Second Half
With a record crowd on hand, Washington Grizzly stadium is unusually packed as the 2nd half begins. Perhaps the excitement of being among their peer institutions is behind it. Idaho receives the ball to start the 2nd half, and quickly go 3&out. On their next possession, Montana fans get a scare once again as Johnson is forced to scramble but is hurt on the play, you may recall last week he was out for a series before his return. Smithwick-Hann this week is unable to move the ball, and the Griz punt with Epps returning the ball 35 yards to their own 40.
Chalich is able to move the Vandals into the red zone before they stall out at the 3. A Brown dropped pass in the end zone on 3rd&goal forces the Vandals to try the field goal which they convert. (Montana 21 Idaho 6)
On the kickoff, the ball is pooched to Nguyen, avoiding Henderson who was deep but Nguyen surprises and returns to midfield for a 35 yard return. Johnson, who has returned, is dropped for a 3 yard loss, but is able to hit Warren for 31 yards on his next pass down the sideline. However, like the Vandals, the Griz get to the red zone are unable to punch it in. They do go for a 32 yard field goal which Worst converts. (Montana 24 Idaho 6)
The Grizzlies defense continues to impress, and on the next two Vandal possessions they are forced into 3&outs.....with Takai getting a big sack on a 2nd&14 play. Ellis Henderson returns the punt for 21 yards, and after a incompletion to Warren - we all know what time it is? That's right - 10 to 7....Henderson breaks across the middle for a long slant, and despite double coverage makes the catch while moving.....and he's gone! TOUCHDOWN MONTANA!!! 6 catches for 114 yards for Henderson today so far. And that concludes the 3rd quarter. (Montana 31 Idaho 6)
Vandals open the 4th with their backs to the wall, and Chalich comes out passing....but it's a sweep play to Brown for 23 yards that sets them up in the red zone...and this time Chalich runs it in from 14 yards out for a quick Idaho touchdown that takes less than 3 minutes. With the failed 2-point conversion the score is.... (Montana 31 Idaho 12)
Now we know why Idaho has been avoiding deep kicks all day, as Henderson finally gets the ball and returns it for 34 yards. Van has been covered all day, and has struggled to get into a rhythm until this drive...he catches a pass for 10 yards, then breaks a run for another 10. A pass to Jones, and another catch by Van....and the Grizzlies are knocking again. Canada comes in, and catches a screen for 20 yards to put Montana at the 3 - and they convert with corner throw to Jones for the touchdown. (Montana 38 Idaho 12) And the rout is on.
Montana starts clearing their bench, and the 2nd and 3rd stringers are getting playing time. Gratton steps up and intercepts the Vandals on their first down after the Griz score. Gustafson comes in for some playing time, and throws completetions to Saylor and Harper, but is unable to get a score. However Idaho once again goes 3&out, and the Grizzlies take over failing to convert a first down on 3 rushes. Shaw booms a kick to the Vandals 12 yard line and they take over.
McCain is in for Idaho, and he is immediately sacked for a loss of 10....and boy is Paul Petrino ticked off. From their own 2, the Vandals are again under pressure. Here's the call...
Idaho trailing by 26
2nd and 20
bad snap
but he holds on
McCain dropping back
heavy rush
leaving the pocket
better get rid of it!
Peevey sacks him!
did he make it out of the end zone?
nope!
score it a safety!!
And the Griz up the score. Montana 40 Idaho 12 which is the final score as Montana once again holds the Vandals to 3&out and then kill the clock for the game.
FINAL SCORE
(2-0) Montana 40
(0-2) Idaho 12
Next up for the Grizzlies are a tough Nevada Wolfpack team coming to WaGriz for the first conference game of the year. Idaho is on the road again, to Laramie to face Wyoming.
Note:
Stats, Standings & Rankings to follow. There is not set time that I am doing this...meaning I may squeeze in two "weeks" in one real week, but each week will have its own header.
