MISSOULA — Montana has a great alternative for a get-right sport when it hosts Massive Sky Convention cellar dweller Cal Poly at 6 p.m. Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
The No. 16 Grizzlies (5-3, 2-3) need to snap a three-game shedding streak as they head into the ultimate month of the common season. They’re nonetheless alive for a playoff berth, and getting there begins with successful the primary of their ultimate three video games this weekend.
The Mustangs (1-7, 0-5) are available with nothing to lose. They’re the one convention group with no league win, and their lone victory got here towards non-scholarship San Diego, 28-27.
Listed here are 5 issues to observe within the sport:
Set up the run
Montana averaged a paltry 1.1 yards per rush (42 yards on 38 carries) within the loss to Weber State final week. That sort of manufacturing will make it exhausting to win regardless of which quarterback is taking snaps. The Griz are averaging 141.1 yards per sport on the bottom, so that they’re able to having a giant sport. They now face a Cal Poly group with the third-worst rush protection within the Massive Sky, permitting 193.4 yards per sport. Establishing the run will make life simpler on whoever is at quarterback and can arrange the remainder of the offense by opening the passing sport.
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Be higher on first down
Montana was 4 of 14 on third downs in final week’s loss at Weber State. The 4 conversions are tied for his or her fewest this season, whereas the 28.6% conversion charge is their lowest. In that sport, the Griz had a mean of 9.73 yards to go on third downs. They didn’t acquire a lot on first downs, netting 45 yards on 22 first-down performs, a mean of two.045 yards to begin every collection. Getting behind the sticks and placing the group in apparent passing third downs isn’t ideally suited. Cal Poly is permitting third-down conversions at a 43.9% clip, the fourth worst within the convention.
Defend the QB
Montana gave up a season-high 5 sacks final week at Weber State. Previous to that, the Griz hadn’t given up greater than two sacks in a sport this season. They’ve allowed six throughout their three-game skid after they surrendered six throughout their five-game successful streak to begin the season. Cal Poly has totaled simply 12 sacks, the eighth most of 12 Massive Sky groups. Improved offensive line play will assist whoever is taking snaps, whether or not that is backup Kris Brown in his second begin of the 12 months or Lucas Johnson returning to the sector for the primary time in two weeks.
Include the go
Cal Poly leads the Massive Sky and ranks third within the FCS in passing yards per sport (320.2). Cal switch Spencer Brasch, who took over for injured starter Jaden Jones, has accomplished 59.1% of his passes for 1,759 yards (251.3 per sport) with 13 touchdowns in comparison with 11 interceptions. Chris Coleman is the Massive Sky chief in receiving yards (808), ranks third in receptions (50) and is tied for ninth with 4 landing catches. Josh Cuevas has 37 catches for 413 yards and 4 TDs. UM counters with the No. 3 passing protection within the Massive Sky (197 yards allowed per sport).
Shore up area objectives
Montana has struggled kicking area objectives, making simply six of its 11 makes an attempt this season, whereas Nico Ramos has made six of 9. He was lucky to make one final week when Weber State partially blocked an try, however the ball nonetheless had sufficient on it to only sneak over the crossbar. He missed two the earlier week towards Sacramento State; even one make on these would’ve been sufficient to keep away from additional time and beat the Hornets. Each area purpose and additional level will likely be important for the Griz going ahead, particularly within the playoffs with chilly climate and snowy fields.
Frank Gogola is the Senior Sports activities Reporter on the Missoulian. Comply with him on Twitter @FrankGogola or e mail him at frank.gogola@missoulian.com.