Introduction
The September 21 2024 clash between the Western Carolina Catamounts (WCU) Montana Grizzlies at Washington Grizzly Stadium in Missoula Montana was a thrilling FCS football showdown. Ranked No. 24 and No. 9, respectively, the teams delivered a high scoring battle with Montana rallying from a 17-point deficit to win 46-35. This player stats key performances, and game dynamics of the WCU vs. Montana Grizzlies football match providing a comprehensive analysis for fans and analysts searching for detailed insights. Based on data from sources like ESPN University of Montana Athletics and 406mtsports.com we aim to create a resource that ranks for its depth and clarity.
Table of Contents
Game Overview
The WCU Catamounts (1-2) traveled 2,213 miles from Cullowhee, North Carolina, to face the Montana Grizzlies (2-1) in a nonconference finale on September 21, 2024. The game, aired on ESPN+ and the MTN Network, drew 25,720 fans to Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Despite WCU’s early 17-0 lead, Montana’s dominant rushing attack and second-half defensive adjustments secured a 46-35 victory, marking their 15th straight home win (gogriz.com). The match showcased contrasting styles: WCU’s pass-heavy offense versus Montana’s ground-and-pound approach, making player stats critical to understanding the outcome.
Key Player Stats: Western Carolina Catamounts
WCU’s offense, which led the FCS in total offense in 2023 with 504 yards per game, relied heavily on its passing game, led by junior quarterback Cole Gonzales, a preseason All-American. Here are the standout performances:
- Cole Gonzales (QB): Gonzales completed 25 of 37 passes for 340 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. His primary target was De’Andre Tamarez, and he also scored on a two-point conversion run late in the game. Despite the loss, Gonzales showcased his efficiency, though Montana’s second-half defense limited him to 115 passing yards (ESPN).
- De’Andre Tamarez (WR): The redshirt sophomore had a career-high 229 receiving yards on eight catches, including a touchdown. His performance was a highlight, earning praise despite WCU’s defeat (catamountsports.com).
- Branson Adams (RB): Adams rushed for 91 yards on 14 carries, scoring two first-quarter touchdowns that gave WCU an early lead. He also contributed 50 receiving yards, totaling 141 all-purpose yards (gogriz.com).
WCU amassed 477 total yards (340 passing, 137 rushing) but struggled in the second half, gaining only 172 yards as Montana’s defense tightened. The Catamounts converted 5 of 14 third downs and faced 11 penalties for 96 yards, which disrupted their rhythm (gogriz.com).
Key Player Stats: Montana Grizzlies
Montana’s offense, ranked fifth in FCS rushing entering the game, leaned on its ground game, finishing with 349 rushing yards and 552 total yards. Quarterback injuries forced adjustments, but the Grizzlies’ depth shone through:
- Keali’i Ah Yat (QB): The freshman quarterback ran for 57 yards and a program-record four rushing touchdowns (tied for the most by a Griz QB). He completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards but threw one interception and left the game in the third quarter due to injury (406mtsports.com).
- Eli Gillman (RB): Gillman was a standout, rushing for 175 yards on 14 carries, including a 66-yard touchdown run that sparked Montana’s comeback. His performance pushed him over 1,000 rushing yards for the season (gogriz.com).
- Nick Ostmo (RB): Ostmo added 76 rushing yards and a crucial 12-yard touchdown run in the final minutes, sealing the 11-point victory. He also caught a two-point conversion pass (ESPN).
- Logan Fife (QB): Replacing Ah Yat, Fife went 7 of 10 for 58 yards and led a 15-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 6:38, ending in Ostmo’s score. He also threw a two-point conversion (gogriz.com).
- Junior Bergen (WR): Bergen caught six passes for 99 yards, providing a reliable target despite limited special teams impact (foxsports.com).
Montana’s defense, led by Jaxon Lee (11 tackles) and Ryan Tirrell (10 tackles, one pass breakup), forced a key interception by Trevin Gradney, which led to a touchdown. The Griz converted 50% of third downs (8/16) and 2 of 3 fourth downs, while committing 12 penalties for 105 yards (gogriz.com).
Game Dynamics and Turning Points
The game began with WCU dominating, jumping to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter behind Adams’ two touchdowns and Gonzales’ passing. Montana’s early struggles included missed tackles and an interception by Ah Yat. However, Eli Gillman’s 66-yard touchdown run in the first quarter shifted momentum, cutting the lead to 17-7 (406mtsports.com).
By halftime, WCU led 27-21, with both teams combining for 305 yards in the first half. Montana’s defense, coached by Tim Hauck and Roger Cooper, made critical adjustments, holding WCU to 172 second-half yards and forcing a pivotal interception. Ah Yat’s four touchdown runs, including a 9-yard score before halftime, kept Montana close (406mtsports.com).
In the third quarter, Montana took the lead with Ah Yat’s fourth touchdown, making it 35-27. WCU responded with a Gonzales-to-Tamarez touchdown and a two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 38-35 with 8:22 left. Fife’s clutch 15-play drive and Ostmo’s score, followed by a two-point conversion, secured the 46-35 final (ESPN).
Statistical Comparison
| Category | WCU | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 477 | 552 |
| Passing Yards | 340 | 203 |
| Rushing Yards | 137 | 349 |
| First Downs | 25 | 29 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Third Down Conv. | 5/14 (36%) | 8/16 (50%) |
| Possession Time | 27:30 | 32:30 |
| Penalties | 11 for 96 yds | 12 for 105 yds |
Montana’s rushing dominance (349 yards vs. WCU’s 137) and better third-down efficiency were decisive, despite WCU’s aerial prowess (foxsports.com).
Impact and Context
For Montana, the win improved their record to 3-1, solidifying their No. 9 FCS ranking and boosting confidence ahead of Big Sky Conference play. The comeback from a 17-point deficit, last achieved in 2022 against Southeast Missouri State, highlighted their resilience (gogriz.com). WCU fell to 1-3, but their performance against a top-10 team underscored their offensive potential, despite defensive struggles (catamountsports.com).
Social media buzz on platforms like Reddit highlighted fan excitement, with comments praising WCU’s De’Andre Tamarez and Montana’s Eli Gillman, though some criticized officiating (Reddit).
Conclusion
The WCU vs. Montana Grizzlies football match on September 21, 2024, was a showcase of FCS talent, with Montana’s rushing attack and defensive adjustments overcoming WCU’s explosive passing game. Standout performances by Cole Gonzales (340 passing yards) and De’Andre Tamarez (229 receiving yards) for WCU, and Keali’i Ah Yat (four rushing TDs) and Eli Gillman (175 rushing yards) for Montana, defined the 46-35 thriller. Montana’s ability to rally from a 17-0 deficit and control the second half underscores their playoff potential, while WCU’s offensive firepower signals a bright future. Fans searching for “WCU football vs. Montana Grizzlies football match player stats” can rely on this detailed breakdown to understand the game’s key moments and performances.
FAQS
Who led the WCU passing attack against Montana and how effective was it?
Cole Gonzales, WCU’s junior quarterback, led the passing game with 25 completions on 37 attempts for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His connection with De’Andre Tamarez (229 receiving yards) drove WCU’s early 17-0 lead, but Montana’s defense limited him to 115 yards in the second half, curbing his effectiveness .
Which Montana player had the biggest rushing impact in the game?
Eli Gillman was Montana’s rushing standout, gaining 175 yards on 14 carries, including a 66-yard touchdown that sparked the comeback. His explosive runs helped Montana amass 349 rushing yards, overpowering WCU’s defense and securing the win .