Full Breakdown
Montana Grizzlies Rally to Defeat Cal Poly Mustangs in Homecoming Showdown
10/12/2025, 12:18:09 PM
Grizzlies Overcome Early Deficit
The fourth-ranked Montana Grizzlies (6-0, 3-0 Big Sky Conference) secured a decisive 28-9 victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs (3-4, 1-2 Big Sky) on October 11, 2025, at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana. After trailing 9-0 at halftime, Montana's defense and offense came alive in the second half, outscoring Cal Poly 28-0.
Game Summary
Cal Poly initially took control of the game, scoring a touchdown on a 26-yard pass from quarterback Ty Dieffenbach to Brooks Wheatley in the second quarter, followed by a 27-yard field goal just before halftime. The Mustangs entered the locker room with a 9-0 lead, having held Montana to just 83 passing yards and 63 rushing yards in the first half.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Montana's Kenzel Lawler returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 9-7. This pivotal play sparked a resurgence for the Grizzlies, who then took the lead early in the fourth quarter with a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat to Michael Wortham.
Montana's Eli Gillman added two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory. Gillman finished the game with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Ah Yat completed 27 of 41 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown.
Defensive Dominance
Montana's defense was instrumental in the comeback, forcing four turnovers, including three interceptions. The Grizzlies limited Cal Poly to just 60 total yards in the second half, showcasing their ability to adapt and dominate when it mattered most. This performance marked a significant turnaround after a lackluster first half.
Official Statements & Responses
Montana head coach Bobby Hauck praised his team's resilience, stating, "We showed a lot of character to come back after a tough first half. The defense really stepped up and made plays when we needed them." Cal Poly head coach Paul Wulff acknowledged the challenge, saying, "We played well in the first half, but we need to find a way to maintain that level of play for four quarters."
Key Players
- Eli Gillman: 123 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
- Keali'i Ah Yat: 257 passing yards, 1 touchdown
- Michael Wortham: 84 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
- Kenzel Lawler: 1 interception returned for a touchdown
What's Next
Montana will look to extend its winning streak as they prepare to host Sacred Heart next week. The Grizzlies aim to maintain their undefeated record and solidify their position as a top contender in the FCS.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Cal Poly's first-half performance drew praise for its defensive execution. Wulff noted, "We had a solid game plan, and the players executed it well in the first half. We just need to find consistency."
Conclusion
The Grizzlies' comeback victory not only highlights their depth and determination but also marks their best start since 2009. With a strong showing in the second half, Montana has reaffirmed its status as a formidable force in the Big Sky Conference.
