Key Highlights
- No. 2 Montana aims for their 10th straight win against Eastern Washington.
- The game marks the first matchup between the two teams since last fall in Cheney, Wash.
- Montana head coach Bobby Hauck emphasizes the importance of preparation due to Eastern Washington’s recent form.
- Eastern Washington sits at 4-5 overall and 3-2 in Big Sky play after losing their last game against Sacramento State.
No. 2 Montana Seeks Tenth Straight Win Against Eastern Washington
The No. 2 Montana Grizzlies, led by head coach Bobby Hauck, are preparing for a crucial home match against Eastern Washington on Saturday, November 7, 2025. This game is significant not only because it marks the first matchup between these two teams since last fall but also as part of their ongoing quest to secure an undefeated record.
Historical Rivalry and Recent Performance
The Grizzlies have had a strong season thus far, winning nine out of ten games. However, they remain cautious given Eastern Washington’s recent performance. The Eagles, who are currently at 4-5 overall and 3-2 in Big Sky play, have managed to win three of their last four matches, including victories over Idaho State and Northern Arizona.
Despite the challenge posed by Eastern Washington, Montana is determined to maintain their dominance. “They’re a team that’s played really well lately, and we’re well aware of that,” Hauck stated. “So they view this as a rivalry game. So we have to anticipate that again this week.” The coach’s words underscore the importance of preparation for the Grizzlies.
Eastern Washington’s Struggles
Eastern Washington, while showing improvement in their recent matches, faces significant challenges on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they rank near last in scoring and total yards within the Big Sky Conference. Defensively, they are also struggling, placing them in the bottom half.
These issues have been exacerbated by a loss against Sacramento State, effectively eliminating Eastern Washington from playoff contention. However, despite these setbacks, the Eagles’ history with Montana adds to the significance of this matchup. “Joining the Griz is cool because it seems like every other game in the Big Sky Conference it seems like they’re playing for some kind of rivalry or some kind of trophy or whatnot,” said UM safety Micah Harper.
Montana’s Aspirations and Team Motivation
Montana tight end Evan Shafer echoed Harper’s sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “This is my fifth year of playing college football, I kind of prefer not having a bye week,” he said. “There’s no need to stop playing football when you can play it every weekend.” Shafer’s comments reflect both the team’s desire to continue their winning streak and the excitement surrounding this game.
Hauck also highlighted the importance of the home crowd, noting that Montana has eight home games with some of the best fans in all of FCS (FCS – Football Championship Subdivision) football. “We’re trying to win a championship here, two championships,” he said. “And we’re playing like that right now. And we’re just excited to keep rolling and don’t let our foot get off the pedal.” This determination is evident in their approach as they prepare for this critical match.
Montana’s journey towards an undefeated record continues with this game against Eastern Washington, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest on Saturday. The Grizzlies’ focus remains unwavering as they aim to secure their tenth straight win and maintain their position at No. 2 in the national rankings.
