POCATELLO, Idaho – Montana kicker Brody McKnight’s 33-yard field goal on the final play sealed a 12-10 comeback win against Idaho State on Saturday.
With the escape, the Grizzlies claimed their 12th Big Sky Conference title.
McKnight’s kick, which sailed through the uprights despite being deflected by Idaho State cornerback Michael Wright, capped a nine-play, 67-yard drive that began with 1:30 remaining. Wright blocked a Montana extra-point try in the first half.
Montana (9-0, 6-0) quarterback Andrew Selle completed 19 of 29 attempts for 321 yards with one interception. Wide receiver Marc Mariani had eight catches for 192 yards, including a 39-yard reception in the game’s final drive.
Montana running back Chase Reynolds had 123 yards on 22 attempts.
Quarterback Russel Hill completed 23 of 36 attempts for 198 yards with a touchdown and interception for Idaho State (0-10, 0-7). Clint Knickrehm had 102 yards on 19 rushing attempts.
The Bengals took a 10-9 lead with 10:24 remaining on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Hill to Kelvin Krosch, which ended a nine-play, 56-yard drive.
Running back Thomas Brooks-Fletcher gave Montana a 9-3 lead with a 1-yard TD run with 40 seconds remaining in the first half.
Montana had 492 yards of total offense to Idaho State’ 309.