The Montana Grizzlies continued their impressive season with a 34-10 victory over the Portland State Vikings on Saturday, securing their sixth consecutive win and moving one step closer to an outright Big Sky title.
The Grizzlies jumped out to an early lead, scoring on their first two possessions of the game. Quarterback Dalton Sneed connected with wide receiver Samuel Akem for a 22-yard touchdown pass to put Montana up 7-0. The Grizzlies then added a field goal to make it 10-0 in the first quarter.
Portland State responded with a field goal of their own in the second quarter, but Montana answered right back with a touchdown pass from Sneed to tight end Josh Horner to make it 17-3 at halftime.
The Grizzlies continued to dominate in the second half, scoring 17 unanswered points. Running back Marcus Knight scored on a three-yard touchdown run and Sneed connected with Akem for a second touchdown pass to make it 31-3. The Vikings added a late touchdown, but it was too little too late as Montana cruised to a 34-10 victory.
Sneed finished the game with 226 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Akem had eight receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Knight also had a strong performance, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The win moves Montana to 8-2 on the season and 6-1 in Big Sky play. The Grizzlies are now just one win away from clinching the outright Big Sky title and earning a spot in the FCS playoffs.
Montana will look to secure the title when they take on Eastern Washington next Saturday. With a win, the Grizzlies will be Big Sky champions and have their sights set on a deep run in the FCS playoffs.
