Some FCS programs would rather not be on the playoff bubble, while several are just happy to be in the discussion. Montana is one of those programs that would love to make the playoffs … so being on the bubble isn't exactly a compliment. The Griz want to punch their ticket.
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So let's take a look at what Montana needs to do next week, and how it helped itself today:
MONTANA (7-3) IN A NUTSHELL
TODAY'S RESULT: Knocked off Northern Colorado at home, 44-14.
TODAY'S STAR?: LB Connor Strahm (9 tackles, 2.5 TFLs); DE Chris Favoroso (6 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sacks, 1 forced fumble); QB Gresch Jensen (228 yards passing, 3 TDs, rushing TD – battling injuries).
HOW DID TODAY HELP/HURT?: Thanks to today, the Griz may have just eliminated the 'bubble' label and look more and more like a potential first-round host. Montana has now won five of its last six and the big one on the resume is the win over Northern Arizona last week, knocking the Lumberjacks out of "lead pipe lock" status into something a bit more shaky.
WHAT'S NEXT?: At dreaded rival Montana State
THE SKINNY?: We'll know a lot after next Saturday, eh? The trip to Bozeman is not going to be an easy one. The Bobcats haven't been perfect this year, but they're hardly a slouch program and they've been very competitive of late. A win and an 8th victory of the season next weekend would have some people maybe even talking about a seed, depending on what else is going on around the country. The Big Sky is such a spaghetti pile to sift through that it's hard to tell right now, but the 'bubble' tag is lifted — as of this week.
IF IT MAKES PLAYOFFS, WHO COULD THEY FACE?: I'm thinking if Montana's hosting, it may be a team from the east. Probably a Missouri Valley type team (Western Illinois?) that doesn't bid up for a home game. I seriously doubt Montana gets a team like Pioneer champion San Diego, but then again, who knows? I would think that might be reserved for one of the Utah schools (Weber State or Southern Utah, whoever doesn't get a bye) or maybe Northern Arizona? Lots of moving parts here.
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