Preview: Montana Hosts South Dakota in FCS Quarterfinal MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — A potent offense meets a surging challenger when the fourth-seeded Montana Grizzlies host the South Dakota Coyotes in an FCS quarterfinal playoff game Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Montana (12-1), whose only loss came to rival Montana State on Nov. 22, enters as a heavy favorite. The Grizzlies are averaging 42.2 points per game, powered by quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat. The dual-threat sophomore has accounted for 31 touchdowns this season. In last week’s 50-29 second-round win over South Dakota State, Ah Yat passed for 360 yards and four touchdowns. “He’s the engine for one of the most explosive units in the country,” South Dakota coach Bob Nielson said. “Our defense will have to be disciplined and tackle exceptionally well in space.” The visiting Coyotes (10-4), winners of five straight, are defined by resilience. After a 1-3 start, they have clawed through a difficult schedule, including a 53-51 shootout win at Southern Illinois and a 47-0 road rout of Mercer last Saturday. South Dakota’s resurgence is tied to quarterback Aidan Bouman’s efficiency. Over the last three games, the senior has thrown for 802 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception. In the Mercer victory, he completed 13 of 18 passes for 241 yards and two scores. “He’s playing with great confidence and taking care of the football,” Montana coach Bobby Hauck said. “They have a balanced attack, and we’ll need to pressure him.” The matchup features a stark contrast in postseason experience. Montana is a perennial contender playing in its 13th straight playoff, while South Dakota is in just its third-ever FCS playoff appearance. The hostile environment in Missoula, where Montana has won 15 consecutive games, presents a formidable challenge. “We embrace it,” Bouman said. “This is why you play college football — for opportunities like this in venues like this.” National Statistical’s game simulator projects a Montana victory, 39-28. The winner will face either seed South Dakota State or Villanova in the semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MST Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.