MISSOULA — The Montana Grizzlies host North Alabama on Saturday in UM's home opener, where the offensive line will be key to success.
A season ago, Montana's offensive line was young and held little experience, struggling at times to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. After last week's big win at South Dakota, it appears the offensive line made improvements in the offseason, but the Lions of North Alabama tallied four sacks in their Week 1 win over Western Illinois.
"They are a good football team and we are looking forward to the challenge. At the end of the day, we just need to play our game, be smart and like we have been for the past few months," said guard Angel Villanueva. "Just take every single day, day by day, and take it seriously to the best of our ability to protect our quarterback because at the end of the day we don't want him getting hurt."
"They're big and fast, that's what they are," said Griz head coach Bobby Hauck. "I thought Western Illinois was a pretty big, physical team and they got pushed around a little bit last weekend by these guys."
Montana and North Alabama kick off at 7 p.m. at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
