FARMINGTON, Utah (Dec. 4, 2023) — Two Big Sky football teams advanced to the FCS playoff quarterfinals this weekend, following wins by Montana and Idaho on Saturday night.
Montana was first to book its ticket to the FCS quarterfinals, as the Griz dominated Delaware 49-19 on a snowy night in Missoula.
Clifton McDowell led the Griz on offense once again, as the quarterback totaled over 200 yards of total offense and three touchdowns on the night.
With the win, Montana earns its third quarterfinal appearance in the last four fall seasons and 15th overall.
The Griz now advance to a 2001 National Championship rematch against seventh-seeded Furman (10-2), with the home game set for Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be shown nationwide on ESPN2.
Idaho stormed back to defeat Southern Illinois 20-17 in overtime, as the Vandals' special teams unit made a huge impact on the game.
Jermaine Jackson provided the biggest spark of the night, as the senior returned a punt 86 yards late in the third quarter tie the game at 10-10. The next big special teams moment came when Southern Illinois attempted a 41-yard field goal with seconds remaining for the win, but the attempt was blocked by Xe'Ree Alexander to send the game to overtime.
After an interception in the first possession of overtime, Idaho relied on the leg of Ricardo Chavez who nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Vandals their first playoff win since 1993.
Idaho advances to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in school history and the first time since 1993.
The Vandals host fifth-seeded Albany (10-3) on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. MT on ESPN+.
Sacramento State and Montana State fell in second round action this past weekend, as both squads dropped close contests.
The Hornets fell 34-24 at South Dakota, while the Bobcats lost 35-34 in overtime to North Dakota State.
Follow all things #BigSkyFB on Twitter and Instagram at @BigSkyFB. Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, and TikTok for all the latest news around the league and use the hashtag #ExperienceElevated.
Big Sky Football Second Round Scores
Saturday, Dec. 2
South Dakota 34, Sacramento State 24
Read Full Sac State Recap
North Dakota State 35, Montana State 34 (OT)
Read Full Montana State Recap
Montana 49, Delaware 19
Read Full Montana Recap
Idaho 20, Southern Illinois 17 (OT)
Read Full Idaho Recap