Griz Game Day 8-29-15

Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A1

NO.1 NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT NO.13 MONTANA • KICKOFF: 1:30 P.M. • TV: ESPN • SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2015

Montana’s top deep threat almost never made it to Missoula

JA-MAZING KURT WILSON, Missoulian

Q&A: CB JR NELSON • PICKS: MISSOULIAN STAFF GIVES BISON THE EDGE • NUMBERS: GRIZ, BISON 2014 STATS

! z i r G Go

A2 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

Grizzly game day

Touchdown Jones Jamaal Jones goes from late transfer to senior captain

AJ MAZZOLINI ajmazzolini@missoulian.com‌

‌J

amaal Jones may have dreamed of one day being voted a senior captain of his college football team, but he never expected it to be at Montana.

Maybe at Washington, the university he signed with out of high school, or perhaps at USC or Miami if his dream was really ambitious. But Montana?

Heck, the Grizzlies didn’t even recruit Jones during his time at Graham-Kapowsin High near his hometown of Spanaway, Washington.

And actually the teams that did quietly put down their phones when he tore up his shoulder at the beginning of his senior season.

That injury, a torn labrum that required surgery and months of rehabilitation (read: no football), set in motion the events that eventually led Jones over the Continental Divide to Missoula. And the fifth-year senior wide receiver and 2015 Griz offensive captain couldn’t be any more thankful for the most devastating injury of his athletic career.

“That’s where my life started,” Jones said this week. “If I hadn’t injured my shoulder, I don’t know that I’d be who I am today.”

As a pee-wee player in the greater Tacoma, Washington area, Jones wasn’t often allowed to flash the athleticism for which his time in maroon and

Montana wide receiver Jamaal Jones gains yards after pulling in a pass at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California in 2014.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

See Jones, Page A4

Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A3

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A4 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

Grizzly game day

Jones

JAMAAL JONES

Continued from page 2

No. 6

silver would one day become known. Size restrictions in his fifthgrade tackle league forced him to play up with the older boys, even manning the offensive line at times.

Jones got his growth spurt out of the way early, standing 5 feet, 4 inches by age 12 (he’s 6-1 today).

That first year against the older boys was trying, but Jones’s skill and speed emerged the next season against those his own age. “And from there on it just got easier and easier,� he remembered.

By high school Jones was a star. Nicknamed “Ja-mazing� by friends, he was all-league in basketball and track. Then of course there was football.

Jones was All-South Puget Sound as a junior having switched in high school from running back to receiver, the position that would soon pay for his college education.

Rivals.com named him the No. 11 recruit out of Washington before his senior year.

The Huskies snapped him up quick and Jones committed before his final year of high school.

Senior year was going to be amazing. “I was getting all this attention. I’d committed already but I still wanted to break all these records, wanted to get to state,� he said.

Instead a painful twinge in his shoulder pushed him to the sidelines.

Following the dreadful diagnosis, he moved there permanently. “I didn’t know what to do,� Jones said. “That’s the worst part, knowing you could be out there dominating, killin’

big sky capsule

Year: Senior Position: Wide receiver

North Dakota State at Montana

Height: 6-1

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Missoula Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217 SprinTurf), ESPN

Weight: 191 Hometown: Spanaway, Wash. it, but you just can’t do anything.�      Torrey Myers was a quality control coach and graduate assistant when Jones, fully healed and ready to tear up the Pac12, came to the Huskies in Seattle in 2011. He remembered the receiver’s spark, even during his redshirt season when the only action he saw was with the scout team. “He was our best scout team wide receiver by far,� said Myers, who ran scout then. “So every week when we would play Stanford or Oregon or wherever, he would be the best player on the opposing team.�

Myers left UW for Montana in 2013 to become the Grizzlies’ receivers coach. Around the same time, Jones was feeling more and more disheartened by his place with the Huskies. “From being little all the way through high school I was always the best at everything,�

Jones said. “But then I realized it wasn’t enough to be good in college. ... I blamed a lot of other people.�

Myers made a call to some Washington coaches, who were getting as fed up with Jones as he was with them. That summer, UW released the receiver from his commitment and Jones headed for the great unknown in Montana.

A fresh start.

Myers approached WR Ellis Henderson sometime that summer.

This new guy, could he give him a place to crash until something opened up?

Henderson was skeptical of the stranger, but Jones was from Washington, just a few hours north of his own hometown of Vancouver.

And Henderson had transferred to UM just the previous year from Hawaii. They had a few things in common.

Jones could have the couch. “And then I found out how good he was at football,� Henderson laughed.

The duo went catch for catch that 2013 season, Henderson pulling in 43 with Jones snagging 42 balls as the Grizzlies posted a 10-3 record.

Henderson hogged the yards — 1,008 to Jones’s 760 — and the touchdowns, 14 to three.

The roles reversed the following fall as Henderson dealt with physical and mental ailments and was forced to withdraw from the university in mid season. Jones posted the 1,000-yard season and tallied 67 catches. “When I left last year, we lost that complement of each other,� said Henderson, still roommates with Jones to this day. “He had to have that responsibility and he absolutely did well in See Jones, Page A8

Series History: North Dakota State leads 4-3.

Last Meeting: North Dakota State defeated Montana 22-10 on Sept. 20, 2014 in Fargo. John Crockett ran 28 times for 144 yards. Jordan Canada scored Montana’s only touchdown of the game, on a 3-yard run early in the second quarter.

Last Meeting in Missoula: North Dakota State defeated Montana 25-24 on Sept. 6, 2003.

Montana missed a last-second field goal that would have won the game. The Bison were in their last season of being a Division-II program at the time of the win. The game is credited

by NDSU media as being the catalyst for the program’s success in FCS football.

The Coaches: Montana’s Bob Stitt enters his first season with the Grizzlies. As a 15-year head coach at Division-II Colorado School of Mines, Stitt went 106-62 ‌Chris Klieman is 15-1 in his second season with North Dakota State. Klieman has served on the Bison coaching staff during the program’s recent run of four consecutive national championships. He went 3-7 at Division III Loras in one season.

TV: Saturday’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN. Montana native Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer and Maria Taylor will call the game.

Fans can also view the game on the WatchESPN app.

Notes: North Dakota State has won four consecutive FCS national championships...

The Bison have beaten an FBS opponent in five consecutive seasons — Kansas (2010), Minnesota (2011), Colorado State (2012), Kansas State (2013), and Iowa State (2014)... North Dakota State defeated two Big Sky opponents last season — Weber State (24-7 in Ogden on Sept. 6) and Montana (22-10 in Fargo on Sept.

20)... North Dakota State has faced no Big Sky teams in the playoffs in any of its national championships runs... Montana has advanced to the FCS playoffs the last two seasons... The Grizzlies won national championships in 1995 and 2001... Montana won 12 consecutive Big Sky titles from 1998 to 2009... Montana lost to former North Dakota State coach Craig Bohl’s Wyoming Cowboys to open the 2014 season (17-12 loss in Laramie).

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Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A5

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A6 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | Q & A

JR Nelson steps into starting role with Griz admitted you were a pretty big fan of the Seahawks. What are you expecting from them JR NELSON this season?

With the departure of last No. 18 A: I don’t get to watch as year’s seniors, the incoming of a Year: Redshirt much as I actually want to, new head coach, and a complete junior but man I think the Seahawks shake-up on the offensive side Position: CB are going to be good this year. of the ball, this year’s Montana They got some offseason dogs Grizzlies will be looking quite Height: 6-2 like Jimmy Graham and Tyler different to Griz fans.

Weight: 177 Lockett out of the draft. They But even with all the change, got that defense, and honestly, one area that should look familiar Hometown: I think our defense is a lot like will be returning coordinator Ty Hacienda Heights, Calif.

Seattle. We got a loud stadium, Gregorak’s defense, where some the defense is always good, and Griz players are hoping to step up I feel like we’re ready for we even got a few guys out here with positions up for grabs. what they have to throw that look like certain dudes.

Now in his fourth year, that’s Manu (Rasmussen) looks like at us. We have a better where Griz defensive back JR Earl Thomas and J-Whit (Justin game plan. They aren’t Nelson finds himself, and on a LOREN BENOIT, Missoulian Whitted) could be Kam. Myself, the most athletic guys, smoky August afternoon, Nelson I’m Richard Sherman, so we got but they play as a team says he’s ready to be a playmaker the little squad going on. and have really good in Montana’s secondary.

Q: You have a bit of a martial coaches. Coming here haven’t missed a beat at all.

Anthony Goodwin). I still talk to After tallying 17 total tackles, arts background with your black to our stadium, it’s a different Q: Outside of the secondary, Josh (Dennard). They’re a big part and receiving more playing belt Taekwondo. What are some atmosphere. They think they there’s been some continuity in of my life still. When they were time last season, the 6-foot-2 of your favorite martial artsknow what’s going to hit them, the defense with the linebacker here playing, I was just trying to defensive back from Hacienda based flicks? unit as well. Who has stuck out to but they don’t know. ... I can’t Heights, California is expected to pick up on what I could do, so A: When I was little I used you during camp as someone you wait for them to come in here. start at Montana’s second corner now that it’s my turn, I’m ready.

Q: They revealed the new uni- to watch “Crouching Tiger, think could have a big season?

Q: You’ve spent your entire position across from senior A: One of the linebackers who forms this week. Which ones are Hidden Dragon” all the time career up until this season under Nate Harris. with Chow Yun Fat. Man, he you looking forward to sporting proved a lot to me was (redshirt former Griz head coach Mick Nelson took some time before was also in Bulletproof Monk. this season? freshman) Josh Buss. He came Delaney and now the show is practice to talk about Montana’s I used to watch a lot of Jet Li A: The charcoal, that’s tight, out here, a younger cat, but he being running by Coach Bob upcoming contest against North movies, but really anything but I can’t wait for the throwcame out here trying to ball and Stitt. What’s the difference Dakota State and how he feels kung-fu or where they’re fightbacks. Those are so cool. I’ve learn. He’s going to be good for about this year’s Grizzly defense: between their coaching styles? never really worn orange or any- ing without guns, I’m into it. the future.

A: Two totally different guys Just love it. thing like that, but I’m so hyped Q: With the season ahead of Q: The Griz are kicking off the that just come from two totally Q: Last time we talked you you, what are some games you’re for that one. different backgrounds. What season with a big game at home Q: How do you feel about play- also said you were a pretty big personally looking forward to? against North Dakota State. How Coach Stitt brings to the table is fan of video games. What’ve you ing in the smoke?

A: The first four games are are you feeling going into the sea- just a new feel and a new attiA: Well I’m from California so been playing lately? son and getting out of fall camp? tude. Especially with the offense, going to be the tough ones. I’m A: Well lately I’ve been playing you kind of grow up and it’s kind excited to go up against some now it’s just more fast-paced.

A: I’m pumped, just really a whole lot of Mortal Kombat, of polluted, but it’s not as bad as teams like Eastern Washington Both great guys that care about excited. We’ve been working this right now. You definitely get a lot of Call of Duty, but I’m and Montana State where they hard, especially in fall camp, and the team and how we are, but big right now on Star Wars used to it. First couple of days throw the ball. NDSU, they’ll one is 70 and the other is in his seeing the offense progress and were real rough, but if it’s like this Battlefront. That comes out throw a little bit, and Cal Poly, even the defense progress. There 50s (laughs).

Nov. 17 and once that comes out, they’ll throw a little bit, but they during the game, we’ll be ready.

Q: Even with the change in were some little things we had to Q: How was your summer this you guys aren’t going to see me really just try to control the clock leadership, you’ve still got some work on, but toward the end, we and run the ball. I’m excited to go year? Get to do any more explor- anymore (laughs). continuity in your department looked like where we wanted to Q: What are your personal ing around Montana? up against the teams who think with defensive coordinator get to. goals for this season?

A: I went to Lynden, Washthey can throw against us.

Ty Gregorak staying on. How Q: You’re entering your A: Just to make an impact. I’ve ington, that’s where my fiancé is Q: Having seen North Dakota redshirt junior season and will be has that continuity helped got two years left and I’ve got from, so I went and visited out State on the road last year, how the defense? getting more playing time in the a real shot now. I’m just trying there for about a week, but I’ve much will that experience help A: Our defense really hasn’t secondary. What’s going through to go out there, play hard, and been out here (in Missoula) just you playing in Washingtonchanged. We’ve had Coach your mind now that you’re up? working hard. I don’t ever go back make plays. I’m trying to get Grizzly Stadium?

JB (Hall Jr.) and Coach (Jason) A: It’s been a long time comsome picks. I want to get us back home. I just stay here and try to A: Last season we got a good Semore change of a little bit of ing, but I’ve always worked hard feel for what they like to do, but get my mind right for the season. to when people used to fear us. and tried to learn from the guys. I our technique stuff that we did.

That’s what I want.

Q: Last time we talked you we’ve made some adjustments. still talk to Chief (former Griz DB Our defense though is solid. We JESSE FLICKINGER for the Missoulian

Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A7

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STRENGTHS

THE EDGE Missoulian reporter Kyle Sample assesses the strengths of both teams

QUARTERBACK: In his first season under center, Carson Wentz proved to be a more than capable replacement for Brock Jensen. During the Bison’s playoff run to their fourth straight title, Wentz led two late game-winning drives and completed 64 percent of his passes for 823 yards with a 6-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Montana’s Brady Gustafson is making his first start OFFENSIVE LINE: Montana has three linemen with considerable starting experience, but two of the three are in new positions.

David Reese has flipped from left tackle to right with the return of John Schmaing, while Devon Dietrich slid inside from right tackle to guard. There is also the issue at center where projected starter Ben Weyer is out with a leg injury, giving Robert Luke his first start.

NDSU returns All-American LT Joe Haeg and three other starters.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TE: Jamaal Jones and Ellis Henderson make up possibly the best receiving duo in the country and they’ll be counted on to provide plenty of yards against a secondary replacing both safeties. NDSU will count on Zach Vraa and RJ Urzendowski, the Bison’s two leading receivers, to get vertical in an offense reported to be a little more open than in past years.

RUNNING BACKS: Neither team has settled on a starter, though the Bison have narrowed it down to Nebraska transfer King Frazier or 6-foot, 220-pound junior Chase Morlock. The two combined for 981 yards and eight touchdowns last year. First-team AllMissouri Valley fullback Andrew Bonnet will lead the way. Montana will use a four-back rotation with John Nguyen the likely starter. The quartet will also provide yards through the air.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Both lines are replacing All-American defensive ends. Tyrone Holmes gets his chance to chase quarterbacks as he slides into the position vacated by Zack Wagennman, Montana’s all-time sacks leader. Brad Ambrosius and former Griz recruit Greg Menard will man the ends for NDSU, which graduated Buck Buchanan winner Kyle Emanuel. The Bison get a slight edge with the experience of their two tackles.

LINEBACKERS: Montana will be without Herbert Gamboa, who is serving a one-game suspension, but defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak is confident Connor Lebsock will be a worthy replacement. Montana might lose some athleticism, but it’s still an experienced bunch. Nick DeLuca started all four of NDSU’s playoff games at Mike, but the other two LBs are new to the starting lineup.

CB/SAFETY: Despite giving up a few big plays during UM’s three scrimmages, Montana’s secondary has been a strength this fall. At safety, Gregorak seems content with senior Justin Whitted and redshirt freshman Manu Rasmussen. Also, look for Arizona transfer Yamen Sanders on third downs. NDSU returns two corners including preseason All-Missouri Valley honorable mention CJ Smith, though Smith may miss the game with a knee injury.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Daniel Sullivan was solid last season, but along with Chris Lider, the two have struggled throughout fall camp missing field goals and extra points. Ellis Henderson was voted a first-team All-Big Sky returner, but Stitt isn’t really looking for much out of his punt returners. He has said he wants them to really just catch the ball and let the offense take over.

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A8 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

Grizzly game day

Jones Continued from page 4

that role.”

Jones’s transformation into a playmaker — or perhaps his return to high school form — had as much to do with his on-field approach as off. His teammates can attest to his work ethic now: Jones spent the entire summer in Missoula leading player-only workouts.

“If you want to be great, you’ve got to be great all the time,” Jones recited.

“You’ve got to be great every single chance you get.”

With both Jones and Henderson again in the lineup for 2015, the Grizzlies’ passing attack is set for new heights. Add into the equation a vaunted and high-flying offensive system under first-year head coach Bob Stitt, and each receiver is a safe bet to approach 1,000 yards again.

Only one player in program history has ever posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons: Marc Mariani.

Jones is 1,200 yards off the all-time Montana receiving mark (Mariani, 3,018). But if he breaks it, Henderson might catch him the next year. He’s

less than 500 yards behind his roommate and has two years of eligibility remaining thanks to a medical hardship waiver from last season.

Coach Myers won’t take credit for any soothsaying for what Jones has become for the Griz though he is a bit proud of the pickup. Jones was his first recruit as a Montana coach.

“He came in as a skinny kid with bad body language and he’s grown into a team captain,” joked Myers, now a coaching intern with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens working with the running backs.

Jones appeared on NFL.com’s list of the top 200 draft prospects for 2016 and Myers isn’t surprised. He and Henderson, along with former Griz WR Taylor Walcott who was forced into retirement this year because of injury, all had what it takes to make it in the league, Myers figured.

“You see those three guys and then you see the guys we’re playing with here; they can come into a place and compete and fight for a roster spot, possibly be a draft pick,” Myers said.

“A lot of it is perseverance and work ethic and I feel Jamaal has turned the corner in that way.”

So does Jones.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Jamaal Jones, right, celebrates with teammate Ellis Henderson during the Grizzlies’ spring game this year.

Go LOCAL! Go GRIZ! Huddle here this season.

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Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A9

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STAT PACK

BY THE NUMBERS ‌Montana (2014) statistics

Griz Opp Scoring average 29.6 21.0 Rushing yards 167.9 148.1 Avg./Rush 5-1 3.8 Passing 244-430-7 271-449-14 Passing yards 226.6 211.4 Average per pass 7.4 6.6 Total offense 394.4 359.4 Average per play 6.2 5.0 3rd-down conv.

83-196 81-203 Time of possession 28:09 31:50 Fumbles-lost 7-4 15-11 Kick returns 43-17.4 45-23.0 Punt returns 34-10.8 20-12.2 Punting 72-39.9 71-40.0 Sacks by-yards 46-247 18-108 Montana 105 132 100 78 – 415 Opponents 46 70 74 104 – 294

Offensive leaders

Rushing Jordan Canada 216-1,207 (5.6 ypc.), long 74, 11 TDs Travon Van 83-478 (5.8 ypc.), long 71, 7 TDs *John Nguyen 33-265 (8.0 ypc.), long 54, 2 TDs Jordan Johnson 61-228 (3.7 ypc), long 43, 2 TDs *Lorenzo Logwood 30-121 (4.0 ypc), long 17, 0 T Passing Jordan Johnson 217-382-6, 2,784 yards, long 72, 24 TDs Shay Smithwick-Hann 25-42-1, 312 yards, long 85, 4 TDs *Ryan Burke 2-4-0, 76 yards, long 50, 1 TD *Brady Gustafson 0-2-0, 0 yards, 0 TDs Receiving *Jamaal Jones 67-1,044 (15.6 ypc.), long 72, 8 TDs Travon Van 63-730 (11.6 ypc.), long 85, 5 TDs Mitch Saylor 34-366 (10.8 ypc.), long 38, 5 TDs *Josh Janssen 16-266 (16.6 ypc.), long 50, 3 TDs Sean Haynes 16-250 (15.6 ypc), long 44, 1 TD *Ryan Burke 15-186 (12.4 ypc.), long 41, 2 TDs Jordan Canada 12-120 (10.0 ypc), long 26, 2 TDs *Ellis Henderson 12-110 (9.2 ypc), long 38, 0 TDs

Defensive leaders

Tackles *LB K. Van Ackeren 122, 56 unassisted *LB Jeremiah Kose 117, 44 unassisted FS Matt Hermanson 109, 52 unassisted *LB Herbert Gamboa 107, 46 unassisted DE Zack Wagenmann 74, 34 unassisted *DE Tyrone Holmes 66, 26 unassisted *SS Justin Whitted 63, 31 unassisted CB Joshua Dennard 59, 29 unassisted *CB Nate Harris 55, 34 unassisted DT Trevor Rehm 55, 7 unassisted Tackles for loss DE Zack Wagenmann 22.5-114

*DE Tyrone Holmes 14.0-59 *LB Herbert Gamboa 10.5-42 *LB Jeremiah Kose 9.0-28 NT Tonga Takai 7.0-22 Sacks DE Zack Wagenmann 17.5-100 *DE Tyrone Holmes 7.5-42 *LB Herbert Gamboa 6.0-32 *DE Derek Crittenden 4.0-10 NT Tonga Takai 3.5-14 Interceptions FS Matt Hermanson 6-89, long 40, 0 TDs *LB Jeremiah Kose 2-0, long 0, 0 TDs *SS Justin Whitted 2-(-5), long 1, 0 TDs NT Tonga Takai 1-5, long 5, 0 TDs CB Josh Dennard 1-0, long 0, 0 TDs *CB Nate Harris 1-0, long 0, 0 TDs Fumbles forced-recovered DE Zack Wagenmann 6-2 *DE Tyrone Holmes 2-0 *LB Kendrick Van Ackeren 1-3 *DE Derek Crittenden 1-2 *LB Herbert Gamboa 1-1 FS Matt Hermanson 1-0 NT Tonga Takai 1-0 *S Jake Dallaserra 1-0 DT Trevor Rehm 0-1 *DT Nate Bradley 0-1 Pass breakups CB Josh Dennard 12 *CB Nate Harris 8 FS Matt Hermanson 8 *LB Jeremiah Kose 6 *SS Justin Whitted 5

Special teams leaders

PATs/Field goals *Daniel Sullivan 33-34/11-14, long 42, 2 blocked, 66 points *Harrison Greenberg 15-16/2-5, long 29, 0 blocked, 21 points *Chris Lider 2-2/0-1, long 0, 0 blocked, 2 points Punting *Chris Lider 45-40.4, long 60, 12 inside 20, 0 blocked Stephen Shaw 25-42.4, long 64, 8 inside 20, 1 blocked Punt returns *John Nguyen 32-9.5, long 60, 1 TD *Ellis Henderson 1-4.0, long 4, 0 TDs Addison Owen 1-13.0, long 13, 0 TDs *Tucker Schye 1-46.0, long 46, 1 TD Kickoff returns *John Nguyen 25-16.9, long 25, 0 TDs *Lorenzo Logwood 5-23.4, long 33, 0 TDs *Jamaal Jones 5-18.6, long 28, 0 TDs *Ellis Henderson 2-20.0, long 23, 0 TDs *Connor Strahm 2-8.5, long 17, 0 TDs Travon Van 1-45.0, long 45, 0 TDS *Returning players

North Dakota St. (2014) statistics

NDSU Opp Scoring average 32.9 14.1 Rushing yards 235.2 125.4 Avg./Rush 5.2 3.9 Passing 231-364-10 237-446-19 Passing yards 197.0 155.0 Average per pass 8.7 5.6 Total offense 432.2 280.4 Average per play 6.4 4.6 3rd-down conv.

102-211 71-221 Time of possession 34:04 25:56 Fumbles-lost 17-6 25-10 Kick returns 36-19.8 57-19.2 Punt returns 26-9.6 19-9.8 Punting 60-44.8 91-42.4 Sacks by-yards 43-273 20-112

NDSU 94 150 157 126 – 527 Opponents 37 78 36 74 – 225

Offensive leaders

Rushing John Crockett 368-1994 (5.4 ypc.), long 80, 21 TDs *Carson Wentz 138-642 (4.7 ypc.), long 41, 6 TDs *King Frazier 111-616 (5.5 ypc.), long 33, 4 TDs *Chase Morlock 51-365 (7.2 ypc.), long 66, 4 TDs *Darius Anderson 18-76 (4.2 ypc.), long 15, 0 TDs Passing *Carson Wentz 228-358-10, 3111 yards, long 75, 25 TDs *Cole Davis 2-5-0, 25 yards, long 14, 0 TDs John Crockett 1-1-0, 16 yards, long 16, 1 TD Receiving *Zach Vraa 42-637 (15.2 ypc.), long 48, 4 TDs *RJ Urzendowski 32-626 (10.6 ypc.), long 60, 5 TDs John Crockett 30-397 (13.2 ypc.), long 40, 1 TD Kevin Vaadeland 25-265 (10.6 ypc.), long 33, 3 TDs Trevor Gebhart 21-291 (13.9 ypc.), long 75, 2 TDs *Andrew Bonnet 18-228 (12.7 ypc.), long 31, 2 TDs Carey Woods 16-165 (10.3 ypc.), long 23, 0 TDs *Luke Albers 13-177 (13.6 ypc.), long 25, 4 TDs

Defensive leaders

Tackles Carlton Littlejohn 117, 58 unassisted Colten Heagle 99, 59 unassisted Kyle Emanuel 97, 50 unassisted Esley Thorton 73, 33 unassisted Christian Dudzik 73, 45 unassisted *Jordan Champion 68, 36 unassisted *Nick DeLuca 67, 22 unassisted Travis Beck 62, 20 unassisted *Brian Schaetz 51, 13 unassisted *CJ Smith 47, 29 unassisted Tackles for loss Kyle Emanuel 32.5-138 Carlton Littlejohn 7.0-33

Esley Thorton 7.0-32 *Brian Schaetz 7.0-23 *Brad Ambrosius 5.5-36

Sacks Kyle Emanuel 19.5-110 *Nate Tanguay 3.0-30 Carlton Littlejohn 3.0-24 Esley Thorton 3.0-24 *Greg Menard 3.0-20 Interceptions Christian Dudzik 4-59, long 31, 0 TDs *Nick DeLuca 3-48, long 35, 0 TDs Colten Heagle 3-11, long 6, 0 TDs Esley Thorton 2-2, long 2, 0 TDs Calton Littlejohn 1-0, long 0, 0 TDs *Tre Dempsey 1-2, long 2, 0 TDs *Travis Beck 1-21, long 21, 0 TDs Shea DeJohn 1-69, long 69, 1 TD *CJ Smith, 1-(-7), long 0, 0 TDs *Pierre Gee-Tucker 1-10, long 10, 0 TDs Kyle Emanuel, 1-27, long 27, 0 TDs Fumbles forced-recovered Esley Thorton 3-1 Kyle Emanuel 3-0 Carlton Littlejohn 2-4 Christian Dudzik 2-1 *Brad Ambrosius 1-1 Colten Heagle 1-0 *Tre Dempsey 1-0 *Nate Tanguay 1-0 Mike Hardie 1-0 Zach Colvin 1-0 *Brian Schaetz 0-1 *Greg Menard 0-1 Pass breakups *CJ Smith 17 *Jordan Champion 10 *Travis Beck 7 Christian Dudzik 7 *Tre Dempsey 5

Special teams leaders

PATs/Field goals Adam Keller 58-59/29-34, long 50, 1 blocked, 145 points Punting *Ben LeCompte 59-45.3, long 66, 23 inside 20, 0 blocked Punt returns *CJ Smith 15-177, long 48, 0 TDs Christian Dudzik 7-8.4, long 26, 0 TDs *Eric Perkins 3-3.7, long 15, 0 TDs Tyler Wrice 1-3.0, long 3, 0 TDs Kickoff returns *Eric Perkins 14-24.1, long 37, 0 TDs Christian Dudzik 10-17.2, long 25, 0 TDs *Darius Anderson 5-15.4, long 25, 0 TDs *Chase Morlock 3-21.0, long 29, 0 TDs John Crockett 2-14.0, long 15, 0 TDs *Returning players

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A10 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

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‌MONTANA ROSTER No. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 91 93 94 95 97 98 99

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Year Hometown Treshawn Favors RB 5-9 190 R-So. Glendale, Ariz.

Markell Sanders CB 6-2 185 R-Fr. Renton, Wash.

Keenan Curran WR 6-2 200 Fr. Federal Way, Wash.

Ryan McKinley CB 6-1 188 R-So. Anthem, Ariz.

Brady Gustafson QB 6-7 235 R-Jr. Billings, Mont.

Eric Johnson S 6-2 180 Sr. San Francisco, Calif.

Chris Parker CB 6-0 185 R-So. Sioux Falls, S.D. Holden Ryan WR 6-3 225 Fr. Billings, Mont.

Chase Naccarato WR 5-7 166 R-Jr. Spokane, Wash.

Daniel Sullivan K 5-10 165 Sr. Mill Creek, Wash.

Tyrel Garner CB 6-2 190 Jr. Henderson, Nev. Jamaal Jones WR 6-1 191 R-Sr. Spanaway, Wash.

Ellis Henderson WR 6-0 195 R-Jr. Vancouver, Wash.

Jeremy Calhoun RB 6-0 190 Fr. Long Beach, Calif.

Manu Rasmussen S 6-0 180 R-Fr. Tigard, Ore. Justin Calhoun WR 5-10 175 Fr. Long Beach, Calif.

Yamen Sanders S 6-4 210 R-Jr. Inglewood, Calif.

Eric Prater QB 6-2 205 R-Fr. Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Connor Strahm LB 6-0 235 R-So. Eugene, Ore. Chad Chalich QB 6-0 205 Jr. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Nate Harris CB 5-10 180 R-Sr. Chino, Calif.

Danny Peoples K 6-0 185 Fr. Butte, Mont.

Willy Pflug QB 6-0 185 Fr. Portland, Ore. Josh Janssen WR 6-0 195 R-So. Missoula, Mont.

Josh Sandry S 6-1 190 Fr. Bigfork, Mont.

Will Weyer QB 6-5 208 R-Fr. Bozeman, Mont.

RETIRED IN HONOR OF DAVE DICKENSON Dalton Daum WR 6-2 180 Fr. Butte, Mont.

Makena Simis QB 6-2 205 R-So. Boise, Idaho Tyler Lucas WR 6-4 220 R-Sr. Bellefonte, Pa. Kobey Eaton WR 6-3 190 Fr. Hacienda Heights, Calif.

John Nguyen RB 5-7 180 Jr. Seattle, Wash.

Joey Counts RB 5-9 215 R-Jr. Mesa, Ariz.

RETIRED IN HONOR OF TERRY DILLON Caleb Lyons WR 5-9 175 R-Fr. Lakewood, Wash.

Lorenzo Logwood RB 5-8 190 So. Oakland, Calif.

Shane Moody CB 5-8 160 R-So. Parker, Colo.

Carl Johnson RB 6-0 180 R-Fr. Hardin, Mont.

Nico Graham WR 5-10 180 R-So. Missoula, Mont.

Jerrin Williams S 6-2 220 Fr. Vancouver, Wash.

Brody Martinez RB 5-10 196 Fr. Federal Way, Wash.

Evan Epperly S 5-10 180 R-Fr. Kalispell, Mont.

Justin Whitted S 6-1 195 R-Sr. Los Angeles, Calif.

Zach Vis LB 6-3 205 R-So. Lyden, Wash.

Connor Lebsock LB 6-2 205 R-Sr. Billings, Mont.

Jamal Wilson DT 5-11 270 R-Sr. Fontana, Calif.

Kendrick Van Ackeren LB 6-1 220 Sr. Bellevue, Wash.

Herbert Gamboa LB 6-1 215 Sr. San Clemente, Calif.

Caleb Kidder DT 6-5 275 R-Jr. Helena, Mont.

Jeffrey Salamon WR 5-11 180 Fr. Riverside, Calif.

Jake Dallaserra S 5-11 180 R-Sr. Butte, Mont.

David Fa’atuiese LB 6-3 240 Fr. Vista, Calif.

Mick Delaney S 6-0 193 R-So. Bozeman, Mont.

Josh Buss LB 6-2 203 R-Fr. Boise, Idaho Nate Bradley DT 5-10 260 R-So. Billings, Mont.

Jeremiah Kose MLB 6-2 230 R-Sr. Oceanside, Calif.

Austin Chadderdon DE 6-2 200 R-Fr. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Derek Crittenden DE 6-3 240 R-Sr. Whitefish, Mont.

Donald Bedell DE 6-4 245 R-Sr. Fair Haven, N.J. Jesse Sims DE 6-4 235 Fr. Stevensville, Mont.

Aaron Held Snaps 6-1 193 R-Jr. Sacramento, Calif.

Tucker Schye DE 6-4 225 R-So. Malta, Mont.

Nick Mertes DE 6-3 235 R-Fr. Edina, Minn.

Dante Olson LB 6-3 220 Fr. Medford, Ore. Gage Smith LB 6-3 215 R-Fr. Whitefish, Mont.

Kyle Davis DT 6-1 245 San Diego, Calif.

Alex Thomas LB 6-0 215 R-Fr. Great Falls, Mont.

Shayne Cochran LB 6-1 210 R-Fr. Culbertson, Mont.

Tyler Richtmyer DE 6-2 215 R-Fr. Missoula, Mont.

Cy Sirmon LB 6-3 225 Fr. Wenatchee, Wash.

Jackson Thiebes OL 6-5 280 R-Jr. Kalispell, Mont.

Colin McGillivray OL 6-7 278 Fr. Portland, Ore. Cody Meyer OL 6-3 270 Fr. San Marcos, Calif.

Dallas Hart OL 6-5 295 Fr. Cypress, Calif.

Joe Paolina OL 6-7 290 Fr. Poway, Calif.

McCauley Todd OL 6-7 295 R-Jr. Cedar Rapids, Iowa Jared Clark OL 6-6 270 Jr. San Diego, Calif.

Ben Weyer OL 6-4 270 R-Jr. Bozeman, Mont.

Devon Dietrich OL 6-4 270 R-Jr. Woodinville, Wash.

Cooper Sprunk C 6-4 250 R-So. Tigard Ore. Angel Villanueva OL 6-5 310 Fr. Duarte, Calif.

John Schmaing OL 6-7 290 R-Sr. Billings, Mont.

Robert Luke C 6-4 315 So. Tacoma, Wash.

David Reese OL 6-7 270 So. Happy Valley, Ore. Cameron Rokich OL 6-5 245 R-So. West Jordan, Utah Clint LaRowe OL 6-5 290 R-Jr. Miles City, Mont.

Max Kelly OL 6-7 290 R-Jr. Spokane, Wash.

Josh Horner WR 6-5 220 So. Great Falls, Mont.

Zach Hollenback WR 5-11 185 R-Fr. Missoula, Mont.

Jerry Louie-McGee WR 5-9 170 Fr. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Ryan Burke WR 6-4 190 R-Jr. Billings, Mont.

Donovan Rooks WR 6-4 185 Fr. Yuma, Ariz.

Reese Carlson WR 6-4 215 R-Fr. Gig Harbor, Wash.

Ben Roberts WR 6-4 205 R-Sr. Missoula, Mont.

Chris Lider K/P 6-1 199 R-Sr. Bellevue, Wash.

Colin Bingham WR 6-3 220 Fr. Missoula, Mont.

Tyrone Holmes DE 6-4 245 Sr. Eagle Point, Ore. Zach Peevey DT 6-3 255 R-Jr. Missoula, Mont.

Harrison Greenberg K 5-8 170 R-Jr. Lake Oswego, Ore. Andrew Harris DE 6-4 215 Fr. Kalispell, Mont.

Ryan Johnson DE 6-3 255 R-Jr. Vancouver, Wash.

Mike Ralston DE 6-5 245 R-So. Eugene, Ore. Reggie Tilleman DE 6-4 195 R-Fr. Genesee, Idaho

GRIZZLY GAME D MONTANA STARTING OFFENSE WR 6 Jamaal Jones

H-Back 86 Reese Carlson

QB 3 Brady Gustafson

LT 74 John Schmaing

RB 20 John Nguyen

LG 79 Max Kelly C 75 Robert Luke RG 71 Devon Dietrich RT 76 David Reese

WR 7 Ellis Henderson

WR 13 Chase Naccarato

K5 Daniel Sullivan

MONTANA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE WR 86 Ben Roberts, R-Sr. WR 23 Caleb Lyons, R-Fr. LT 77 Cameron Rokich, R-So. OG 78 Clint LaRowe, R-Jr. OG 75 Robert Luke, Fr. OT 60 Jackson Thiebes, R-Jr.

H-B 80 WR 83 QB 11 RB 24 C 72

Josh Horner, So. Ryan Burke, R-Jr. Chad Chalich, Jr. Lorenzo Logwood, So. Cooper Sprunk , R-So.

MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE FS 31 Justin Whitted

CB 11 Nate Harris

OLB 33 Connor Lebsock

DE 47 Derek Crittenden

MLB 45 Jeremiah Kose

DT 37 Caleb Kidder,

SS 8 Manu Rasmussen OLB 35 Kendrick Van Ackeren

NT 34 Jamal Wilson

DE 91 Tyrone Holmes

CB 18 JR Nelson

P 87 Chris Lider

MONTANA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE OLB 42 DT 43 DE 51 NT 93 DE 97

Josh Buss, R-Fr. Nate Bradley, R-So. Tucker Schye, R-So. Zach Peevey, Jr. Ryan Johnson, R-Jr.

MLB 10 CB 1 CB 2 SS 9 FS 3

Connor Strahm, R-So. Markell Sanders, R-Fr. Ryan McKinley, R-So. Yamen Sanders, R-Jr. Eric Johnson, Sr.

Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A11

DAY MATCHUPS

BIGGEST JACKPOT PAYOUT IN THE REGION

NORTH DAKOTA STATE STARTING DEFENSE CB 6 CJ Smith OLB 47 Pierre Gee-Tucker DE 97 Brad Ambrosius

SS 1 Chris Board

MLB 49 Nick DeLuca

DT 61 Brian Schaetz DT 99 Nate Tanguay

FS 3 Tre Dempsey

OLB 41 MJ Stumpf

DE 96 Greg Menard

P 19 Ben LeCompte

CB 5 Jordan Champion

NORTH DAKOTA STATE BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE 94 DT 90 NG 63 DE 93 OLB 45

Stanley Jones, R-Fr. Grant Morgan, So. Aaron Steidl, R-Fr. Jarrod Tuszka, So. Levi Jordheim, R-Fr.

MLB 44 OLB 48 CB 21 SS 28 FS 23

Matt Plank, So. Dan Marlette, R-Fr. Jalen Allison, R-Fr. Andrew Smith, Jr. Jaylaan Wimbush, R-Fr.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE STARTING OFFENSE WR 82 Zach Vraa

FB 30 Jedre Cyr

RT 78 Landon Lechler RG 54 Jeremy Kelly C 75 Austin Kuhnert

QB 11 Carson Wentz

RB 25 Chase Morlock

LG 66 Zack Johnson LT 59 Joe Haeg WR 16 RJ Urzendowski TE 46 Andrew Bonnet

K 19 Ben LeCompte

NORTH DAKOTA STATE BACKUPS ON OFFENSE WR 18 LT 78 LG 74 RG 73 RT 71

Khayvon Hawkins, R-Fr. Landon Lechler, Jr. Tanner Volson, R-Fr. Zack Ziemer, So. Luke Bacon, R-Fr.

C 74 Christian Triplett, R-Fr. TE 88 Luke Alberts, Sr. WR 20 Darrius Shepherd, R-Fr. QB 12 Easton Stick, R-Fr. RB 22 King Frazier, Jr.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33 34 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 49 50 50 51 52 53 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 95 96 97 98 99

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Chris Board SS 6-1 218 Quinten McCoy CB 6-1 198 Tre Dempsey FS 5-10 175 Bryce Bennot CB 5-8 173 Dimitri Williams WR 5-11 174 Jordan Champion CB 5-9 189 Michael Veldman CB 6-3 190 CJ Smith CB 5-11 188 Cole Davis QB 6-3 212 Darius Anderson RB/WR 5-7 182 Braden Sikes SS 5-11 192 Colter Pritchard WR 5-6 167 Lance Dunn RB 5-9 206 Carson Wentz QB 6-6 235 Easton Stick QB 6-2 215 Eric Perkins WR 5-8 180 Bo Liekhus LB 6-0 217 Daniel Polansky WR 6-0 189 RJ Urzendowski WR 5-11 195 James Hendricks QB 6-1 189 Khayvon Hawkins WR 6-0 199 Dom Davis CB 5-11 177 Ben LeCompte P/K 5-10 196 Darrius Shepherd WR 5-11 180 Jalen Allison CB 6-0 170 Ian Gallagher P 6-3 176 King Frazier RB 5-11 213 Jaylaan Wimbush FS 6-0 185 Demaris Purifoy RB 6-1 188 Chase Morlock RB 6-0 221 Keenan Hodenfield FS 5-11 181 Isaac Cenescar SS 5-10 187 Andrew Smith FS 6-0 193 Eric Bachmeier CB 6-2 195 Jedre Cyr FB 6-0 234 Tom Barneson K 6-4 220 Ty Brooks CB 5-9 161 Dakota Reid CB 5-9 185 Marquise Bridges WR 5-11 170 Brock Robbins FB 6-1 230 Ross Effertz CB 5-11 196 Robbie Grimsley FS 6-0 181 Cam Pedersen K 6-1 170 Tre Fort CB 5-8 171 Jaxon Brown SS 6-2 189 Ben Ellefson TE 6-3 243 Dan Sargeant FB 6-1 242 MJ Stumpf LB 6-2 218 Bruce Anderson RB 5-11 202 Kurt Mattox LB 6-1 222 Matt Plank LB 6-0 224 Levi Jordheim LB 6-1 224 Andrew Bonnet FB/TE 6-3 250 Pierre Gee-Tucker LB 6-1 217 Dan Marlette LB 6-1 218 Matt Anderson TE 6-4 228 Nick DeLuca LB 6-3 244 Gray Gochenour LB 5-10 242 Logan Nelson LB 6-1 185 James Fisher LS 6-2 213 Jake Brinkman LB 6-0 210 Cole Karcz DE 6-4 233 Max Haskins OL 6-5 275 Jeremy Kelly OG 6-6 300 Aaron Mercadel LB 5-11 196 Caleb Butler DE 6-3 240 Bryan Carlton DT 6-3 248 Andrew Trzebiatowski OT 6-5 310 Joe Haeg OT 6-6 310 Max Polson C 6-1 305 Brian Schaetz DT 6-1 287 Bryce Messner DT 6-3 284 Aaron Steidl DT 6-2 279 Colin Conner OT 6-5 303 Jack Albrecht OG 6-5 274 Zack Johnson OG 6-4 326 Brock Russell OG 6-2 264 Zack J. Johnson OT 6-6 276 Blake Williams DT 6-3 274 Jack Plankers OT 6-7 321 Luke Bacon OT 6-5 297 Erik Olson OT 6-5 269 Zack Ziermer OG 6-4 291 Tanner Volson OG 6-4 304 Austin Kuhnert C 6-4 301 Tucker Wojahn DE 6-3 210 Trent Mooney OG 6-5 269 Christian Triplett C 6-3 301 Landon Lechler OT 6-7 301 Nate Moody WR 6-1 196 Isaiah Frandsen WR 6-2 198 Zach Vraa WR 6-2 202 Dallas Freeman WR 6-0 187 Shadeed Crockett WR 6-2 186 Nate Jenson TE 6-6 243 Jeff Illies TE 6-3 221 Connor Wentz TE 6-3 248 Luke Albers TE 6-5 250 Isaac Lashua TE 6-4 239 Grant Morgan DT 6-4 283 Derrek Tuszka DE 6-5 226 Jack Darnell DT 6-2 277 Jarrod Tuszka DE 6-3 243 Stanley Jones DE 6-3 240 Peder Olson LS/LB 6-0 216 Connor Hubbs DT 6-1 283 Greg Menard DE 6-2 239 Brad Ambrosius DE 6-4 246 Austin Farnlof DT 6-1 275 Nate Tanguay DT 6-4 285

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

Hometown Orlando, Fla. Dallas, Texas Lakeland, Fla. Coloma, Wis. Lakeville, Minn.

Avondale, Ariz.

Becker, Minn.

Savage, Minn.

Kearney, Mo. Kapolei, Hawaii Excelsior, Minn.

Langdon, N.D. Waterloo, Iowa Bismarck, N.D. Omaha, Neb. Kewaskum, Wis. Plattsmouth, Neb. Gatzke, Minn.

Omaha, Neb. Laporte, Minn.

Crystal, Min..

Belleville, Ill. Barrington, Ill. Blue Springs, Mo. Papillion, Neb. Walworth, Wis. Greenwood, Mo. St. Petersburg, Fla. Wauwatosa, Wis. Moorhead, Minn.

Ray, N.D. Orlando, Fla. Sioux Falls, S.D. Kindred, N.D. Glyndon, Minn.

Eau Claire, Wis. Fargo, N.D. Chicago, Ill. Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Cavalier, N.D. Mandan, N.D. Hutchinson, Minn.

Eau Claire, Wis. Moorhead, Minn.

Eau Claire, Wis. Hawley, Minn.

Chisago City, Miss.

Harvey, N.D. Ruskin, Fla. Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Gardner, Kan. Dickinson, N.D. Council Bluffs, Iowa Belleville, Ill. Sioux Falls, S.D. Lakeland, Minn.

Omaha, Neb. Urbandale, Iowa Andover, Minn.

Bloomington, Minn.

North Liberty, Iowa Germantown, Wis. River Falls, Wis. Somerset, Wis. Oakland, Calif.

Coon Rapids, Minn.

Chanhassen, Minn.

Amherst Junction, Wis. Lake Shore, Minn.

Coon Rapids, Minn.

Denmark, Wis. McVille, N.D. Carlos, Minn.

Mineral Point, Wis. Rolling Meadows, Ill. Apple Valley, Minn.

Mandan, N.D. Blaine, Minn.

Washington, Mich.

Leonard, N.D. Granville, N.D. Maple Grove, Minn.

Lakeville, Minn.

Balfour, N.D. Sioiux Falls, S.D. Velva, N.D. Lamar, Mo. Maple Plaine, Minn.

Beach, N.D. Dickinson, N.D. Barron, Wis. Rosemount, Minn.

St. Michael, Minn.

Champlin, Minn.

Waupaca, Wis. Lidgerwood, N.D. Dunnellon, Fla. Iola, Wis. Iola, Wis. Oshkosh, Wis. Warner, S.D. Champlin, Minn.

Warner, S.D. Bismarck, N.D. Maple Grove, Minn.

White Bear Lake, Minn.

Lakeville, Minn.

De Pere, Wis. Cave Creek, Ariz.

Mukwonago, Wis.

Announcing the

Giving Back at Griz Games Contest

Visit our website at www.missoulafcu.org for contest details.

McQuiRk tEaM

Bill McQuirk

532-9234

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A12 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

Grizzly game day / Our picks

How we see the big game

AJ Mazzolini

Bob Meseroll

kyle sample

Bill Speltz

0-0

0-0

0-0

0-0

Mark Heintzelman

the media out of a preseason scrimmage recently.

Let them close scrimmages all they want. It’s all going to be out in the open The moment of truth has arrived for on Saturday. head coach Bob Stitt and his new-look If Montana is to win, it will have less Montana football team. to do with Stitt’s innovative offense and You better believe the native Nebrasmore to do with defensive coordinator Ty kan plans on catching No. 1-ranked Gregorak’s capable defense. You heard it North Dakota State off guard with a here first. few of his offensive ideas Saturday.

You may recall Gregorak’s crew kept That’s easier said than done against the Grizzlies in the game last season Chris Klieman, who served as defensive at North Dakota State. Unlike Stitt, coordinator for the Bison for two years Gregorak has a dozen years of experience before assuming the head coaching job coaching on the NCAA Division I level. last season.

That should be of comfort to Griz fans.

The trouble with the Griz, at least early in the season, is that they no longer have Speltz: The Griz will stay with the Bison nimble, cool-headed Jordan Johnson at for a while, sparked by an electric crowd quarterback. They’re going to miss him and a capable defense. But you’ve been this season, guaranteed.

This new guy, junior Brady Gustafson, breathing in too much smoke if you think NDSU is going to be intimidated by has a stronger arm and may turn out to be a real gem. But it’s going to take time, Montana or its boisterous home crowd.

Last year the Bison won their road opener, my friends.

34-14, in front of twice as many fans at Iowa On Saturday, the 6-foot-7 Gustafson will operate behind a dinged up offensive State. The Bison are better in all three facets and they’ll prove it Saturday. North Dakota line and will face a level of defensive State 24, Montana 21. pressure he’s never experienced. And Bob Meseroll: There are bound there’s going to be some confusion for to be some butterflies on Montana’s the Billings product, no matter how offensive side of the ball, given a new QB in much Stitt tries to make things simple.

Gustafson. How well his big guys up front North Dakota State, on the other hand, protect him might go a long way to deciding has a crafty veteran at quarterback in the game. Gregorak will have his defense senior Carson Wentz. In case you haven’t ready, but will it be enough? Bison 27, Griz heard, he led the Bison to an unprece17. dented fourth straight FCS championship AJ Mazzolini: Known factors at play last season. And he beat the Grizzlies in here: NDSU has won all the national titles.

It has a defense that can contend with Fargo last September, 22-10. any offense in the FCS. Wentz is a stud.

That doesn’t mean the outcome of Montana on the other hand is breaking in a Saturday’s game is a given. If it were, new head coach, QB and offensive system.

Klieman would not be showing the Just too much to overcome in Game 1. same level of paranoia as Stitt, locking

By BILL SPELTZ bill.speltz@missoulian.com‌

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

North Dakota State safety Colten Heagle, right, breaks up a pass intended for Montana tight end Mitch Saylor in Fargo in 2014.

Bison 27, Griz 19.

Kyle Sample: If the offensive line can keep Gustafson on his feet and in the pocket, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Griz spring the upset. But the unit has been maligned and I don’t see that happening.

NDSU 31, Griz 17.

Mark Heintzelman, Missoulian publisher, guest prognosticator: Since

the smoke has clearly gotten to my sports staff, I feel the need to step up. Stitt loves the national spotlight of a big game and will have the Griz ready to roll. He only knows one speed and come kickoff it’s fourth-andGO. I’m taking the Griz, with the aid of the home crowd crazies, to pull out the W in an unheard of hometown underdog roll. Griz 20, Bison 17.

Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A13

Pattee Creek Market has USDA Choice Black Angus Beef so good that you’ll want to tailgate every meal.

Kick off the season with some local flavor.

7 D ay s a We e k • 7 0 4 S . W. H i g g i n s • 7 A M - 1 0 P M • 5 4 3 - 5 1 7 4

A14 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

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Once the lines are properly located, use extreme caution when digging within 18 inches of the marks. Calling 811 is free, easy and the law.

NorthWestern Energy is a proud supporter of college athletics.

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Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A15

Grizzly game day | FACTS

Around the big sky Compiled by Missoulian Staff

‌WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE: Montana’s Bob Stitt and Portland State’s Bruce Barnum are the newest head coaches in the league. Stitt was previously a head coach at Division-II Colorado School of Mines, where he led the Orediggers to the Division-II playoffs on three separate occasions. Stitt won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) title in 2004, 2010 and 2014. Portland State’s Bruce Barnum is in his sixth season with the team, but is entering his first as the team’s head coach. Barnum was named the interim coach in November of 2014, taking over for former coach Nigel Burton. Barnum previously served as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, and Portland State set several offensive records in his time as coordinator — total offense (6,486 yards), rushing offense (3,330 yards) and rushing touchdowns (36) — all in the 2013 season.

BIG SKY VS. FBS: Ten of the Big Sky’s teams will be playing FBS teams this fall. Every school except Montana, Montana State and Northern Colorado will play one FBS opponent, while Idaho State will face two Mountain West opponents in back-to-back weeks (Boise State and UNLV). Eastern Washington will open the season at 2014 national runner-up Oregon on Sept. 5. Weber State will face Oregon State on Sept. 4 in Corvallis, where Wildcats coach Jay Hill will face new Beavers coach Gary Andersen. Hill was a position coach under Andersen at the University of Utah from 2005 to 2008-a run which ended when Andersen left to become the head coach at Utah State.

FOUR TEAMS RANKED: Four Big Sky teams were ranked in the initial STATS FCS Top-25 poll. Eastern Washington debuted at sixth, Montana State at 11th, Montana at 13th and Idaho State at 22nd. Cal Poly and Northern Arizona received votes in the poll. A national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries selects the STATS FCS Top 25. The Top 25 is released every Monday afternoon during the regular season, except for Sunday morning, Nov. 22, prior to the selection of the 24-team FCS playoff field. A final Top 25 will follow the FCS championship game, which will be

Montana’s defense tackles North Dakota State running back King Frazier in 2014. held Jan. 9 in Frisco, Texas.

GRIZZLIES TOP ALL-TIME PROGRAM IN BIG SKY: Montana has won the most Big Sky titles of any football program, with 19 titles all-time. The Grizzlies last won the Big Sky in 2009.

Montana State is second in all-time titles, with 15. The Bobcats won their last conference title in 2012.

COACH SPEAK: NAU’s Jerome Souers and ISU’s Mike Kramer are each entering their 18th seasons as head coaches in the Big Sky. Souers ranks second all-time with 100 wins. Kramer is third with 91.

Souers has won 67 conference games,

just one behind all-time leader Chris Ault (Nevada). Kramer has 61 conference wins and Cal Poly coach Tim Walsh is fourth in conference victories with 60 wins. Ault is the all-time leader in wins with 111. Walsh begins the season in fourth all-time in victories with 87. Eastern Washington’s Beau Baldwin ranks seventh all-time in winning percentage at .728. Baldwin has compiled a 67-25 record in his six seasons with the Eagles. He has won 80.4 percent of his conference games (45-11).

AWARDS LISTS: Two Big Sky players begin the season on the watch list for the Offensive Player of the Year (formerly

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

known as the Walter Payton Award), while two more are on the Defensive Player of the Year watch list (formerly known as the Buck Buchanan Award). Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Montana State quarterback Dakota Prukop are on the OPOY watch list, while Southern Utah’s James Cowser and Sacramento State’s Darnell Sankey are on the DPOY list. The STATS organization will present the awards in December. Kupp won the Jerry Rice Award as the nation’s top freshman in 2013. Montana State’s Caleb Schreibeis (2012) and Bobcat Bobby Daly (2013) won the DPOY awards.

A16 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

GRIZZLY GAME DAY Montana running back Travon Van is tackled

by North Dakota State’s Colten Heagle, top, and Christian Dudzik during NDSU’s 22-10 victory over Montana at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D., last year.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015 — A17

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Montana defensive end Tyrone Holmes, right, tackles North Dakota State running back King Frazier last year in Fargo.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian

A18 — Missoulian, Saturday, August 29, 2015

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | NORTH DAKOTA STATE

Bison dug through Mines film to prep for Griz What will the Grizzlies be trying to do? Most likely have one-running back, four-wide receiver sets with a variety of short passes and multi‌FARGO, N.D. – If any opponent of dimensional looks. the Colorado School of Mines football “A lot of dip-and-dunk passes,” said team wants a preview of the OredigBison cornerback C.J. Smith. gers’ returning personnel this year, And perhaps a sprinkling of a onethey can probably call North Dakota foot pass that gained national notoriety State. The Bison coaches have been in 2012 when West Virginia scored on watching hours of Mines tape from the the play four times against Clemson in 2014 season. the Orange Bowl. Afterward, MounIt’s all in the name of trying to taineers head coach Dana Holgorsen, figure out what new Montana head in an interview on national TV, gave coach Bob Stitt will bring to the props to “his good friend Bob Stitt” Washington-Grizzly Stadium table on for the play, which actually counted as Saturday afternoon. Stitt is in his first four touchdown passes from the WVU year after a successful 15-year run at quarterback.

Mines, a school where he developed NDSU has inflicted damage over an offense that carried a reputation of having a spread-out, high-flying, high- the years with its jet sweep, where a receiver in motion takes a handoff tempo attack.

“Not knowing what to expect coming from the quarterback at full speed and tries to go around end. In the Stitt play into a game can always throw you for a loop,” said Bison middle linebacker Nick case, the quarterback, in short shotgun formation, takes the snap and immediDeLuca, “so we’re just trying to focus ately flips it forward to the receiver in on what we think they’re going to do.”

JEFF KOLPACK The Forum‌

motion. If the receiver drops it, it’s an incomplete forward pass.

The reality is Mines only used that play a handful of times all of last season. Stitt, who serves as the offensive coordinator, brought his passing game coordinator Nolan Swett with him from Mines and the Grizzlies will have a few veteran receivers like Jamaal Jones and Ellis Henderson to rely on.

“It’s been difficult,” said NDSU head coach Chris Klieman. “We’ve been preparing for what we believe or think they’ll do. We also know they’ll throw us a lot of curve balls.”

Klieman said one thing that could help the NDSU defense is facing the Bison offense in practice, a West Coast offense that continually changes to multiple sets.

“The main thing is who will adjust better on Saturday,” Klieman said, because they’re going to do a lot of different things and we’re going to do some different things. In the first game, you really don’t know.”

RICK TEATTS/Southland Conference‌

North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz escapes the pocket during last season’s FCS national championship game. The Bison beat Illinois State 29-27.

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