FARGO, N. Dakota (December 5, 2015)- It was a highly-anticipated rematch the minute fans realized Montana and North Dakota State could play again in the second round of the Division I Football Championship playoffs.
After a 38-35 Montana win to open the season, the Bison were eager to show the Grizzlies’ win was a mere aberration in North Dakota State’s half-decade of dominance in the FCS.
North Dakota State used that eagerness to exert their dominance to their advantage as they powered to a 37-6 win over Montana, advancing to face the winner of a second-round matchup between Portland State and Northern Iowa.
In a game that was won on defense, the Bison defense forced four Montana turnovers, picking off Grizzlies quarterback Brady Gustafson four different times. Two of the interceptions were returned for scores.
The Bison held a 7-0 lead with 7:24 left in the second quarter, with the Grizzlies holding possession. However, Gustafson threw his first pick-six of the game, helping North Dakota State to gain a two-score lead.
Trailing 24-0 in the third quarter, Gustafson connected with Jamaal Jones on a 20-yard score that got the Grizzlies on the board. However, North Dakota State quickly countered with a Bruce Anderson 100-yard kickoff return and another pick-six to put the game out of reach.
Neither team had an outstanding offensive game, as the Bison finished with 316 yards and Montana finished with 235 yards.
Montana finishes the season with a record of 8-5, in the first season under Bob Stitt. The Grizzlies now await the results of national awards, as defensive end Tyrone Holmes is a candidate for the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year award.