Title: Montana vs Montana State Rivalry Intensity Fuels Grizzlies’ Semifinal Rematch Against Idaho
The echoes of Montana vs Montana State—one of college football’s fiercest rivalries—will loom large as the No. 2 Montana Grizzlies clash with No. 3 Idaho in the FCS playoff semifinals this Saturday. While the matchup isn’t the Brawl of the Wild, the lessons and physicality honed from Montana vs Montana State confrontations will undoubtedly shape Montana’s approach to avenging last year’s brawl-marred loss to the Vandals. The Grizzlies (12-1) enter the Kibbie Dome rematch riding a 10-game winning streak, but Idaho (10-3) brings a swagger from November’s 30-23 victory in Missoula—a game that ended in a benches-clearing altercation and eight suspensions.
The 2022 brawl—sparked by tense exchanges and a late Idaho interception—resulted in unprecedented disciplinary action by the NCAA, including one-game suspensions for UM’s Garrett Graves and Idaho’s Jermaine Jackson. Graves, now a key defensive end, emphasizes accountability: "Last year has no bearing on what’s ahead. We’ve grown from it." Montana’s retooled defense, allowing just 15.4 points per game, will need that maturity against a potent Vandals attack led by quarterback Gevani McCoy (2,906 yards, 19 TDs) and All-American receiver Hayden Hatten (1,000+ yards).
But Montana has momentum. Last week’s 35-28 overtime win over Furman showcased clutch performances, including Clifton McDowell’s leap into the end zone for the decisive score and breakout receiver Junior Bergen, whose 115 all-purpose yards underscored his dual-threat brilliance. Head coach Bobby Hauck praised his team’s resilience: "We finish games—period. When the pressure’s on, we excel." The Grizzlies’ ability to thrive in hostile environments—honed in battlegrounds like Montana vs Montana State—could prove pivotal in Moscow.
Idaho’s strategy hinges on neutralizing UM’s defensive stars. The Vandals must contain linebacker Braxton Hill (team-high 107 tackles) and edge rusher Kale Edwards (9.5 TFLs). Yet Montana’s secondary, led by Trevin Gradney’s FCS-best 7 interceptions, faces its toughest test yet against Hatten and Jackson—whose explosive speed demands lockdown coverage.
Offensively, Montana’s balanced attack leans on McDowell’s versatility (2,450 total yards, 24 TDs) and a deep running back corps. Eli Gillman, the Jerry Rice Award winner, has rushed for 939 yards, while Xavier Harris adds power between the tackles. Their success could dictate the tempo against Idaho’s physical front seven, which limited UM to 94 rushing yards in November.
Special teams may also swing the outcome. Bergen’s electrifying punt return touchdown against Furman—his third this season—exploited a weakness Idaho showed in last year’s game. The Vandals’ coverage unit must tighten up to avoid gifting Montana momentum.
Beyond X’s and O’s, the semifinal hinges on emotional discipline. Last year’s brawl revealed how quickly tensions boil over—a lesson both teams now carry. Graves acknowledges the Montana vs Montana State rivalry prepares players for high-stakes hostility: "We know how to keep composure under fire."
For the Grizzlies, redemption is more than a storyline—it’s unfinished business. Since their 2022 playoff exit, they’ve targeted a deeper run. With a win, Montana would advance to its first FCS championship since 2009. If Idaho prevails, it will reach the title game for the first time since 1993.
The winning team will face either No. 1 South Dakota State or No. 4 Albany in Frisco, Texas, on January 7. But for Montana, the focus is singular: channeling the grit of Montana vs Montana State showdowns into a knockout performance under the Kibbie Dome lights.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. MT, televised on ESPN2.
