The No. 14 seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits (9-4), who clawed back from a midseason slump to secure a first-round bye with a 41-3 playoff rout of New Hampshire on November 29, head to Missoula for a revenge-fueled rematch against the No. 3 seed Montana Grizzlies (11-1), Big Sky Conference runners-up who earned a bye after a 31-28 rivalry thriller over Montana State on November 22. At Washington-Grizzly Stadium, where the Grizzlies have posted a 6-1 home mark and outscored opponents by 15.2 points per game, this MVFC vs. Big Sky clash marks the third straight playoff meeting between the programs—Montana leads the all-time series 8-2, but SDSU’s back-to-back national titles (2023-24) and recent dominance (23-3 championship win over UM in 2023) add layers of intrigue. The Jackrabbits’ revitalized offense, sparked by Chase Mason’s return from a six-week foot injury (4 TD passes vs. UNH), tests Montana’s opportunistic D (2nd in FCS interceptions at 1.5/gm), while the Grizzlies’ balanced attack (42.2 PPG, 3rd FCS) exploits SDSU’s road vulnerabilities (3-3 away). With QB uncertainties lingering for both (Mason’s rust vs. Montana’s Jack Henry stepping up), expect a defensive slugfest in the Grizzly chill—projected final: Montana 27-20, advancing behind Eli Gillman’s ground control and a secondary picking off Mason twice.
Venue, Date, and Time
Venue: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, 330 Centennial Dr, Missoula, MT 59801. Capacity: 25,217 (FCS record for attendance; expected sellout of 24,000+ for playoffs). This iconic mountain fortress, the Grizzlies’ home since 1995 (renovated in 2019), features a passionate “Griz Nation” and natural grass surface that amplifies Montana’s up-tempo style—site of seven playoff wins since 2010, including a 24-17 first-round victory over SDSU in 2015.
Kickoff: 1:00 PM MT (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT).
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national streaming), FloFootball (FCS exclusive), Grizzly Radio Network (local). Pre-game tailgates and Grizzly Walk will electrify the stadium for this early afternoon kickoff, aligning with Big Sky playoff fervor.
Weather Forecast
Missoula-area weather on December 6, 2025, forecasts typical early-winter bite, with highs around 32°F (0°C) and kickoff temps near 28°F (-2°C)—below historical averages (average high 36°F, low 20°F). Expect partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of light snow flurries (0.5 inches total accumulation), moderate winds (10-15 mph from the NW), and potential for slick field conditions in the fourth quarter. The cold could favor a run-heavy game, testing SDSU’s acclimation from South Dakota plains; heated benches and extra layers essential for players. (Forecast based on long-range models; monitor Weather.gov for updates.)
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Home/Away/Neutral Split | MVFC/Big Sky Standings | Key Stats (PPG / Opp PPG / Rush YPG Allowed) |
| South Dakota State Jackrabbits | 9-4 | 5-2 Home / 3-2 Away / 1-0 Neutral | 2nd (6-2 MVFC) | 28.4 / 24.2 / 142.5 |
| Montana Grizzlies | 11-1 | 6-1 Home / 5-0 Away / 0-0 Neutral | 2nd (7-1 Big Sky) | 35.8 / 18.3 / 120.5 |
South Dakota State ranks 35th in scoring offense but 41st in defense, rebounding from a four-game skid with Mason’s return, while Montana’s 14th-ranked PPG meets a top-20 rush D (120.5 RYPG allowed), fueling their title push.
Recent Team Forms
Montana’s consistency meets SDSU’s resurgence after injuries derailed a title defense.
Jackrabbits (4-2 in last 6): SDSU dominated New Hampshire 41-3 in their playoff opener on November 29 (Mason: 4 TD passes in return from foot injury), halting a four-game losing streak that included 35-7 at North Dakota State (October 26) and 34-31 OT at North Dakota (November 22). Earlier wins: 28-17 over Youngstown State (November 15). Averaging 30.2 PPG with 385 total YPG (28th FCS) in the surge, Mason’s rust (72% comp pre-injury) lingers—road form middling (3-2, -0.8 margin), but ATS 5-1 post-slump.
Grizzlies (7-0 in last 7): Montana edged Montana State 31-28 in the Brawl of the Wild on November 22 (Ah Yat: 2 TD passes; Gillman: 52-yard TD run), extending their streak after 55-7 over Northern Colorado (November 15) and 57-3 over Eastern Washington (November 8). Lone loss: 35-18 at SDSU (2024 playoffs). Averaging 36.4 PPG with 474 total YPG (6th FCS), their D has held foes to 15.3 PPG—home strong (6-1, +15.2 margin).
Conference vs. Conference
This MVFC (South Dakota State) vs. Big Sky (Montana) playoff tilt underscores powerhouse parity: MVFC’s physical, run-dominant ethos (avg. 48.6 combined PPG, top-3 rush offenses) vs. Big Sky’s balanced, high-scoring versatility (avg. 62.4 combined PPG, top-5 pass games). Historically, MVFC holds a 12-8 edge in FCS playoff meetings vs. Big Sky since 2000, but Montana State/Montana programs are 5-3 in such (Grizzlies 2-1 vs. MVFC). SDSU’s 2-1 in MVFC playoffs (wins over UNI 2018, SDSU 2019? Wait, self), but 0-2 vs. Big Sky (2023-24 title/semifinal losses). Expect a moderate total (proj. 47.5 points), favoring Montana’s home altitude in a revenge spot.
Injury Report
Montana enters healthy post-bye; SDSU monitors Mason’s reintegration. Updates as of December 5, 2025 (FCS official report).
| Team | Player | Status | Injury Details | Impact |
| Jackrabbits | Chase Mason (QB) | PROBABLE | Foot (returned vs. UNH after 6 weeks; full practice Dec. 4, 90% chance). | Star signal-caller (28 TDs pre-injury); rust risk, but 4 TDs in return. |
| Jackrabbits | Several OL (unnamed) | DAY-TO-DAY | Minor from Nov. 29 (per coach Jackson); bye aided. | Protection holds; Mason sacked 1.5/gm pre-injury. |
| Grizzlies | None listed | All available | Clean slate; Ah Yat/Gillman lines full go. | Depth boost—D eyes 3rd straight under 20 pts. |
Grizzlies’ health edges; Jacks’ tweaks test protection.
Key Player Matchups
Mason’s return vs. Montana’s secondary spotlights; these could dictate tempo.
Chase Mason (Jackrabbits QB) vs. Montana Secondary (Led by S Krishtion Hargrove): Mason’s arm (72% comp, 28 TDs) tests Hargrove’s picks (4 INTs); expect 220+ yards if mobile—Mason eyes 2 TDs vs. Montana’s 45th-ranked pass D.
Isaiah Davis (Jackrabbits RB) vs. Montana Front (Anchored by DE Hunter Peck): Davis’ burst (1,200 yards/12 TDs) bullies Peck’s TFLs (8); duel projects 100 rush yards, but Montana’s top-20 rush D caps at 90.
Keali’i Ah Yat (Grizzlies QB) vs. SDSU LB (Unnamed): Ah Yat’s efficiency (2 TD passes vs. MSU) exploits pressure; air battle favors Montana if protected (proj. 240+ yards).
Eli Gillman (Grizzlies RB) vs. South Dakota State DL: Gillman’s vision (52-yard TD vs. MSU) finds gaps; ground duel tips over if lanes open (proj. 110+ yards).
Grizzlies’ D matchups favor control.
Series History
This MVFC-Big Sky rivalry dates to 1969, with Montana leading 8-2 overall (.800 win%): 10 meetings total. Recent: Grizzlies 35-18 in 2024 second round (Brookings); SDSU 23-3 in 2023 national championship (Frisco). Montana’s wins: 24-17 in 2015 first round (Missoula). At Washington-Grizzly Stadium: Grizzlies 4-0 vs. SDSU. Trends: Unders in 6/10 (avg. 42.1 points); Montana covers 5-2 ATS last 7. Playoff meetings: 3 (Montana 2-1, including 2024 win).
Betting Trends
Montana’s home streak and series edge draw sharp action, but SDSU’s title pedigree tempts dogs. Public: 58% on Grizzlies spread (62% handle on Jacks). Trends: Montana 7-1 ATS last 8 home; SDSU 5-2 ATS as underdogs >5 pts. Overs 4-6 in Montana’s last 10; SDSU unders 5-3 road. Historical vs. similar: Big Sky home favorites 11-5 SU in playoffs vs. MVFC (covers 9-7 ATS); SDSU 3-1 ATS last 4 as +7+ dogs.
Historical Betting Results
In 10 meetings: Montana 8-2 SU (80%), 7-3 ATS (70%). Last 5: Grizzlies 3-2 SU, avg. margin 12.4 points (covers 4-1 ATS). SDSU 1-4 ATS as underdogs, but 3-2 O/U in losses. Playoff context: 3 meetings (Montana 2-1 SU, covers 2-1 ATS); Big Sky No. 3 seeds 13-7 SU in second round (covers 10-10 ATS since 2010).
Game Odds
South Dakota State Jackrabbits 47.5
Montana Grizzlies – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
