The Montana Grizzlies secured their 17th consecutive FCS playoff apperance, clinching the Big Sky Conference outright title and automatic bid to the playoffs with a 38-10 victory over Northern Colorado on Saturday.
Weber State kept its playoff hopes a live with a 27-9 victory over Northern Arizona in winter conditions in Ogden, Utah. Montana State also kept its playoff hopes with a 27-17 win over Sacramento State.
Eastern Washington beat Southern Utah 41-28 to move to 7-3 and remain in the at-large playoff hunt. Senior QB Matt Nichols became the Big Sky's all-time leader in total offense. Nichols rolled up 455 yards of total offense, throwing for 380 and four touchdowns and rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown. Three of his touchdown passes went to tight end Nathan Overbay.
Montana, ranked second in the Sports Network Poll and first in the Coaches' poll, moved to 7-0 in league and 10-0 overall with the win over Northern Colorado. Chase Reynolds rushed for 151 yards and three touchdowns.
Weber State finished conference play 6-2 and improved to 6-4 with the win over Northern Arizona. Snow started falling about an hour before the game, leaving about two inches of snow on the field by the time the game started. Tim Toone returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown, and caught eight passes for 91 yards. Northern Arizona QB Michael Herrick completed just 6-of-25 passes for 66 yards in the slick conditions. Alex Henderson rushed for 11 yards.
Montana State's Cody Kempt completed 20-of-29 passes for 222 yards and threw two touchdown passes to Everett Gilbert. MSU's defense held Sacramento State to 35 rushing yards, picked off three passes, and registered five sacks.
Idaho State closed its season with its first victory, beating Portland State 41-34. Clint Knickrehm scored on a short run with 32 seconds left for the game-winning touchdown. ISU QB Russel Hill threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns.
The regular season ends next Saturday. Montana is at Montana State. Weber State plays host to Cal Poly. Eastern Washington is at Northern Arizona, and Sacramento State takes on UC Davis at Hornet Stadium.
The Division I Playoff Selection Show is Sunday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. Mountain on ESPNU.
For updated conference stats, please click here.
For more on Saturday's games, click on the links below
No. 2 Montana 38, Northern Colorado 10 | Stats
Montana State 27, Sacramento State 17 | Stats
Eastern Washington 41, Southern Utah 28 | Stats
Weber State 27, Northern Arizona 9 | Stats
Idaho State 41, Portland State 34| Stats