MOSCOW, Idaho — Montana got out to a quick start, building a 36-6 halftime lead on their way a 46-27 Big Sky Conference football win over Idaho on Saturday. The Grizzlies improved to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in conference with the win.
Idaho scored a field goal to start the scoring in the first quarter, but Montana answered with four consecutive touchdowns — a 59-yarder from Dalton Sneed to Gabe Sulser, a 2-yard Adam Eastwood run, a 52- and 5-yard passes from Sneed to Samuel Akem — before the Vandals would tack on another field goal. Jerry Louie-McGee then ran for a 13-yard touchdown to give Montana its 36-6 halftime lead. Sneed added a rushing touchdown in the second half.
TURNING POINT: After a slow start, Montana exploded at the end of the first quarter and into the second. The Griz scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives in the first half. Josh Sandry caught an interception that the Griz offense turned into points, and the defense forced punts on Idaho’s next two possessions.
STAT OF THE GAME: Zero turnovers. After three consecutive games with four turnovers, the Griz have not turned the ball over in either of the past two games — both road wins.
GAME BALLS: Sneed and Akem. Sneed had another strong performance, passing for 220 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 129 yards and one touchdown. Akem was the primary beneficiary in the passing game, collecting six catches for 130 yards and two scores.
WHAT’S NEXT: Montana returns to Missoula to host the annual Cat-Griz tilt against rival Montana State. The Grizzlies will try to snap a two-game losing streak to the Bobcats in coach Bobby Hauck’s return to the series. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Nov. 17.
