MISSOULA — For so much of the game on Saturday, the Grizzlies did so much right. Montana held a 22-0 second-quarter lead and was controlling the rival Montana State Bobcats until late in the game.
But all of the good will be forgotten because of one play in the final seconds. And the season ends in disappointment.
“Our guys were locked in. They were obviously ready to go,” said Grizzlies’ head coach Bobby Hauck. “They were fun to be around this week, so I enjoyed that. There are lots of ways to lose a game. That one is particularly gut-wrenching. To feel like you have it in your grasp a few times throughout the day, and then not come out with it. Good job by them sticking with it and finding a way to get the W. And shame on us for not winning it.”
The Grizzlies’ season ends at 6-5, with fans, coaches and players wondering what might have been. One more win would have likely been good enough for a spot in the FCS playoffs. And UM had plenty of near-misses throughout the season. Montana lost in the final minutes at Western Illinois, on a last-second 52-yard field goal versus Portland State and then in stunning fashion versus the Bobcats.
