Montana uses huge second half to dominate Lions

MISSOULA, Mont. — If you watched the first half of North Alabama verse Montana, you'd think it was a game of two very evenly matched teams.

If you watched the second half, you probably think these two teams didn't belong on the same field together.

North Alabama lead 17-16 at the half.

Montana won 61-17. That's 45 unanswered points in the second half.

It started with the defense for Montana. In the second half, they forced three turnovers, and allowed just 11 yards in the fourth quarter. then the offense turned those into points. Marcus Knight scored three touchdowns on the night, two coming in the third quarter.

And if the offense and defense couldn't have gotten it done, the special teams unit came to play as well. Not only did they convert a fake punt in the first half that lead to a field goal, Jerry Louie McGee had an outstanding night returning punts, racking up 150 yards in returns on five attempts, including a 75 yard return for a touchdown.

By early in the 4th quarter, Montana's backups had entered the lineup, and that still didn't slow them down. Cam Humphrey connected with Nick Ostmo for a score, and Drew Turner rushed in the Grizzlies last touchdown with under a minute left to play.

Montana needed a second half like that to build momentum heading into next week, where they'll travel to Oregon to face the Ducks in Autzen stadium.