In a game packed with big plays, wild momentum swings, and a finish few will forget, the No. 2 Montana Grizzlies held off Eastern Washington 29–24 on Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium to remain unbeaten on the season.
The win pushed Montana to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in Big Sky Conference play, keeping the Grizzlies firmly in contention for an FCS playoff bye and a potential run at the program’s third national championship. Eastern Washington fell to 4-6 and 3-3 in the league after coming within inches of a stunning upset.
Montana stormed out of the gate with a dominant first quarter that showcased its offensive balance and special-teams flair. Quarterback Kealiʻi Ah Yat completed 22 of 30 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, orchestrating three straight scoring drives that built a 22-0 lead. Running back Eli Gilman’s 25-yard touchdown run and a 60-yard punt return by Drew Deck fueled the early surge, igniting the sellout crowd of more than 25,000.
Eastern Washington, however, refused to fold. Freshman quarterback Jake Schakel, making his first collegiate start, delivered a breakout performance, throwing for 451 yards on 43-of-63 passing. He connected repeatedly with receivers Miles Williams and Cole Pruett to chip away at the deficit and keep the Grizzlies’ defense on its heels.
After Montana’s offense stalled in the second half — managing just 161 total yards and seven punts — the Eagles mounted a furious rally. A field goal midway through the fourth quarter cut the margin to 29-17, and Pruett’s 8-yard touchdown catch with just over a minute remaining pulled Eastern within five.
The Eagles then recovered the onside kick and quickly moved to the Montana 5-yard line with 25 seconds to play. But on third down, as Schakel attempted to spike the ball to stop the clock, the snap slipped from his hands. The fumble rolled free and was recovered by Montana’s defense as time expired, sealing a dramatic victory and preserving the Grizzlies’ perfect record.
Despite a sluggish second half, Montana’s defense produced critical pressure throughout the game, sacking Schakel eight times and forcing hurried throws in key moments. Linebacker Kellen Detrick recorded two of those sacks, while the front seven’s persistence ultimately forced the decisive turnover.
The win extended Montana’s streak over Eastern Washington to four straight and improved its all-time series lead to 32-18-1. The Grizzlies, ranked No. 3 by the FCS playoff committee and No. 2 in the national coaches poll, will travel to Portland State on Nov. 15 before closing the regular season against archrival Montana State in the annual “Brawl of the Wild” on Nov. 22.