Third-and-fourth-down and long situations are the kind in which you usually like to have your opponent. But those conversions early were a factor.

The Montana Grizzlies got on the deck early. The Griz offense was stymied on their first two possessions, and spotted the Eastern Washington Eagles an early 7-0 lead. Things did not look good during the first 8 minutes of the game.

That's when Montana's offense got in gear - at least on two consecutive possessions - and jumped out to a 14-7 lead. Settling for a 14-10 halftime lead, the Griz offense is in feast or famine mode. The "feast" unit scored a touchdown in the opening moments of the third quarter, but squandered an opportunity after a pass interception. Trailing 21-10 with a few minutes to go in the quarter, EWU finally gets back in the end zone. The failed conversion makes the score 21-16.

Montana goes nowhere on offense again and the game's momentum has totally flipped. Seconds later the Eagles are in the end zone again.

From that point, the Griz stumble with too many empty possessions and a huge pass interception in the end zone. A kickoff return for a touchdown by Malik Flowers keeps it close at 31-28.  But Montana is intercepted on their next possession, and a dramatic last-second chance to win falls just short, as they drop a 34-28 decision. We wonder how many fans said the Eastern Washington defense would have such an impact on this game. Respect to those guys.

So, in a battle of two FCS teams ranked in the Top 10, Montana drops to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

It's back home Saturday, October 9, when the Griz host Dixie State. We look forward to seeing you at the Grizzly Scholarship Association tailgate site. On the air at 11:00 a.m.

GORGEOUS: 39 Photos of the UM Peony Garden

Take a look at these gorgeous peonies from the garden at the University of Montana.

 

 

 

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