Big Sky Week 11 Recap

The Big Sky’s top contenders continued to separate themselves in Week 11, as #2 Montana and #3 Montana State both cruised to statement wins to stay firmly in the championship race. #10 UC Davis kept pace with a disciplined road victory over Idaho, while Sacramento State rolled past Portland State behind another dominant rushing performance. Elsewhere, Northern Arizona’s offense exploded at home and Idaho State continued its late-season surge, setting the stage for a dramatic closing stretch with playoff positioning and rivalry trophies on the line.

#2 Montana 29, Eastern Washington 24 (Missoula, MT)

Montana stayed unbeaten with a 29–24 win over Eastern Washington in Missoula, jumping out to a 22–0 lead behind two touchdown passes and a rushing score from QB Keali‘i Ah Yat before holding off a furious Eagle comeback. Eastern Washington QB Jake Schakel threw for 451 yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles outgained Montana 479–351 and dominated possession (38 to 22 minutes), but the Griz defense came up clutch with eight sacks and two interceptions to preserve the win. Eli Gillman’s 25-yard third-quarter touchdown run proved to be the difference, as Montana improved to 10–0 overall and 6–0 in the Big Sky, while EWU fell just short despite a 63-pass, 27-first-down offensive performance.

Eastern Washington’s Jake Schakel carried the offense, completing 43 of 63 passes while spreading the ball to nine different receivers, led by WR Miles Williams (136 yards) and WR Cole Pruett (133 yards, 1 TD). RB Kevin Allen III provided balance with 83 total yards and two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving—but Schakel was under constant pressure, taking eight sacks that limited EWU’s ground game to just 28 net rushing yards. For Montana, Ah Yat stayed efficient with 250 passing yards and two scores while Gillman powered the run game with 83 yards and a touchdown. WR Michael Wortham added 81 receiving yards and a score, giving the Grizzlies just enough offensive punch to stay unbeaten.

Eastern Washington’s defense was active but couldn’t generate game-changing plays, as LB Read Sunn led the team with seven tackles and a tackle for loss, while S Drew Carter (6 tackles) and DT Isaiah Perez (5 tackles, 0.5 TFL) added steady contributions up front. Despite consistent tackling across the roster, the Eagles failed to record any sacks, turnovers, or pass breakups, allowing Montana’s offense to capitalize early and control key moments before EWU’s late surge. Montana’s defense dominated in the trenches, highlighted by S Diezel Wilkinson’s team-high 11 tackles and CB Kenzel Lawler’s nine stops with an interception and two pass breakups, anchoring a unit that repeatedly disrupted Eastern Washington’s rhythm. DE Kellen Detrick (3 sacks, 3.5 TFL) and DL Jareb Ramos (2 sacks, 2 TFL, 1 forced fumble) powered a relentless pass rush that produced eight total sacks and constant backfield pressure. Complemented by steady contributions from LB Clay Oven, LB Caleb Otlewski, and S Micah Harper, the Grizzlies stifled EWU’s scoring opportunities despite its high yardage output.

The Griz will hit the road next weekend for a short business trip to face struggling Portland State in Hillsboro before returning home to prep for this year’s Cat-Griz showdown that will likely decide the conference champion. Meanwhile, Eastern will head home to Cheney to host a feisty Northern Colorado team that can’t be looked past this year.

#3 Montana State 66, Weber State 14 (Bozeman, MT)

Montana State overwhelmed Weber State in a 66–14 rout, scoring touchdowns on nine of ten drives and amassing 452 yards of total offense while holding the Wildcats to just 285. Bobcat QB Justin Lamson accounted for three total touchdowns—two on the ground and one through the air—while RB Julius Davis added 114 rushing yards and two scores, giving the Bobcats’ offense an explosive 7.3 yards per play on average. Weber State managed 178 rushing yards behind RB Spencer Ferguson’s 88-yard day, but turnovers, an anemic passing game, and an inability to stop Montana State’s ground attack led to the most lopsided loss of the Wildcats’ season.

Montana State’s passing game complemented its ground dominance, as four different quarterbacks combined to complete 17 of 22 passes for three touchdowns, efficiently spreading the ball to 11 receivers. Lamson connected with WR Jordan Reed for a 25-yard touchdown, while Montana State cycled in backup QBs in receiving slots to confuse the Wildcat defense and showcase the Bobcats’ depth and versatility on offense. Weber State’s air attack, led by QB Dijon Jennings and QB Kingston Tisdell, struggled to gain traction despite a few bright moments from WR Marvin Session and WR Kelton Wafer, as turnovers and short completions limited the Wildcats’ ability to sustain drives or challenge the Bobcat secondary beyond 20 yards.

Weber State’s defense was led by LB Mayson Hitchens’ 10 tackles and S BJ Carey’s eight, with S Angel King and DE Keahnist Thompson adding key stops to anchor a front the struggled at times to contain the Bobcats on the ground. CB Logan Mackey and DL Matt Herron supplied the Wildcats’ only sacks and backfield pressure, but despite strong individual efforts, the unit couldn’t force turnovers or slow Montana State’s attack. Montana State’s defense was anchored by DB Brendan Ross with eight tackles and DB Caden Dowler with seven, who also forced a fumble and returned a 54 yard pick six, while DE Hunter Parsons and DB Carson Williams each added tackles for loss to disrupt Weber State’s running game. DE Kenneth Eiden IV, DB Takhari Carr, and DB Ife Ohalete each limited WSU’s big-play opportunities despite giving up 178 rushing yards.

Montana State will stay at home this upcoming week, playing host to #10 UC Davis who will be looking for a signature win to bolster their chances at a playoff spot. Weber State will be on the road again on Saturday, taking the short trip up to Pocatello to play for the Train Bell Trophy in the Reckoning on the Rails against host Idaho State.

Sacramento State 52, Portland State 24 (Hillsboro, OR)

Sacramento State controlled the game from start to finish, jumping out to an early 14-0 lead with long scoring drives capped by RB Damian Henderson II’s 25-yard run and WR Ernest Campbell’s 22-yard touchdown reception, while Portland State answered briefly in the second quarter with scores from RB Delon Thompson and QB Tyrese Smith but could never sustain momentum. The Hornets dominated on the ground, amassing 295 rushing yards on 47 carries, including standout runs from RB Rodney Hammond Jr. and RB JaQuail Smith, and combined with QB Cardell Williams’ efficient 188 passing yards, they converted every red-zone opportunity into points. Sacramento State generated 483 total yards and six touchdowns, while allowing Portland State to log 319 yards, forcing two interceptions, and controlling the line of scrimmage with six sacks to secure the 52-24 victory.

Sacramento State’s Williams connected on eight of eleven attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard strike to Campbell that highlighted the team’s big-play ability. Hammond Jr. dominated the ground game with 191 yards on 17 carries, while contributions from Henderson II, Smith, and RB Sam Adams II, kept Portland State’s defense off balance. Portland State struggled to keep pace, as Tyrese Smith and QB John-Keawe Sagapolutele combined for 177 passing yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while Thompson and Smith led a modest rushing effort, with WR Terence Loville’s 106 receiving yards the only bright spot in an otherwise overmatched offense.

Sacramento State’s defense was anchored by LB Oscar Moore and DL Dylan Hampsten, who each recorded nine total tackles, with Hampsten adding 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hurry, while DL Malik Tullis contributed six tackles including 2.0 for loss and a sack to help pressure Portland State’s backfield. Secondary playmakers included S Koa Akui, CB Jason Oliver, and OLB Micah Mosley, combining for two interceptions and a pass breakup, while DL Xavier Williams, DL DeSean Watts added 1.5 sacks, creating a consistently disruptive unit across all levels of the defense. Portland State’s defense was led by S Jerome Roberts and LB Jaxton Helmstetler, who combined for 20 total tackles with Roberts adding a tackle for loss, while DL Slade Shufelt and DL Spencer Elliott provided significant disruption in the backfield, totaling 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. Secondary contributors included CB Dionte Thornton, who recorded a pass breakup, and CB/QB Cru Newman, who recovered a fumble.

Sacramento State will head back to the confines of Hornet Stadium this Saturday for a showdown with the Idaho Vandals. Meanwhile, Portland State also heads home to play host to #2 Montana in Hillsboro.

Northern Arizona 49, Northern Colorado 10 (Flagstaff, AZ)

Northern Arizona dominated Northern Colorado 49-10 behind a pass-heavy offensive attack that combined a 5.6-yard rushing average with 292 passing yards, including a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown by WR Kolbe Katsis. Lumberjacks QB Ty Pennington efficiently completed 23 of 26 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown, while RB Seth Cromwell added two rushing scores, and NAU converted all six of its red-zone opportunities. Northern Colorado struggled to keep pace despite 180 passing yards from three Bears quarterbacks and managed just one rushing touchdown and three successful red-zone plays.

Northern Colorado’s Gibson completed 17 of 28 attempts for 151 yards, while backup QB Peter Costelli added 29 yards through the air, and WR Brayden Munroe led the receiving corps with 64 yards on four catches. RB Brandon Johnson contributed the team’s lone rushing touchdown on 36 yards over seven carries, with UNC totaling 105 yards on the ground and a longest run of 16 yards. Northern Arizona supplemented Pennington’s 270 passing yards and one touchdown with a balanced ground game, featuring Cromwell’s two rushing scores on 50 yards and a 10-yard long, while Katsis led the NAU receiving corps with 88 yards on three catches and a long of 52 yards.

Northern Colorado’s defense was led by S Franky Morales and S Darrell Bryant Jr., who combined for 20 total tackles, while DL Makur Abram contributed both a tackle for loss and a sack, and LB Zach Nowatzke, DL Andres Rodriguez, DL Brennen Acosta, and DL Dominic Butts also added 2.5 total tackles for loss. Northern Arizona’s defense was once again anchored by LB Brandon Wong and S Michael Hurst, who combined for 17 total tackles, while CB Jahaad Fort and DL Alani Ma’afu added 1.5 tackles for loss, and CB Quentin Moten recorded both a tackle and an interception. The secondary contributed with multiple pass breakups from LB Ramere Davis, DB Mikale Greer, while LB Jordan Lee recorded a quarterback hurry, showcasing a well-rounded effort across the defensive unit.

This Saturday, Northern Arizona will host Cal Poly in Flagstaff, while Northern Colorado returns to the road to face Eastern Washington on the red turf in Cheney.

Idaho State 27, Cal Poly 17 (Pocatello, ID)

Idaho State earned a 27–17 win over Cal Poly in Pocatello behind a sharp, balanced offensive performance that produced 451 total yards and five scoring drives. QB Jordan Cooke threw for 275 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for another score, with RB Dason Brooks adding 106 yards and a touchdown on the ground and WR Michael Shulikov contributing a 17-yard TD grab. Cal Poly QB Ty Dieffenbach accounted for both Mustang touchdowns, one rushing and one passing, while Cal Poly’s 237 rushing yards and perfect 4-for-4 mark on fourth down kept them competitive before Idaho State’s two second-half field goals sealed the victory.

Cal Poly’s Dieffenbach powered the Mustang offense with efficiency, throwing for 172 yards on 18 out of 29 attempts, while also adding 142 yards on the ground, spreading the ball among seven different receivers led by WR Michael Briscoe’s 81-yard effort. The Mustangs’ rushing attack complemented the passing game with contributions from RB Kendric Sanders, RB Tyrei Washington, and RB/LB Misa Paiau, who each averaged over five yards per carry to help sustain drives. For Idaho State, Cooke’s pinpoint passing connected with a balanced group of receivers—WR Jonah Burton, WR Damien Morgan, WR Tsion Nunnally, and WR Michael Shulikov, who each tallied over 45 yards, with Shulikov hauling in the game’s lone receiving touchdown to anchor the Bengals’ aerial success.

Cal Poly’s defense was led by LB Mikey D’Amato’s 12 tackles and LB Kenny Olson’s nine, with strong support from S Jake East and S Demel Turner, who each added seven stops to keep Idaho State’s offense in check. The Mustangs generated limited backfield pressure, with CB Boston Wilson and D’Amato notching the only tackles for loss, while DL J.T. Houston, DL Thomas Bouda, DL Manaalii Danielson, and DL Jake Vorhees each contributed quarterback hurries in an otherwise bend-but-don’t-break defensive effort. Idaho State’s defense was anchored by CB Gabe Tahir, LB Nathan Reynolds, and DL Bronson Childs, who each recorded seven total tackles, with Childs adding a tackle for loss to help limit Cal Poly’s rushing success. DL Cam’ron Willis made the Bengals’ lone sack and added a pass breakup, while DB Davion Ross and CB Mike Lindsay contributed key plays in coverage, with Ross breaking up two passes and Lindsay snagging an interception that helped stall a Mustang drive.

Cal Poly will be headed to the mountains this Saturday to face another pass-heavy offense in Northern Arizona. Meanwhile, Idaho State will stay home again to play host to Weber State for the Reckoning on the Rails and a chance to retain the Train Bell Trophy.

#10 UC Davis 28, Idaho 14 (Moscow, ID)

UC Davis led this one from start to finish, defeating Idaho 28–14 behind a sharp performance from QB Caden Pinnick, who totaled 248 passing yards, three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing), and led scoring drives of 66, 70, and 94 yards in the first half. WR Samuel Gbatu Jr. and WR Ian Simpson each caught touchdowns, while the Aggies balanced their attack with 200 rushing yards on 41 carries, maintaining over 32 minutes of possession. Idaho QB Joshua Wood threw for 297 yards and two long touchdowns to WR Michael Graves, but the Vandals were held scoreless in the red zone and managed just one third-down conversion, struggling to sustain drives against UC Davis’s disciplined defense.

UC Davis Pinnick did his damage through the air, completing 21 of 27 passes, while also connecting with RB Jordan Fisher on a 32-yard gain to keep drives alive. Fisher led the ground game with 103 rushing yards, and Gbatu Jr. added another 44 on jet sweeps, helping the Aggies sustain their attack. Idaho’s offense relied heavily on QB Joshua Wood, while WR Marquawn McCraney and RB Elisha Cummings combined for 121 receiving yards to support a pass-heavy effort that struggled to find rhythm on the ground.

UC Davis’s defense delivered a well-rounded effort, led by DB Khalani Riddick, DB Ty Richardson, and DB Cole Batson, who combined for 19 total tackles and helped limit Idaho’s scoring chances with tight coverage and pressure. DL Derrell Smith-Porter and DL Jacob Psyk each recorded sacks, while DB Jayden Stanley added an interception return for 15 yards, and RB/LB Kai Acia forced a fumble as the Aggies’ front and secondary consistently disrupted the Vandals’ passing rhythm. Idaho’s defense was anchored by S Matt Irwin, who tallied 11 total tackles, while LB Isiah King and S Zach Wusstig each added eight stops to help contain UC Davis’s balanced offense. DB Caleb Ricks provided one of the game’s key defensive highlights with an interception returned for 27 yards, and LB Will Cornelson and King each contributed tackles for loss, including a sack apiece. Despite their strong individual efforts, the Vandals struggled to slow UC Davis’s efficient passing attack, with only a handful of pass breakups and quarterback hurries throughout the game.

Davis will be on the road once again this week, this time visiting Bozeman to face #3 Montana State at Bobcat Stadium. Idaho will likewise be on the road this week, heading to Sacramento to face the Hornets.