High production helps Griz climb the rankings

The Montana offense found its rhythm for the second-straight week, and the defense came up big when it mattered most in Saturday's key 43-20 Big Sky win over Southern Utah.

The Griz picked up their first conference win to move them to 1-1 BSC (3-1 overall) on the rebound of last week's loss at Cal Poly and into a tie for fifth place in the league.

Montana racked up 600-plus yards of total offense for the first time since 2013 when Jordan Johnson threw five touchdown passes at against North Dakota in a 55-17 Griz win.

Senior quarterback Brady Gustafson has thrown for 833 yards and six touchdowns in the past two games, and the Montana offense has climbed the national FCS rankings as a result. The Grizzlies are now ranked No. 4 in the nation in passing offense, and No. 14 in total offense.

Efficiency in the red-zone has been a hallmark of the 2016 Griz so far this season. Following the SUU game, Montana is one of just 14 teams in the country who has remained perfect in red zone offense, converting 15 trips into the opponent's 20-yard line into 15 scores.

The Montana defense has also been especially salty in the red-zone, now ranked No. 9 in the FCS and No. 1 in the Big Sky in total red-zone defense, with an opponent 66.7 percent success rate inside the UM 20.

Defensive coordinator Jason Semore's defense has also climbed to the top of the pile in the Big Sky Conference, now ranked as the league's No. 1 total defense, allowing an average of 333.2 yards-per-game from opponents.

UM is also ranked in the National top-20 in scoring offense (No. 18), total defense (No. 20), passing yards allowed (No. 16), punt returns (No. 15), 3rd down conversion percent defense (No. 13) and 4th down conversion percent defense (No. 11).

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Saturday's Stars

The Griz ran out of the tunnel on Saturday led by senior captain and legacy No. 37 Caleb Kidder who carried the American flag into the stadium.

Carrying the state of Montana flags were Gustafson, junior offensive lineman Robert Luke, and senior defensive end Ryan Johnson.

Following the game, head coach Bob Stitt awarded the "Cue Stick", a token of Grizzly success that is presented after each win, to Johnson and breakout performer James Homan for their performances against the T-Birds.

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Player of the Week Nominations

Gustafson was nominated for Big Sky offensive player of the week after throwing for 400-plus yards for the second-straight week and throwing four touchdown passes for the first time this season, earning him player of the game honors.

Ryan Johnson had the defensive play of the day for the Grizzlies against Southern Utah, intercepting a pass at the line of scrimmage and returning it 40 yards before finally being hauled out of bounds. The interception halted SUU's drive 17-yards away from the end zone, and shifted the momentum to the Grizzlies for the rest of the game.

Johnson had a huge day in other areas as well, posting two quarterback hurries, two tackles-for-loss and a solo sack while putting in five tackles on the day. For his efforts, he was nominated for the Big Sky defensive player of the week.

Montana punter Eric Williams had five punts for 215 yards for an average of 43 yards-per-kick, and a long of 54, earning him a nomination for special teams player of the week.

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NEXT UP

Montana will play host to Mississippi Valley State for the first meeting between the two schools in program history on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday's game is the annual pink game where fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

The Griz vs Delta Devils game can be seen statewide on Cowles Montana Media stations, and online at GoGriz.com.

University of Montana Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Brady Gustafson

Ryan Johnson

Caleb Kidder

Robert Luke

Eric Williams

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