Get ready for a thrilling football showdown! Montana's dominant 52-22 victory over South Dakota on December 13, 2025, wasn't just a win—it was a statement. Led by the dynamic duo of Michael Wortham and Keali’i Ah Yat, the Grizzlies punched their ticket to the FCS semifinals, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against Montana State. But here's where it gets controversial: Can Montana avenge their earlier loss to the Bobcats, or will history repeat itself? Let’s dive into the action.
In a game that showcased Montana’s offensive firepower, Wortham stole the show with 244 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns, while Ah Yat delivered a masterclass in quarterbacking with 305 passing yards and three scores. And this is the part most people miss: Wortham’s performance wasn’t just impressive—it broke the Montana record for all-purpose yards in a single season. With 201 receiving yards on 11 catches and 43 rushing yards on three carries, he solidified his place in the program’s history books.
The Grizzlies (13-1) wasted no time asserting dominance, marching 75 yards on their opening drive. Ah Yat’s 1-yard touchdown pass to Drew Deck gave them an early lead, and his 53-yard strike to Wortham extended it to 24-0 in the second quarter. South Dakota (10-5) responded with L.J. Phillips Jr.’s 23-yard touchdown run, but the Coyotes were playing catch-up from the start.
The third quarter belonged to Montana, with Deck’s jaw-dropping 93-yard punt return touchdown—an FCS playoff record—putting the game out of reach. Ah Yat and Wortham connected again on a 51-yard score, making it 38-7. Bold prediction: This connection could be the key to Montana’s semifinal success.
South Dakota didn’t go down without a fight. Aidan Bouman’s 69-yard touchdown pass to Jack Martens and 20-yard strike to Tysen Boze narrowed the gap to 38-22. But Montana’s response was nothing short of brilliant. An 82-yard drive, capped by a trick play where Wortham caught a slant and threw a backward pass to Eli Gillman for a 20-yard gain, set up Wortham’s 11-yard touchdown run. Hashim Jones added a 20-yard score in the final minute to seal the deal.
Bouman finished with 231 passing yards, and Martens had 93 receiving yards for the Coyotes, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Grizzlies’ momentum. Now, all eyes are on the rematch with Montana State, who secured the second seed after beating Montana 31-28 in November. Will the Grizzlies flip the script, or will the Bobcats reign supreme again? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
