2023 Week 6: Montana (4-1) @ UC Davis (3-2) https://missoulian.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/university-of-montana/montana-grizzlies-play-uc-davis-aggies-in-fcs-top-25-ranked-football-game/article_2b607943-38f9-5f50-bc0e-67469950ae96.html
“Here are five things to watch in the game, which will be televised on the Montana Television Network, streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on the Grizzly Sports Radio Network.
Offensive approach
Montana has had its most offensive success with a run-heavy attack keyed by quarterback Clifton McDowell. If he starts for the second week in a row remains to be seen. So too does the decision of whether he plays the majority of the snaps and how much Sam Vidlak will rotate in.
Defensive adaptability
UC Davis might be missing running back Lan Larison, who is leading the Big Sky in rushing yards per game but suffered a knee injury two weeks ago. His backup, Trent Tompkins, also injured a shoulder last week and didn’t return. The status is unknown for each of them.
Turnovers
UC Davis quarterback Miles Hastings earned first-team All-Big Sky honors last season but has struggled early on this year. He’s thrown six touchdowns and been intercepted five times. He’s completing 62.9 percent of his attempts for 192.6 yards per game, sixth in the Big Sky.
Penalties
The Griz have committed 31 accepted penalties for 286 yards through five games, an average of 57.2 penalty yards per game. Their 31 penalties are the third most in the Big Sky. Their nine penalties last week were their most in a game this season. UC Davis has the least penalties committed (20) and the fewest penalty yards per game (35.6) in the Big Sky.
Special teams
The Griz returned just one punt, for 5 yards, on seven punts by opposing teams the past two weeks. They didn’t return any kickoffs against Northern Arizona, which had five touchbacks. Their two kickoff returns on four kickoffs by Idaho State, went for 15 and 17 yards.”