What Is 1979 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1979 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the 1979 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record under head coach Gene Dahlquist.

Key Facts

The team finished the 1979 season with a 6–5 overall record
Gene Dahlquist was the head coach during the 1979 season
Montana competed in the Big Sky Conference, finishing 4–3 in conference play
The Grizzlies played home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula
The 1979 season marked the team's transition toward stronger Division I-AA competitiveness

Overview

The 1979 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1979 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as a member of the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Gene Dahlquist in his second year at the helm. This season was a pivotal point in the program’s development as it worked toward becoming a consistent contender in the lower division of college football.

The Grizzlies played their home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana, a venue that would later become a fortress for the program. While the 1979 season did not end in a playoff appearance, it laid the groundwork for future success in the 1980s and beyond. The team showed improvement over previous years, reflecting progress in recruitment and coaching strategy.

Record: The Grizzlies finished the season with a 6–5 overall record, marking a winning season for the first time in several years.
Conference Play: Montana went 4–3 in Big Sky Conference games, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Gene Dahlquist led the team, bringing a disciplined approach to offense and defense during his tenure.
Home Stadium: Games were played at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, which had a capacity of approximately 25,000 at the time.
Division: The team competed in NCAA Division I-AA, the precursor to today’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Season Performance

The 1979 campaign featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, highlighting both the team’s potential and areas needing improvement. The Grizzlies demonstrated resilience, particularly in conference matchups, where they split games against regional rivals.

Offensive Output: The team averaged 20.3 points per game, relying on a balanced attack between the run and pass.
Defensive Effort: Montana allowed 21.1 points per game, showing a defense that was improving but still vulnerable at times.
Key Win: A 24–17 victory over rival Montana State stood out as the highlight of the season.
Season Opener: The Grizzlies started strong with a 27–14 win over Northern Arizona in September.
Road Challenges: The team struggled away from Missoula, winning only 2 of 5 away games.
Season Finale: Ended with a 21–14 loss to Idaho State, a game that kept them out of postseason contention.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1979 season compared to other years in the program’s history, focusing on key performance metrics.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
1979	6–5	4–3	223	232
1978	4–7	3–4	189	241
1980	7–4	5–2	256	198
1977	3–8	2–5	176	263
1981	5–6	3–4	201	217

The table illustrates a clear upward trend from 1977 to 1980, with the 1979 season serving as a transitional year. While not a dominant force yet, Montana was building momentum under Dahlquist’s leadership. The improvement in scoring and defensive efficiency signaled a program on the rise, even if postseason success remained just out of reach.

Why It Matters

The 1979 season was significant not for championships won, but for the foundation it laid for future success. It represented a turning point in the Grizzlies’ trajectory, setting the stage for deeper playoff runs in later decades.

Program Growth: The 6–5 record indicated progress after years of sub-.500 performances, boosting morale and recruiting.
Coach Development: Gene Dahlquist’s second season showed his ability to implement a cohesive game plan and develop talent.
Rivalry Success: The win over Montana State preserved a key rivalry victory, important for fan engagement and regional pride.
Stadium Atmosphere: Home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium began drawing larger crowds, enhancing team support.
Division Identity: Competing in I-AA helped define Montana’s competitive level and scheduling priorities.
Future Impact: The 1979 season contributed to a culture of improvement that led to national prominence in the 1990s and 2000s.

Though overshadowed by later championship teams, the 1979 Montana Grizzlies were instrumental in building the program’s modern identity. Their modest success reflected the early stages of a long-term vision that would eventually bring multiple FCS titles to Missoula.