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College Playoff Saturday in Montana

In case you didn’t know it, the hallowed and beloved Griz are hosting the Wofford Terriers today in the first round of the I-AA FCS playoffs. Kickoff is 12:05 MST.

The Griz have been somewhat of an enigma this year. They’ve always managed to eke out the win, sometimes against teams that shouldn’t even have been in the game, but they do find a way to win, and that’s what counts.

The Terriers, by all counts, have a potent running game with 12 or 13 guys who can carry the ball, but very little passing game to speak of. When they do pass, they end up with big gains. They’ve shown their mettle by beating defending champ Appalachian State. This is only their second trip to the playoffs, though, and they are looking to unseat the Griz in the hostile confines of Washington-Grizzly Stadium. (This pic is my desktop at work, for whatever that’s worth.)

I can’t not be a “homer,” so I am picking the Griz to win, but not by much: 34-27.

Also on the agenda today (and closer to home - my home, anyway), the Fighting Saints of Carroll College are at home against the Mustangs of Morningside College. Winning four consecutive national titles in NAIA, (2002-2005), Carroll is a perennial powerhouse.

This game shapes up to be a defensive battle, and the weather here in Helena is going to be on the cool side (high of 33), so it won’t likely be a high-scoring affair.

Again, I have to be a “homer,” so I’m going with the Saints, 14-6.

It’s a good day for football in Montana!