What Is 2008 Montana Grizzlies football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with an 11–3 record and advancing to the national championship game, where they lost to Appalachian State 32–34.

Key Facts

Finished the season with an 11–3 overall record and a 7–1 conference record in the Big Sky Conference
Coached by Bobby Hauck, who led the team to six consecutive Big Sky titles from 2003–2008
Reached the NCAA Division I FCS Championship game on December 19, 2008, in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Lost the national title game 34–32 to Appalachian State, who scored the winning touchdown with 12 seconds remaining
Became the first team in FCS history to score 500+ points in three consecutive seasons (2006–2008)

Overview

The 2008 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the Grizzlies were led by head coach Bobby Hauck and played their home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana. The team was a powerhouse in FCS football, consistently ranked among the national leaders in attendance and on-field performance.

Montana finished the regular season with a 9–2 record, securing a share of the Big Sky Conference title and earning an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs. The Grizzlies advanced through the postseason bracket, ultimately reaching the national championship game for the third time in six years, showcasing their sustained excellence at the FCS level.

Season Record: The team finished with an 11–3 overall record and a 7–1 mark in Big Sky Conference play, tying for first place in the league standings.
Head Coach: Bobby Hauck, in his seventh season, led Montana to six consecutive Big Sky titles from 2003 to 2008, setting a conference record.
Stadium: Washington-Grizzly Stadium hosted all home games, averaging over 25,000 fans per game, one of the highest FCS attendance figures in the nation.
Offensive Output: The Grizzlies scored 520 points during the season, averaging 37.1 points per game, continuing their streak of high-powered offensive performance.
Championship Appearance: Montana reached the FCS National Championship on December 19, 2008, losing 34–32 to Appalachian State in a dramatic final in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

How It Works

The 2008 season exemplified the structure and competitiveness of NCAA Division I FCS football, where teams compete in a playoff format to determine a national champion. Unlike the FBS, the FCS uses a 20-team tournament to crown its winner, with seeding based on conference performance and national rankings.

Playoff Qualification:Montana earned an at-large bid to the 20-team FCS playoffs after finishing second in the Big Sky and being ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Quarterfinals:The Grizzlies defeated Southern Illinois 35–27 on December 6, 2008, advancing to the semifinals with a balanced offensive attack.
Semifinals:Montana beat New Hampshire 24–17 on December 13 in Missoula, becoming the first FCS team to host three consecutive semifinal games.
Championship Game:Played on December 19, 2008, the final took place at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a neutral site for the title game.
Final Score:Appalachian State won 34–32 after scoring a touchdown with 12 seconds remaining, marking the Mountaineers’ third straight national title.
Individual Performers:Quarterback Brian Young threw for 1,934 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running back Curtis Rush added 1,057 rushing yards.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2008 Montana Grizzlies are often compared to other top FCS teams of the late 2000s, particularly their championship rivals and previous Montana squads. The table below highlights key performance metrics.

Team	Overall Record	Points Scored	Playoff Result	Head Coach
Montana (2008)	11–3	520	Runner-up	Bobby Hauck
Appalachian State (2008)	13–3	481	Champion	Jerry Moore
Montana (2007)	11–3	512	Quarterfinals	Bobby Hauck
North Dakota State (2011)	11–3	441	Champion	Craig Bohl
Eastern Washington (2010)	13–2	500	Quarterfinals	Beau Baldwin

This comparison shows that the 2008 Grizzlies were among the most consistent and high-scoring teams of their era. Their 520 points ranked second in the FCS that season, and their playoff run was only halted by a last-minute touchdown in the final. The team’s performance underscored Montana’s dominance in the Big Sky and its national relevance in FCS football.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season remains a significant chapter in Montana football history, representing both the peak of a dominant era and a heartbreaking near-miss at a national title. The team’s success helped solidify the Grizzlies as a model FCS program, influencing recruiting, fan engagement, and conference competitiveness.

Legacy of Excellence:The 2008 team was part of a six-year run (2003–2008) in which Montana won or shared five Big Sky titles under Bobby Hauck.
Attendance Records:Washington-Grizzly Stadium averaged 25,348 fans per game in 2008, leading all FCS programs in attendance.
National Recognition:Montana was ranked No. 2 in the final FCS poll, behind only champion Appalachian State, highlighting their elite status.
Player Development:Several players from the 2008 roster went on to play professionally or earn All-American honors in subsequent seasons.
Program Impact:The close loss in the title game fueled motivation, leading to continued success in the early 2010s despite Hauck’s departure in 2009.
Historical Benchmark:The 2008 season remains a reference point for Montana fans and analysts when measuring future team performance and championship aspirations.

In summary, the 2008 Montana Grizzlies exemplified sustained FCS excellence, combining strong leadership, passionate fan support, and high-level play. Though they fell just short of a national title, their season remains a defining moment in the program’s legacy.