What Is 1985 Montana Grizzlies football team

Overview

The 1985 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1985 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by second-year head coach Dave Arnold, the team competed in the Big Sky Conference and achieved a winning record, marking a resurgence in the program's competitiveness.

This season was significant as it marked Montana's return to the NCAA I-AA playoffs for the first time since 1982. The Grizzlies displayed improved offensive performance and defensive resilience, earning respect across the conference and setting the stage for future success in the late 1980s.

• 7–4 record: The Grizzlies finished the season with a 7–4 overall record, their best since 1982, showing clear improvement under Dave Arnold.
• Big Sky Conference: Competing in the Big Sky, Montana posted a 4–3 conference record, placing them in the upper half of the league standings.
• Dornblaser Field: The team played its home games at Dornblaser Field in Missoula, a venue known for its passionate fan support and challenging conditions for visitors.
• Playoff berth: Qualifying for the 1985 NCAA I-AA playoffs was a major achievement, ending a three-year postseason drought for the program.
• Georgia Southern loss: In the first round, Montana fell to Georgia Southern 41–24, a team that would go on to win the national championship that year.

Season Performance

The 1985 campaign featured a balanced mix of offensive firepower and defensive adjustments, allowing Montana to remain competitive throughout the season. Key games against conference rivals highlighted the team's ability to perform under pressure, despite occasional inconsistencies.

• September opener: The Grizzlies began the season with a 28–21 win over Western New Mexico, establishing early momentum with a strong rushing attack.
• Quarterback play: Quarterback Larry Krueger led the offense, throwing for 1,842 yards and 12 touchdowns, anchoring the passing game.
• Rushing strength: Running back Mike Anderson rushed for 987 yards and seven touchdowns, forming the core of Montana’s ground game.
• Defensive improvement: The defense allowed just 20.5 points per game, a notable improvement from the previous season’s 26.8 average.
• Key victory: A 31–24 win over rival Montana State in the Brawl of the Wild was a highlight, securing the team’s postseason eligibility.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1985 Grizzlies to prior seasons reveals significant progress in both win-loss record and playoff qualification.

The table illustrates the upward trajectory of the program under Arnold, with the 1985 season serving as a pivotal year. While subsequent seasons matched the win total, 1985 was unique for its postseason return, marking a turning point in the team’s development.

Why It Matters

The 1985 season was a foundational year for the Montana Grizzlies football program, bridging a gap between mediocrity and renewed competitiveness. Its impact extended beyond the field, boosting morale, recruiting, and fan engagement.

• Program momentum: The playoff appearance re-energized the program, leading to increased recruiting success in the following years.
• Coach Arnold’s legacy: Dave Arnold’s leadership in 1985 solidified his role as a key figure in Montana football history.
• Player development: Several players from the 1985 roster became starters in subsequent seasons, contributing to sustained success.
• Conference reputation: Montana’s performance helped elevate the Big Sky Conference’s national profile during the mid-1980s.
• Historical benchmark: The season is often cited as the beginning of a more competitive era for the Grizzlies in Division I-AA.
• Foundation for future: The experience gained in the 1985 playoffs contributed to Montana’s eventual national championship runs in the 1990s.

Ultimately, the 1985 Montana Grizzlies laid the groundwork for future triumphs, serving as a critical stepping stone in the program’s journey toward national prominence.