Published on: 10/06/2024
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MISSOULA — The Montana Grizzlies wielded one of the Big Sky Conference's best passing defenses last season, allowing just 206.2 passing yards per game.
Through their most recent three games, though, the Griz have allowed 374, 288 and 364 yards. The softer pass coverage finally caught up to Montana on Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, as Weber State quarterback Richie Munoz picked apart the Griz defense down the field for a last-minute field goal that sent the game to overtime.
A 7-yard touchdown pass from Munoz in the first OT possession proved to be the game winner.
"They were able to get the one-on-one matchups they wanted," redshirt junior linebacker Riley Wilson said. "They just came up over top, and we couldn't get it done."
Munoz delivered six passes of 20 or more yards against Montana, four of which ended in six touchdowns. In his post-game press conference, Hauck said most of the bleeding on defense came from man coverage.
"It was a couple deep balls (in the second half) is what it was," Hauck said. "One vertical on the right, one slot fade. We didn't play that one very well — either one of those."
"Big plays hurt us on defense."
The Wildcats signal-caller threw for a career-high in passing yards, as well as a career-high in touchdown passes with six. While Munoz only rushed for 12 yards, his mobility in the pocket helped avoid multiple potential drive-ending sacks.
"He's accurate downfield," Hauck said. "Especially in the vertical route outside towards the boundary. He's got a strong lower half. He pulled out of some things and kept some plays alive, and we had a hard time getting him on the ground."
On the final possession of the fourth quarter, needing a field goal to tie the game, Weber took over on its own 25-yard line. Munoz worked the Montana defense down the field, completing four of six passes for 42 yards. It concluded with a 43-yard field goal that Wildcat kicker Kyle Thompson drilled down the middle.
"59 seconds, two timeouts, in college football that's an eternity," Weber State head coach Mickey Mental said. "(Munoz) took what he was given, did not force anything. Our line did a fantastic job staying on their guy and giving him time to work the field."
"Credit the receivers and Richie to beat the coverage and then finish the plays in the end zone."
Montana opened the game with at touchdown in under two minutes, but Weber State quickly took back momentum with two touchdowns in as many possessions. Munoz opened the game on those drives with 68 yards through the air, completing four of five throws.
By the second quarter, Weber State had jumped out to an 18-point lead. Though the Griz clawed their way back into the contest, even taking the lead in the second half, Munoz said starting strong was crucial.
"If we start slow and they get up, it's going to be real tough to come back," Munoz said. "If we start first, push them, that's where we wanted to be."
"Montana sent a lot of pressure so we had a lot of one-on-one opportunities. Credit goes to the line and receivers for winning their one-on-ones, my job is just to deliver the ball."
Montana returns home next weekend for a matchup with the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Reeling off of multiple sloppy performances, the Griz will surely have cleaning up the secondary as one of their key goals.
Weber State Wildcats cornerback Toddrick Dixon (16) dives toward Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Keelan White (6) during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Weber holds the Griz off from gaining possession of the ball during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) celebrates a touchdown during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Grizzly defense attempt to gain possession of the ball during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) runs the ball down the field before scoring a touchdown during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Weber state huddles up during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
The University of Montana Spirit Squad dances on the field before a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) fights to keep hold of the ball during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Weber State Wildcats safety EJ Evett (23) leaps over the Griz during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies defensive end Hayden Harris (48) and Montana Grizzlies long snapper Grayson Pibal (43) celebrate during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
The Grizzlies run onto the field before a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Nick Ostmo (26) runs the ball through Weber defense during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Scenes from a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies cornerback Trevin Gradney (37) attempts to tackle Weber State Wildcats wide receiver Jayleen Record (4) during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies safety TJ Rausch (10) fouls Weber State Wildcats running back Adrian Cormier (2) during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Keelan White (6) celebrates a touchdown during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Keelan White (6) is tackled by Weber during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Weber State Wildcats cornerback Montae Pate (20) tackles Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Keelan White (6) during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Scenes fro a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
The Grizzlies celebrate a touchdown during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Nick Ostmo (26) is tackled by Weber during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Scenes from a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Nick Ostmo (26) is sacked by Weber during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) and Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Junior Bergen (5) celebrate a touchdown during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Keelan White (6) celebrates a touchdown during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Weber State Wildcats running back Damon Bankston (1) celebrates a touchdown in overtime during a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Weber State Wildcats linebacker Kevin Enriquez (43) celebrates after a college football game between the Montana Grizzlies and the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Washington Grizzly Stadium.
Carson Cashion is a sports writer for 406 MT Sports, primarily covering the Bitterroot Valley. Follow him on X @CarsonCashion or contact him at [email protected].
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