Cats squeak by New Hampshire on missed point-after kick
By Explorebigsky.com Editorial Staff
Both Montana teams competing in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs received some exciting news after their wins last weekend: their next games will air on ESPN this weekend.
The Grizzlies routed Central Arkansas in Missoula, 41-14, while the Bobcats came from behind late in the game to win on a New Hampshire missed point-after attempt with seconds left in the game. They won 26-25.
The announcement by ESPN to air the games contrasts news before the second round playoff games that they would air only on the Internet site ESPN3. After a backlash that included state politicians and about 90,000 residents on Facebook, ESPN opened a pay-per-view option for fans that wanted to watch the game on TV for $24.95.
The Bobcats are now headed to Huntsville, Texas to play a top-seeded Sam Houston State team, while the No. 4 Grizzlies have a home game against No. 5 Northern Iowa Friday night in Missoula.
If both teams win, they will have a rematch in Missoula on Dec. 16 or 17. The Grizzlies won this year’s Brawl of the Wild 36-10 in Bozeman, while the Bobcats spoiled the Grizzlies’ playoff hopes a year ago by beating UM 21-16.
