MISSOULA – So much is so new for this group of Montana Grizzlies.
The young squad has adjusted to a different coaching staff over the past several months. They hit the field with many first-time starters, kicked off as underdogs, and then improved to 2-0 winning as heavy favorites.
And now they hit the road for their first trip of the year. Montana goes to Western Illinois on Saturday.
But while everyone is still getting more comfortable in their new roles, this week provides the Grizzlies a chance to find their groove. They finally have a full week of class and practice, game video from this season to watch on their next opponent, and a good idea what to expect.
“This week will be how it is every week through the season. We need to be in that routine and everybody understand it if we want to have consistency,” said head coach Bobby Hauck. “If you’re going to have a good season, you can’t just win at home. You’ve got to win on the road. It’s a different environment when we go someplace else, but the field is the same size. I’m excited to go on the road with these guys and see how they perform.”
No. 15 Montana kicks off at Western Illinois at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Leathernecks lost by three points at Montana State to start the year and fell 34-14 at Illinois last week.
