Five Things to Watch: No. 3 Montana Grizzlies Host Missouri State Bears in Opener

Montana Grizzlies

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The No. 3-ranked Montana Grizzlies open their 2023 season at home against the Missouri State Bears on Thursday, Sept. 1.

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The Grizzlies are coming off a 10-3 season in which they won the Big Sky Conference title and advanced to the FCS quarterfinals.

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Montana returns several key players from last year's team, including All-American linebacker Patrick O'Connell and quarterback Lucas Johnson.

Missouri State Bears

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The Missouri State Bears are coming off a 5-6 season in which they finished fourth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

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The Bears return several key players from last year's team, including quarterback Jason Shelley and running back C.J. Marable.

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Missouri State is looking to improve on last year's record and challenge for a spot in the FCS playoffs.

Keys to the Game

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The Grizzlies will need to stop the Bears' running game, which averaged over 170 yards per game last season.

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The Bears will need to force turnovers and create big plays on defense.

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The game could come down to the fourth quarter, and the team that makes the fewest mistakes will likely win.

Prediction

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The Grizzlies are a heavy favorite in this game, and they should be able to win if they play to their potential.

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However, the Bears are a dangerous team, and they could pull off an upset if they play their best game.

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The Grizzlies should win this game, but it could be a close one.