missoula native will also get to play a final season for the team he grew up loving and with the teammates who’ve been a second family to him. They’re the ones who’ve kept him motivated over the years, the past two as the Grizzlies’ starting tight end.

“They’re the best friends I’ve ever had,” Bingham said ahead of Montana’s homecoming game against Idaho State at 1 p.m. Saturday in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

“They’re some of the best dudes I’ve ever known. No matter what the coaches think about you, no matter what the fans think about you, no matter what anyone else thinks about you, they have your back and they’re your biggest fans. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to play football with. They’re incredible.”

Montana coach Bobby Hauck has been impressed with how Bingham has grown and matured. He’s known him longer than just the two years coaching him.

Hauck has known him since he was 5 years old and was an outdoorsy, energetic kid on a bicycle. He and Bingham’s dad, a former Griz football player, have been friends and their families have known each other for a long time.

“He was hell on wheels as a kid,” Hauck said with a laugh. “I thought he was more probably inclined to become a biker or something like that rather than a medical school student. But that looks like the path he’s on.

“I think it’s pretty admirable that that’s his vocation.”

Father’s footsteps‌

Bingham grew up around football. He’s the son of Guy Bingham, a former Montana offensive lineman who went on to a 14-year NFL career and is in the Grizzly Athletics Hall of Fame.

Jersey number: 88 Year: Redshirt senior Position: Tight end Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 248 Hometown: Missoula, Montana High School: Missoula Big Sky High School

BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana’s Colin Bingham, middle, Sammy Akem, left, and Bryson Deming, right, celebrate Bingham’s touchdown catch during the Grizzlies’ 47-27 win over Monmouth on Sept. 21 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The 6-foot-3, 248-pound Bingham never felt pushed into football. It was a sport he enjoyed and his dad provided insight into the behind-the-scenes stuff it takes to be a successful player.

“My dad likes that I play football, but it’s always been something I’ve really enjoyed ever since growing up playing flag football at Fort Missoula in second grade,” Bingham said. “Those were some of the best times of my life. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with the game.”

Bingham starred as a blocking tight end at Missoula Big Sky for head coach Matt Johnson and was on the team that made the State AA semifinals in 2014 with his dad as an assistant coach.

“He’s the best high school blocker I’ve ever seen. Every single block, he had the guy 10 yards down field and then on his back,” said Johnson, who added that the three-sport standout in football, basketball and track still holds the school’s power clean record in the weight room.

“He’s an all-around great kid. I couldn’t ask for more out of a student-athlete. He’s the type of person you want your own kids to model after with just how good of a kid he is. I can’t say how good his character is.”

Similar to high school, Bingham has

primarily been a blocker for Montana but has mixed in time as a pass catcher. He’s totaled 47 receptions for 514 yards and seven touchdowns in 35 career games for the Griz.

Like his dad, who found longevity in the NFL as a long snapper, Bingham is the Grizzlies’ backup long snapper and plays on the shield on punts. On the basketball court, he averaged a double-double every other game in his senior year of high school as he dominated the paint, like his dad, an all-league center in Washington in the 1970s.

“He could’ve played at the Frontier level, but his mind was determined,” Big Sky boys basketball coach Bryan Ferriter said. “I think deep down inside he was proud of his father and wanted to play football.”

Developing chemistry‌

Ferriter recalls thinking Bingham would make a good doctor when he had him in his chemistry class as a junior.

He saw how Bingham excelled with the math-based and abstract concepts as a self-learner who could not only solve problems but was able to communicate how he figured out the answer.

“Like how his dad is the longest-tenured Grizzly football player in the NFL, I said what Colin’s dad was to football, Colin will be to the medical field,” Ferriter offered. “To steal a line from the Boston area, Colin’s ‘wicked smaht.’”

In addition to the brains, Ferriter recognized how the soft side of a smiling, friendly Bingham would work well in dealing with people on a daily basis.

“In the medical profession, to be a healer, you have to have good bedside manner, and he has a gentle nature to him,” Ferriter said. “I’m sure he has a game day face, but he also has a nice smile and wants to interact with you in a playful way. If you have an ailment and he came in the room, I’m sure you’d feel better. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, and he’s accessible.”

Bingham is a guy who Montana players, like sophomore receiver Mitch Roberts and sophomore tight end Bryson Deming, enjoy being around. Roberts is a Missoula Sentinel grad who got to compete against Bingham in high school.

“I’ve always known him as a great competitor,” Roberts said. “Then you get to be his teammate and you find out he’s a pretty big goofball. He’s a funny guy, always cracking good jokes. He’s a good guy to be around. He’s a great senior leader.”

Deming echoed Roberts with a similar sentiment about Bingham, who enjoys watching Seinfeld.

“He’s a very silly guy, makes you laugh a lot,” Deming said. “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.”

See Bingham, PAGE 16

HAPPY HOMECOMING!

ALL SPORTSWEAR, OUTERWEAR, & HEADWEAR FROM:

ADDITIONAL 20% OFF BOB WARD’S WARD’S PRICE

20% OFF BOB WARD’S PRICE

WINCRAFT GRIZ ACCESSORIES

BANNERS, DECALS, LANYARDS, JEWELRY, MAGNETS, & MORE

& MORE!

FALL GEAR & MORE FOR THE CHANGING SEASON WOMEN’S PEAK TO PARK INSULATED JACKET SUG RETAIL $150.00

BOB WARD’S PRICE $99.99

SPYFIRE DOWN JACKETS, VESTS & PARKAS FOR MEN & WOMEN

MEN’S TIPTON PEAK INSULATED JACKET WITH WITH OMNITECH AND OMNIHEAT THERMAL REFLECTIVE LINING SUG RETAIL $160.00

BOB WARD’S PRICE $119.99

SALE $64.99

OAK CANYON SUG RETAIL $60.00

SALE $49.99

BOY’S CAUAL SLOPES INSULATED JACKET SUG RETAIL $105.00

BOB WARD’S PRICE $74.99

GIRL’S KATELYN CREST INSULATED JACKET WITH FAUX FURTRIMMED HOOD SUG RETAIL $110.00

BOB WARD’S PRICE $79.99

NOW CARRYING MEN’S! SLEMEN ENAGO SUG RETAIL $75.00

MEN’S NIGEL BOOT SUG RETAIL $110.00

SALE $89.99

WOMEN’S TARKILN, TEMPLE, & KERRI BOOTIES SUG RETAIL $120.00

SALE $99.99

NEW WINTER BOOTS FOR THE FAMILY ARRIVING DAILY! COME IN EARLY FOR THE BEST SELECTION

MISSOULA — 728-3220 • 3015 Paxson SUN 10AM-6PM • MON-FRI 9AM-9PM • SAT 8AM-7PM

HAMILTON — 363-6204 • 1120 N. 1ST SUN 10AM-5PM • MON-FRI 9AM-8PM • SAT 8AM-6PM

M A R G O R P

SKI PACKAGE

LEASE

BAC K! FOR TH 2019/20E SEASON

Skis & Bindings from Head/Tyrolia & Boots from Dalbello for the 2019/20 Ski Season!**

Junior Lease Package Adult Lease Package $99.99 $169.99 JUNIOR PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Head Monster Junior Boy’s Or Joy Junior Girl’s Skis With Tyrolia Binding System • Dalbello Menace Boy’s Or Gaia Jr. Girl’s Ski Boots

ADULT PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Head Primal Instinct Or V-Shape V2 Men’s Or Easy Joy Women’s Skis With Tyrolia Binding System • Dalbello Aspect Sport Or Panterra Mx Ltd Men’s Or Aspire 65 Or Avanti Mx65 Women’s Ski Boots

Limited Time Program! Starts 9/16/19

• Limited Number of Packages Available from 9/16/19 through 11/30/19 only; • Signed Lease Agreement, Credit Card and I.D. Required; • Customer will be charged for excessive damage or abuse.

Complete program details available in the Ski Department at your local Bob Ward’s Store **Lease Package includes 3 ski tune-ups/waxes during the season**

Big Sky Price Promise

We will match because we want to earn your business!

Shop 24/7 at bobwards.com

(Not all sale items available online) *Sale discounts cannot be combined with any other promotional offers.

Not liable for printing or typographical errors.

4 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

‘Cautiously exceeded expectations’ Idaho State beat writer Andrew Houghton gives insight into the Bengals FRANK GOGOLA

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

Montana plays its first home game ‌ against a Big Sky Conference team when it hosts Idaho State at 1 p.m. Saturday for homecoming at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The eighth-ranked Griz (4-1, 1-0) are coming off a 45-20 upset win on the road against then-No. 4 UC Davis. The Bengals (2-2, 1-0) raced past Portland State for a 51-24 win at home.

406mtsports.com caught up with Idaho State beat writer Andrew Houghton, who covers the Bengals for the Idaho State Journal, to talk about this year’s Idaho State team and the outlook for the game Saturday.

Q: How has the start to the season gone compared to what was expected coming in? What’s the vibe around the team and the fans given the 2-2 record, especially with an expected loss to Utah and a close defeat against ranked Northern Iowa?

A: I think Idaho State has cautiously exceeded expectations among the fan base so far, mostly because of what the Bengals have done in their last two games. Coming out of the Utah game, competing with a top-10 team on the road looked like an iffy proposition, so to nearly beat Northern Iowa — the final was 13-6, and ISU led 6-3 through three quarters — with a backup quarterback in was a big positive.

I know the defense was walking around with a lot of confidence after that game, and I’d imagine the offense will be doing the same now after hanging 51 on Portland State last week. The Bengals are a veteran team, they know how to handle themselves, and they’ll be coming to Missoula expecting to win.

Q: Why has the defense been so stout early on? What has impressed you about their play, and what areas of improvement are still needed?

A: The pass rush is much improved from last year, which has been a team effort.

Kainoa Fuiava is the natural pass rusher on the three-man line, which is anchored by tackle TJ Togiai. Both outside linebackers, Oshea Trujillo and Luke Holloway, are

athletic players who can get in the backfield. Holloway has battled injuries in the past, but has been healthy all year so far and leads them with three sacks.

The other area that’s really impressed me is their goal-line defense. They’ve made really an incredible number of short-yardage stops so far — only four touchdowns and eight total scores given up in 13 opposition trips to the red zone.

There’s a element of randomness to that, so we’ll see if it keeps up. If they’ve been lucky there, they’ve been unlucky with turnovers — only three takeaways, last in the Big Sky. Q: What can Montana expect to see out of quarterback Matt Struck, who has some talented receivers and a goto running back? How has the experienced offensive line held up?

A: Matt Struck has a big arm, and he likes to show it off. If he gets time, he’ll go vertical all day, especially with three receivers he can trust to win one-on-one in Mitch Gueller, Michael Dean and Tanner Conner. He was inconsistent against Western Colorado in the season opener, left the Utah game early, but then hit just about every throw against Portland State.

Getting the run game established early will be big, as it always is, so they’re not in third-and-longs and Struck can go playaction. The offensive line got shaken up in the season opener when starting left tackle Jack Eli-Tufono went down with an injury.

ISU tried to move starting left guard Jacob Molenaar to tackle for a while after that but had him back inside with freshman Jacob Angel at left tackle against Portland State and looked a lot better. I’d expect to see that lineup against Montana.

Q: What does Idaho State have to do to win this game? What are the main matchups you’ll be watching from an ISU point of view?

A: I think Idaho State showed in the last two weeks that they can hang in either a defensive struggle or a barn burner. The Bengals have to avoid getting punched in the mouth early by Montana coming out with a lot of fire at Washington-Grizzly, and they have to not get overwhelmed by the Grizzlies’ depth in the second half. I think that’s an advantage for UM. I’ll be watching ISU’s offensive line, especially the freshman, Angel, against Montana’s pass rush. Five sacks surrendered against Northern Iowa, six points; zero sacks surrendered against Portland State, 51 points. It’s not quite that simple,

but if Struck has time, his receivers will get open, and he will find them.

On the other side, I’ll be curious to see how often Idaho State puts five defensive backs on the field and how well the Bengals’ trio of corners — returning starter Anthony Ricks, returning starter Caleb Brown, Oregon State transfer Jay Irvine — deals with Akem, Toure and JLM. Q: What’s your score prediction for the game? Why? A: Montana, 34-21. The Grizzlies have been really impressive so far this season, and they’re playing at home. I think Idaho State will hit a big play or two, I think the Bengals will get a big stop or two, and I think they’ll hang around for a long time — but I don’t think they’ll ever have control of the game.

IDAHO STATE ATHLETICS‌

Idaho State head coach Rob Phenicie coaches during a game. Phenicie, a former Montana Frank Gogola covers Griz football and prep offensive coordinator, will bring his Bengals sports for the Missoulian. Follow him on Twitter @FrankGogola or email him at frank. to Missoula for a conference game on Saturday. gogola@missoulian.com.

A Unique Blend of Community and Recreation

Phase 6 & 7 lots SELLING QUICKLY. New construction AVAILABLE at Canyon River. Call for your private showing and to pick your perfect lot today.

Tory Dailey

Mary Burke Orizotti

406.880.8679

406.490.6061

Broker, CRS, GRI

tory@eralambros.com ERA Lambros

Broker, CRS

mbosales@gmail.com Burke Orizotti Real Estate, Inc.

sUCCess

ISN’T ABOUT REACHING A NUMBER. IT’S ABOUT REALIZING YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS Your financial life should reflect what matters most to you. And once we understand your priorities, we can help you make choices you can feel confident about. Join us to learn more about how you can better build and preserve your wealth today.

Kimberly roth, CrpC®

scott seifert, Cfp®

daniel e. Kiely, Cfp®, Cpfa

Senior Vice President Senior Resident Director Senior Consultant

Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor

Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Retirement Benefits Consultant

Michael smith

Lisa woirhaye, CrpC®

danielle eicholtz

Financial Advisor

Registered Senior Client Associate

Merrill Lynch 330 N. Higgins Avenue Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 829-2440 (800) 394-6961

Client Associate

solon Linton, CrpC®, Cpfa

Joe J. hertig, CrpC®, Cpfa

First Vice President Senior Financial Advisor Retirement Benefits Consultant

Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Retirement Benefits Consultant

Nicci dusek

rachel Berryman

Client Associate

Client Associate

Brian eicholtz, Cpfa

ryne Mading, CrpC®

Tommy Tirrell

Trisha shepard

Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor

Client Associate

Financial Advisor

Client Associate

®

The power of The righT advisor.™

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

CRPC® is a registered service mark of The College for Financial Planning. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. © 2019 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

ARKGLR8D | AD-07-19-0535 | 470950PM-0519 | 07/2019

6 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

‘Definitely an honor’

Sentinel grad Roberts relishes growing role in Grizzlies’ offense

FRANK GOGOLA

Mitch Roberts

frank.gogola@missoulian.com‌

‌M

ontana sophomore wide receiver Mitch Roberts broke out two weeks ago during the Grizzlies’ 47-27 win over Monmouth on Sept. 21.

The Missoula Sentinel grad caught five passes for a teamhigh 80 yards in front of the home crowd at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. He’s up to 118 receiving yards, the fourth-most on the team, on nine catches in five games, averaging 13.1 yards per reception.

“He’s been in the mix since spring,” Montana coach Bobby Hauck said two days after Roberts’ breakout performance. “We felt real good about Mitch’s ability coming out of spring. It’s competitive in that group to get on the field. When the ball went to him on Saturday, he made plays. He was great catching it, but he was also good moving the chains and getting some tough yards after the catch, which was probably most impressive.”

After having just one catch for 6 yards in 2018, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Roberts is enjoying the added responsibility of having a larger role. He’s also the main holder on kicks after being second string to Reid Miller last year.

Roberts sat down with 406mtsports.com to talk about his breakout season: Q: How would you describe yourself as a wide receiver?

A: I’m not the fastest guy, but I try to take pride in running good routes and blocking and doing my assignment and being perfect and giving the best effort I can every play.

Q: What’s the biggest leap you feel you’ve made since last year?

A: I would say strength. Being a freshman, you’re still learning how to use your strength. I think after the workouts in the summer and going through winter conditioning, I feel a lot more comfortable with my strength and being

Jersey number: 80 Year: Redshirt sophomore Position: Wide receiver Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 200 Hometown: Missoula, Montana High school: Missoula Sentinel High School

BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana sophomore wide receiver Mitch Roberts (80) is pushed out of bounds by Monmouth’s Justin Terry (20) during the Grizzlies’ 47-27 win on Sept. 21 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Roberts led all Grizzly receivers with 80 yards in the game, his first breakout performance for Montana. able to block better and hold my own out there.

Q: It had to be cool for a hometown kid to commit to Montana, but to now have been playing a larger role this year, what’s that feeling been like?

A: It’s a pretty good opportunity. It’s really cool, especially watching the Griz growing up and now you’re in those shoes.

It’s definitely an honor. It’s a good thing to be a part of. It’s a fun team to be around. Good group of guys.

Q: What was the feeling like against Monmouth to finally play a big role in a game as a wide receiver and hear the roar of the crowd for something you did?

A: It was a fun game. Our quarterbacks do a good job getting the ball out to us receivers and letting

us make plays, letting us get into a little bit of a rhythm every game.

That game’s kind of long gone.

We’re focusing on Idaho State now.

Q: How much and in what ways has the competition in the wide receiver group going back to the spring helped you grow as a receiver?

A: We have a lot of talent in that wide receiver group. They’re just even better guys to be around. We push each other every day. They’re just fun guys to be around with improving every day and learning from each other.

Q: Some fun ones to close.

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

A: I don’t listen to music before games. I’m kind of a boring guy when it comes to that.

Q: What’s your pregame

routine?

A: I try to stay mostly as mellow as I can. Just get in my game plan, study up until kickoff. That’s about it. Nothing really special.

Q: What’s been your favorite class at Montana?

A: I don’t know. I’ve just had a lot of great professors. I like the one that I’m in right now — data analytics — with a couple teammates. It’s focusing on analyzing data and MIS (management information systems).

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A: I don’t like the scratching noise of nails on chalkboards. It definitely gets me every time.

Q: Do you have any secret talents?

A: Playing a little bit of guitar is something I could say is a talent.

I taught myself how to play and

have been playing for about a year.

Q: Why the interest?

A: It was just a random thing I wanted to pick up and learn and do something new when I’m bored, hanging around.

Q: Favorite songs to cover?

A: Country. Any kind of country.

Q: Do you have a pet?

A: A dog. A lab. She’s cute. She’s just a little lazy. I think she’s going to be 4 this year.

Q: What three questions would you ask your dog?

A: Why are you so lazy? Do you even know my name? I don’t know what the other one would be.

Q: Why jersey No. 80?

A: There’s no meaning. I was 83 coming in, and I just wanted to switch. I just picked 80, and I liked it.

Q: Last one. What’s it been like playing for Bobby Hauck?

A: It’s awesome. Coach Hauck’s a great guy and a great coach. He’s got really high expectations, and he preaches toughness. I think that’s what everyone wants here, and it’s really awesome what he does. He’s a great head coach, and I love being around that guy every day.

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

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 7

BY THE NUMBERS ‌‌MONTANA (4-1, 1-0)

Griz Opp Scoring average 37.4 23.2 Rushing yards 806 550 Avg./Rush 4.5 3.4 Passing 140-209-4 137-211-7 Passing yards 1583 1588 Average per pass 7.6 7.5 Total offense 2389 2138 Average per play 6.1 5.7 3rd-down conv.

37-71 25-71 Time of possession 30:59 28:44 Fumbles-lost 5-3 4-3 Kick returns 16-25.0 18-18.9 Punt returns 7-22.3 1-8.0 Punting 19-42.7 26-46.1 Sacks by-yards 9-70 9-48 Montana 17 54 74 42 - 187 Opponents 21 48 27 20 - 116

‌Offensive leaders ‌RUSHING RB Marcus Knight 76-394 (5.2 ypc.), long 31, 5 TDs QB Dalton Sneed 43-132 (3.1 ypc.), long 21, 2 TDs RB Nick Ostmo 24-108 (4.5 ypc.), long 11 RB Drew Turner 9-83 (9.2 ypc.), long 48, 1 TD RB Adam Eastwood 11-34 (3.1 ypc.), long 11 WR Gabe Sulser 4-25 (6.2 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 3-(-1) (-0.3 ypc.), long 6 TM Team 7-(-8) (-1.1 ypc.) ‌PASSING QB Dalton Sneed 133-193-4, 1482 yards, long 62, 13 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 Sammy Akem 30-435 (14.5 ypc.), long 62, 2 TDs WR Jerry Louie-McGee 30-277 (9.2 ypc.), long 30, 3 TDs WR Samori Toure 26-351 (13.5 ypc.), long 45, 2 TDs RB Marcus Knight 11-73 (6.6 ypc.), long 15, 1 TD WR Mitch Roberts 9-118 (13.1 ypc.), long 25 TE Bryson Deming 8-91 (11.4 ypc.), long 23, 3 TDs WR Gabe Sulser 8-71 (8.9 ypc.), long 27 TE Colin Bingham 7-89 (12.7 ypc.), long 30, 2 TDs RB Nick Ostmo 3-32 (10.7 ypc.), long 21, 1 TD RB Adam Eastwood 3-29 (9.7 ypc.), long 16 TE Matt Rensvold 3-16 (5.3 ypc.), long 9, 1 TD TE Joey Elwell 1-1 (1.0 ypc.), long 1 OL Cy Sirmon 1-0 (0.0 ypc.)

‌Defensive leaders ‌TACKLES LB Dante Olson 51, 27 unassisted GRIZ Robby Hauck 50, 26 unassisted LB Jace Lewis 33, 17 unassisted S Gavin Robertson 28, 17 unassisted S Josh Sandry 24, 15 unassisted NT Jesse Sims 19, 8 unassisted CB Dareon Nash 17, 12 unassisted REB Patrick O’Connell 16, 10 unassisted CB Justin Calhoun 14, 9 unassisted LB Marcus Welnel 13, 8 unassisted REB Ryder Rice 13, 7 unassisted DE Alex Gubner 13, 4 unassisted DE Milton Mamula 7, 3 unassisted NT Eli Alford 6, 4 unassisted DE Joe Babros 6, 2 unassisted

S Nash Fouch 5, 2 unassisted S Michael McGinnis 4, 2 unassisted

LB Michael Matthews 4, 3 unassisted CB Corbin Walker 4, 3 unassisted

GO GRIZ! Quality cars and trucks for every budget.

3 MontH/3k Mile Warranty included WitH PurcHase.

5-star dealer 2200 W. broadway, Missoula, Mt 59808 cars4umissoula.com

LB Tyler Flink 4, 4 unassisted WR Mitch Roberts 3, 2 unassisted K Adam Wilson 3, 0 unassisted REB Jed Nagler 3, 1 unassisted QB Garrett Graves 3, 3 unassisted DE Braydon Deming 3, 2 unassisted LB Braxton Hill 2, 1 unassisted DE RJ Nelson 2, 0 unassisted DL Jacob McGourin 2, 2 unassisted CB Keynan Foster 2, 0 unassisted GRIZ Gavin Crow 1, 0 unassisted WR Malik Flowers 1, 1 unassisted DT Cole Rosling 1, 0 unassisted DE Vika Fa’atuiese 1, 1 unassisted ‌TACKLES FOR LOSS LB Dante Olson 4.5-15 REB Patrick O’Connell 3.0-26 S Josh Sandry 3.0-5 LB Marcus Welnel 2.0-6 DE Alex Gubner 1.5-8 DL Jacob McGourin 1.0-12 NT Eli Alford 1.0-7 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 LB Michael Matthews 1.0-3 GRIZ Robby Hauck 1.0-2 DE Vika Fa’atuiese 1.0-1 S Gavin Robertson 0.5-1 REB Ryder Rice 0.5-0 ‌SACKS REB Patrick O’Connell 3.0-26 DL Jacob McGourin 1.0-12 LB Dante Olson 1.0-10 DE Alex Gubner 1.0-7 NT Eli Alford 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 LB Dante Olson 1-4 CB Justin Calhoun 1-0 S Gavin Robertson 1-0 S Robby Hauck 1-0 ‌FUMBLES FORCED-RECOVERED S Josh Sandry 1-1 REB Ryder Rice 1-1 DE Milton Mamula 0-1 ‌PASS BREAKUPS S Josh Sandry 4 CB Dareon Nash 4 CB Justin Calhoun 4 LB Jace Lewis 3 LB Patrick O’Connell 2 GRIZ Robby Hauck 1 S Gavin Robertson 1 S Michael McGinnis 1

‌Special teams leaders ‌PATS/FIELD GOALS Brandon Purdy 19-21/5-7, long 47, 34 points ‌PUNTING Adam Wilson 19-811 (42.7 ypp.), long 57, 8 fair catches, 12 inside 20, 0 touchbacks, 5 50+ yards, 0 blocked ‌PUNT RETURNS WR Jerry Louie-McGee 7-156 (22.3 ypr.), long 74, 1 TD ‌KICKOFF RETURNS WR Malik Flowers 12-361 (30.1 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

8 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

BY THE NUMBERS Majerle Taugavau 2, 0 unassisted

IDAHO STATE (2-2, 1-0)

Matt Struck 2, 0 unassisted Isaiah Walter 2, 1 unassisted

ISU Opp

Scoring average

23.8

20.2

Aren Manu 1, 0 unassisted

Rushing yards

412

593

Sam Funkhouser 1, 1 unassisted

Avg./Rush

2.8 3.9

David Allish 1, 0 unassisted

60-113-5 70-119-2

Zach Wright 1, 0 unassisted

Passing Passing yards

948

867

8.4

7.3

1360

1460

5.2

5.4

3rd-down conv.

26-59

29-64

Time of possession

31:03

32:42

Average per pass Total offense Average per play

Fumbles-lost

5-1 6-1

Ty Flanagan 1, 1 unassisted

Tanner Conner 1, 1 unassisted Austin Campbell 1, 1 unassisted Skylar Emory 1, 0 unassisted Nate Shubert 1, 0 unassisted TACKLES FOR LOSS‌ Luke Holloway 4.0-22 Kody Graves 2.0-5

Kick returns

5-17.6

12-20.3

Hunter Eborn 1.5-11

Punt returns

9-5.6

7-3.7

Oshea Trujillo 1.5-10

Punting

24-37.3 24-39.5

Sacks by-yards Idaho State

10-74 30

31

17

9-54 17

-

95

Opponents 17 23 24 17 - 81

Offensive leaders RUSHING‌

Gilbert Varela 1.5-6 Garrett Crane 1.5-4 Jay Irvine 1.0-11 Kainoa Fuiava 1.0-10 Anthony Ricks 1.0-10 Jack Genova 1.0-3 Christian McFarland 1.0-2 Connor Wills 0.5-2

Ty Flanagan 74-304 (4.1 ypc.), long 23

TJ Togiai 0.5-1

Soujah Gasu 19-36 (1.9 ypc.), long 8

Terrance Jones 0.5-1

Kevin Ryan 1-27 (27.0 ypc.), long 27

Kennon Smith 0.5-1

Nehemiah McFarlin 11-25 (2.3 ypc.), long 7 Michael Dean 4-15 (3.8 ypc.), long 6 Matt Struck 19-13 (0.7 ypc.), long 11, 1 TD Malakai Rango 3-7 (2.3 ypc.), long 5 TEAM 1-(-2) (-2.0 ypc.)

Gunnar Amos 15-(-13), (-0.9 ypc.), long 7 PASSING‌

SACKS‌ Luke Holloway 3.0-20 Varela Gilbert 1.5-6 Jay Irvine 1.0-11 Kainoa Fuiava 1.0-10 Anthony Ricks 1.0-10 Oshea Trujillo 1.0-8

Matt Struck 40-70-1, 762 yards, long 66, 10 TDs

Hunter Eborn 1.0-7

Gunnar Amos 20-43-4, 186 yards, long 22

Connor Wills 0.5-2 INTERCEPTIONS‌

RECEIVING‌

DoingitRight…FromtheBeginning

Tanner Conner 18-342 (19.0 ypc.), long 66, 5 TDs

Christian McFarland 1-64

Michael Dean 18-289 (16.1 ypc.), long 45, 3 TDs

Oshea Trujillo 1-18

Austin Campbell 10-113 (11.3 ypc.), long 22 Mitch Gueller 9-169 (18.8 ypc.), long 45, 2 TDs Ty Flanagan 3-10 (3.3 ypc.), long 6 Jake Johnson 1-21 (21.0 ypc.), long 21 Nate Shubert 1-4 (4.0 ypc.), long 4

Defensive leaders TACKLES‌

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITY

WHILE PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT 406-547-3466 www.blackbuttecopper.com

FUMBLES FORCED-RECOVERED‌ Luke Holloway 2-0 Garrett Crane 0-1 PASS BREAKUPS‌ Caleb Brown 3 Adkin Aguirre 2 Jay Irvine 2 Kody Graves 1

Kody Graves 35, 15 unassisted

Connor Wills 1

Adkin Aguirre 26, 16 unassisted

Christian McFarland 1

Connor Wills 25, 4 unassisted

Oshea Trujillo 1

Luke Holloway 24, 8 unassisted

Hunter Eborn 1

Christian McFarland 24, 13 unassisted

Kennon Smith 1

Kainoa Fuiava 19, 6 unassisted

Special teams leaders

Oshea Trujillo 19, 12 unassisted Gilbert Varela 15, 2 unassisted TJ Togiai 13, 5 unassisted Jay Irvine 11, 10 unassisted

PATS/FIELD GOALS‌ Kevin Ryan 11-12/4-5, long 42, 23 points

Raemo Trevino 8, 3 unassisted

PUNTING‌

Terrance Jones 8, 2 unassisted

Kevin Ryan 23-895 (38.9 ypp.), long 58, 8 fair catches, 7 inside 20, 2

Garrett Crane 8, 3 unassisted

touchbacks, 2 50+ yards, 1 blocked

Caleb Brown 7, 3 unassisted

TEAM 1-0

Jack Genova 7, 3 unassisted Anthony Ricks 7, 4 unassisted Hunter Eborn 7, 3 unassisted Darian Green 6, 5 unassisted

PUNT RETURNS‌ Michael Dean 9-50 (5.6 ypr.), long 23 KICKOFF RETURNS‌

Kennon Smith 5, 1 unassisted

Soujah Gasu 3-61 (20.3 ypr.), long 28

Manase Time 4, 3 unassisted

Isaiah Walter 1-22 (22.0 ypr.), long 22

Colton Bennion 4, 4 unassisted

Nate Shubert 1-5 (5.0 ypr.), long 5

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 9

SCOUTING IDAHO STATE | BY FRANK GOGOLA

Montana (4-1, 1-0 Big Sky) takes on Idaho State (2-2, 1-0) at 2 p.m. Saturday in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

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

Quarterback: Matt Struck, No. 8

Defensive line: Kainoa Fuiava, No. 94

The 6-foot-3, 209-pound junior from Central Point, Oregon, returned to throw six touchdowns passes this past week in a win after missing the prior week with an injury. Struck has completed 57.1% of his passes for 761 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He’s averaging just 13.3 completions per game, splitting time in the second game, but has still thrown for 254 yards per game.

Struck has been picked off just once in 70 attempts. He’s gained 54 yards on 19 rushes. Backup Gunnar Amos has completed 46.5% of his passes for 186 yards with four interceptions in two games, but he retired on Monday.

The 6-foot-4, 303-pound junior defensive end from Downey, California, was named an All-Big Sky honorable mention in 2018, his first season as a starter for Idaho State after transferring from BYU. Fuiava leads all Bengals defensive linemen with 19 total tackles and has one sack in four games after posting 50 tackles and two sacks last year. On the rest of the line, defensive tackle Gilbert Varela has 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks and defensive end TJ Togiai has 13 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Coming off the bench, Garrett Crane has the Bengals’ lone fumble recovery.

Running back: Ty Flanagan, No. 24

Linebacker: Luke Holloway, No. 43

The 5-foot-10, 203-pound senior running back from Las Vegas, Nevada, was an all-conference honorable mention in 2018 and has been Idaho State’s workhorse. Flanagan has run for 304 yards in four games, averaging 76 yards. No other player on the roster has more than 36 rushing yards. Flanagan has carried the ball 74 times out of the team’s 147 rushes (50.3%), averaging 4.1 yards per run. He hasn’t run for a touchdown; the lone rushing score belongs to Struck. Not much of a receiving threat, Flanagan has just three catches totaling 10 yards.

The 6-foot-3, 209-pound senior outside linebacker from San Diego, California, is having a breakout year early on after playing in just eight games last year. Holloway has 24 tackles in four games, more than the 19 he had in 2018. He’s made his way into the backfield, tallying four tackles for loss, three sacks and one quarterback hurry. Finding his way to the ball, Holloway has both of Idaho State’s forced fumbles. Fellow linebacker Kody Graves leads the team with 35 tackles to go with his two TFLs, Connor Wills has 25 tackles, and Oshea Trujillo has one of the team’s two picks.

Wide receiver: Mitch Gueller, No. 2

Defensive back: Christian McFarland, No. 5

The 6-foot-3, 224-pound senior wide receiver from Rochester, Washington, is on the verge of becoming Idaho State’s all-time receiving leader after an All-American season. Gueller ranks second with 2,808 yards, close behind Rodrick Rumble’s record of 2,863 yards. He has nine catches for 169 yards with two touchdowns this season. Receiver Tanner Conner leads the team with 342 receiving yards and five touchdown catches. Wideout Michael Dean has added 289 yards and three touchdown grabs.

Tight end Austin Campbell has 10 catches for 113 yards.

The 6-foot, 194-pound senior safety from Sacramento, California, is in his second season seeing regular playing time for Idaho State after transferring from junior college. McFarland has one of the Bengals’ two interceptions, running it back for 64 yards. He’s tied for fourth on Idaho State with 24 tackles to go with his one tackle for loss and one pass breakup. Fellow safety Adkin Aguirre is second on ISU with 26 tackles and has two pass breakups. At cornerback, Jay Irvine has 11 tackles, two breakups and one sack, while Anthony Ricks has seven tackles and one sack.

Offensive line: Dallen Collins, No. 58

Special teams: Kevin Ryan, No. 90

The 6-foot-2, 291-pound senior center from Caldwell, Idaho, has anchored the offensive line since 2016, when he was named a freshman All-American. Collins has started 35 of Idaho State’s past 36 games, all at center. The Bengals returned four of their five starting offensive linemen from last year and have started the same group the past three weeks after an early injury to a tackle. The other expected starters are Jacob Angel and Dakota Wilson at the tackle spots and Preston Holfeltz and Jacob Molenaar, the lone new starter, at the guard spots.

The 6-foot, 160-pound sophomore kicker and punter from Mesa, Arizona, has handled both field goals and punts for Idaho State. In his first season as the Bengals’ field goal kicker, Ryan has made four of his five field goal attempts with a long of 42 yards, having one kick blocked. He’s also converted on 11 of his 12 extra point attempts. Michael Dean has returned all nine punts for 50 yards, an average of 5.6 yards per return with a long of 23. Soujah Gasu has three of ISU’s five kickoff returns, totaling 61 yards, an average of 20.3 yards with a long of 28 yards.

10 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY MATCHUPS

Missoulian

Windermere is a proud sponsor of Griz Kidz.

MIX UP YOUR WEEKEND

Look for the new Entertainer every Friday!

GLOBAL RECOGNITION. M O N TA N A E X P E R T I S E .

WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS.

Western Montana’s Premium Real Estate Brokerage Engel & Völkers Western Frontier Missoula . Polson . Hamilton . Whitefish Learn more at www.westernfrontier.evrealestate.com

©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

‌MONTANA ROSTER 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 TE 88 Colin Bingham

RB 21 Marcus Knight

QB 11 Dalton Sneed

IDAHO STATE ROSTER CB 6 Anthony Ricks

WR 8 Samori Toure

LT 78 Conlan Beaver

WR 18 Sammy Akem

CB 22 Caleb Brown

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.

S 12 Adkin Aguirre

P 90 Kevin Ryan

IDAHO STATE BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE DT DE LB LB LB

34 37 91 52 40 56

Hunter Eborn, So. Terrance Jones, So. Raemo Trevino, Jr. Darian Green, So. Aren Manu, So. DJ Hagler, So.

MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE

LB CB CB S S

55 1 29 8 23

Jack Genova, So. Jay Irvine, Jr. Colton Bennion, Jr. Manase Tim, Jr. Quantraill Morris-Walker, Fr.

IDAHO STATE STARTING OFFENSE WR 2 Mitch Gueller

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

LB 11 Oshea Trujillo

LB 43 Luke Holloway

MONTANA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE

GRIZ 17 Robby Hauck

LB 31 Kennon Smith

RT 64 Dylan Cook

K 39 Brandon Purdy

Cam Humphrey, Jr. Malik Flowers, So. Mitch Roberts, So. Gabe Sulser, So. Bryson Deming, So. Adam Eastwood, So.

S5 Christian McFarland

DE 95 TJ Togiai

RG 77 Moses Mallory

2 19 80 7 87 25

LB 25 Kody Graves

DT 98 Gilbert Varela

C 66 Cy Sirmon

QB WR WR WR TE RB

IDAHO STATE STARTING DEFENSE

DE 94 Kainoa Fuiava

LG 74 Angel Villanueva

WR 16 Jerry Louie-McGee

DE 99 Alex Gubner REB 96 Ryder Rice

WR 80 Tanner Conner

RT 79 Dakota Wilson

QB 8 Matt Struck

RG 77 Preston Holfeltz C 58 Dallen Collins

RB 24 Ty Flanagan

LG 75 Jacob Molenaar LT 74 Jacob Angel WR 20 Michael Dean

CB 7 Dareon Nash

P 61 Adam Wilson

TE 46 Austin Campbell

MONTANA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE NT DE DE REB LB

91 56 45 58 10

Eli Alford, So. Joe Babros, Jr. Vika Fa’atuiese, Sr. Patrick O’Connell, So. 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 90 Kevin Ryan

IDAHO STATE BACKUPS ON OFFENSE QB RB WR WR WR

16 32 7 10 18

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 11

Missoulian

Sagan Gronauer, Fr. Soujah Gasu, Fr. Matt Peterson, Jr. Isaiah Walter, Jr. Isaiah Brimmer, So.

TE LG

84 Jake Johnson, Jr. 60 Jake Wilkerson, So.

RG RT

66 Zion Dixon, Sr. 64 Garrett Smith, Sr.

C

54 Terron Carey, Fr.

‌No. 1 1 2 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 16 16 18 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 32 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 43 44 45 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 64 66 68 69 70 71 73 74 75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Name Jay Irvine Chris Reynolds Jr. Mitch Gueller Josh Crane Raiden Hunter Christian McFarland Anthony Ricks Matt Peterson Matt Struck Manase Time Mike Goggin Isaiah Walter Oshea Trujillo Adkin Aguirre Gunnar Amos Ja’Maree Boone Dayne Koch Keithan Gooden Sagan Gronauer Isaiah Brimmer Michael Dean Jihad Brown Devin Dabich Caleb Brown Quantraill Morris-Walker Ty Flanagan Sam Funkhouser Kody Graves Alec Flanagan Vaeaega Gasu Tyray Collins Colton Bennion Nehemiah McFarlin Jace Richter Kennon Smith Soujah Gasu Bryson Toles Hunter Eborn Malakai Rango Alex Espinoza Terrance Jones Quade Renfro Preston Helu Aren Manu Luke Holloway JoJo Sanchez Garrett Crane Cory Hawkins-Rogers Austin Campbell Connor Wills Zach Wright Colton Belnap Jack Eli-Tufono Jared Gibson Darian Green John Perko Terron Carey Jack Genova DJ Hagler Cruz Littlefield Dallen Collins Todd Payne Jake Wilkerson Hunter Smith Zach Wallace Garrett Smith Zion Dixon David Allish Caden Blyth Skylar Emery Mason Harwood Jacob Dimond Jacob Angel Jacob Molenaar Preston Holfeltz Caleb Eldred Dakota Wilson Tanner Conner Caden Clark Demonte Horton Jackson Lightner Jake Johnson Matt West Rasheed Williams Preston Helwege Tracey Reynolds Mike Davis Nate Shubert Kevin Ryan Raemo Trevino Nick Larriva Anthony Parker Kainoa Fuiava TJ Togiai Will Vea Majerle Taugavau Gilbert Varela Jake McGinnis

Year Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Sr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr.

Pos. DB WR WR WR RB DB DB WR QB DB QB WR LB DB QB DB QB DB QB WR WR DB DB DB DB RB LB LB DB LB RB DB RB DB LB RB DB DL RB DB LB DB LB LB LB LB DL RB TE LB DB DB OL LB LB OL OL LB LB LB OL DL OL OL LS OL OL K OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR TE TE TE DL TE WR TE TE K/P DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

Hgt. 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-3 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-5 5-9 6-1 6-5 5-6 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-01 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-7 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-7 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-1 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-1

Wt. Hometown 201 Jacksonville, Fla. 217 Lakewood, Wash.

224 Rochester, Wash.

174 Rexburg, Idaho 190 San Diego, Calif.

194 Sacramento, Calif.

175 San Marcos, Calif.

203 Blackfoot, Idaho 209 Central Point, Ore. 207 Garden Grove, Calif.

220 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 199 Yakima, Wash.

225 Seattle, Wash.

185 Brawley, Calif.

193 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 161 Harbor City, Calif.

205 Boise, Idaho 174 Calabasas, Calif.

200 Las Vegas, Nev. 203 Kennewick, Wash.

151 Upland, Calif.

180 Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

172 Pomona, Calif.

175 Ravensdale, Wash.

182 San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

203 Las Vegas, Nev. 206 Gooding, Idaho 215 Nampa, Idaho 192 Pomona, Calif.

200 West Jordan, Utah 160 Las Vegas, Nev. 178 Las Vegas, Nev. 202 Mission Hills, Calif.

195 Meridian, Idaho 222 Fruitland, Idaho 187 West Jordan, Utah 197 Reno, Nev. 245 Pocatello, Idaho 175 San Mateo, Calif.

184 Salt Lake City, Utah 260 Sparta, N.J. 185 Horseshoe Bend, Idaho 210 Reno, Nev. 241 Pocatello, Idaho 209 El Cajon, Calif.

235 Nyssa, Ore. 232 Pocatello, Idaho 185 Federal Way, Wash.

248 Blackfoot, Idaho 209 Rexburg, Idaho 190 Kimberly, Idaho 172 Pocatello, Idaho 275 Aiea, Hawai’i 228 Meridian, Idaho 228 Cerritos, Calif.

300 Spokane, Wash.

280 Miami, Florida 200 Newport Beach, Calif.

211 Middleton, Idaho 225 Las Vegas, Nev. 291 Caldwell, Idaho 223 Idaho Falls, Idaho 290 Meridian, Idaho 283 Bothell, Wash.

240 Stockton, Calif.

342 Shelley, Idaho 307 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 177 Carrollton, Texas 280 San Clemente, Calif.

298 Nyssa, Ore. 245 Burley, Idaho 295 Roy, Wash.

295 Anaheim, Calif.

327 Boise, Idaho 307 Sandy, Utah 305 Washougal, Wash.

311 St. Anthony, Idaho 225 Kent, Wash.

175 Boise, Idaho 205 Nampa, Idaho 224 Boise, Idaho 236 Kuna, Idaho 220 Orofino, Idaho 275 Huntington Beach, Calif.

220 Seattle, Wash.

205 Lakewood, Wash.

240 Nampa, Idaho 235 Mulkiteo, Wash.

160 Mesa, Ariz.

303 Seattle, Wash.

240 Santa Ana, Calif.

220 Reno, Nev. 303 Downey, Calif.

276 Blackfoot, Idaho 270 Issaquah, Wash.

275 South Hayward, Calif.

277 Bakersfield, Calif.

288 Gooding,Idaho

GO GRIZ!

Cole Bergquist 406.544.9817

Rebecca Donnelly 406.546.0067

101 Railroad Street W., Missoula, MT 59802 • www.SoldByBD.com

t Sale f a r C Saturday, November 23 9am – 3pm university Center ballroom

Go Griz!

www.BHHSMT.com

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

12 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

Missoulian

HOW WE SEE THE BIG SKY BILL SPELTZ

bill.speltz@missoulian.com‌

‌You could say Idaho State is one of Montana’s football rivals since the Big Sky Conference programs are a fivehour drive apart.

But it just doesn’t seem accurate considering recent history.

For starters, the Grizzlies have beaten the Bengals 12 times in a row. The word rival suggests there’s more give-andtake involved.

Secondly, Montana and Idaho State have only played each other three of the past six years. It’s all due to the odd number of teams in the Big Sky and the conclusion of league officials that the Griz and Bengals are not close-proximity rivals like Montana-Montana State.

There is, however, a result from 2009 that suggests you really can throw out the records and rankings when the Grizzlies and Bengals clash. If you recall, it was UM coach Bobby Hauck’s final season in his first stint in Missoula and his team escaped with a 12-10 win in Pocatello, Idaho.

Brody McKnight was the Griz hero that afternoon. He nailed a 33-yard field goal as time ran out.

Funny thing is, that 12-10 score doesn’t reflect how good the Grizzlies were in 2009. They went on to post a 14-1 record, with their only loss coming to Villanova in the FCS championship game in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Montana is off to an impressive 4-1 start this season, with its only setback coming at Oregon. The Griz are undefeated against FCS competition and should stay that way this Saturday, but it’s not going to be easy.

Idaho State at No. 8 Montana: These aren’t the Bengals you’re used to seeing. Not the ones that former Griz coach Bob Stitt used to dominate. Idaho State is solid and last week’s 51-24 win over Portland State proves it. Are the Bengals as good as the UC Davis team

Bill Speltz

44-4

Kyle Houghtaling

fense. Speltz: Wildcats 27, Vandals 17. Gogola: Weber State 27, Idaho 17.

Houghtaling: Wildcats 26, Vandals 13.

Northern Colorado at Northern Arizona: The Jacks had Montana State sweating in Bozeman last weekend and then let the Cats of the hook. The Bears are coming off a thrilling home win over Idaho but they’ll have their struggles at stick with Eastern. Add in the fact that the Hornets were idle last weekend and 7,000 feet in Flagstaff. Speltz: Lumberjacks 45, Bears 35. Gogola: Northyou have another reason to believe this ern Arizona 49, Northern Colorado 24. game will be close. I’m going with the Houghtaling: Jacks 44, Bears 23.

Eagles to win a squeaker in their league No. 12 UC Davis at North Dakota: debut. Speltz: Eagles 41, Hornets 38.

It’s hard telling what the Aggies’ state Gogola: Sacramento State 34, Eastern of mind will be after Montana humbled Washington 28. Houghtaling: Eagles them in Davis, California, last weekend.

37, Hornets 31.

Based on my limited experience tracking Southern Utah at Portland State: FCS programs from California, they just This is the toughest Big Sky game to don’t bounce back from adversity real pick this week. The Vikings were humbled at Idaho State last Saturday and the well. Maybe it’s the beautiful weather in California that starts pulling their Thunderbirds dropped a home heartbreaker to Cal Poly. Considering SUU is attention away when things go awry.

0-3 on the road and PSU is 2-0 at home, Anyway, North Dakota is a solid team. the Vikes seem like a smart bet. Speltz: The Hawks lost at Eastern Washington, last week, but in mid-September they Portland State 33, Southern Utah 30. beat a strong Sam Houston State team in Gogola: Portland State 35, Southern Grand Forks. I’m picking North Dakota Utah 31. Houghtaling: Vikings 27, Tto win this one because it’s in the Alerus Birds 20.

Center. Speltz: North Dakota 43, Davis No. 4 Weber State at Idaho: Geez, could the Vandals pull a second straight 35. Gogola: UC Davis 41, North Dakota 28. Houghtaling: Aggies 36, Hawks 28. home shocker? No. After beating Eastern Washington two weeks ago, Idaho came back to Earth last weekend with a Bill Speltz is in his 13th year as Missoulian Sports Columnist. He also guides the sports loss at Northern Colorado. The Wilddept., scheduling day-to-day coverage. Do cats will be ready for Idaho and as of you have a story idea? Email Bill at bill. this morning they’re the team to beat speltz@missoulian.com. in the Big Sky with their stifling de-

42-6

Montana whupped last week? No. But be careful not to put too much stock in that result. It’s quite possible Davis was flat after pushing perennial FCS champion North Dakota State to the limit the week before in Fargo. Speltz: Montana 31, Idaho State 24. Gogola: Montana 38, Idaho State 21. Houghtaling: Grizzlies 37, Bengals 17.

No. 6 Montana State at Cal Poly: Both teams are coming off confidencebuilding wins. Cal Poly pulled out a 24-21 victory at Southern Utah. I’m predicting the Bobcats are going to have trouble with the Mustangs’ triple option offense. I’m picking Cal Poly to win because the game is in San Luis Obispo.

Speltz: Mustangs 28, Bobcats 24. Gogola: Cal Poly 28, Montana State 27.

Houghtaling: Bobcats 28, Mustangs 27.

No. 22 Eastern Washington at Sacramento State: The Eagles snapped a two-game skid with a home win over former Big Sky program North Dakota last week. But they’re 0-3 on the road, losing a stunner at Idaho two weeks ago.

Sacramento State was quite impressive in its only home game against a Big Sky foe — a 50-0 verdict over Northern Colorado — so you get the feeling they can

Frank Gogola

43-5

Scarecrow Brewfest!

Saturday October 5, 2019 3pm-8pm

Stevensville, MT

• 20 craft beers, cider, premium wines, alcohol-free Kombucha • Tickets: $25 in advance work or $30 at the event.

• Includes commemorative Brewfest glass word and unlimited samples of beverages!

• Food vendors • Giant slide for the kids • Live music: Oktoberfest Gang 3-5pm, Mudslide Charley 5:15-8:00pm

For Tickets: StevensvilleScarecrows.org

601 Main St., Stevi (406) 777-4663

7AM - 10PM Local Flavor 7 Days a Week!

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

14 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

Missoulian

Montana’s Samori Toure stiff arms UC Davis’ Devon King during last Saturday’s game in Davis, California.

TOMMY MARTINO, MISSOULIAN‌

Fall, Football, & Flooring Thanks to This Week’s Game Day Sponsor!

Paoli & Brett

1603 Brooks Street

406-543-8224

www.pierceflooring.com

Go Griz, Beat the Bengals

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 15

AROUND THE BIG SKY

No. 12 UC Davis (2-3, 0-1) at North Dakota (2-2)‌

Southern Utah (1-4, 0-1) at Portland State (2-3, 0-1)‌

Saturday, Noon MT Grand Forks, North Dakota Alerus Center (12,283 AstroTurf) MidcoSN2 | Pluto TV Series History: UC Davis leads the all-time series, 5-3.

Last Meeting: UC Davis won, 48-24, in 2017.

The Coaches: Dan Hawkins enters his third season as the head coach at UC Davis, his alma mater. Bubba Schweigert, a University of Jamestown alum, is in his sixth season coaching North Dakota.

Notes: UC Davis was upset at home by Montana, 45-20, suffering its second consecutive FCS loss. North Dakota, which is playing a Big Sky schedule for the final year, dropped a 3520 decision at Eastern Washington last week.

Saturday, 2:05 p.m. MT Portland, Oregon Hillsboro Stadium (7,200 FieldTurf) Pluto TV Series History: Portland State leads the all-time series, 8-4.

Last Meeting: Southern Utah won, 45-31, in 2016.

The Coaches: Demario Warren, a UC Davis alum, enters his fourth season as the head coach at Southern Utah. Bruce Barnum, an Eastern Washington alum, is in his fifth season coaching Portland State.

Notes: Southern Utah nearly won for the second time in three weeks but dropped a 24-21 decision against Cal Poly. Portland State surrendered 51 points to Idaho State and scored just 24 in its first game against an FCS team.

Northern Colorado (1-4, 1-0) No. 22 E. Washington (2-3, at Northern Arizona (2-3, 0-1)‌ 1-0) at Sacramento State (2-2)‌ Saturday, 5 p.m. MT Flagstaff, Arizona J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome (10,000 FieldTurf) Pluto TV Series History: Northern Arizona leads the all-time series, 14-5.

Last Meeting: Northern Colorado won, 4214, in 2018.

The Coaches: Earnest Collins Jr. is in his ninth season coaching at Northern Colorado, his alma mater. Chris Ball, a Missouri Western State alum, is in his first season coaching Northern Arizona.

Notes: Northern Colorado ended a six-game losing streak dating back to last season with a 27-24 win over Idaho, who had beat Eastern Washington the week before. Northern Arizona dropped its second consecutive game, blowing a 21-0 lead in a 49-31 loss at Montana State.

Saturday, 7 p.m. MT Sacramento, California Hornet Stadium (21,195 FieldTurf) Pluto TV Series History: Eastern Washington leads the all-time series, 19-4.

Last Meeting: Eastern Washington won 5231, in 2017.

The Coaches: Aaron Best is in his third year coaching Eastern Washington, his alma mater.

Troy Taylor, a Cal alum, enters his first year as the head coach at Sac State.

Notes: Eastern Washington rebounded from a shocking loss to Idaho by posting a 35-20 win over North Dakota. Sacramento State is coming off a bye week and had previously posted a 50-0 win over Northern Colorado, which just beat Idaho, which had upset Eastern Washington two weeks ago.

Idaho State (2-2, 1-0) at No. 8 Montana (4-1, 1-0)‌

No. 4 Weber State (2-2, 0-0) at Idaho (2-3, 0-1)‌

No. 6 Montana State (4-1, 1-0) at Cal Poly (2-2, 1-0)‌

Saturday, 1 p.m. MT Missoula, Montana Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217 FieldTurf) Root Sports | AT&T Now | AT&T TV Series History: Montana leads the all-time series, 46-13.

Last Meeting: Montana won, 39-31, in 2017.

The Coaches: Rob Phenicie, a Memphis alum and former Montana offensive coordinator, is in his third season as the head coach at Idaho State. 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 Griz.

Notes: Idaho State posted a blowout 51-24 win over Portland State, which was playing its first FCS opponent. Montana earned one of the biggest wins in the FCS when it convincingly upset then-No. 4 UC Davis on the road, 45-20.

Saturday, 3 p.m. MT‌ Moscow, Idaho Kibbie Dome (16,000 MatrixTurf) Pluto TV Series History: Idaho leads the all-time series, 19-13.

Last Meeting: Weber State won 25-19, in 1995.

The Coaches: Jay Hill, a Utah alum, enters his sixth season coaching Weber State. Paul Petrino, a Carroll College alum, is in his seventh season coaching Idaho.

Notes: Weber State upset then-No. 9 Northern Iowa, 29-17, racing out to a 27-3 lead. Idaho suffered a 27-24 loss to conference bottom dweller Northern Colorado one week after upsetting perennial title contender Eastern Washington.

Saturday, 6 p.m. MT San Luis Obispo, California Alex G. Spanos Stadium (11,075 Natural Grass) ABC/SWX Series History: Cal Poly leads the all-time series, 10-5.

Last Meeting: Montana State won, 45-28, in 2015.

The Coaches: Jeff Choate, a Montana Western alum, is in his fourth season coaching Montana State. Tim Walsh, a UC Riverside alum, is in his 11th year coaching Cal Poly.

Notes: Montana State erased a 21-0 deficit to post a 49-31 win over Northern Arizona, improving to 4-0 against FCS teams. Cal Poly scratched out a 24-21 road win at Southern Utah, moving to 2-1 against FCS opponents.

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

16 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

Bingham Continued from 2

Missoula's rock bar

Saturday october 5th ceres Free Show at the dark Horse 9pm

Homecoming Weekend drink SpecialS Free SHuttle to and From tHe game

WatcH all tHe gameS every Sunday on our big Screen tvS!

Friday 10/4 & Saturday 10/5 last chance band at Sunrise Saloon 9:30pm

BAND

1101 strAND Ave

406-728-1559

Corner of Regent & Strand • 1805 Regent • Missoula • 728.1559

www.sunrisesaloonandcasino.com

Hauck has noticed Bingham’s amiable nature, too, and how he can have people in stitches.

“He’s a guy I enjoy every day,” Hauck said. “He’s a great dude. He’s fun to be around. He’s got a good sense of humor.

His teammates give him a hard time. He gives it right back.”

For Johnson, Bingham’s high school football coach, he saw that personable side when Bingham and Montana track athlete Alex Mustard would return to Big Sky to assist with the Special Olympics.

“They’d say how they wanted to help out and stay involved,” Johnson said. “I think he’s a guy young kids look up to because he does things right.”

Evolving role‌

Bingham came to Montana as an H-back in Bob Stitt’s offense, playing more of a receiving role than his natural spot as a blocking tight end.

He had a big freshman season, pulling down 28 catches for 332 yards and four touchdowns. All of those marks are still single-season highs for him.

When Hauck took over following the 2017 season, Bingham moved to tight end, a position Hauck reintroduced. The physical play of the position and the leadership of being an upperclassman are what Bingham has tried to provide for the Griz and what he hopes to be remembered for when his playing time is up.

“I personally wanted to be one of the more physical guys on the field,” Bingham said of this season. “I think there’s a lot of work to be done there all the time. So far, I think our tight end group has been pretty consistent with our play, which is good.

“Then I wanted to be more of a leader. I know that’s a constant process. Just working to be more vocal and be consistent day in, day out. It’s been going well so far.”

Bingham’s move back to tight end has meant less pass catching and more blocking, especially last year as the Griz needed help with a young group of offensive linemen.

“Colin’s a hard worker, a guy that loves the Montana Grizzlies and gives everything he has for his teammate,” Hauck said.

The lack of stats isn’t a bother to Bingham, whose focus is on doing whatever is needed to help the Griz win. The one thing he hasn’t accomplished that he’d like to before his time is up is to help get Montana into the playoffs for the first time

Missoulian

since 2015, his redshirt year.

“Growing up in Missoula, I learned what the expectations were of Griz football; it’s conference championship every single year and making a run in the playoffs,” Bingham said. “Obviously, the teams I’ve been involved with haven’t achieved that yet.

“That’s definitely the No. 1 goal for our team this year. We’re working toward it.

We’ve got another big step this Saturday, so looking forward to it.”

Academic achiever‌

A high-achieving student going back to high school, Bingham came to Montana planning to become a physical therapist.

While he excelled in high school, he came to enjoy learning more in college when he got to take classes that fascinated and engaged him.

Bingham found an interest in health and medicine when he took courses on anatomy, physiology and immunology. That set him on the path in which he’s looking to become a doctor, either in cardiology or emergency medicine.

“They were really in-depth looks at human physiology and the mechanisms that govern it. That got me super psyched on health and medicine,” said Bingham, who’s taking a sports nutrition class that he’s found applicable to being in good shape for football.

In addition to the on-field success, Bingham has excelled off the field with a 3.93 grade-point average. He’s been an Academic All-Big Sky selection each of the past three seasons.

Even more prestigious, Bingham was awarded the President’s Award this past spring for posting a 4.0 GPA, the top among all student-athletes at Montana.

He’s also earned the Paul Ricci Memorial Football Scholarship and the GSA License Plate Scholarship to help pay for his schooling.

Bingham knows getting into medical school is a competitive proposition, and he knows he may have to leave the state of Montana to do that.

No matter how his time in a Grizzly uniform ends, his successful work in the classroom at Montana has him set up for a bright future.

“It’s been good,” Bingham said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and I’ve definitely utilized my scholarship funding for school to the fullest.”

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

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA

Be part of something big. Please make a gift today.

CampaignMontana.org | 406-243-2593 | giving@SupportUM.org

18 | Saturday, October 5, 2019

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Missoulian

‌STATS FCS POLL T‌ he top 25 teams in the STATS Football Championship Subdivision poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sept. 28, points and previous rank:

GENUINE. MONTANA. EXPERIENCE.

Rec Pts Pvs‌ 1. North Dakota State (152) 4-0 3968 1 13. UNI 2. James Madison (7) 4-1 3786 2 14. Furman 3. South Dakota State 3-1 3670 3 15. North Carolina A&T 4. Weber State 2-2 3349 5 16. Nicholls 5. Villanova 5-0 3178 8 17. Southeastern Louisiana 6. Montana State 4-1 3058 7 18. Youngstown State 7. Kennesaw State 4-1 2928 6 19. Delaware 8. Montana 4-1 2594 18 20. Maine 9. Towson 3-2 2370 10 21. Jacksonville State 10. Illinois State 3-1 2307 14 22. Eastern Washington 11. Central Arkansas 3-1 2096 15 23. Southeast Missouri State 12. UC Davis 2-3 2021 4 24. Stony Brook 25. Princeton

Rec Pts Pvs‌ 2-2 1962 9 3-2 1943 16 3-1 1754 17 2-2 1505 12 3-1 1393 19 4-0 1253 22 3-2 1167 20 2-3 1147 12 3-2 892 11 2-3 731 21 2-2 616 23 4-1 527 NR 2-0 483 NR

Others: Dartmouth 146, South Carolina State 113, Austin Peay 99, Sam Houston State 97, Houston Baptist 86, Elon 82, Indiana State 66, Yale 66, Citadel 40, Sacramento State 32, Samford 30, Wofford 26, Tennessee Tech 24, Southern Illinois 23, Central Connecticut State 17, Idaho State 13, Eastern Kentucky 12, Alcorn State 2, North Dakota 2, Cal Poly 1.

GRIZ TRIVIA HOT SPRINGS LODGING DINING GOLF SPA

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.

‌1. Montana is 65-33-1 all-time in homecoming games. What is the Grizzlies’ record in homecoming games since moving into Washington-Grizzly Stadium in 1986? a) 20-13 b) 30-3 c) 29-4 d) 21-12

2. Montana is 4-1 coming into its game against Idaho State. When was the last time the Griz started 5-1 or better through six games? a) 2013 b) 2016 c) 2009 d) 2010

3. Montana hasn’t lost to Idaho State in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. When was the last time the Griz lost to the Bengals in Missoula? a) 1975 b) 1963 c) Never d) 1983 Answers: 1) c. 2) b. 3) d.

FairmontMontana.com | 800.332.3272

Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 19

TOMMY MARTINO, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana’s Dante Olson flies as he gets tackled with the ball in hand during a 45-20 win at UC Davis on Sept. 28. Olson had the lone interception of the game.

FALL TIRE

SAVE $ 152 UP TO

– ON A SET OF 4 SELECT LIGHT TRUCK AND SUV TIRES –

TERRAMAX H/T

• Good tread wear • Value priced • Mud & snow rated

BACK COUNTRY TOURING H/T

• Outstanding durability • Superior handling • All-season performance • Mud & snow rated

BACK COUNTRY ALL TERRAIN

• Extended tread life • Outstanding traction • Quiet ride • Designed for comfort

BACK COUNTRY MT

• Cut and chip resistant • Outstanding mud and snow traction • Severe duty applications • Durable 3-ply sidewall

DOING THE

THING SINCE 1952.

Limited time offer. While supplies last. Actual discount amount depends on tire size and type. Cannot be combined with other offers. Details at LesSchwab.com.

View prices and book an appointment at www.LesSchwab.com MISSOULA NORTH MISSOULA SOUTH 2800 W. Broadway 1505 Dearborn Ave. 721-1770 721-0888

HAMILTON 211 North 1st 363-3884

RONAN 63360 Hwy 93 S. 676-7800

EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2019

STEVENSVILLE 4026 Hwy 93 N. 777-4667

POLSON 36030 Memory Ln 883-1099