SPOKANE, Wash. — Montana football coach Bobby Hauck reflected on two key plays from the FCS national championship game in January.
The first play was the unsuccessful fourth-and-goal run from the 1-yard line, hindering Montana’s chance for a potential 10-3 halftime lead over South Dakota State. Despite being down 7-3, Hauck believed they were still within striking distance.
The second play was a fumble in SDSU territory on the opening drive of the second half as the Griz attempted to take their first lead, only to surrender 16 points in the third quarter to a team that typically allowed 9.3 points per game.
“I believed we had the opportunity to win the game,” Hauck stated at the Big Sky Kickoff after the Griz were selected to defend their conference title. “We weren’t outmatched.”
UM senior wide receiver Keelan White also referenced these two plays as crucial after reviewing film during the offseason.
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“I believe we were competitive with them in the first half,” he remarked. “Our challenge was execution and finishing.”
Griz senior linebacker Ryan Tirrell, a native of Missoula, also emphasized Montana’s failure to execute in the game, expressing confidence that they were not far behind.
“I have no doubt that we could compete with them,” he affirmed. “They are the current standard as national champions. However, I am confident that we can reach that level again.”
The defeat has fueled Tirrell and White to strive for success this season as they enter their final year with the team. Their focus is on winning another Big Sky title and achieving national recognition.
“It’s a motivating factor,” Tirrell admitted. “When training, the memory of that loss lingers.”
White added: “The loss is always on your mind, serving as subconscious motivation to return to that stage.”
Hauck has shifted his attention from the SDSU game to the upcoming season, aiming for his first national championship and the third in Griz history.
“I haven’t dwelled on it much,” he stated. “While we would have liked to win, after any game, the focus shifts to the next challenge.”
“There’s no time to rest on past achievements or worry about the future. We remain focused on moving forward.”
During Hauck’s previous tenure, a systematic approach to player development over five years was the norm with occasional transfers. However, with unrestricted transfers now prevalent, coaches must continuously build and adapt their roster each offseason.
Hauck attributes his team’s success to a well-established “process” that includes training regimens, practice methods, film analysis, academic support, and overall team structure.
“Our process is key to our consistency,” he stressed. “We maintain an average of 11 wins per year and remain competitive in playoff games. Our process works, and I trust it.”
Since Hauck’s return in 2018, Montana has reached the national title game once, the quarterfinals twice, and the second round once. The current group of seniors has secured at least one playoff victory each season.
This season, the Griz will play 12 regular-season games, one more than usual, as they aim to defend their Big Sky title and pursue another shot at the FCS championship.
“We embrace the challenges of a long season,” White commented. “We have proven we can win consistently and compete at a high level.”
Looking ahead, the Griz aspire to claim their 20th Big Sky championship and add to their national titles in 1995 and 2001. Their recent successes in 2023 have reignited the team’s drive for greatness.
The team’s preseason ranking as the top pick in the Big Sky by both coaches and media highlights the high expectations and pressure on Montana this season. However, the players remain focused on their ultimate goal of winning games and ignoring outside noise.
Preseason favorites in the past, the Griz understand the importance of consistency and maintaining a competitive edge throughout the season to achieve their desired outcomes.
As they gear up for the new season, the Griz are determined to face every challenge head-on, starting with their first game against Missouri State on August 31 in Missoula.
With a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against formidable opponents and conference rivals, the Griz are focused on executing their game plan and staying competitive throughout the season.
“Every game is important, and we must maintain our competitive edge,” Tirrell emphasized. “We aim for success in every game we play.”
Despite the high expectations and pressure, the Griz remain grounded and focused on their journey towards achieving their goals for the season.
The preseason ranking serves as motivation for the team to prove their worth and demonstrate their capabilities on the field, one game at a time.
The Griz begin their preseason preparations on August 5, gearing up for an exciting and challenging season ahead.
Follow Frank Gogola on X @FrankGogola for more updates and insights on the upcoming season.
