Griz limp into conference opener vs. winless Weber St.

For Weber State, the Wildcats are off to an 0-4 start (including 0-1 in the Big Sky).

Today's Big Sky Conference opener for seventh-ranked Montana at Weber State is one of those deals that could fly off in any direction.

The Griz (3-1 overall) bounced back nicely last week against Northern Colorado after absorbing a solid pounding at Sam Houston State the week before, but injuries along the offensive line and to starting quarterback Craig Ochs could hamper Montana.

"(Everybody's) day-to-day, we'll see how it goes," UM coach Bobby Hauck said Tuesday. "We just don't know (who will be able to play)".

For Weber State, the Wildcats are off to an 0-4 start (including 0-1 in the Big Sky). They have lost two games by a combined total of five points and the other two by a combined total of 60 points.

"Their team is struggling right now," Hauck said. "They're probably the biggest surprise in the league right now. They should be 2-2."

Weber State features a talented running back in All-American Nick Chournos and a capable receiving threat in Chris McConnell, but quarterback has been a question mark.

"Everything they do starts with Nick Chournos and they have great speed at wide receiver," Hauck said. "They shuffled a little bit (at QB). Jeff Fowler, their senior, is listed right now as the starter.

"But they've played three guys at quarterback, so I'm not sure who they settled on."

Last week the Wildcats lost 55-27 at Northern Arizona, and trailed 55-13 at one point. Turnovers were the killer, as Weber State had two interceptions returned for touchdowns.

The Grizzlies showed their opportunistic nature against Northern Colorado (two INTs), and should be salivating at the chance to take advantage of Weber State's revolving door at quarterback.

"It's week to week," Hauck said of turnover battles. "You have to wait to the game to see what happens.

"Last year we turned the ball over against Weber State and won."

Montana had three lost fumbles and an interception against the Wildcats last season in a 12-7 win at Washington Grizzly Stadium.

Still the biggest unknown for the Grizzlies is the health of Ochs, who injured his right calf two weeks ago at Sam Houston State and left last week's game after three quarters when his leg tightened up.

Jeff Disney relieved both times, and played well both times. Against Northern Colorado, he threw for 110 yards on 6-of-8 passing, including a picturesque rainbow to Jefferson Heidelberger for a 29-yard touchdown.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah. The game can be seen locally on KAJ-TV, cable channel 8, air 18.