Montana-South Dakota State matchups have produced all-time moments, comebacks

The Montana Grizzlies are set to compete in the FCS football national championship game a week from Sunday, on Jan. 7 against South Dakota State in Frisco, Texas.

The Big Sky Conference champion Grizzlies (13-1) are the No. 2 seed in the FCS playoffs and have won 10 straight games since an early season loss to Northern Arizona. Montana topped North Dakota State 31-29 in a double-overtime, national semifinal thriller on Dec. 16 in Missoula to earn its first trip to the title round since 2009.

South Dakota State (14-0) is the reigning FCS national champion and has won 28-straight games, defeating Albany 59-0 in its semifinal game on Dec. 15.

Here are some quick facts about the national championship game on Jan. 7 and history between the Griz and Jackrabbits.

How to watch No. 1 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 Montana

When: Jan. 7, Noon (MT)

Where: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas

Watch: ABC/ESPN+

Montana Grizzlies (13-1)

Head coach: Bobby Hauck

All-Americans: Alex Gubner (DT/Big Sky Defensive MVP); Braxton Hill (LB/Buchanan Award Finalist); Junior Bergen (Punt returner); Eli Gillman (RB/Freshman All-American/Jerry Rice Award Winner)

National Championships: 1995, 2001

National Championship Appearances: 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009

South Dakota State (14-0)

Head coach: Jimmy Rogers

All-Americans: Mark Gronowski (QB/Co-Missouri Valley Football Conference MVP); Isaiah Davis (RB/Co-MVFC MVP); Garret Greenfield (OT); Mason McCormick (OG)

National Championships: 2022

National Championship Appearances: 2020

South Dakota State Jackrabbits win the FCS semifinals against UAlbany on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse in Brookings.

Notable Griz vs. Jackrabbits matchups

Sept. 4, 1993: Montana trailed South Dakota State 38-7 in the third quarter of an early season contest in Missoula, and sophomore quarterback Dave Dickenson was briefly benched…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/montana-south-dakota-state-matchups-160041634.html

Author : Great Falls Tribune

Publish date : 2023-12-29 16:00:41

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