Griz Host Northern Iowa In FCS Quarterfinal

The University of Montana continues its run in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs with a game against Northern Iowa on Friday night in Missoula.

Northern Iowa (10-2) is ranked second by The Sports Network while Montana is ranked fifth, but the Grizzlies (10-2) received the fourth seed in the playoffs and will host the fifth seeded Panthers. Kickoff is at 6:05 p.m. and the game will be televised by ESPN.

Montana has an eight-game winning streak, and has won its last four games by a combined score of 154-41.

Montana linebacker Caleb McSurdy says the team's confidence has improved and they've figured out how good they can be.

UNI coach Mark Farley says his team has a nice mix of older and younger players, a tough defense and confidence from playing a tough schedule.

The Grizzlies are 10-0 in home quarterfinal games. Montana has a 4-0 record over Northern Iowa, with the last game a 38-0 shutout in the 2001 semifinal.

Montana went on to win the national championship that season.

Associated Press