Montana Football Squanders Big Lead, Shocked at North Dakota

Two completely different halves of football. Two completely different teams.

It spelled doom in an embarrassing collapse for the University of Montana football team, surrendering 20 unanswered points and being dominated by the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on both sides of the ball in the second half of play. Giving up virtually no yardage or fist downs gained, and operating an effective, balance attack on offense, ND made it look easy, coming back from a 24-7 halftime deficit to stun the Grizzlies 27-24 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Montana's first quarter performance was electrifying, with three touchdowns. And while North Dakota slowed the Griz in the second quarter, they had no offense of their own and a last second field goal ended the half with UM up 24-7.

The third quarter was totally dominated by the Hawks, closing the gap to 24-21, then adding two more field goals. UND scored on all four of their possessions in the second half.

Montana's last drive of the game ended on downs inside the North Dakota 40 yard line. A 54-yard field goal to try to tie the game had the distance but sailed wide right.

The Griz will really be stinging from this one heading into what should be a breather against Morehead State back in Missoula next Saturday afternoon. Our radio broadcast team will take the air at 11:00 a.m. with the two-hour pregame show on KGVO, FM 98.3 and AM 1290.  Kickoff at 1:00 p.m.

A heartbreak to say the least.