BREAKING: Montana’s special teams light the fuse, South Dakota fighting to keep the dream alive
Montana came out hot, and then lit up the stadium with history. In a high-pressure FCS quarterfinal, the No. 3 Grizzlies have seized control over No. 11 South Dakota with a wave of explosive plays. A record 93-yard punt return touchdown by Drew Deck cracked the game open after halftime. The Coyotes, the story of this postseason, are still swinging. But the margin for error is small on this stage.
Game basics you need now
- Seeds and records, No. 3 Montana 12–1, No. 11 South Dakota 10–4
- Kickoff, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
- Stakes, winner advances to the FCS semifinals
- Line and total at open, Montana by about 7.5, over under near 60.5
The Grizzlies set the tone early. Keali‘i Ah Yat guided a crisp opening march and finished it in tight space to Drew Deck. After an early Coyotes miscue, Jo Silver tacked on three. The trench battle tilted Montana’s way, and the scoreboard followed. Eli Gillman punched in from short range for 17–0. Then the speed hit. Michael Wortham ripped free for a long score. South Dakota finally answered before the half with L.J. Phillips Jr. hammering in. It was 24–7 at the break. That late push kept hope alive for the visitors and softened the roar.
The play that changed everything
Then came the third quarter jolt. Deck fielded a punt near his own seven, beat the first man, and turned the edge. He slipped a diving arm, cut back across the logo, and the chase was over. Ninety-three yards, to the house, and into the FCS postseason record book. It was the longest punt return touchdown in FCS playoff history. The Griz sideline exploded. The Coyotes were forced into hurry-up mode.
Record alert, Drew Deck’s 93-yard punt return is the longest ever in the FCS postseason.
That single snap captured Montana’s edge today. Explosives, effort, and execution. It also asked a harsh question of South Dakota’s coverage unit. Angles and lane discipline have to be perfect in December. They were not, and Montana punished it.
Quarterbacks, backs, and the collision in the box
Ah Yat has been sharp and calm. He is not forcing throws. He is taking the easy completions, and letting his speed men add yards. When the pocket tightens, his feet buy time. That balance has kept Montana on schedule.
Gillman has provided the muscle. He gets north fast, and he finishes runs. On short yardage, he has been the tone setter. That combination gives the Griz freedom on second down. South Dakota’s front has been game, but it has been on the field too long.
Aidan Bouman has fought from behind most of the day. He has stood tall in traffic and worked the seams. When protected, he can slice a defense. The issue has been negative plays and long fields. Phillips’ late first half touchdown was vital. The Coyotes need more from the ground game to keep Montana honest.
Watch protection on both sides. The team that keeps its quarterback clean late will own the fourth quarter.
Coaching chess, and the culture around it
This felt like a Montana game from the jump. Field position was a weapon. Special teams were a hammer. The Grizzlies’ staff leaned into tempo at the right moments, then throttled down to drain the clock. That is postseason poise.
South Dakota’s staff did not blink. They adjusted with quicker concepts and motion. They hunted matchups for Phillips in space. The Coyotes also showed the mindset that got them here, patience, trust, and belief. This is the DNA of a Cinderella. The problem is that Montana brings playoff miles and crowd heat. In December, that experience matters.
What it means next
A semifinal berth is on the line, and Montana is playing like a team that expects to see next week. The Grizzlies were slight favorites, and they have backed it up with speed and details. South Dakota still has time, but the road is steep. They will need takeaways and a spark play of their own to flip this script.
If Montana closes this out, the story is clear. Explosive offense, a punishing run game, and special teams swagger. If South Dakota rallies, it will go down as the comeback that defines this tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q, What is the biggest play of the game so far
A, Drew Deck’s 93-yard punt return for a touchdown. It is the longest in FCS postseason history.
Q, Who has controlled the line of scrimmage
A, Montana. The Grizzlies have won early downs and created short fields.
Q, Which stars have stood out
A, Keali‘i Ah Yat and Eli Gillman for Montana. L.J. Phillips Jr. has kept South Dakota in it.
Q, What are the stakes today
A, The winner advances to the FCS semifinals. It keeps the title dream alive.
Q, Where can I watch
A, The game kicked at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
South Dakota is not done, but Montana has the wheel right now. One more surge from the Griz could lock a semifinal spot. One lightning strike from the Coyotes could flip the mood. December football is about moments, and we are watching them land in real time.
