What Is 2006 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 9–5 record and advancing to the national championship game, where they lost to Appalachian State. Head coach Bobby Hauck led the team to the Big Sky Conference title with a 7–1 conference record.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 9–5 overall record
Lost in the 2006 FCS National Championship to Appalachian State, 28–17
Won the Big Sky Conference with a 7–1 conference record
Head coach Bobby Hauck in his fifth season
Advanced to the national title game for the second consecutive year

Overview

The 2006 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), marking one of the most successful seasons in program history. Under head coach Bobby Hauck, the Grizzlies posted a 9–5 overall record and captured the Big Sky Conference title with a dominant 7–1 conference performance.

The team advanced to the FCS National Championship game for the second consecutive year, ultimately falling to Appalachian State 28–17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Despite the loss, the season solidified Montana as a national FCS powerhouse and showcased the program’s consistency at the highest level of college football below the FBS.

Record: The Grizzlies finished the season with a 9–5 overall record, including a strong 7–1 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
Postseason: Montana advanced to the FCS National Championship game on December 16, 2006, their second consecutive appearance.
Head coach:Bobby Hauck, in his fifth season, led the team with an emphasis on defense and disciplined play.
Championship opponent: The Grizzlies lost to Appalachian State, who won their first national title with a 28–17 victory.
Home stadium: The team played home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana, known for its loud and passionate fan base.

How It Works

The 2006 Montana Grizzlies football season operated within the structure of NCAA Division I FCS rules, including an 11-game regular season and a playoff format culminating in a national championship. The team’s success was built on a balanced offense and a top-ranked defense, both of which were key to their deep postseason run.

Regular Season: The Grizzlies played an 11-game regular season, finishing 9–2 and securing the Big Sky Conference title with a 7–1 record.
Playoff Qualification: As Big Sky champions, Montana earned an automatic bid to the 16-team FCS playoffs.
Quarterfinals: Montana defeated Georgia Southern 28–17 in the quarterfinals on December 9, 2006.
Semifinals: The Grizzlies beat New Hampshire 28–17 in the semifinals to advance to the national title game.
Championship Game: On December 16, 2006, Montana faced Appalachian State in Chattanooga, losing 28–17 in the final.
Defensive Strength: The 2006 defense ranked among the FCS leaders, allowing just 15.2 points per game during the regular season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2006 Montana Grizzlies compared closely with other top FCS teams in performance, playoff results, and season trajectory. The table below highlights key metrics against major competitors.

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Points Per Game
Mt. Grizzlies (2006)	9–5	7–1	Runner-up	27.1
Appalachian State	13–2	8–0	Champions	34.6
New Hampshire	11–3	6–1	Semifinals	29.8
Georgia Southern	10–4	6–2	Quarterfinals	26.5
Richmond	10–4	6–2	Quarterfinals	24.9

The data shows Montana’s strong conference performance and efficient scoring, though they were outmatched in the final by a more explosive Appalachian State offense. Their defense remained elite, but offensive inconsistency in key moments limited their title chances.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was a pivotal chapter in Montana football history, reinforcing the program’s national reputation and laying groundwork for future success. It also highlighted the competitive balance in FCS football, where small programs could challenge traditional powers.

Program Legacy: The back-to-back title game appearances in 2005 and 2006 elevated Montana’s status in FCS football.
Recruiting Impact: Success on the field boosted recruiting, attracting more high-caliber athletes to Missoula.
Coach Hauck’s Reputation: Bobby Hauck became one of the most respected FCS coaches, later pursued by FBS programs.
Appalachian State Rivalry: The loss began a notable rivalry, especially after App State’s 2007 FBS upset of Michigan.
Defensive Identity: The 2006 defense set a standard for future Grizzlies teams, emphasizing toughness and discipline.
Community Pride: The season energized fans in Missoula, with Washington-Grizzly Stadium averaging over 23,000 per game.

The 2006 Montana Grizzlies may not have won the championship, but their season remains a benchmark for excellence in FCS football and a source of enduring pride for the university and its supporters.