Griz Game Day Saturday August 26, 2017

2017 SEASON PREVIEW • SATURDAY, AUG. 26, 2017

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E1

READY TO

‘GO OUT AND

PROVE IT’

Griz aim to reclaim their spot at the Big Sky’s pinnacle TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian

CONFERENCE: PREVIEW CAPSULES • GRIZ: DEPTH CHART • NUMBERS: FINAL 2016 GRIZ & BIG SKY STATS

E2 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA FOOTBALL

TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian‌

Montana head coach Bob Stitt, center, TJ Reynard (11) and Gage Smith (54) celebrate together after Montana defeated Northern Iowa 20-14 at the UNI-Dome in 2016.

BLUE-COLLAR BOYS

Despite sixth-place Big Sky preseason ranking, Stitt confident in Grizzlies’ abilities AMIE JUST 406mtsports.com‌

When the Big Sky preseason football rankings were released back in July, Montana coach Bob Stitt wasn’t surprised with how low his Grizzlies were listed.

The Griz ended the 2016 season on a 1-5 losing skid that was punctuated by a home loss to in-state rival Montana State

that cost the Griz a spot in the playoffs.

“We deserve to be sixth,” Stitt said back in July. “The way we played the second half of the season, we don’t deserve to be any higher than that. But it is motivation for our coaches and our players to go out and play every single game, if it’s the first or the last, the exact same way: with a lot of intensity and a lot of passion.

“Hopefully the final poll is a little different than the preseason.”

Of course, the preseason polls rarely mirror the standings at the end of the season.

For example, in 2015 — Stitt’s first season at UM — Southern Utah took the crown and Portland State came in second.

Their preseason rankings?

Southern Utah was pegged at eighth and Portland State was

ranked as low as 12th in the preseason media poll.

“Anybody can win this darn thing,” Stitt said, citing the 2015 season as an example.

And with the way scheduling in a 13-team conference is, some teams draw the short end of the stick in having to play all the tough teams, while others avoid the brunt of the conference.

This season, those at the top

of the stack are North Dakota and Eastern Washington.

This time a year ago, North Dakota was as low as fourth in the media poll and Eastern Washington was as low as seventh in the coaches poll.

“At the end of the day, as cliche as it sounds, it’s not where you start, it’s where you See BLUE-COLLAR, Page E12

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E3

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E4 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | CONFERENCE CAPSULES

AROUND THE BIG SKY Cal Poly Forecast: 4th by Big Sky coaches, 4th by media Last season: 7-5 overall, 5-3 in Big Sky (4th) Starters returning: 14 (5 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams) Coach: Tim Walsh (UC Riverside, ‘77), 50-42 in 8th year at Cal Poly, 167-124 for career.

Bottom Line Cal Poly was in a position to finish close to the top in the Big Sky last season, but had a less-than-successful November to cap their 2016 campaign. Losing two of its last three regular season conference games, Cal Poly dropped to fourth in the league standings. An early string of wins elevated the Mustangs to the playoffs for the first time since 2012, but they dropped the first round game. With six All-Big Sky players returning, expect the Mustangs to rebound from their late-season woes.

Offense In a conference filled with high-flying passing attacks, Cal Poly is the outlier. The Mustangs run the triple option with ease and have been consistently at the top of the league in offensive production. With league-leading rusher in Joe Protheroe back for his senior season, expect even more from the fullback who averaged 121.3 yards per game last year.

Defense The defense lost Chris Santini — the sixth leading tackler in the Big Sky with 106 tackles — and filling his shoes will be a tough task. No other Mustang came close in his defensive production. It’s not just Santini who’s departed. Josh Letuligasenoa and Joseph Gigantino followed Santini in defensive production.

Those three accounted for a third of all Cal Poly tackles. Expect the Mustang defense to have a few hiccups in navigating the season without them.

Notable: Coming off its first playoff appearance since 2012, Cal Poly is ranked No. 23 in both the STATS FCS and coaches’ polls. ... Protheroe was tabbed to the STATS FCS Preseason All-American First Team.

Bottom Line The reigning champions of the Big Sky have a somewhat different look from this time a year ago as eight-year coach in Beau Baldwin accepted a job at Cal as the offensive coordinator in the offseason.

Aaron Best — the new man on the block — worked under Baldwin during his entire tenure and has been a part of the Eastern program since 1996, so expect the transition to be relatively seamless as far as head coaching changes go. Best is also an offensive mind, so another year of high-octane production from the Eagles wouldn’t be out of the question.

In addition to Baldwin’s departure, 2015 Walter Payton Award winner and two-time Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp was drafted by the Los Cal Poly athletics Angeles Rams, so it’ll be interesting to see Cal Poly fullback Joe Protheroe, right, led the Big Sky Conference with 121.3 yards how Eastern fills his large shoes. per game last season.

Offense Reigning Big Sky Offensive MVP quarterback Gage Gubrud returns for another season. However, all three of his main targets with more than 1,000 yards receiving from last season have run out of eligibility.

With a quarterback as talented as Gubrud, it’s only a matter of time before he finds his next go-to receiver.

Defense Anchored by preseason All-Big Sky Conference defensive end Albert Havili and safety Mitch Fettig, the Eagles are looking to continue charging to the top of the pack in terms of defensive production. The Eagles ranked seventh in the conference last year in total defense, but third in scoring defense. With seven returning starters, it’s not going to be easy to put up points against them again this season.

Notable: Since the addition of the red “Inferno” turf to Roos Field for the 2010 KURT WILSON, Missoulian season, the Eagles have posted a 41-8 Eastern Washington quarterback Gage Gubrud looks to pass the ball under pressure record at home. They open the 2015 camby Montana’s Jesse Sims during the two teams’ game last season in Cheney, Wash. paign ranked fourth in the coaches’ poll and fifth in the STATS FCS poll.

Quotable: “I think we’re going to be just Last season: Quotable: “The product on the field as prolific passing the ball this year. Khaleel 12-2 overall, 8-0 in obviously helps going in, momentum wise.

Jenkins, I think, will make a big impact.” — Big Sky (1st) 2017, what you bring back is always a lot Cal Poly full back Joe Protheroe on the Starters returnto determine how the entire league sees Mustangs’ new quarterback. ing: 18 (7 offense, you, no matter who the head coach is. But 7 defense, 4 yeah, there’s been a lot of change, a lot of Eastern Washington special teams) tweaks.” — EWU coach Aaron Best on Coach: Aaron Best (Eastern Washington the many changes from last season to Forecast: 2nd by Big Sky media, 2nd by coaches ‘01), first year as head coach. this season.

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E5

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | CONFERENCE CAPSULES

AROUND THE BIG SKY

GARY BREEDLOVE, ISU athletics‌

After missing all of 2015 with an ACL tear suffered during fall camp, Idaho State linebacker Mario Jenkins (47) was third in the Big Sky Conference with 9.3 tackles per game last fall.

Idaho State‌

also near the bottom of the league, averaging 502.2 yards per game. That Forecast: 13th by Big Sky media, 13th mark ranked 119th out of the 122 teams by coaches in the entire FCS. There’s a lot of room for Last season: 2-9 overall, 1-7 in Big Sky improvement and having linebacker Mario (13th) Jenkins back for his senior season will Starters returnabsolutely help their efforts. Jenkins had 93 ing: 18 (7 offense, tackles last season in 10 games with 3.0 7 defense, 4 special sacks. teams) Notable: Idaho State returns four playCoach: Rob ers who earned league honors last season.

Phenicie (Memphis Quotable: ““I’m just using the Bobby ‘89), first year as head Hauck model for how we’re doing things coach. here at Idaho State. The organization, and Bottom Line‌ the structure and the consistency and just After the late retirement of Mike Kramer having a yearly plan. I was fortunate to be this spring, former assistant coach in Rob Phenicie was promoted to head coach on with Bobby for that. That’s helped me a April 3. Idaho State is coming off one of the lot.” — ISU coach Rob Phenicie on how he’s structuring his new team. worst seasons in recent history and were nearly dead last in almost every statistical Montana State‌ category kept by the Big Sky. All the Tigers Forecast: 8th by Big Sky coaches, 8th can do is go up from here. by media Offense‌ Last season: Idaho State’s offensive production 4-7 overall, 2-6 in last year was the worst in the league.

Big Sky (9th) The Tigers scored an average of 24.3 Starters returnpoints per game in their spread offense. ing: 19 (8 offense, Quarterback Tanner Gueller is back under center and his experience from last season 8 defense, 3 can only help Idaho State. special teams) Coach: Jeff Choate (Montana Western Defense‌ As with the offense, the defense was ‘93), 4-7 in second year at Montana State

DEAN HENDRICKSON, for 406mtsports.com‌

Montana State quarterback Chris Murray (8) is chased by defensive end Derek Marks (95) during the Bobcats’ scrimmage Aug. 12 in Bozeman.

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E6 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | CONFERENCE CAPSULES

AROUND THE BIG SKY Northern Arizona defender Khalil Dorsey breaks up a throw to Montana receiver Justin Calhoun during the two teams’ game Oct. 23 in Flagstaff, Ariz.

KURT WILSON, Associated Press‌

DEAN HENDRICKSON, for the Associated Press‌

North Dakota quarterback Keaton Studsrud is pursued by Montana State safety Khari Garcia during a 2016 game in Bozeman.

Bottom Line‌ In the second year under the direction of Jeff Choate, the pieces seem to be clicking for the Bobcats. They return 16 of their 21 offensive and defensive starters from last season, including reigning Big Sky Freshman of the Year in quarterback Chris Murray. The Bobcats head into the season coming off a big win in Missoula against the Griz, so expect Choate and Co. to use that momentum as much as possible.

Offense‌ One key piece returns on offense: Murray. And he seemed to just be getting started last year after taking over the starting duties for Tyler Bruggman. Last season the Bobcats had one of the worst offenses in the conference — only averaging 25.6 points and 367.9 yards per game. On the flip side, their rushing average of 212.0 yards per game was near the top of the league. Be looking for the Bobcats to try to elevate their offensive production.

Defense‌ Where Montana State’s offense may have faltered last year, the defense picked up the slack. The Cats allowed an average of 25.1 points to be scored and 388.6 yards to be picked up, marks high atop the league last season. A big contributor to that success? Linebacker Mac Bignell.

And he’s back for more. Bignell contributed

97 tackles and a whopping 14½ tackles for loss last season. Expect him to do even more this season.

Notable: The Bobcats’ Bignell was named to the STATS FCS Preseason AllAmerica Third Team. Only 10 other players from the Big Sky Conference were tabbed to any of the three national lists.

Quotable: “People would come up and said, ‘Great season, coach.’ And I’m like, ‘Hang on, now ...’ Certainly, beating Montana is an important program goal for us, and we’re not afraid to talk about it. It is what it is. But we have higher aspirations.”

— MSU coach Jeff Choate on his 4-7 season.

North Dakota‌ Forecast: 1st by Big Sky coaches and media Last season: 9-3 overall, 8-0 in Big Sky (2nd) Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 6 defense, 3 special teams) Coach: Bubba Schweigert (Jamestown, ‘85), 21-14 entering 4th year at UND, 43-35 for career Bottom Line‌ With Big Sky Coach of the Year Bubba

Schweigert at the helm for another season in their final year in the Big Sky, expect the Fighting Hawks to go out with a bang. They return 18 starters across all three phases of the game, including nine of 11 on offense and six on defense — with reigning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year Cole Reyes back in the secondary.

Offense‌ Quarterback Keaton Studsrud is back for one more season in North Dakota’s pro-style offense, as is running back John Santiago. Even though the Fighting Hawks were in the middle of the pack in terms of offensive production last season, expect the defense to yet again pick up the slack.

Defense‌ Last season, the Fighting Hawks sat atop the league in scoring defense — only allowing opponents to score an average of 22 points per game. With Reyes returning, expect-low scoring games when North Dakota is involved. Reyes had 70 tackles, 1½ sacks, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered and three interceptions last season en route to multiple All-American accolades.

Notable: This is the last season for North Dakota in the Big Sky. After this season, it’ll play a Big Sky schedule as an FCS independent.

Quotable: “Within our walls of our locker room, we have to be able to handle this.

It’s great for our fan base. It’s great to create a buzz about our program.” — UND head coach Bubba Schweigert on

pressure of being preseason No. 1

Northern Arizona‌ Forecast: 3rd by Big Sky coaches, 3rd by media Last season: 5-4 overall, 4-4 in Big Sky (6th) Starters returning: 11 (7 offense, 3 defense, 1 special teams) Coach: Jerome Souers (Oregon, ‘83), 112-103 in 19th year at NAU and overall Bottom Line‌ Northern Arizona has the offensive weapons to be a contender for the Big Sky title this season. Even though the Lumberjacks only scored an average of 32.8 points per game last season, the pieces are really coming together for NAU as its leading quarterback, wide receiver and running back are hauling in national awards. Expect the same for them by the end of the year.

Offense‌ The Lumberjacks return their All-American offensive duo in quarterback Case Cookus and wide receiver Emmanuel Butler. The chemistry these two have is through the roof. Cookus threw for 3,117 yards last season, with 1,003 of them going to Butler.

Expect them to torch through defenses again this season. When they aren’t airing out the ball, look for running back Joe Logan. In just nine games last season, he had 726 rushing yards as a freshman.

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E7

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E8 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | CONFERENCE CAPSULES

AROUND THE BIG SKY Defense‌ Cornerback Khalil Dorsey had a standout year for his freshman campaign for the Lumberjacks last year. With nine pass breakups, two interceptions and 47 tackles, expect Dorsey to have a break out year with more confidence under his belt.

Notable: Souers surpassed Nevada’s Chris Ault for all-time winningest coach in the Big Sky last season. Souers has 112 wins as a Big Sky coach, moving past Ault’s 111.

Quotable: “We expect to win it all. We’re competitors and that’s what we’re gonna work for to win the whole thing and Case is the best quarterback in the country, we have him back. We’re very excited for what’s in store.” — NAU wide receiver Emmanuel Butler

the playoffs twice, losing in the first round to Delaware in 2000 and to Northern Iowa in the second round in 2015.

Quotable: “Winning a Big Sky championship is always our goal. We know that’s attainable. It’s not out of reach.” — PSU QB/WR Josh Kraght

Sacramento State‌

Forecast: 12th by Big Sky coaches and media Last season: 2-9 overall, 1-7 in Big Sky (9th) Starters returning: 21 (9 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams) Coach: Jody Sears (Washington Northern Colorado‌ State, ‘91), 11-22 Forecast: 10th by Big Sky coaches, 9th entering fourth year by media at Sac St., 15-41 for career Last season: 6-5 Bottom Line‌ overall, 4-4 in Big Sky The Hornets are heading into unknown (6th) territory.

Sacramento State has no quarterTOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian‌ Starters returning: backs on its roster with much experience, Sacramento State’s Manny Anderson, left, pursues Montana’s John Nguyen dyring the 14 (7 offense, 5 defense. despite having nine returning starters on Grizzlies’ 68-7 victory over the Hornets last season at Washington–Grizzly Stadium.

2 special teams) offense.

Expect Sacramento State to have Coach: Earnest Northern Colorado allowed opponents to Bottom Line‌ some kinks in the offense, especially in Collins Jr. (Northern Colorado, ‘96), 21-45 rack up 482.0 yards per game.

Portland State’s record from last season nonconference play. in 6th year at UNC, 29-58 for career Notable: The Bears’ special teams unit is slightly misleading. The Vikings had five Offense‌ Bottom Line‌ is on the verge of breaking records. Deggs losses where they had a chance to score a Like Idaho State, Sacramento State is Northern Colorado enters the fall in the tying or go-ahead touchdown in the closnear the bottom of the Big Sky in nearly midst of the best era in the program’s FCS and Ellis Onic are both returning for the third area of the game and are close to ing minutes or in overtime.

This season, the every offensive statistical category. The history. The Bears have had back-to-back breaking the program’s return record.

Vikings will be looking to close out games, Hornets only averaged 24.3 points per winning seasons for the first time in their Quotable: “We just have to work on and, in turn, better their record. game and 373.4 yards per game. The Division I era and finished .500 or above in being consistent in everything that we Offense‌ offense will be sorely missing quarterback league play for the first time since 2012. The Portland State’s numbers last season Jordan Robinson, who was just 4 yards shy Bears also defeated the Montana Grizzlies do. I think that is the biggest focus for the offense right now. We returned the majority don’t reflect a team that went 3-8. The of hitting 1,000 yards passing last season. for the first time since moving to Division I. of our skill players and our O-line, though Vikings scored an average of 33.2 points Expect a rocky road for the Hornet offense.

Offense‌ they’re young, they grew a lot during the and put up an average of 454.2 yards.

But Defense‌ Northern Colorado had its best offensive as preseason camp began, Portland State Where Sacramento State lacks in production of its Division 1 tenure in 2016, spring, so now we just have to make sure that we’re all on the same page.” — UNC had a quarterback battle on its hands. offensive production, the defense does its scoring 34.4 points per game and gained quarterback Jacob Knipp Josh Kraght, a multi-position threat, is best to make up. Defensive back Manny an average of 422.6 yards per game. facing off against Davis Alexander and Anderson and linebacker Tyler Meteer are Quarterback Jacob Knipp will be one to Portland State‌ Cade Smith. If Kraght isn’t suiting up under back this season, both of whom had more watch this season; last season’s quarterForecast: 9th by Big Sky coaches, 10th center this fall, he’ll move over to starting than 100 tackles apiece last season. But back, Kyle Sloter, wrapped up his time as slot receiver. by media tackles doesn’t correlate to success. The a Bear in the fall. Wide receiver Hakeem Last season: Defense‌ Hornets were dead last in the entire FCS in Deggs will also be a big name on this 3-8 overall, 2-6 in Defensive tackle Anthony Del Toro, total defense last season, allowing oppoteam, filling the shoes of Stephen Miller.

Big Sky (9th) despite being a sophomore, will anchor nents to rack up an average of 526.7 yards Defense‌ Starters returnthis Portland State defense. The Vikings per game. They only can go up from here.

The Bears will be without the Big Sky’s will need to step up their efforts from last Notable: Head coach Jody Sears is in a leading tackler, linebacker Kyle Newsom. His ing: 14 (6 offense, season, as they were near the bottom of contract year. His current deal runs through 121 tackles were ninth in the FCS. Defensive 8 defense) Coach: Bruce Barnum (Eastern the league in total defense, allowing 478.3 the end of this season. back Keifer Morris will be an anchor on the Washington, ‘87), 12-11 in 3rd year at PSU yards per game. defense this season as the Bears look to Quotable: “The heart of your football better their defensive efforts; last season and overall Notable: Portland State has only made team starts up front no matter where you

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E9

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | CONFERENCE CAPSULES

AROUND THE BIG SKY

ANITA E. BUNKER, SUU athletics‌

Southern Utah’s most athletic linebacker, 6-foot-4 junior Mike Needham, is a combination of speed and size in the middle of the Thunderbirds’ defense.

in the middle of the pack last season with an average of 29.2 points scored and 384.3 yards per game. Quarterback Patrick Tyler is back for his senior season but he’s without Mike Sharp, his go-to receiver last year.

Defense‌ Warren’s defensive mind was definitely at work last season as the Thunderbirds led the league in interceptions with 20 on the year. That mark was second in the entire FCS. With Needham, Tyler Collet and Mitch Dalley back, expect even more from the trio.

Notable: Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley made headlines for being the youngest head coach of an FBS team this offseason.

The 33-year-old graduated from Texas Tech in 2006. Riley still has one year on Southern Utah coach Demario Warren, 32.

Quotable: “There were some great moments last year and I don’t think I enjoyed them enough and didn’t really get to cherish those moments. So, hopefully, this year when we knock off some big teams and make a run at this thing, hopefully, I’m able to enjoy it a little bit more.”

— SUU head coach Demario Warren

stability. Doss finished last season with 911 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.

Defense‌ UC Davis is also without its leading tackler from last season in Zach Jones, who led the Aggies with 63 tackles and forced three fumbles. One silver lining among the returnees is sophomore Keleen Culberson.

As a freshman, he defended 12 passes with one interception. There are a lot of questions here ahead of the season.

Notable: UC Davis opens up against fellow California school San Diego State for the first time in school history on Sept. 2.

Quotable: “I do feel like I owe the place some things. I also feel like I’m part of the cycle of life a little bit for the program. To be able to come back and share some of the things that I’ve learned through the years with our current guys is great.” — UC Davis head coach Dan Hawkins

Weber State‌

No. 25. They were ranked No. 22 in the preseason FCS coaches poll. Expect the Wildcats to stay ranked this season.

Offense‌ The success from last season might be hard to replicate without quarterback Jadrian Clark and wide receiver Cam Livingston. Clark was third in the Big Sky in total offense with 276.8 yards per game and Livingston averaged 5.4 receptions per game. Tight end Andrew Vollert will be expected to step up in his senior season.

As far as who’s under center, sophomore Justin Shaw looks to be the next man up.

Defense‌ Weber State is coming off a stellar season in terms of pass defense. The Wildcats led the league in that mark, only allowing opponents an average of 193.5 yards passing per game. Leading pass defenders Taron Johnson and Xequille Harry are back for another season, so expect them to make things tough on opposing offenses.

Notable: Hill and Co.’s FBS opponent this season is California, the school where former Eastern Washington head coach Beau Baldwin is now offensive coordinator.

Quotable: “Last year we won seven games. My expectation’s not seven. It’s nine, 10, 11 wins, go to playoffs, make some noise and make some runs at some Big Sky championships. We’re not there yet. We haven’t been there yet. I think this is the team that can do that.” — WSU head coach Jay Hill

Forecast: 5th by Big Sky coaches and media Last season: 7-5 overall, 6-2 in are. That’s where your leadership comes UC Davis‌ Big Sky (3rd) from and where the mentality of your Starters returnForecast: 11th football team is established. Those guys ing: 16 (6 offense,

by Big Sky media returning does not guarantee anything.

8 defense, 2 and coaches Hopefully they are a little bigger and special teams) Last season: stronger and the chemistry improves.” — Coach: Jay Hill (Utah, ‘00), 15-20 enter3-8 overall, 2-6 in Sacramento State head coach Jody ing 4th year at WSU and overall Big Sky (9th) Sears on returning all five starting Starters returnBottom Line‌ offensive linemen ing: 19 (7 offense, The Wildcats’ 2016 campaign was the 6 defense, 6 special teams) best overall record for Weber State in seven Southern Utah‌ Amie Just covers Griz football for the Coach: Dan Hawkins (UC Davis ‘84), first years. The school qualified for the playoffs Missoulian, among other things. Follow Forecast: 7th by season at UC Davis, 111-61-1 overall record for the first time since 2009 and ended the her on Twitter @Amie_Just or email her at Big Sky coaches season ranked in the STATS FCS poll at in 15 seasons Amie.Just@406mtsports.com. and media Bottom Line‌ Last season: Dan Hawkins is back at his alma mater 6-5 overall, 3-5 in to lead the program that gave him his start Big Sky (4th) in coaching. He’s going to get a baptism Starters returnby fire in his first season back. UC Davis on nFL PACKAGE noW In THE BoWL DoG LoUnGE! ing: 13 (7 offense, plays five teams that qualified for the playBOWLING SPECIALS: 6 defense) offs last season: San Diego, Weber State, www.missoulabowling.com $1.00 Bowling every Sunday, Coach: Demario Warren (UC Davis ‘08), North Dakota, Eastern Washington and Monday and Wednesday at 9pm!

Happy Hour 6-5 in second year at Southern Utah Cal Poly. Hawkins and the Aggies definitely (SHOE RENTAL NOT INCLUDED) Mon-Sun Bottom Line‌ have a tough road this season.

4:30-6:00 Southern Utah ended the 2016 campaign STILL HAVE OPENINGS ON FALL BOWLING LEAGUES! Offense‌ Karaoke will be COME AS A SINGLE OR TEAM!! with a 6-5 record, just shy of qualifying for Like the coaching staff, the Aggie offense Wed, Thurs the playoffs. They return three all-league is going to look very different in terms of and Fri players — Robert Torgerson, Mike playmakers. Quarterback Ben Scott and @ 8:30pm and Needham and Kyle Hannemann — for head running back Manusamoa Luuga have 2nd and last Sat @ 9:00 coach Demario Warren’s second season. finished up their eligibility, leaving UC Davis Offense‌ with big shoes to fill. Wideout Keelan Doss 1615 Wyoming • 721-5263 • OPEN MON.-SUN. 9am-2am Southern Utah’s offensive production was is back for his junior season for some

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E10 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

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Name Pos. Hgt. Wt. Year Treshawn Favors RB 5-9 209 SR Markell Sanders CB 6-2 189 JR Gresch Jensen QB 6-2 218 RS FR Ryan McKinley CB 6-1 193 SR Justin Calhoun WR 5-10 174 SO Mick Delaney S 6-0 196 SR Rey Green RB 5-11 195 RS FR Kobey Eaton WR 6-3 180 SO Justin Strong S 5-11 190 SR Keenan Curran WR 6-2 203 JR Dareon Nash CB 6-2 178 RS FR Matt Rensvold WR 6-4 211 FR Jeremy Calhoun RB 6-0 213 JR Lewis Cowans CB 6-1 192 RS FR Brennan Corbin WR 6-5 210 RS FR Connor Strahm LB 6-0 240 SR Nate Dick QB 5-10 188 FR Isiahia Banks S 6-0 203 FR Reese Phillips QB 6-2 212 SR Korey Alexander S 5-11 190 SR Caleb Hill QB 6-4 215 JR Josh Sandry S 6-1 203 SO Tanner Wilson QB 6-2 195 FR Michael McGinnis QB 6-2 191 FR RETIRED IN HONOR OF DAVE DICKENSON Jerry Louie-McGee WR 5-9 175 SO Makena Simis WR 6-2 235 SR Samuel Akem WR 6-4 195 RS FR Malik Flowers WR 6-2 185 FR Gavin Crow S 6-1 200 RS FR Terron Moses RB 5-7 166 FR Lamarriel Taylor WR 6-2 198 SO RETIRED IN HONOR OF TERRY DILLON Josh Egbo CB 6-2 193 RS FR Alijah Lee RB 5-6 197 JR Shane Moody RB 5-8 176 SR Jared Thurber WR 6-4 169 FR Cody McCombs RB 5-9 196 SO Josh Deshner ATH 6-0 190 FR Kendall Sweet LB 5-11 216 FR Evan Epperly S 5-10 197 JR Nick Fouch WR 6-0 162 FR Trase Le Texier LB 6-2 236 RS FR Josh Labrador RB 6-0 220 JR Dante Olson LB 6-3 230 SO Jace Lewis LB 6-1 220 RS FR Eric Williams KP 6-0 188 JR James Banks LB 6-1 215 SR Tucker Schye DE 6-4 242 SR Caleb Mitchell LS 6-1 195 RS FR Brandon Purdy KP 5-10 182 SO Cy Sirmon DE 6-3 250 SO Curtis Holmes RB 5-9 175 FR Josh Buss LB 6-2 220 JR Chris Favoroso DE 6-3 245 SO Randy Rodriguez DT 6-3 244 RS FR Vika Fa’atuiese LB 6-3 230 SO Cole Rosling DE 6-4 230 RS FR Trevor Hoerner DE 6-4 225 FR Jesse Sims DT 6-4 272 SO Cody Meyer OL 6-3 293 SO Mike Ralston OL 6-5 302 SR Michael Matthews LB 6-2 206 FR Carder Key LB 6-2 210 FR Gage Smith LB 6-3 217 JR Kyle Davis DT 6-1 283 JR Marcus Welnel LB 6-0 212 FR Shayne Cochran LB 6-1 220 JR Colton Keintz OL 6-8 275 FR Matthew O’Donoghue LS 6-1 248 RS FR Dylan Eickmeyer OG 6-4 292 RS FR Ashton Torres OT 6-4 292 RS FR Thayne Jackson OG 6-5 296 RS FR Skyler Martin OL 6-5 255 FR Payton Stoner OL 6-6 282 FR Cooper Sprunk C 6-4 300 SR Brandon Scott OT 6-7 295 RS FR Angel Villanueva OL 6-5 324 SO Robert Luke OL 6-4 318 SR David Reese OL 6-7 301 SR Dallas Hart OL 6-5 315 SO Conlan Beaver OT 6-5 293 RS FR Josh Horner WR 6-5 232 SR Mitch McLaughlin WR 5-9 174 JR Samori Toure WR 6-3 186 RS FR Mitch Roberts WR 6-1 188 FR Jed Nagler WR 6-4 218 RS FR Danny Burton WR 5-10 172 FR Braxton Reiten WR 5-9 170 FR Bryson Deming WR 6-4 228 FR Colin Bingham WR 6-3 230 SO Tim Semenza K 5-7 155 SO McKenzie Holt ATH 6-4 238 FR Brandt Davidson DT 6-3 293 SR Myles McKee-Osibodu DT 6-3 272 SR Braydon Deming DE 6-4 234 FR Devin Maua DE 6-3 232 RS FR Andrew Harris DE 6-2 231 SO David Shaw DT 6-5 319 JR RJ Nelson DE 6-4 221 FR Esai Longoria DT 6-3 305 RS FR Reggie Tilleman DT 6-4 272 JR

Hometown Glendale, Ariz.

Renton, Wash.

Auburn, Wash.

Anthem, Ariz.

Long Beach, Calif.

Bozeman, Mont.

Vancouver, Wash.

Vancouver, Wash.

Rialto, Calif.

Federal Way, Wash.

Covina, Calif.

Polson, Mont.

Long Beach, Calif.

Mission Viejo, Calif.

Anaheim, Calif.

Eugene, Ore. Billings, Mont.

Aurora, Colo.

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Pittsburg, Calif.

Brenham, Texas Bigfork, Mont.

Polson, Mont.

Sidney, Mont.

GRIZZLY GAME D MONTANA STARTING OFFENSE

WR 80 Josh Horner

QB 11 Reese Phillips

LT 76 David Reese

RB 8 Jeremy Calhoun

LG 74 Angel Villanueva C 72 Cooper Sprunk

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Boise, Idaho Broken Arrow, Okla.

Fontana, Calif Kennewich, Wash.

Vian, Okla.

Chula Vista, Calif.

Gilbert, Ariz.

Los Angeles Parker, Colo.

Burien, Wash.

Billings, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Tulsa, Okla.

Kalispell, Mont.

Woodinville, Wash.

Boulder, Mont.

Eagle, Idaho Medford, Ore. Townsend, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Junction City, Ore. Malta, Mont.

North Bend, Wash.

Kalispell, Mont.

Wenatchee, Wash.

Spring Valley, Calif.

Boise, Idaho Port St. Lucie, Fla. Peoria, Ariz.

Vista, Calif.

Helena, Mont.

Columbia Falls, Mont.

Stevensville, Mont.

San Marcos, Calif.

Oregon City, Ore. Camas, Wash.

Broken Arrow, Okla.

Whitefish, Mont.

San Diego Helena, Mont.

Culbertson, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Santa Ana, Calif.

Tucson, Ariz.

Aurora, Colo.

Gilbert, Ariz.

Vancouver, Wash.

San Diego Tigard, Ore. Owasso, Okla.

Duarte, Calif.

Tacoma. Wash.

Happy Valley, Ore. Cypress, Calif.

Fredericksburg, Va. Great Falls, Mont.

Riverside, Calif.

Portland, Ore. Missoula, Mont.

Whitefish, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

Columbia Falls, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

San Diego Thompson Falls, Mont.

Tucson, Ariz.

Santa Ana, Calif.

Billings, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Spring Grove, Pa. Hillsboro, Ore. Caldwell, Idaho Genessee, Idaho

WR 8 Keenan Curran

RG 75 Robert Luke RT 51 Mike Ralston

WR 9 Justin Calhoun

WR 16 Jerry Louie-McGee

K 89 Tim Semenza

MONTANA BACKUP OFFENSE

WR 17 Makena Simis QB 2 Caleb Hill RB 24 Rey Green

WR 19 Samuel Akem

LT 78 Conlan Beaver LG 62 Dylan Eickmeyer C 65 Cody Meyer RG 77 Dallas Hart

WR 5 Kobey Eaton K 39 Brandon Purdy

RT 67 Thayne Jackson

WR 82 Samori Toure

DAY MATCHUPS MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE CB 1 Markell Sanders SLB 42 Josh Buss DE 93 Chris Favoroso NT 91 Brandt Davidson

SS 13 Josh Sandry

MLB 45 Vika Fa’atuiese

DT 49 Jesse Simms

FS 5 Justin Strong

WLB 46 James Banks

DE 37 Tucker Schye

P 35 Eric Williams

CB 2 Ryan McKinley

MONTANA BACKUP DEFENSE

CB 26 Josh Egbo SLB 33 Dante Olson DE 69 Randy Rodriguez NT 96 David Shaw DT 99 Reggie Tillerman DT 95 Andrew Harris

CB 27 Lewis Cowans

SS 30 Evan Epperly

MLB 57 Shayne Cochran

WLB 40 Cy Cirmon

FS 3 Mick Delaney

Montana‌ Forecast: 6th by Big Sky media and coaches Last season: 6-5 overall, 2-6 in Big Sky (8th) Starters returning: 19 (8 offense, 9 defense, 2 special teams) Coach: Bob Stitt (Doane College), 14-10 through two seasons, 122-72 all-time through 16 seasons Bottom Line‌ The 2016 campaign featured a disappointing end to what started out as a promising season. The Grizzlies started the season at 5-1 with wins over nationally ranked Northern Iowa and defending Big Sky champion Southern Utah. But Montana lost four of its last five games, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012. This is head coach Bob Stitt’s third year of his three-year contract and the pressure is high.

Offense‌ The Griz had one of the country’s most productive offensive outputs in Stitt’s spread offense in 2016, averaging more than 482 yards per game, a mark that was fifth-best nationwide in the FCS. The Griz passing game accounted for the majority of that with an average of 327 yards per game and 34 touchdowns. The quarterback who orchestrated that offensive production — Brady Gustafson — has since graduated, leaving the reins to senior quarterback Reese Phillips, a more mobile quarterback. Gustafson’s main targets in Jerry Louie-McGee, Justin Calhoun and Keenan Curran are all back in Montana’s arsenal. The role of John Nguyen will be filled by Jeremy Calhoun.

Defense‌ The defense’s biggest playmakers are back as well.

Anchored by junior linebacker Josh Buss, the Griz have a strong defensive unit from the line to the secondary.

Buss had 81 tackles with 20 tackles for loss last season.

Linebacker Connor Strahm is back as well, albeit being out for a two-game suspension to start the season.

Strahm had 70 tackles last season. Safety Justin Strong is also returning for one more year and he had 68 tackles and a team-high three interceptions last year.

Notable: 2017 is the first time since 1991 that the Griz were not ranked in the STATS FCS preseason top 25.

Quotable: “I think it’s a little bit of a blue-collar approach. Our guys are really, really focused on that. It’s kinda nice to fly under the radar a little bit. We know what we have here as far as a team and we’re excited about that. For our guys to be able to fly under the radar and surprise a few people early, that’s a good thing.” — UM head coach Bob Stitt on being ranked sixth in the Big Sky preseason polls Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18

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Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E11

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Schedule

Valparaiso 1 p.m. @ No. 8 (FBS) Washington 6 p.m.

Savannah State 1 p.m.

No. 4 Eastern Washington 6 p.m. @Portland State 3 p.m. @ Idaho State 2:30 p.m.

No. 10 North Dakota 1 p.m.

Bye @ No. 22 Weber State 2 p.m.

Northern Arizona 3:30 p.m.

Northern Colorado 1 p.m. @ Montana State noon ALL RANKINGS ARE PRESEASON

www.BHHSMT.com

E12 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | FROM PAGE E2

Blue-collar Continued

finish,” Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best said back in July. “Preseason polls are kinda chatter time and … there’s not much chatter at the end of the season because the story is written at that point.”

Best personifies just how much things change in this league from year to year. He’s one of three new coaches from last season.

Aside from Best, Dan Hawkins took the reins at UC Davis and Rob Phenicie is the new head coach at Idaho State.

Southern Utah’s Demario Warren and Montana State’s Jeff Choate are entering their second campaigns. As for coaches who are preparing for their third? Stitt and Portland State’s Bruce Barnum.

Only three coaches — Cal Poly’s Tim Walsh, Northern Arizona’s Jerome Souers and Northern Colorado’s Earnest Collins Jr. — have been in the Big Sky longer than five seasons.

Nothing in the Big Sky lasts forever or is even predictable, illustrating just how wide open the league can be from year to year.

“You never know who’s gonna do it and have a chance to win it,” Stitt said. “It makes it interesting.

“I think (we have) a little bit of a blue-collar approach. Our guys are really, really focused on that.

It’s kinda nice to fly under the radar a little bit. We know what we have here as far as a team and we’re excited about that. For our guys to be able to fly under the radar and surprise a few people early, that’s a good thing.”

As far as Montana’s season goes, Griz play three of their first four games at home.

Montana opens by hosting Valparaiso, a Pioneer League FCS team, on Sept. 2, followed up by a road trip to No. 8 (FBS) Washington on Sept. 9.

“It’ll be a great experience for our team,” Stitt said of playing Washington. “But are we gonna be able to go and play the exact

The Griz offensive and defensive lines collide during the start of a play during a scrimmage. same way we’ve played at home the first game on the road?”

The last game of the nonconference slate is back home against Savannah State, a young Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team coming off a 3-7 season.

After that, the conference season starts with the Griz hosting the defending Big Sky champion Eastern Washington Eagles before going on the road two weeks in a row to Portland State and Idaho State.

The road games are what worries Stitt. During his time at the helm, Montana has a not-sogreat record of 4-7 away from Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

“One of our biggest hurdles is gonna be how we play on the road,” Stitt said. “And we haven’t played very well on the road because our home field advantage is so great. It is a little

bit of a let down to go to some of the other venues and we’ve got to get excited as a football team to play football, regardless of where it’s at.”

After the two-game road stint, the Griz return back to host North Dakota, the defending Big Sky champions, before getting a bye week.

Montana finishes up the season at Weber State, at home against Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado and then heads to Bozeman for the Brawl of the Wild to close out.

“I just hope we’re a way better football team than we were last year and that’ll give us a chance to win every Big Sky game and we feel like we got a team that, on paper, can win every game,” Stitt said. “Now you gotta go out and prove it.”

But of course, the focus for

now isn’t three or four games ahead. It’s in the present. It’s on Valparaiso.

“You really can’t look at certain games in our league because everybody is capable of beating you,” Stitt said. “You have to really prepare each week the exact same way and hopefully the guys realize that that there’s really no big games, except for the last one, on our schedule.”

Whether fans are ready or not, Valparaiso is one week away.

Stitt and Co. feel like they’re prepared.

“Definitely the Xs and Os part, we’re ready to go,” Stitt said. “We’ve gotta continue to build the team and continue to grow as a football team and every day we’re out here together, we get a little bit stronger. I’m looking forward to the first game because there’ll

REBEKAH WELCH, Missoulian‌

be some type of adversity in the first game. I want to see how they handle it.

“And I also think that we’re gonna have a lot of success in the first game and I want to see how they handle that also. And we gotta stay even-keeled in every game, regardless if we’re ahead or behind and continue to work on that mental toughness and mental strength and how our sideline handles different situations. Does it stay positive or are there some guys with some bad body language? All those things, I can’t wait. We’ve been working so long to get to football season.”

Amie Just covers Griz football for the Missoulian, among other things. Follow her on Twitter @ Amie_Just or email her at Amie.

Just@406mtsports.com.

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E13

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Huskies’ challenge: Staying on top defensive freshman of the year Taylor Rapp provide some stability, but the question will be who replaces King and Jones on the outside. Expect some combo of Byron Murphy, Austin Joyner, Elijah Molden and Myles Bryant to be responsible for trying to keep the Huskies an elite pass defense.

“I feel like those guys are ready,” McIntosh said. “We have so much talent, so much depth.

I don’t really know how to describe it.”

TIM BOOTH Associated Press‌

‌SEATTLE — It took Chris Petersen all of three years to put Washington back in the national conversation.

The challenge now: Stay there.

That has been the predominate message circling around the Huskies since their disappointing 24-7 loss to Alabama in the national semifinals. The loss followed the greatest season for Washington since 2000 — including the Huskies’ first conference title in 16 years.

While there is little belief that the success of last season was an anomaly, the last thing the Huskies want is any sort of backslide after returning to the national stage.

“I don’t think you reload.

That’s not our mentality at all. At all,” Petersen said. “We rebuild. That’s just the mindset.

We’re not even kind of the same team we were last year. So that’s always our process.”

This is what Petersen was expected to do when he jumped from Boise State to Washington.

The Huskies were eventually going to return to prominence but it came perhaps earlier than expected.

It helped that quarterback Jake Browning had a brilliant sophomore season, throwing for 3,430 yards and 43 touchdowns. Browning has lost a couple of weapons but is also healthier after undergoing minor offseason shoulder surgery.

Browning’s development was the biggest reason Washington’s offense went from averaging 30.6 points per game during his freshman season to 41.8 points per game last year.

On the other side, Washington was the only team in the Pac-12 to allow less than 20 points per game and will be strongest in the front seven with the return of defensive linemen Vita Vea and Greg Gaines and linebackers Keishawn Bierria and Azeem

Stable of backs‌ Myles Gaskin has a chance at his third straight season of more than 1,300 yards rushing. Lavon Coleman is a bowling ball complement to Gaskin who rushed for more than 100 yards three times last season. The Huskies have a deep backfield to go with Browning in the pass game.

The newcomer to watch: freshman Salvon Ahmed, who may be too fast not to find a way to get on the field as a freshman as both a runner and pass catcher.

Key games‌

DAVID GOLDMAN, Associated Press‌

Washington quarterback Jake Browning warms up before the first half of the Peach Bowl between Alabama and Washington on Dec. 31 in Atlanta. Even though he was hampered by a shoulder injury last season, Browning led the Huskies to the Pac-12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He threw for 3,430 yards and tied a Pac-12 record with 43 touchdown passes to earn the league’s offensive player of the year honor as a sophomore.

Victor. But there are major holes in the secondary where three key starters are gone to the NFL. Here are other things to watch:

Replacing Ross‌ John Ross was an unstoppable threat on the outside that Browning could depend on.

Ross had 81 receptions and 17 touchdown catches last season,

numbers the Huskies must find a way to replace. Much of the responsibility will fall to senior Dante Pettis, coming off a breakout year where he had 53 receptions and 15 touchdowns.

The Huskies will need to find a complement to Pettis, whether it’s speedy Chico McClatcher, Andre Baccellia or Aaron Fuller.

“If you play wide receiver I think every receiver wants to be

the guy and get as many touches as you can,” Pettis said.

Secondary concern‌ Washington saw three defensive backs — Budda Baker, Sidney Jones and Kevin King — selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. That’s left plenty of voids to fill in the secondary.

Jojo McIntosh and Pac-12

The final five weeks will be the highlight of the Huskies’ schedule. Washington hosts UCLA on Oct. 28, followed by Oregon on Nov. 4, at Stanford on Nov. 10, home for Utah on Nov. 18 and close out the regular season on Nov. 25 in the Apple Cup against Washington State.

The back half of the schedule makes up for an easy start to the season.

Season forecast‌ Washington is rightfully the favorite in the Pac-12 North.

The non-conference schedule is soft and the majority of its challenging conference games come at home. November will answer whether the Huskies are College Football Playoff contenders.

Season opener‌ Sept. 1 at Rutgers.

E14 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STAT PACK

BIG SKY CONFERENCE BY STATISTICS THE NUMBERS Final team comparisons for the 11-game 2016 season SCORING

POINTS ALLOWED

Eastern Washington Montana Cal Poly Northern Colorado Portland State Northern Arizona North Dakota Southern Utah UC Davis Weber State Montana State Sacramento State Idaho State

331 321 310 298 282 267 267

395 377 365 361

434

RUSHING/PASSING YARDS Eastern Washington Cal Poly Montana Northern Arizona Portland State Northern Colorado Weber State UC Davis North Dakota Southern Utah Sacramento State Montana State Idaho State

1,479 1,713 1,723 1,796 1,513 1,708

2,680

2,388 1,816 1,890 2,332 1,360

4,490 3,967 1,494 3,591 3,507 2,316 2,867 2,831 2,620 1,922 2,411 2,217 1,715 2,666

486

Total 5,969 5,461 5,304 5,230 4,996 4,663 4,344 4,328 4,310 4,227 4,107 4,047 4,026

North Dakota Montana State Montana Southern Utah Northern Arizona Weber State Eastern Washington Cal Poly Northern Colorado UC Davis Portland State Sacramento State Idaho State

237

276 297 312 313 315 317

359

398 408 429 440 451

RUSHING/PASSING YARDS ALLOWED

YARDS Rushing Passing

Montana North Dakota Montana State Weber State Cal Poly Northern Arizona UC Davis Eastern Washington Southern Utah Portland State Northern Colorado Idaho State Sacramento State

1,650

2,198 1,007 2,878 1,605 2,670 2,113 2,168 1,438 2,955 1,687 2,857 2,194 2,617 2,287 2,608 1,694 3,311 2,740 2,521 2,632 2,685 2,525 2,999 3,205 2,589

Total 3,848 3,885 4,275 4,281 4,393 4,544 4,811 4,895 5,005 5,261 5,317 5,524 5,794

MISSOULIAN STAFF

‌Montana (6-5) Statistics

Griz Opp Scoring average 39.5 27.0 Rushing yards 155.7 150.0 Avg./Rush 4.4 3.9 Passing 322-493-10 147-318-8 Passing yards 326.5 199.8 Average per pass 7.3 6.9 Total offense 482.2 349.8 Average per play 6.0 5.2 3rd-down conv.

78-181 44-162 Time of possession 31:02 28:58 Fumbles-lost 20-10 27-13 Kick returns 29-19.0 55-22.5 Punt returns 23-11.2 24-9.4 Punting 51-40.0 74-39.0 Sacks by-yards 28-218 24-99 Montana 97 149 78 110 - 434 Opponents 84 90 62 61 - 297

‌Offensive leaders

‌Rushing John Nguyen 149-731 (4.6 ypc.), long 81, 1 TD Jeremy Calhoun 77-573 (7.2 ypc.), long 65, 9 TDs Joey Counts 42-188 (4.4 ypc.), long 19, 4 TDs Chad Chalich 42-175 (3.3 ypc.), long 20, 3 TDs Treshawn Favors 23-112 (4.9 ypc.), long 21 Jerry Louie-McGee 5-23 (4.6 ypc.), long 11 Reese Phillips 3-12 (4.0 ypc.), long 8 Brady Gustafson 40-11 (0.3 ypc), long 20, 2 TDs James Homan 2-10 (3.0 ypc), long 10 ‌Passing Brady Gustafson 260-396-8, 2,785 yards, long 75, 25 TDs Chad Chalich 54-81-2, 756 yards, long 61, 9 TDs Reese Phillips 8-15-0, 50 yards, long 13 ‌Receiving Jerry Louie-McGee 73-651 (8.9 ypc.), long 61, 3 TDs Justin Calhoun 42-625 (14.9 ypc.), long 61, 6 TDs Keenan Curran 40-601 (15.0 ypc.), long 75, 10 TDs

James Homan 36-450 (12.5 ypc.), long 58, 3 TDs John Nguyen 26-266 (10.2 ypc.), long 35, 1 TD Caleb Lyons 26-114 (4.4 ypc.), long 25, 1 TD Colin Bingham 24-282 (11.8 ypc), long 27, 3 TDs Josh Horner 22-241 (11.0 ypc), long 34, 4 TDs Jeremy Calhoun 10-75 (7.5 ypc), long 15, 1 TD Mitch McLaughlin 7-33 (4.7 ypc.), long 12 Lane Hovey 6-102 (17.0 ypc.), long 36, 1 TD Makena Simis 4-46 (11.5 ypc.), long 23 Treshawn Favors 3-23 (7.7 ypc.), long 10 Joey Counts 1-60 (60 ypc.), long 60

‌Defensive leaders

‌Tackles LB Josh Buss 81, 43 unassisted LB Connor Strahm 70, 21 unassisted S Justin Strong 68, 42 unassisted DE Ryan Johnson 57, 22 unassisted DT Caleb Kidder 55, 21 unassisted LB James Banks 54, 13 unassisted NT Brandt Davidson 32, 7 unassisted S Yamen Sanders 32, 13 unassisted S Josh Sandry 30, 13 unassisted LB Dante Olson 29, 7 unassisted DE Tucker Schye 28, 10 unassisted DT Jesse Sims 26, 6 unassisted CB Markell Sanders 25, 19 unassisted CB Ryan McKinley 24, 16 unassisted CB J.R. Nelson 23, 17 unassisted DT Zach Peevey 20, 7 unassisted CB TJ Reynard 19, 12 unassisted LB Cy Sirmon 14, 2 unassisted LB Vika Fa’atuiese 14, 2 unassisted DT Myles McKee-Osibodu 11, 3 unassisted S Korey Alexander 10, 4 unassisted S Jerrin Williams 10, 3 unassisted LB Shayne Cochran 8, 3 unassisted NT Kyle Davis 8, 0 unassisted DE Donald Bedell 6, 1 unassisted S Evan Epperly 6, 4 unassisted

S Mick Delaney 5, 3 unassisted CB Shane Moody 4, 2 unassisted DT Reggie Tilleman 2, 0 unassisted RB Joey Counts 2, 2 unassisted WR Lamarriel Taylor 2, 1 unassisted P Eric Williams 2, 2 unassisted WR Colin Bingham 2, 1 unassisted WR Lane Hovey 2, 1 unassisted LG Angel Villanueva 1, 1 unassisted WR Justin Calhoun 1, 1 unassisted RB Jeremy Calhoun 1, 1 unassisted RB Cody McCombs 1, 1 unassisted C/LS Aaron Held 1, 0 unassisted WR Jerry Louie-McGee 1, 1 unassisted RB Treshawn Favors 1, 1 unassisted WR Kobey Eaton 1, 1 unassisted WR James Homan 1, 1 unassisted LS Gage Smith 1, 0 unassisted K Tim Semenza 1, 1 unassisted WR Keenan Curran 1, 0 unassisted ‌Tackles for loss LB Buss 20.0-96 NT Davidson 1.5-2 DE Johnson 13.0-64 DT McKee-Osibodu 1.5-2 DT Kidder 11.0-45 S Y. Sanders 1.0-4 LB Strahm 8.0-39 LB Cochran 1.0-8 DE Schye 7.0-23 S Epperly 1.0-3 DT Peevey 6.0-15 CB Reynard 1.0-5 DT Sims 4.0-11 DT Tilleman 0.5-0 S Strong 3.0-12 CB McKinley 0.5-2 S Sandry 2.5-22 S Williams 0.5-2 LB Olson 2.0-6 LB Sirmon 0.5-1 LB Banks 2.0-4 DE Bedell 2.0-4 LB Fa’atuiese 0.5-1 ‌Sacks DT Sims 1.0-6 DE Johnson 6.0-44 LB Buss 5.5-60 LB Olson 1.0-3 DT Kidder 5.5-35 LB Cochran 1.0-8 LB Strahm 4.5-33 S Y. Sanders 0.5-2 S Sandry 1.5-16 DE Schye 1.0-7 DT Peevey 0.5-4

‌Interceptions S Strong 3-86 CB McKinley 2-2 LB Strahm 1-78 DE Johnson 1-40 S Y. Sanders 1-0 ‌Fumbles forced-recovered CB Nelson 0-1 LB Strahm 3-1 DT Peevey 0-1 DE Johnson 3-0 CB Reynard 0-1 DT Kidder 0-2 LB Fa’atuiese 0-1 NT Davidson 1-2 S Alexander 0-1 S Sandry 0-1 DE Bedell 0-1 DE Schye 0-1 S Strong 0-1 CB M. Sanders 0-1 LB Buss 0-1 CB McKinley 1-0 ‌Pass breakups LB Strahm 2 CB Nelson 8 S M. Sanders 7 LB Buss 1 CB McKinley 4 LB Banks 1 DT Peevey 3 S Y. Sanders 1 S Strong 3 S Sandry 1 DT Kidder 3 DE Schye 3 S Alexander 1

‌Special teams leaders

‌PATs/Field goals Tim Semenza 33-42/13-16, long 47, 0 blocked, 72 points Brandon Purdy 12-13/2-3, long 38, 1 blocked, 18 points ‌Punting Eric Williams 50-40.8, long 59, 7 inside 20, 1 blocked ‌Punt returns John Nguyen 13-6.1, long 24 Jerry Louie-McGee 8-19.2, long 81, 1 TD Caleb Lyons 1-33, long 33 ‌Kickoff returns Treshawn Favors 10-17.1, long 24 Caleb Lyons 8-21.5, long 29 Jerry Louie-McGee 7-21.9, long 45 Colin Bingham 2-7.0, long 11 John Nguyen 2-21.0, long 24

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E15

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STAT PACK

2016 BIG SKY CONFERENCE STATISTICS ‌‌Team statistics

‌SCORING OFFENSE

G TD XP 2XP DXP FG Saf Pts Avg E. Wash. 14 81 75 1 0 10 0 593 42.4 Montana 11 57 45 1 0 15 0 434 39.5 Cal Poly 12 57 54 1 0 6 0 416 34.7 N. Colo.

11 51 48 1 0 7 0 377 34.3 Portland St. 11 49 48 1 0 7 0 365 33.2 NAU 11 46 44 1 0 13 0 361 32.8 N. Dakota 12 44 41 0 0 16 1 355 29.6 S. Utah 11 44 40 0 1 5 0 321 29.2 UC Davis 11 40 33 1 0 11 1 310 28.2 Weber St. 12 42 33 2 0 7 1 312 26.0 Montana St. 11 36 33 0 0 11 0 282 25.6 Sac State 11 35 27 2 0 8 1 267 24.3 Idaho St. 11 37 32 1 0 3 1 267 24.3 ‌RUSHING OFFENSE

G Att Yds Avg TD Yds/G Cal Poly 12 717 4122 5.7 3.9 343.5 Portland St. 11 505 2680 5.3 35 243.6 Montana St. 11 456 2332 5.1 23 212.0 N. Dakota 12 546 2501 4.6 22 208.4 Sac State 11 431 1890 4.4 20 171.8 S. Utah 11 393 1816 4.6 19 165.1 N. Colo. 11 379 1796 4.7 19 163.3 NAU 11 392 1723 4.4 11 156.6 Montana 11 387 1713 4.4 19 155.7 UC Davis 11 359 1708 4.8 17 155.3 Weber St. 12 417 1582 3.8 15 131.8 E. Wash. 14 442 1800 4.1 24 128.6 Idaho St. 11 312 1360 4.4 14 123.6 ‌SCORING DEFENSE

G TD XP 2XP DXP FG Saf Pts Avg N. Dakota 12 34 27 0 0 11 0 264 22.0 Montana St. 11 34 33 0 0 13 0 276 25.1 E. Wash. 14 49 45 0 0 10 1 371 26.5 Montana 11 41 39 0 0 4 0 297 27.0 S. Utah 11 41 35 1 0 9 1 312 28.4 NAU 11 41 33 2 0 10 0 313 28.5 Weber St. 12 46 42 2 1 12 0 360 30.0 Cal Poly 12 53 46 0 0 10 0 394 32.8 N. Colo.

11 50 43 2 0 17 0 398 36.2 UC Davis 11 52 46 4 0 14 0 408 37.1 Portland St. 11 60 50 2 0 5 0 429 39.0 Sac State 11 60 56 0 0 8 0 440 40.0 Idaho St. 11 60 57 1 0 10 1 451 41.0 ‌RUSHING DEFENSE

G Rushes Yards Avg. TD Yds/G N. Dakota 12 372 1096 2.9 7 91.3 Cal Poly 12 354 1615 4.6 15 134.5 Montana St. 11 374 1605 4.3 16 145.9 Montana 11 426 1650 3.9 16 150.0 NAU 11 403 1687 4.2 21 153.4 S. Utah 11 408 1694 4.2 14 154.0 E. Wash 14 591 2711 4.6 26 193.6 Weber St. 12 484 2342 4.8 21 195.2 UC Davis 11 466 2194 4.7 30 199.5 Idaho St. 11 488 2525 5.2 31 229.5 N. Colo.

11 529 2632 5.0 30 239.3 Portland St. 11 451 2740 6.1 31 249.1 Sac State 11 472 3205 6.8 32 291.4 ‌PASS OFFENSE

G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds Avg TD Yds/G E. Wash 14 620 421 14 67.9 5614 9.1 54 401.0 Montana 11 493 322 10 65.3 3591 7.3 34 326.5 NAU 11 443 278 9 62.8 3507 7.9 34 318.8 N. Colo. 11 336 210 10 62.5 2867 8.5 31 260.6 Weber St. 12 438 269 14 61.4 3068 7.0 25 255.7 Idaho St. 11 471 266 11 56.5 2666 5.7 22 242.4 UC Davis 11 386 218 7 56.5 2620 6.8 19 238.2 S. Utah 11 388 222 10 57.2 2411 6.2 23 219.2 Portland St. 11 264 150 11 56.8 2316 8.8 13 210.5 Sac State 11 392 186 13 47.4 2217 5.7 13 201.5 N. Dakota 12 293 164 3 56.0 2133 7.3 17 177.8 Montana St. 11 276 127 14 46.0 1715 6.2 13 155.9 Cal Poly 12 159 99 4 62.3 1534 9.6 17 127.8 ‌TOTAL OFFENSE

G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Yds/G E. Wash 14 1800 5614 1062 7417 7.0 78 529.6 Montana 11 1713 3591 880 5304 6.0 53 482.2 NAU 11 1723 3507 835 5230 6.3 45 475.5 Cal Poly 12 4122 1534 876 5656 6.5 56 471.3 Portland St. 11 2680 2316 769 4996 6.5 48 454.2 N. Colo. 11 1796 2867 715 4663 6.5 50 423.9 UC Davis 11 1708 2620 745 4328 5.8 36 393.5

Weber St. 12 S. Utah 11 Sac State 11 Montana St. 11 Idaho St. 11

1582 3068 855 4650 5.4 40 387.5 1816 2411 781 4227 5.4 42 384.3 1890 2217 823 4107 5.0 33 373.4 2332 1715 732 4047 5.5 36 367.9 1360 2666 783 4026 5.1 36 366.0 ‌PASS DEFENSE

G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds Avg TD Yds/G Weber St. 12 357 199 5 55.7 2322 6.5 21 193.5 Montana 11 318 147 8 46.2 2198 6.9 23 199.8 E. Wash. 14 470 289 17 61.5 3124 6.6 22 223.1 Portland St. 11 321 179 8 55.8 2521 7.9 28 229.2 Sac State 11 325 199 4 61.2 2589 8.0 25 235.4 UC Davis 11 307 189 7 61.6 2617 8.5 20 237.9 N. Colo. 11 352 231 2 65.6 2685 7.6 19 242.7 Montana St. 11 414 248 10 59.9 2670 6.4 18 242.7 NAU 11 415 238 8 57.3 2857 6.9 19 259.7 N. Dakota 12 452 253 20 56.0 3167 7.0 25 263.9 Cal Poly 12 414 273 8 65.9 3251 7.9 35 270.9 Idaho St. 11 365 219 10 60.0 2999 8.2 26 272.6 S. Utah 11 438 253 20 57.8 3311 7.6 27 301.0 ‌TOTAL DEFENSE

G Rush Pass Plys Yards Avg TD Yds/G Montana 11 1650 2198 744 3848 5.2 39 349.8 N. Dakota 12 1096 3167 824 4263 5.2 32 355.2 Montana St. 11 1605 2670 788 4275 5.4 34 388.6 Weber St. 12 2342 2322 841 4664 5.5 42 388.7 Cal Poly 12 1615 3251 768 4866 6.3 50 405.5 NAU 11 1687 2857 818 4544 5.6 40 413.1 E. Wash 14 2711 3124 1061 5835 5.5 48 416.8 UC Davis 11 2194 2617 773 4811 6.2 50 437.4 S. Utah 11 1694 3311 846 5005 5.9 41 455.0 Portland St. 11 2740 2521 772 5261 6.8 59 478.3 N. Colo. 11 2632 2685 881 5317 6.0 49 483.4 Idaho St. 11 2525 2999 853 5524 6.5 57 502.2 Sac State 11 3205 2589 797 5794 7.3 57 526.7 ‌TURNOVER MARGIN Gained Lost

G Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Mar Per/G N. Dakota 12 10 20 30 9 3 12 +18 1.5 S. Utah 11 6 20 26 4 10 14 +12 1.09 E. Wash. 14 14 17 31 5 14 19 +12 0.86 NAU 11 11 8 19 7 9 16 +3 0.27 Montana 11 13 8 21 10 10 20 +1 0.09 UC Davis 11 6 7 13 6 7 13 +0 0.00 Cal Poly 12 6 8 14 12 4 16 -2 -0.17 Sac State 11 11 4 15 5 13 18 -3 -0.27 N. Colo. 11 11 2 13 6 10 16 -3 -0.27 Portland St. 11 6 8 14 9 11 20 -6 -0.55 Idaho St. 11 5 10 15 11 11 22 -7 -0.64 Montana St. 11 8 10 18 11 14 25 -7 -0.64 Weber St. 12 7 5 12 8 14 22 -10 -0.83 ‌3RD-DN CONVERSIONS

G Conv Att Pct Cal Poly 12 96 179 53.6 E. Wash.

14 99 190 52.1 Portland St. 11 74 149 49.7 Montana 11 78 181 43.1 Weber St. 12 73 185 39.5 NAU 11 68 180 37.8 N. Colo.

11 49 132 37.1 Idaho St. 11 61 174 35.1 Sac State 11 63 180 35.0 UC Davis 11 53 152 34.9 S. Utah 11 55 166 33.1 Montana St. 11 50 156 32.1 N. Dakota 12 56 177 31.6 ‌OPP 3RD-DN CONVERT

G Conv Att Pct Montana 11 44 162 27.2 N. Dakota 12 64 186 34.4 Montana St. 11 57 160 35.6 S. Utah 11 66 172 38.4 NAU 11 74 184 40.2 E. Wash.

14 88 217 40.6 Sac State 11 61 150 40.7 Weber St. 12 80 190 42.1 Portland St. 11 63 145 43.4 UC Davis 11 70 154 45.5 Idaho St. 11 80 173 46.2 N. Colo.

11 83 178 46.6 Cal Poly 12 75 156 48.1 ‌SACKS BY

G Sacks Yards E. Wash.

14 35 216 N. Dakota 12 28 166 Montana 11 28 218

NAU S. Utah Idaho St. Sac State UC Davis N. Colo.

Portland St. Montana St. Weber St. Cal Poly

11 27 199 11 26 178 11 22 130 11 19 115 11 18 135 11 18 106 11 17 83 11 15 84 12 15 112 12 15 86 ‌SACKS AGAINST

G Sacks Yards Cal Poly 12 7 36 NAU 11 8 50 UC Davis 11 16 102 Montana St. 11 16 130 S. Utah 11 18 140 Portland St. 11 21 129 Weber St. 12 23 138 N. Colo.

11 23 147 Montana 11 24 99 N. Dakota 12 24 151 E. Wash.

14 24 173 Idaho St. 11 33 164 Sac State 11 35 224 ‌PENALTIES

G No Yds Avg/G Montana St. 11 61 510 46.4 Cal Poly 12 63 575 47.9 Weber St. 12 66 588 49.0 Idaho St. 11 65 564 51.3 N. Dakota 12 70 624 52.0 Sac State 11 61 582 52.9 UC Davis 11 72 589 53.5 E. Wash.

14 86 751 53.6 Portland St. 11 68 665 60.5 NAU 11 79 694 63.1 S. Utah 11 70 715 65.0 Montana 11 79 719 65.4 N. Colo.

11 87 805 73.2 ‌4TH-DN CONVERSIONS

G Conv Att Pct N. Dakota 12 11 15 73.3 Weber St. 12 15 21 71.4 S. Utah 11 12 17 70.6 Cal Poly 12 20 31 64.5 Sac State 11 10 17 58.8 N. Colo.

11 10 17 58.8 Montana St. 11 11 19 57.9 Idaho St. 11 18 32 56.2 E. Wash.

14 14 27 51.9 UC Davis 11 8 16 50.0 Portland St. 11 9 18 50.0 Montana 11 11 24 45.8 NAU 11 14 31 45.2 ‌TIME OF POSSESSION

G Total Time Avg/G Cal Poly 12 416:47 34:43 N. Dakota 12 398:19 33:11 Weber St. 12 380:46 31:43 Portland St. 11 345:50 31:26 Montana 11 341:25 31:02 UC Davis 11 333:08 30:17 Montana St. 11 327:08 29:44 NAU 11 321:54 29:15 Sac State 11 317:38 28:52 E. Wash 14 393:04 28:04 Idaho St. 11 299:19 27:12 S. Utah 11 292:43 26:36 N. Colo.

11 287:52 26:10 ‌OPP 4TH-DN CONVERT

G Conv Att Pct NAU 11 10 24 41.7 Montana 11 8 19 42.1 Sac State 11 6 14 42.9 S. Utah 11 11 24 45.8 Weber St. 12 12 23 52.2 Montana St. 11 11 20 55.0 N. Dakota 12 11 20 55.0 E. Wash.

14 20 34 58.8 UC Davis 11 9 14 64.3 N. Colo.

11 16 24 66.7 Idaho St. 11 13 19 68.4 Portland St. 11 17 23 73.9 Cal Poly 12 10 11 90.9

‌Individual statistics

‌RUSHING

Team Cl G Att Yds Avg TD Long Yds/G Protheroe CP JR 11 252 1334 5.3 13 76 121.3 Luuga UCD SR 11 213 1077 5.1 11 90 97.9 Brown SUU FR 11 182 1027 5.6 7 87 93.4 Robinson SAC SR 11 164 996 6.1 13 75 90.5 Santiago UND SO 12 183 983 5.4 7 38 81.9 Riek UNCO SO 9 128 741 5.8 3 53 82.3 Logan NAU FR 9 115 726 6.3 5 72 80.7 Murray MSU FR 11 138 860 6.2 12 70 78.2 Newell MSU SR 9 148 703 4.8 8 29 78.1 Kuresa PSU SR 11 147 858 5.8 10 69 78.0 ‌PASSING

Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Avg/G Gubrud EWU SO 14 570 386 14 67.7 5160 48 368.6 Gustafson UM SR 9 396 260 8 65.7 2785 25 309.4 Clark WSU SR 12 431 265 14 61.5 3028 23 50 252.3 Sloter UNCO SR 11 317 197 10 62.1 2665 29 242.3 Kemp NAU SR 9 312 191 8 61.2 2157 17 239.7 Gueller ISU SO 10 404 235 10 58.2 2328 20 232.8 Scott UCD SR 10 313 182 6 58.1 2266 16 226.6 Tyler SUU FR 11 356 212 7 59.6 2294 23 208.5 Kuresa PSU SR 11 257 145 11 56.4 2137 12 194.3 Studsrud UND JR 11 268 150 2 56.0 2027 14 184.3 ‌TOTAL OFFENSE

Team Cl G Rush Pass Plays Total Yds/G Gubrud EWU SO 14 606 5160 704 5766 411.9 Gustafson UM SR 9 11 2785 436 2796 310.7 Clark WSU SR 12 293 3028 533 3321 276.8 Kuresa PSU SR 11 858 2137 404 2995 272.3 Gueller ISU SO 10 157 2328 466 2485 248.5 Kemp NAU SR 9 61 2157 339 2218 246.4 Sloter UNCO SR 11 19 2665 389 2684 244.0 Scott UCD SR 10 2 2266 341 2268 226.8 Tyler SUU FR 11 63 2294 417 2357 214.3 Studsrud UND JR 11 176 2027 355 2203 200.3 ‌RECEIVING

Team Cl G Rec Yds TD Long Avg/C Yds/G Kupp EWU SR 13 117 1700 17 75 14.5 9.0 130.8 Miller UNCO SR 11 56 1007 5 45 18.0 91.5 Butler NAU JR 11 69 1003 9 51 14.5 91.2 Bourne EWU SR 14 79 1201 7 83 5.6 15.2 85.8 Doss UCD SO 11 66 911 10 58 13.8 82.8 Hill EWU SR 14 77 1157 17 84 5.5 15.0 82.6 Sharp SUU FR 11 75 898 12 90 12.0 81.6 Marks NAU JR 10 43 770 7 87 17.9 77.0 Vollert WSU JR 12 62 840 7 46 5.2 13.5 70.0 Williams ISU SR 11 64 694 11 63 10.8 63.1 ‌TACKLES Player Team Cl G Pos Solo Ast Total Avg/G Sack Newsom UNCO SR 11 LB 59 62 121 11.0 3.5 Anderson SAC SO 11 DB 55 52 107 9.7 1.0 Jenkins ISU JR 10 LB 33 60 93 9.3 3.0 Meteer SAC JR 11 LB 44 56 100 9.1 2.5 Zamora EWU SR 12 LB 46 63 109 9.1 2.5 Santini CP SR 12 LB 68 38 106 8.8 3.5 Bignell MSU JR 11 LB 61 36 97 8.8 3.5 Stice WSU SO 12 LB 52 52 104 8.7 0.5 Bruce EWU SR 14 DB 63 52 115 8.2 0.0 Bakker UND SR 12 LB 54 44 98 8.2 1.0 ‌SACKS

Team Cl G Pos Solo Ast Yds Total Avg/G Ebukam EWU SR 14 DL 9 1 73 9.5 0.68 Anau NAU SR 11 DL 7 3 66 8.5 0.77 Johnson UM SR 11 DE 5 2 44 6.0 0.55 Buss UM SO 11 LB 5 1 60 5.5 0.50 Obinna SAC SO 9 DL 5 1 39 5.5 0.61 Kidder UM SR 11 DE 5 1 35 5.5 0.50 Torgerso SUU FR 11 5 0 38 5.0 0.45 Razor ISU SO 9 DL 4 1 34 4.5 0.50 Strahm UM JR 11 LB 4 1 33 4.5 0.41

E16 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STAT PACK

WINNING THE FIGHT FOR THE BALL

BY THE NUMBERS 2‌

Number of Big Sky Conference football teams in action on Saturday. Portland State will play the role of heavy underdog when it visits Brigham Young in a 1 p.m. game on ESPN. Cal Poly will play host to Colgate in a 5 p.m. tussle on ESPNU.

5,160‌

Passing yards piled up by Eastern Washington quarterback Gage Gubrud last season. That was tops in the FCS by more than 500 yards.

The Eagles lost in the semifinal round of the playoffs to Youngstown State, 40-38.

343.5‌

Average number of rushing yards recorded per game by Cal Poly of the Big Sky Conference last year. The Mustangs finished second in the country in that category behind The Citadel at 348.2.

25,377‌

Average home attendance for Montana last season. That was the highest in the Football Championship Subdivision by almost 6,000.

James Madison checked in at No. 2 with an average home attendance of 19,844.

3‌

Number of Big Sky Conference teams in the STATS FCS Top 25. Eastern Washington has the highest preseason ranking at No. 5, followed by North Dakota at No. 8 and Cal Poly at No. 23.

24‌

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Montana wide receiver Keenan Curran, left, pulls in a pass as Naijiel Hale of Montana State defends in the 2016 Brawl of the Wild.

Career football games at the NCAA Division I level for Montana coach Bob Stitt. He has posted a record of 14-10 and reached the playoffs two years ago where his team lost in the second round to North Dakota State.

— Compiled by Bill Speltz

Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E17

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

LOOKING FOR A HOLE

KURT WILSON, Missoulian‌

Montana receiver Jerry Louie-McGee (16) runs with the ball after a catch during the Grizzlies’ game at Eastern Washington on Oct. 29, 2016, in Cheney, Wash. Louie-McGee made 10 catches for 62 yards after missing the previous three games. He is the Grizzlies’ leading returning receiver this year after a record-breaking freshman season.

E18 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Ready for the final chapter Washington St. QB quarterback Falk poised to rewrite Pac-12 record book record book by the end of the season, the result of being the distributor in Mike Leach’s Air Raid ‌PULLMAN, Wash. — offense. Falk needs just Back when Luke Falk was 2,700 yards passing and 28 a freshman walk-on at TD passes to overtake the Washington State, strugall-time Pac-12 leaders in gling to strike a balance between being a first-year those categories — Oregon State’s Sean Mannion college football player, (13,600 yards passing) and school and trying to have USC’s Matt Barkley (116 a few dollars of his own, TD passes). he picked up a part-time While the cast around job working for a caterhim has improved ing company. throughout his career, One of his assignments Falk is a major reason No. was working a high-end 24 Washington State has booster event where Falk morphed into a contender. was asked to serve, of all Not bad for a forpeople, Washington State athletic director Bill Moos. mer walk-on.

“To be perfectly honest, “Here I am serving I think he kind of assumed our athletic director. He he was going to be the didn’t know me at the starter a little before I did,” time, probably. But, he’s heard the story now,” Falk Leach said. “I’d figured it was a battle, and we had recalled. “He was one of a kid that we recruited the only guys that said, ahead of him. But I was ‘Thank you, and please, definitely going to allow it and thank you.’” to be and make it a battle.

Years later, everyone Then he ends up beating associated with Washthe guy out, and off we go, ington State knows Falk.

He’s no longer overlooked. you know?”

He doesn’t work with Falk has brought catering companies on the Washington State to a side anymore either. His place of relevance that’s serving happens on the field, and he’s done it quite been elusive for the program. The Cougars well, to the tune of nearly have gone to two straight 11,000 yards passing bowl games and getting already in his career. to a third in Falk’s senior For a nightcap, Falk season would be just the bypassed early entry into second time Washington the NFL and returned for State has gone to three his senior season with a chance to complete one of straight bowl games. A the greatest careers in the year ago, they played in a de facto Pac-12 North quarterback-rich Pac-12 championship game, the Conference. result of eight straight If all goes to plan, Falk wins, before losing to rival will rewrite the Pac-12 TIM BOOTH Associated Press‌

DENIS POROY, Associated Press‌

Washington State quarterback Luke Falk (4) passes the ball during the first half of the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27 in San Diego. After arriving at Washington State as a walkon and mostly unknown, he’s about to begin his senior season for the 24th-ranked Cougars with a chance to rewrite the Pac-12 record book as the latest in a lineage of star quarterbacks on the Palouse.

Washington.

He’s the next in a long line of great quarterbacks to make their way through Pullman, a list that includes the names of Thompson, Rypien, Bledsoe, Leaf and Gesser. Yet none of them were asked to run a system as intricate as Leach’s, which is why the coach regularly lauds his quarterback for his smarts and comprehension.

“I think he watches more film than anybody else I’ve ever dealt with,” Leach said.

“He watches a ton of film.

Sometimes, I think, too much. He’s about the only quarterback I’ve considered shutting off the film.”

Leach raves about how steady Falk is on the field, believing teammates

respond to that. Yet, the quarterback has his quirks.

He revamped his diet about a year ago, even if it means eating foods he despises like kale.

During the early stages of his college career, it was Falk’s musical sisters — Alexa and Natalee — who were more well-known than their pass-slinging younger brother. “They’ve got the most talent in the family,” Falk said.

And there is his odd timing for jokes, which also speaks to his personality. Last year, the Cougars trailed 24-6 at Oregon State before rallying for a 35-31 win. Down by more than two scores,

Falk was cracking jokes on the sideline, trying to keep his teammates from feeling stressed.

“He was kind of relaxed and poised and I wouldn’t call that weird, but it’s one of those things you’re in a high pressure situation against a Pac-12 team that

we’re losing to and he’s out there making jokes and having fun,” teammate Cody O’Connell said. “It was kind of interesting.”

Now remember that Falk has accomplished all this because he was willing to take a risk. There was no guarantee of a scholarship or even an opportunity when he arrived at Washington State. At one point in his high school career, Falk seemed destined for Florida State, only to have that opportunity dissolve. In the end, his choices appeared to be Cornell, maybe Idaho and maybe Wyoming.

If not for Leach’s arrival in Pullman, Falk likely would have headed for the Ivy League and received limited football exposure.

As it stands, Falk is considered one of the top NFL quarterback prospects for the 2018 draft after passing on a chance to leave after his junior season.

“It felt right to come back. Felt like I had some things, growing up to do in life, not football,” Falk said. “I felt football-wise, I could. But there’s still a lot to learn this year and I really want to finish off with the guys I came in with.”

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Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017 — E19

GRIZ TRIVIA ‌1. Only once has a Montana player earned the Walter Payton Award as the offensive player of the year on the FCS level. Who was it?

A. Marc Mariani B. Ellis Henderson C. Justin Green D. Dave Dickenson 2. Who was the last Big Sky Conference player to earn the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman on the FCS level?

A. QB Vernon Adams, Eastern Washington B. WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington C. QB Case Cookus, Northern Arizona D. QB Bo Levi Mitchell, Eastern Washington 3. Who holds the record for Big Sky Conference coaching wins at 112?

A. Chris Ault, Nevada B. Don Read, Montana C. Tim Walsh, Cal Poly/Portland State D. Jerome Souers, Northern Arizona

Answers: 1. D, 2. C, 3. D.

E20 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 26, 2017

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