Marshall, Montana Mix It Up Grizzlies Seek Share Of Record In I-Aa Championship Rematch

Marshall today becomes the first team to play in six NCAA Division I-AA title games. If the Thundering Herd lose to Montana, Marshall would leave a legacy of I-AA championship-game futility.

Marshall, headed for Division I-A next season, first lost in the 1988 title game to Northeast Louisiana, 43-42. The Herd also lost in 1991, 1993 and 1995, and won only once - 31-28 over Youngstown State in 1992. Marshall’s average margin of defeat: 5.8 points.

“We’re only as successful as how many rings we put on my fingers and my fingers are empty,” Marshall senior cornerback Melvin Cunningham said.

Montana has a chance to make I-AA history in a more positive way.

After beating Marshall 22-20 last season, the Grizzlies can become only the third I-AA program to repeat as champion.

Georgia Southern did it twice, in 1985-86 and 1988-89, while Youngstown State won in 1993 and 1994. Only Georgia Southern won in its first two championship-game appearances.

“From winning the national championship last year, I think that gives us an advantage,” Montana All-America receiver Joe Douglass said. “And to go through the playoffs like we have, our confidence level is as high as it’s ever been.”

Montana and Marshall played virtually even during most of last year’s game, and there are many similarities this year:

After 14 games each, the teams finished with the same number of points: 609.

Both are unbeaten.

The coaches, Marshall’s Bob Pruett and Montana’s Mick Dennehy, are in their first seasons.

Montana has won 21 consecutive games over two seasons. Marshall has won 21 of 22 during the same span, with the only loss coming to the Grizzlies.

Marshall beat every opponent by at least two touchdowns; Montana beat all but two opponents by that margin.

Montana has an All-American receiver, Douglass, and an All-American quarterback, Brian Ah Yat; Marshall receiver Randy Moss was also All-American, while Herd quarterback Eric Kresser made second team. Montana had three other players on the first team, while Marshall had one other first-teamer and four more second-teamers.

The defenses have held opponents to about 300 yards and two touchdowns per game.

The offenses have averaged about 500 yards per game.

Marshall’s yardage is split about evenly, 255 yards per game passing and 227 rushing. Montana averages 137 yards rushing and 365 passing.