Griz to host second round FCS game Dec. 3rd
11/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 20, 2011
The University of Montana Grizzlies will host a second round Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) game in Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 3. Montana will play the winner the Central Arkansas (8-3) versus Tennessee Tech (7-3) game, Saturday, Nov. 26, hosted by Tennessee Tech. Kickoff will be at 12:05 p.m. (Mountain Time).
The Grizzlies (9-2/7-1 Big Sky Conference) are coming off an impressive 36-10 victory over the top-ranked Montana State Bobcats (9-2/7-1) this past Saturday in Bobcat Stadium. Montana's win their gave the Griz the league's regular-season championship (based on UM's win head-to-head) and the automatic FCS playoff berth that comes with the title.
"I really need to give credit to our coaching staff for the excellent game plan that we put together for the Montana State game," said second year Griz head coach Robin Pflugrad. "We were well prepared on all fronts. The offense, defense, and special teams all did a great job.
"Credit our players for getting ready and working hard in the two weeks prior to yesterday's game," said Pflugrad, who has a two-year record of 16-6. "Their passion for the game of football showed up in a big way on Saturday. I am very proud of our players."
"It comes down to which team can play its best football for 60 minutes," Pflugrad said. "The teams that win in the tournament get to keep playing. Any team in the playoffs will be a formidable opponent. It will be an awesome experience for our players, our staff, and of course Griz Nation."
The Grizzlies are on the Bobcats' side of the playoff bracket. MSU opens tourney play on Saturday, Dec. 3, hosting New Hampshire (8-3).
If the Griz win their game on Dec. 3rd they would host a quarterfinal game in Missoula on Friday or Saturday, Dec. 9 or 10.
If both the Griz and the Cats can win their first two playoff games the intrastate rivals would square off in a semifinal contest in Missoula on Friday or Saturday, Dec. 16 or November 20, 2011 17.
Game time for the Grizzlies' second round match-up should be determined some time tomorrow (Nov. 21). First and second round games are not televised, and available on ESPN3, which is ESPN's online platform.
This will be Montana's 18th FCS playoff apperance in the past 19 seasons.
