Montana vs. Montana State: Grizzlies playoff ready

MISSOULA — Both Montana and Montana State entered Saturday’s Big Sky Conference football game playing for a spot in the playoffs.

The Grizzlies were the only team that played like it.

Montana dominated play, forcing seven turnovers in a 34-7 blowout in front of a record crowd at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

“I’ve been very, very blessed in a lot of years to win championships,” Montana coach Mick Delaney said. “But today was probably the most special day of my coaching career.

“Just total domination from beginning to end. We talked a lot about starting fast … They’ve been averaging 44 points and 500 and some yards and we shut them down. Dominantly.”

There were a lot of things to play for on Saturday. Beyond playoffs, it was the last regular season home game for Montana’s players and Delaney’s last Cat-Griz game of his career. But when the game kicked off, it was evident the Griz were just more prepared to play.

“They’re a good football team, but our guys came with a purpose and a focus,” Delaney said.

“It had nothing to do with emotions. They prepared every minute they had this past week. They knew what they had to do. They knew what they’ve been coached to do. They executed the gameplan, in all three phases, with almost perfection.”

After forcing a three-and-out on Montana State’s first drive, the Griz intercepted Bobcats quarterback Tanner Bleskin on the next four drives and forced a fumble on the fifth. By the time halftime hit, the game was decidedly one sided.

The Griz would go on to force two more turnovers, an interception and a fumble, before MSU scored on its final drive.

“Coach D, before the game even started said, ‘If we get five or six turnovers, we’re going to whoop these guys,’” Montana free safety Matt Hermanson, who finished with three interceptions, said. “We got five or six turnovers and the offense capitalized on them. It’s a great way to beat the Cats.”

Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson even looked to be full strength after being hobbled with an ankle injury all week. Johnson ran for 82 yards in the first half and 119 for the game, playing all but two snaps.

Kalispell senior quarterback Shay Smithwick-Hann entered the game for Montana for the final two plays to kneel out the clock.

“I felt pretty good,” Johnson said. “Early on I didn’t think I was going to be able to play, but I wouldn’t miss this game for anything in the world.”

On the other side, things weren’t as positive. Montana State, which seemed to have a playoff spot locked in with a 6-1 Big Sky conference record entering the game, put its position in question.

“I’m not going to sit here and say this doesn’t hurt,” MSU linebacker Cole Moore said.

“At the same time, as soon as tomorrow comes around and we find out where we’re at, it’s history. Tonight’s loss doesn’t define our team by any means.”

Kalispell’s Connor Thomas and Joel Horn each had a tackle for MSU, Horn’s on an interception less than 10 yards from the end zone.

Whitefish’s Derek Crittenden had four tackles for Montana.

Entering this morning’s FCS playoff selection show, both Montana and Montana State still have a chance to play in the postseason.

Only one played its way in the last week of the season.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, I just know we better be there,” Delaney said.