Montana is the team that Weber State Coach Dave Arslanian picked in the preseason poll to win the Big Sky Conference. The Grizzlies were rocked by Idaho and John Friesz, who had a career-high passing night and a 30-24 victory on national television (ESPN).
"I don't think Montana played as well as it can, and Friesz was really hot," says Arslanian, still of the opinion that the Grizzlies are a title-type team.Arslanian notes that the Grizzlies rank right behind Boise State, which beat Weber 41-24, in rushing defense, giving up 92.2 yards a game.
Like Boise, Montana mixes its defenses. "They blitz at the most opportune time," says Arslanian, whose quarterback got sacked eight times by Boise last week.
While the Grizzlies have been known for the past three years for their defense - a defense headed until this season by Bill Smith, now Weber defensive coordinator - Montana can also grind out the time on the clock.
Quarterback Grady Bennett is 130 for 224 passing, throwing for 1,650 yards and nine touchdowns while tossing just three interceptions so far. The Grizzlies throw for 347 yards a game, and their defense holds opposing passers to 283.
Bennett is also somewhat of a threat to run. He had a 29-yard TD run against Idaho. In fact, says Arslanian, the quarterback draw that saw Weber QB Ryan Schmidt score twice on last week was modeled after the Grizzlies' play.
Additionally, running back Jody Farmer averages 70.2 yards a game and has six touchdowns in five games. Farmer is also the punter, meaning the fake is a possibility.