Montana Grizzlies and Sac State Hornets Set for Showdown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Montana Grizzlies and Sacramento State Hornets are gearing up for a highly anticipated game Friday night. The fixture is set to be televised nationally, and the excitement has been building throughout the week.

The verbal sparring began during halftime of Sac State’s matchup against Northern Colorado on Saturday. University president Dr. Luke Wood inadvertently ignited the rivalry, misnaming the Grizzlies as the ‘Montana Pandas’ during an interview. Wood expressed confidence in his Hornets, questioning the Grizzlies’ strength of schedule, stating, “They haven’t played nobody this season. I mean, let’s just be real.”

Montana head coach Bobby Hauck didn’t shy away from responding to the criticisms. After hearing Wood’s remarks, Hauck described the president’s comments as clownish while emphasizing the need for his players to stay focused. “As outside noise, you know, that’s how we approach it,” he said, referring to the taunts.

Montana comes into the game with a strong record of 7-0, including three wins in the Big Sky Conference. They recently defeated Sacred Heart with a score of 43-21. Meanwhile, Sac State holds a record of 4-3 and is 2-1 in conference play, riding a wave of momentum after winning four of their past five games.

Under first-year coach Brennan Marion, the Hornets hope to continue their upward trajectory against the Grizzlies. The team has been vocal about their ambitions to transition to the FBS level while competing within the Big Sky. Wood previously labeled the FCS as a ‘JV’ league, sparking further dialogue about the game.

The rivalry has recent history, with the Hornets winning three of the last four matchups. However, Montana triumphed in their last clash in 2023. As the game approaches, players and coaches from both sides are keenly aware of the stakes and the heightened drama surrounding Friday night.

<p"Every game is important, but especially conference games, because it’s one of our goals that we work on," said Montana linebacker Elijawah Tolbert. "I just fully prepare. I don’t treat really any game different. Every game is important to me."

With an energetic atmosphere expected at Hornet Stadium, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could impact both teams’ standings within the conference.