Game Preview: Western Carolina Catamounts at Montana Grizzlies

                 

                     

Date: Sept. 18, 2024

Location: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT
Kickoff: 3 pm (EST)

As the college football season heats up, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup as the Western Carolina Catamounts travel to Missoula to take on the Montana Grizzlies. Both teams are looking to make a statement early in the season, making this game a must-watch.

Western Carolina Catamounts

The Catamounts are coming off a strong start, showcasing a dynamic offense that has impressed fans and analysts alike. With a potent passing game led by their quarterback, they’ve shown the ability to stretch the field and exploit defensive weaknesses. The running game is also a key component, featuring a talented backfield that can grind out yards and control the clock.

Defensively, Western Carolina will need to tighten up, especially against a formidable opponent like Montana. They’ve had some ups and downs on that side of the ball, but their ability to create turnovers will be crucial in this matchup.

Montana Grizzlies

The Grizzlies, known for their rich football tradition, are always a tough opponent at home. With a passionate fan base behind them, Washington-Grizzly Stadium will be electric. Montana's offense has a balanced attack, combining a solid passing game with a bruising running style. Their quarterback has been effective in both decision-making and execution, making them a versatile threat.

Defensively, Montana prides itself on being physical and aggressive. They’ll look to apply pressure on the Catamounts’ quarterback and force mistakes, which could swing momentum in their favor.

Key Matchups

• Quarterbacks: The battle between the quarterbacks will be pivotal. The ability of each signal-caller to read defenses and make quick decisions could determine the outcome.

• Defensive Lines: Whichever team can establish dominance in the trenches will likely gain the upper hand. Both defenses will be looking to disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm.

• Special Teams: Special teams play can often be the deciding factor in close games. Look for big returns or key field goals to play a role in this matchup.

Prediction

With home-field advantage and a strong tradition of success, Montana enters this game as the favorite. However, Western Carolina’s explosive offense could make this a high-scoring affair. Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams vie for a crucial victory early in the season.

Don’t miss this clash of styles and talent as the Catamounts take on the Grizzlies in what promises to be an electrifying game!

WCU 2-Deep vs. Montana

Game #4 - at #9 Montana Griz

For the season's fourth game, the Catamounts travel to Missoula, Montana to face the 2023 Big Sky champions, the Montana Grizzlies. The Griz bring a 2-1 (2024) record into the game, after beating Morehead State 59-2 on Saturday.  Montana is ridding a streak of 15-straight wins at Washington-Grizzly Stadium as the Catamounts take the field on Saturday. 

Game #4  - Montana Griz

The Griz completed the 2023 season with a 13-2 overall record and a Big Sky Championship, with a 9-0 record in the Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Montana is currently ranked #9 by STATS and #10 in the coaches poll.  

  

When: Saturday, September 21, 2023

Time: 3:00 pm (ET) - 1 pm (MT)
Where: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula Montana
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

Conference: Big Sky

Students:  10,962

Colors:  Maroon and Silver

Nickname:  Grizzlies

Fan Message Board: eGriz.com

The Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams on the football field.

Head Coach: Bobby Hauck became the 37th head football coach at the University of Montana on Nov. 30, 2017. He began his second tenure as the Grizzlies' head coach a day later on December 1, 2017. 2024 will be his 18th year as a college football head coach, his 13th overall year at Montana, and the sixth year of his second stint as Montana's head coach. In 2018 Hauck became the winningest coach in Montana history, surpassing the great Don Read with 86 wins in eight seasons..

Last Season's Record - (Montana 2023): 13-2 overall, 9-0 home, 4-1 away, 0-1 neutral,  7-1 Big Sky

Coming into the 2024 season, Montana ranks No. 3 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25. The Grizzlies finished 13-2 last year, reaching the FCS national championship game before losing 23-3 against South Dakota State. The Griz returned  16 starters (11 offense, 5 defense) from last season’s team, with the offensive line alone returning 71 combined starts and the defense combining for 53 total starts.

For the fourth consecutive year, Montana saw a change at the helm of the offense, with quarterbacks Cam Humphrey (2021), Lucas Johnson (2022), and Clifton McDowell (2023) taking turns in the role.

The Grizzlies are set to field a formidable trio at the running back position. Eli Gillman, who won the Jerry Rice Award last year for his 968 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, is returning. Alongside him, veteran Nick Ostmo, who accumulated 1,398 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years, is also on the roster.  Against Morehead State, the Griz ran for 410 yards on the ground and totaled 576 yards of offense behind the rushing attack, going 5-for-12 on third down while picking up four conversions on fourth down. They averaged 6.9 yards per play while holding the Eagles to just 1.0 yards per play. It's the most total yards since going for 695 in the win over Cal Poly two years ago.

Keali'I Ah Yat started the game at quarterback and went 9-for-11 for 79 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He found Keelan White, who had five catches for 40 yards, for the only score through the air on the day. Logan Fife also saw time, going 9-for-16 for 87 yards.

2024 Montana Statistics (3 games)

Rushing Offense: 840 yards
Yards per game: 245
Yards per rush: 6.2 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 44
TDs rushing: 11
Passing Offense: 560 yards or 169 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 24
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 85-53-1
TDs Passing: 3
Total Offense: 1243 yards or 414 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 3-1
3d Down Conversions: 11 of 34 (32%)
4th Down Conversions: 6 of 8 (75%)
Field goal-attempts:  5 of 7
PAT-Attempts: 11 of 13
Red Zone Scores: 12 of 15
Red Zone Touchdowns: 8 of 15
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 0
Punts-Yards: 10 - 437 - Avg. per gm 41

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #3)

September 16, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #3   Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (2)  Mercer (3-0, 1-0 SoCon)

Next:  The Citadel (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

2. (1)  Wofford  (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bye Week  

3. (3)  Chattanooga  (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)

Next:  Bye Week

4. (4)  Western Carolina  (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Montana (2-1)

5. (6)  ETSU  (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Elon (1-2)

6. (5)  Furman (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at William & Mary (2-1)

7. (7)  Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Bye Week

8. (8)  The Citadel  (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Mercer (3-0, SoCon 1-0)

9. (9)  VMI (0-3, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Norfolk State (0-3)

1.                        

Highlights: Western Carolina vs Elon

 

Cats win, 24-17 over #22 Elon

 

Cole Gonzales scored a crucial 6-yard touchdown run, putting Western Carolina in the lead with less than four minutes remaining. Ken Moore Jr. then made a game-changing play by blocking a field-goal attempt, which Jordy Lowry returned for a touchdown, securing a 24-17 victory over Elon on Saturday.

Early in the second half, TJ Thomas sprinted 60 yards untouched around the right end, giving the 22nd
ranked Phoenix a 14-3 advantage. However, Western Carolina mounted an impressive comeback, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to take a 10-point lead with just over a minute left.

Branson Adams initiated the comeback with a powerful 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Catamounts finally took the lead when Gonzales completed a nine-play, 54-yard drive with a spectacular leap over Elon defenders, putting them ahead 17-14 with 3:48 remaining. Elon attempted a 44-yard field goal to tie the game, but Moore's block led to Lowry's touchdown, extending Western Carolina's lead to 24-14. Elon managed to kick a 33-yard field goal with 14 seconds left, setting the final score.

Gonzales showcased his skills by completing 23 of 36 passes for 254 yards, leading Western Carolina to their first win of the season. Adams contributed with 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, while Calvin Jones caught six passes for 98 yards.

On the other side, Matthew Downing went 19-of-30 for 285 yards and a touchdown, with one interception, leading Elon's offense. Thomas also had a strong performance, rushing for 101 yards on 14 carries.

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Elon

 Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

 

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #2)

September 9, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #2   Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (5)  Wofford  (2-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: William & Mary (1-1)

2. (2)  Mercer (2-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Chattanooga (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

3. (3)  Chattanooga  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Mercer  (2-0, 0-0 SoCon)

4. (1)  Western Carolina  (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Elon (1-1)

5. (4)  Furman (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Stetson (2-0)

6. (6)  ETSU  (1-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: ND State (1-1)

7. (7)  Samford (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Alabama State (1-1)

8. (8)  The Citadel  (1-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  North Greenville (0-1)

9. (9)  VMI (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Georgia Tech (2-1)

1.                        

Game #3 - Elon

In Western's third game of the 2024 season, the Catamounts travel to Elon, NC to face the #22 Elon Phoenix. 

Western plays Elon for the 45th time overall, the two teams last played in Cullowhee in 2013.  Elon finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 overall record, and is 1-1 in 2024 with a loss to Duke and a win over NC Central.  

Game #3 -  Elon Phoenix

When: Saturday, September 14

Time:   6 pm
Where: Rhodes Stadium, Elon, NC

Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV / video: FloFootball 

Conference:  Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) 
Nickname: Phoenix
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Enrollment:  7,117
Message Board:  ElonFans

The Series: In only the 45th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 18-24-2 record overall against the former Southern Conference foe.  Western is 6-15-1 against the Phoenix in games played in Elon. 

Last Game vs. Elon (Oct. 26, 2013) - WCU halted a seven-game slide against Elon; it was the Catamounts' first win over the Phoenix since 2005 ... WCU improves to 3-3 against Elon in games played in Cullowhee. Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir won his first game against a NCAA Division I opponent, while also earning his first victory against a Southern Conference opponent;

Head Coach:  Tony Trisciani - Named the 23rd head football coach at Elon University on Dec. 17, 2018, Tony Trisciani will begin his sixth season at the helm of the program in the fall of 2024. Widely familiar with the CAA Football landscape, the 2023 season marked Trisciani's 28th year as a football coach and his 18th year coaching at a CAA Football institution. Known for developing champions, Trisciani's career has featured multiple conference championships on the field while guiding his defensive units to national leaders in multiple categories and coaching numerous all-conference and All-American student-athletes. 

Last Season's Record  (2023): 6-5 overall, 4-2 home, 2-4 away, 6-2 CAA

The Phoenix are picked to finish sixth in the 16 team CAA football poll for 2024, and had two first team All-conference players, Chandler Brayboy a senior wide receiver and Caleb Curtain a junior safety.  Elon All-America safety Caleb Curtain was selected as the preseason Defensive Player of the Year after recording 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a league-high four interceptions in 2023.  Brayboy also received honors on Special Teams as kickoff return. 

Against NC Central, Elon scored on its first drive of the game and never trailed, defeating North Carolina Central 41-19 on the road. Elon had three interceptions from three different players – Brandon Tyson, Jonathan Robinson and Jesse Powell II each had an interception with Powell returning his 40 yards for a touchdown. 

2023 Elon Statistics  (11 games):
Rushing Offense: 1418 yards
Yards per game: 129
Yards per rush: 3.6 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 82
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 2248 yards or 204.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.9 yards
Passing 1st downs: 86
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 283-159-6

TDs Passing: 21
Total Offense: 3666 yards or 333.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13-5
3d Down Conversions: 45 of 151 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 14 of 26 (54%)
Field goal attempts: 12 - 15
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 23 of 28
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 28 

PAT-attempts: 32 of 34

Interview Cole Gonzales

 

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Campbell

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #1)

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #1 

1.  Western Carolina  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Campbell

2.  Mercer (1-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bethune-Cookman

3.  Chattanooga  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Georgia State

4.  Furman (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Charleston Southern

5.  Wofford  (1-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Richmond

6.  ETSU  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: UVA-Wise

7.  Samford (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Florida

8.  The Citadel  (1-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  SC State

9.  VMI (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bucknell

1.                        

Game #2 - Campbell Camels

In Western Carolina's second game of the 2024 season, and their home opener, the Cats host the  Campbell Camels, in a White Out Whitmire game that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the E.L. Whitmire Stadium.  The 2024 WCU Freshmen Run will take place just prior to the kickoff. 

The weekend also offers the third-annual High School Band Day. The game is the "Ingles Southern Conference Game of the Week" and will be shown on the Nexstar Media Group stations in the SoCon area. 

The Camels finished the 2023 season with a 5-6 overall record and a 4-4 CAA record. 

Game #2 - Campbell Camels

When: Saturday, September 7, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm (ET)  (updated time)
Where: Bob Water Field, Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV / video:  ESPN+ /  Nexstar affiliate WYCW (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville)
  -Play-by-Play: Pete Yanity; Jared Singleton - analyst

Live Stats: WCU Live Stats

Colors:  Orange and Black

Conference: Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)

Enrollment: undergrad - 3,000

Mascot: Gaylord the Camel

Nickname:  Fighting Camels

Location: Buies Creek, NC (population- 3,253 at the 2020 census)  

Game Notes:    Western   -    Campbell    -     SoCon

The Series: Campbell actually hold a 2-0 record over the Cats from games played in 1935 & 1937 in Cullowhee, prior Campbell dropping football in 1950. The Camels returned to the gridiron in 2008.  

Head Coach: Braxton Harris. Campbell director of athletics Hannah Bazemore announced Braxton Harris as the Fighting Camels’ head football coach on January 2, 2024. Harris, who previously spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons on staff at Campbell, returns to Buies Creek after spending 2023 as head coach at FCS Southland Conference member Houston Christian. Harris becomes the third head coach in Campbell’s modern football history (since 2008). . 

Harris's record vs. Western Carolina: 0-0

Kerwin Bell's record vs. Campbell: 0-0

Last Season's Record - 2023 (Campbell): 5-6 overall, 1-3 home, 4-3 away, 4-4 CAA

Campbell was picked to finish 11th in the 16 team CAA football conference in preseason voting for 2024. The Camels have one player picked for preseason honors, CJ Tillman a senior linebacker. 

First year head coach Braxton Harris enters the season without four-year quarterback starter Hajj-Malik Williams, who transfered to UNLV. Expected starting QB (redshirt sophomore) Chad Mascoe Jr. was held out of the spring game as a precaution, however CU’s orange squad found success multiple times, both through the air and ground.  Redshirt senior wideout Sincere Brown did most of the heavy lifting in the passing game. Brown, who sat out last season, hauled in a host of receptions, including two touchdowns. The Camel's two top returning rushers, Lamagea McDowell and NaQuari Rogers both churned their way through the defense for scores on the ground.  

Linebacker C.J. Tillman, a former Phil Steele Freshman All-American made his presence known throughout the practice game, wrecking plays in the backfield and flying to the ball like he’s done the past three years. Tillman’s led the team in tackles for two straight seasons and was just shy of 100 wrapups in 2023. Tilman joined fellow returners like Idris Williams in implementing the changes made by new defensive coordinator Eric Daniels. Williams had his hands in a few plays, none more impressive than the pick-6 that sent those wearing black into a frenzy.  

The Camels dropped their 2024 opener on Saturday by a final score of 41-24 to the Liberty Flames of the CUSA Conference in Lynchburg, VA. The Camels picked up 116 years on the ground, and 194 in the air for 310 total yards against the Flames.  Campbell had 6 punts that averaged 45 ypp, and had 9 penalities for a total of 86 yards.  

2023 Campbell Statistics (11 games)

Rushing Offense: 1644 yards
Yards per game: 149.5
Yards per rush: 4.1 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 101
TDs rushing: 22
Passing Offense: 2646 yards or 240.6 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 127
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 337-235-8

TDs Passing: 20
Total Offense: 4290 yards or 390 yards per game
Fumbles - Lost:16 - 9
3d Down Conversions:  59-129 (46%)

4th Down Conversions: 10 of 19 (53%)
Field goal attempts: 5 - 11
PAT-Attempts: 39 of 42
Red Zone Scores:  39 of 46 
Red Zone Touchdowns: 36 of 46 
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 1
Penalties-Yards: 75 - 626