MISSOULA — The 10th-ranked Montana Grizzlies find themselves in a spot they haven't been this season. For the first time in 2019, the Griz are looking to bounce back from a Big Sky Conference loss.
"You come into it with a little sour taste in your mouth, so you want to get out here and work and get the preparation right for this weekend and get everything cleaned up from last week to this week," said linebacker Jace Lewis.
It’ll be a tough test, as the Griz are taking on Eastern Washington, a team that has a history of giving Montana a challenge. The Eagles also bring another veteran quarterback to the table -- Eric Barriere, who has been great this year.
“I would say he’s the most athletic quarterback in the league. He has make-you-miss ability, he’s got the ability to keep plays alive for a long time. You know, he’s just a dynamic guy with the ball in his hands. So, he’s kind of scary. We watched him go 96 yards against Sac State. Just pulled it down and went,” said Montana head coach Bobby Hauck.
This is also a team that brings championship experience after a loss in the title game in 2018, and coach Hauck knows they’re a well-oiled machine.
“When offensive line coaches or head coaches, they tend to be tough-minded with their football team, which you can see in Eastern. Then you know, obviously, they had a really fine year last year," said Hauck.
That game kicks off at noon in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
