Home field a huge playoff edge for Griz
The key to a deep playoff run for any team is home field advantage. After making the postseason, it's the next most important thing to play for, and Montana's 9-2 overall record has earned the Griz at least an opening-round game in the friendly confines of Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Aside from the comfort of playing at home and not having to travel to sometimes remote locales, stark climate differences can have big impacts.
For instance, the Grizzlies' opponent Saturday, Northwestern State, comes in from Natchitoches, a town of about 18,000 nestled in west-central Louisiana. A trip from there to Missoula probably has more than one leg to it.
The Demons practiced in 75-degree weather Tuesday. It will be in the mid-30s with a chance of snow Saturday.
"It's an advantage we have," UM coach Bobby Hauck said. "It's a long road trip from Louisiana to here. It's more difficult to go on the road and win than it is to stay at home."
In Montana's case, playing at home in the postseason has almost always translated into a victory. Only three teams have come into Washington Grizzly Stadium in the playoffs and left with a win.
So aberrant is the phenomenon that last year it took Western Illinois two overtimes and a blocked field goal attempt by the Division I-AA all-time leading scorer to do it.
Yet another bit of history in the Grizzlies' favor: Northwestern State and Montana have hooked up twice before in the playoffs, most recently in 2002 when the Griz posted a 45-14 win in Missoula.
The first time was also at home. It was 2001 when Montana won 28-19 and started a run through the postseason that ended with its second national championship.
- INJURY UPDATE: Several Griz went down with injuries during the Montana State game - Lance Spencer and Jay Green among them. The news is not good.
"It looks like Lance Spencer is going to be down," Hauck said. "We're still waiting to find out on a few guys."
According to the Missoulian, Spencer broke his leg and Green tore his ACL. The paper reported both are done for the season.
- HONORS: Six Grizzlies were named to the all-Big Sky first team this week - quarterback Craig Ochs, offensive tackle Cory Procter and running back Lex Hilliard were honored on offense. Receiver Jefferson Heidelberger earned the award for special teams, and was a second team pick as a receiver and kick returner.
Hilliard's selection is noteworthy in that the sophomore from Flathead is technically the backup to Justin Green, who received honorable mention.
Defensive end Mike Murphy and linebacker Shane MacIntyre picked up kudos on defense.
Another 14 Griz were named to either second team or received honorable mention.