The Lumberjacks head into their homecoming game having not beaten a ranked team since upsetting McNeese State - the top seed - in the 2003 Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. That was 14 ranked opponents ago.
In come the Griz, whom former UM assistant Jerome Souers has yet to beat since taking over at NAU in 1998.
“It's just another game,” cautioned NAU defensive end Blair Boynton. “We just try to focus on the win-loss column and not the past seasons. The history really has nothing to do with us now.”
Most eyes in the Big Sky will be on the Walkup Skydome, where NAU has yet to lose this season. The Grizzlies have yet to lose, period, but figure things will be ratcheted up for the final stretch of their schedule. The Lumberjacks, with new quarterback Lance Kriesien triggering an explosive spread-option attack, are the first obstacle.
“NAU presents a lot of unique challenges,” fifth-year head coach Bobby Hauck said. “They look so danged fast on tape, it's scary. They've got a real advantage there and we've got to figure out how to counter that.”
The game could come down to two trios: NAU's Kriesien and running backs Alex Henderson and Lionel Scott against UM linebackers Tyler Joyce, Loren Utterback and Kyle Ryan. Kriesien, a mobile 225-pounder who can throw on the run, is the key.
“We're just going to have to play right with our eyes,” said Ryan. “The D-ends are going to have a tough time containing him and when he does break the line of scrimmage, we're going to have to just rally to the ball.”
Beyond that, the Griz have to contend with NAU receiver Alex Watson and a mobile offensive front that has excelled despite the losses of senior Tim Read and juniors Trevor Heekin and Kevin Meagher to injury.
The group takes on a Montana defense that, behind defensive end Kroy Biermann, has allowed the least yards in the Big Sky.
“I think they've honestly amped up their defensive performance,” said Souers. “They're stout against the run and they're the best front against the pass. They don't give up one for another - just a great complementary defense. That makes it tough when you play somebody that's opportunistic and waiting for that breakdown.”
Last year Montana won a defensive battle, 24-21, taking advantage of a blocked punt for a touchdown and a 24-10 lead late in the third quarter. The year before at NAU, Montana turned an interception and a blocked field goal into touchdowns and pitched a shutout.
The Grizzlies shook their offensive doldrums in a 52-7 win over Northern Colorado last week, but their style hasn't been to blow people out. Defense and special teams have been a constant.
“They're getting (field position) on kickoff returns, they get great exchanges when they punt the ball,” Souers said. “And their kickoff return guy (Marc Mariani) might be the best in the conference.
“Offensively, they've been as good as they've needed to be scoring points. That's why they're where they're at.”
Defensively NAU has had to mix and match because of injuries, but uncovered a diamond in safety Cyrus Igono, a 185-pound junior who leads the team in tackles. The return of a healthy K.J. Gerard has made the Jacks that much more turnover-happy; they lead all of FCS in interceptions.
“Their defensive front is playing well,” Hauck said. “Their corners are great. They have to have good corners to play their structure on defense. Obviously their corners have been doing a good job.”
Gerard and Boynton both sat out 2006 with injuries, just as defensive end Mike Stadnyk and running back Lex Hilliard did for Montana.
Hilliard, bothered by a sore shoulder this season, appeared to be his old self while running for 112 yards against Northern Colorado. He would like more this week against NAU's “flex” defense.
“I feel real good after last week's game,” he said. “At the same time, we still have stuff we need to improve on and get better at as a group. We can't just be satisfied with what we did.”
History says the Griz have had NAU's number. All the Lumberjacks want is another chance.
“It's a huge game,” Boynton said. “It's probably the biggest game I'll ever be a part of at NAU. Montana's just an unbelievable ball club, having 12 straight league wins, being ranked No. 3. It's going to be a privilege to play at that level of football.”
No. 3 Montana
at Northern Arizona
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m., MDT
Venue: Walkup Skydome (15,300, artificial turf).
TV: Live on KPAX (Phil Buck, Bob Hermes).
Radio: KGVO 1290 AM (Mick Holien, Scott Gurnsey).
On the net: www.bigskytv.org and www.montanagrizzlies.com
Records: Montana is 7-0, 4-0 in the Big Sky Conference. Northern Arizona is 5-3 and 4-1.
Series history: Montana leads 29-11.
Coaches: Bobby Hauck is 48-13 in his fifth season at UM. Jerome Souers is 54-57 in his 10th season at NAU.
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