MISSOULA, Montana (Nov. 18, 2023) – No. 3 Montana dominated No. 4 Montana State 37-7 in the Brawl of the Wild on Saturday, as the Griz claimed their first Big Sky football championship since 2009.
Montana was led by Clifton McDowell on offense, who passed for 200 yards and a touchdown while adding 74 more yards on the ground and another score. McDowell's favorite target on the day was Junior Bergen, who caught six passes for 91 yards and a score.
The Griz defense held the Bobcats to 213 yards on the ground, well below their average of 302.1 yards per game entering the game.
The win gives Montana the league’s automatic bid for the FCS playoffs, as the Griz look ahead to a deep postseason run. The 2023 FCS championship selection show will air on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 p.m. MT live on ESPNU, as more Big Sky teams are set to join the Griz in the playoff field.
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