Griz vs. Cats: Game day for Smithwick-Hann, Horn

A dream come true. As big as it gets.

Glacier grads Shay Smithwick-Hann and Joel Horn have grown up in the rivalry between Montana and Montana State and neither is downplaying what will be their first time experiencing the game from inside the lines today in Missoula.

“This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was little,” Smithwick-Hann said.

“The Griz is in my family’s blood and playing in this game is something that I’ve always had my eye on. It’s something I’ve set a goal to be the starting quarterback for the Griz-Cat game. It’s going to be a surreal experience for me.”

A redshirt sophomore quarterback, Smithwick-Hann has seen action in seven games this season but finally cracked the starting role midway through the Griz’s loss at North Dakota three weeks ago. Trailing by 14 points at halftime, he rallied Montana to a lead in the second half before a late UND touchdown sunk the Griz. Since, he’s led Montana to back-to-back wins, completing 63.5 percent of his passes this season for 803 yards and eight touchdown passes.

“Playing quarterback for the Griz is something I’ve wanted to do since I was 2- or 3-years-old,” Smithwick-Hann said. “It’s a humbling experience for me.”

Horn, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, has been looking forward to the game for just as long.

“I’ve grown up my whole life watching this game,” Horn said. “Getting to finally be a part of it and play in it is a huge honor.”

Horn has seen his production jump by leaps and bounds this season, spelling starters on the line and seeing time on special teams. He’s listed second on the depth chart at center and even was listed among the starters at guard in spring ball.

“It’s definitely a different level than high school,” Horn said. “The game speed is much faster and the guys are much stronger and quicker. It’s just another level of competition ... Last year it was a huge adjustment. It was a lot more fun this year, knowing what to expect.”

Montana State enters the game as the second-ranked team in the nation, and a heavy favorite, just as it did last season. Playing in Bozeman, the top-ranked Bobcats were upset 36-10 last year in a game that was never close.

“We still have a bad taste in our mouth from last year,” Horn said. “We’re going to come out and play as hard as we can.

“There’s definitely a more intense attitude this year ... This year we’re definitely not going to overlook them. They’re a good team. They have a good, solid defense and a good, solid offense.”

Smithwick-Hann said the Griz are also staying focused. The game will be the final contest for the Griz this season and should be a rowdy atmosphere in Missoula. Shay said he’d like to send the UM seniors out with a win.

“They’ve done so much for this university and they’ve gone through a lot of things. I wouldn’t be the football player I am without them.

“We know that (MSU is) a good football team. They’re one of the best teams in the nation offensively and defensively. We have our hands full, but at the same time we’re a talented team ... We still feel like we’re one of the top teams in the country, we just have to execute. When we execute we have the talent to make good things happen.

“We’re just going to play. It’s a big game, obviously, but at the same time it’s still a football game. The team that executes the best is going to win.”

And though it’s just another game, neither will likely forget it.

“This is pretty much as big as it gets in the state of Montana,” Horn said. “They’re definitely going to come out firing on all cylinders. It’ll be a good game.”