TSN's Coulson picks 'Jacks over Griz

Posted on October 26, 2007 by Colin O'Keefe
It could've been all the angry letters sent to The Sports Network's Dave Coulson or it could be that NAU is really that good, but the TSN columnist is picking the Lumberjacks to upset the #3 Grizzlies.
No. 3 Montana (7-0, 4-0) at Northern Arizona (5-3, 4-1)

Another strong team that finds itself on the playoff bubble is Northern Arizona. The Lumberjacks have lost to Arizona and Appalachian State, but an even more damaging defeat was to Big Sky Conference rival Sacramento State. But NAU is 3-0 at home and will provide a strong challenge for Montana. RB Chris Garrison (22 carries, 134 yards) and QB Lance Kriesien (24 carries, 126 yards) both exceeded the century mark in rushing last week in a 29-20 win over Weber State on the road. NAU's defense forced four turnovers last week and has 12 takeaways in the past four games and 22 on the season (fifth in FCS). CB K.J. Gerard is tied for the lead nationally in interceptions with six. Montana finally got its offense untracked in a 52-7 win over Northern Colorado, but keep in mind that the Bears are winless in eight games and rank dead last nationally in defense. RB Lex Hilliard had a promising 112 yards and two TDs rushing and QB Cole Bergquist added 292 yards passing and four TDs. The Grizzlies will need a similar effort against NAU and must also put ball security as a high priority.

Northern Arizona 24, Montana 21
I'm not going to say I agree or disagree. We could very well lose this game. But we could also stymy their offense while continuing the offensive strength we saw against UNC. Either way, I'm looking forward to another exciting Saturday like the one we saw three weeks ago. I don't want this to come down to a leaping grab on 4th and 10 though.
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Matt - October 26, 2007 6:10 PM

Northern Arizona's 4-1 conference record is second best to Montana's 4-0 in the Big Sky, and a Grizzly victory over the Lumberjacks would be substantial for their cause. However, an upset would confirm the suspicions of many that Montana is overrated.

Check out my post on the subject on the McSports Report at http://mcsportsreport.blogspot.com/2007/10/movin-on-up

- October 26, 2007 6:14 PM

Correction, here's the address for the "Movin' On Up" post:
http://mcsportsreport.blogspot.com/2007/10/movin-on-up.html

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