Domination rests in Montana

A quick glance at the Big Sky Conference league leaders reveals exactly what kind of test Portland State will face against a multidimensional Montana squad on Saturday.

Not only do the Grizzlies top the charts in points per game at 31.6, but they also sit in first place in scoring defense, allowing a national best of 11.2 points per game through eight contests this season.

“They’re undefeated because they do everything right,” said head coach Jerry Glanville.

Montana’s potency on both sides of the ball should not bode well for a dispirited Portland State squad coming off a 73-68 loss to Weber State last Saturday. During the Vikings’ defeat at the hands of Weber State, a combined 141 points were scored, breaking the NCAA all-division scoring record of 125 points.

The Vikings know that in order to escape Missoula, Mont., victoriously, they must force turnovers and disrupt Montana’s flawless offensive execution on both the ground and through the air.

“You don’t go unless you think you’re going to beat them,” Glanville said of the Grizzlies. “You’ve got to create an event to steal one.”

Glanville said it will be crucial for his team to approach the game believing they must steal a victory from mighty Montana, because the Grizzlies are such a formidable opponent. Forcing turnovers may be difficult, as Portland State has 14 takeaways-enough for second least in the conference.

Instead of praying for turnovers, the Portland State defense may want to key in on the Grizzles’ overall offensive production. Ranked number four in overall offense, Montana has the most balanced attack in the Big Sky, averaging 188.9 rushing yards per game and 218 passing yards per game.

Montana’s senior tailback Lex Hilliard ranks third in the Big Sky in rushing, and leads the conference with 11 touchdowns. At six feet, 235 pounds, the former Walter Payton Award candidate will be a load for the Vikings to take down. Hitting Hilliard at the point of attack and tackling by committee should be integral in stopping the run.

A cog in the Montana passing game, quarterback Cole Bergquist is a dual threat, rushing for 319 yards and throwing for 1,550 yards thus far. Bergquist is also a careful and accurate passer, as he has thrown 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Portland State will look to pressure the junior, forcing him into situations where he must deliver the ball quickly and without precision.

On the other side of the coin, the Vikings’ freshman signal caller is looking to repeat his record-breaking performance against Weber State. Drew Hubel tossed nine touchdown passes, tying the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision record and breaking Portland State’s record of seven.

The young gunslinger’s antics earned him Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week and The Sports Network and College Sporting News National Player of the Week.

“He brings the ball out a little quicker,” Glanville said.

According to Glanville, Hubel’s quick release makes the offensive line’s job much easier because they are not required to hold their blocks as long. This translated to only one sack versus the Wildcats this past week, but Glanville said Weber State blitzed sparingly, and the story may be different for Montana’s defense.

Portland State’s rushing game will likely struggle, as the Grizzlies boast the Big Sky’s second-best rush defense, and the Vikings are averaging a conference-low 63 rushing yards per game.

Senior fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin, who has six touchdowns on the season, will need to exert himself on the ground and continue to be an instrumental weapon in Portland State’s passing game if the Vikings hope to come away with a win.

But forget about the running or passing games, because Glanville predicts the Vikings will employ a different style altogether when game time rolls around Saturday.

“We’re going to go live life on the edge,” Glanville said.