What Is 1968 Montana Grizzlies football team

Overview

The 1968 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1968 NCAA College Division football season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by fourth-year head coach Jack Swarthout and played its home games at Dornblaser Field in Missoula.

The Grizzlies finished the season with a balanced 5–5 overall record, marking modest progress in a transitional era for the program. While they did not qualify for the postseason, the season contributed to the foundation of future competitiveness in the conference.

• Season record: The team compiled a 5–5 win-loss record, including a 3–3 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
• Scoring: Montana scored a total of 188 points while surrendering 197, reflecting closely contested matchups throughout the year.
• Head coach: Jack Swarthout was in his fourth season at the helm, continuing to rebuild the program after taking over in 1965.
• Stadium: All home games were held at Dornblaser Field, a modest on-campus venue with limited seating capacity.
• Conference status: The Big Sky Conference, founded in 1963, was still developing its national footprint during this period.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 1968 campaign featured a mix of competitive performances and missed opportunities against both conference and non-conference opponents. The Grizzlies opened the season with a loss but showed resilience in several close games.

• September 21: Montana lost to Whitworth 14–13 in a narrow season-opening defeat at Dornblaser Field.
• October 5: The Grizzlies earned a 21–14 victory over Idaho State, marking a key conference win.
• October 19: A 20–13 loss to rival Montana State in Bozeman intensified the growing rivalry.
• October 26: Montana defeated Weber State 27–14, showcasing improved offensive execution.
• November 9: A 14–7 win over Pacific demonstrated defensive consistency late in the season.
• Final game: The season concluded with a 21–14 loss to Northern Arizona in Flagstaff on November 16.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1968 season compares to adjacent years in terms of performance and context:

The 1968 season served as a stabilizing year between losing records in 1967 and modest improvement in 1969. While not a breakthrough, it demonstrated incremental progress under Swarthout’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 1968 Montana Grizzlies season may not stand out in the record books, but it played a role in the long-term development of the football program. During this era, the university was building a foundation that would eventually lead to national prominence in the FCS.

• Program continuity: Jack Swarthout’s tenure provided stability after a series of short-lived coaching stints in prior years.
• Conference identity: As a Big Sky member since 1963, Montana helped shape the league’s early competitive structure.
• Rivalry growth: Games against Montana State became increasingly intense, laying groundwork for the "Brawl of the Wild. "
• Player development: The 1968 team featured several underclassmen who contributed in later successful seasons.
• Facility limitations: Playing at Dornblaser Field highlighted the need for modernization, later addressed with Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
• Historical context: This season preceded Montana’s rise to FCS dominance in the 1990s and 2000s.

Though overshadowed by more successful campaigns, the 1968 season reflects a period of steady growth for Montana football, setting the stage for future achievements.