Preview: South Dakota State at Montana MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — A potential playoff-deciding clash is set for Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, as the second-ranked Montana Grizzlies host the seventh-ranked South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Montana (11-1), whose lone loss came in a 31-28 thriller to rival Montana State on Nov. 22, looks to solidify its case for a top postseason seed. South Dakota State (9-4), riding a two-game win streak, aims to bolster its playoff resume with a statement road victory against a premier opponent. The game features two of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks. South Dakota State’s Chase Mason is coming off a near-perfect performance in a 41-3 rout of New Hampshire, completing 16 of 20 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. For Montana, dual-threat quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat has been instrumental in the Grizzlies’ success. In his last three games, Ah Yat has accounted for nine total touchdowns, including a 186-yard passing, 7-yard rushing and two-touchdown effort in the close loss to Montana State. The Grizzlies’ high-powered offense, which hung 63 points on Portland State two weeks ago, will face a Jackrabbits defense tested by a tough Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule. South Dakota State’s offense, which also features running back Julius Loughridge, must solve a Montana defense that has held five opponents under 21 points this season. The venue adds another layer to the matchup. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is a famed fortress for Montana, where the Grizzlies are 7-0 this season and have won 19 of their last 20 games. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be a nail-biter, with a predicted final score of South Dakota State 34, Montana 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MST. The game will have significant implications for the Football Championship Subdivision playoff bracket, with both teams jockeying for position and a potential first-round bye.