MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Keali’i Ah Yat threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, including a 53-yard score to Lekeldrick Bridges with 3:20 remaining, as Montana beat Southern Utah 28-21 on Saturday night in the season and Big Sky Conference opener for both teams.
The win gave Bobby Kennedy a victory in his debut as Montana’s head coach and extended the Grizzlies’ winning streak in season openers to 12 games. Montana entered the game ranked No. 2 in the FCS Stats Perform Top 25.
Ah Yat completed 15 of 28 passes and also ran for a 3-yard touchdown. Eli Gillman had 169 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, rushing for 76 yards on 13 carries and catching two passes for 93 yards.
Gillman opened the scoring with an 85-yard touchdown reception on Montana’s first offensive play and added a 29-yard touchdown run in the second quarter for a 14-3 halftime lead. Cooper Buffington blocked a 50-yard Southern Utah field goal attempt late in the half.
Southern Utah tied the game at 21 on Will Burns’ 58-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Acord with 11:41 remaining. Jake Mason blocked the ensuing extra-point attempt before Montana drove 80 yards and Ah Yat connected with Bridges for the go-ahead score.
Burns threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 119 yards. Floyd Chalk added 100 yards rushing and a touchdown. ___
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