What Is 2000 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 9–3 record and advancing to the semifinals of the I-AA playoffs before losing to Georgia Southern. Head coach Joe Glenn led the team, which played its home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. The Grizzlies won the Big Sky Conference title that season.

Key Facts

The 2000 Montana Grizzlies finished the season with a 9–3 overall record
They won the Big Sky Conference championship with a 7–1 conference record
Head coach Joe Glenn led the team to the I-AA semifinals
The Grizzlies lost 35–28 to Georgia Southern in the semifinals on December 16, 2000
Montana played home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula

Overview

The 2000 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team achieved a 9–3 overall record and captured the conference title with a 7–1 league mark.

Under the leadership of head coach Joe Glenn, the Grizzlies advanced deep into the postseason, reaching the semifinals of the I-AA playoffs. Their season ended with a narrow 35–28 loss to Georgia Southern on December 16, 2000, in a hard-fought contest.

Record and Ranking: The team finished with a 9–3 overall record and a 7–1 conference record, securing first place in the Big Sky.
Head Coach:Joe Glenn, in his third season, guided the Grizzlies to the semifinals and earned Big Sky Coach of the Year honors.
Home Stadium: The Grizzlies played their home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, which had a capacity of approximately 25,000.
Playoff Run: Montana defeated Western Illinois and Furman in the playoffs before falling to Georgia Southern in the semifinals on December 16, 2000.
Key Player: Quarterback John Edwards led the offense, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns during the season.

Season Performance

The 2000 campaign showcased Montana's balanced attack and resilient defense, both of which contributed to their conference title and playoff success. The team opened the season with a strong 5–0 start, building momentum heading into conference play.

Offensive Output: The Grizzlies averaged 31.2 points per game, ranking among the top offenses in Division I-AA.
Defensive Strength: Montana allowed only 19.8 points per game, showcasing a disciplined and aggressive defensive unit.
Key Victory: A 31–28 win over rival Montana State in early November solidified their conference dominance.
Playoff Win: In the quarterfinals, Montana defeated Furman 35–20, advancing to face Georgia Southern.
Final Ranking: The team finished the season ranked No. 3 in the final Sports Network poll.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2000 Montana Grizzlies compared to other top I-AA teams that season:

Team	Overall Record	Conference	Playoff Result	Final Ranking
Montana Grizzlies	9–3	Big Sky (7–1)	Semifinals	No. 3
Georgia Southern	11–3	Southern (7–1)	Champions	No. 1
Furman	11–2	SoCon (7–1)	Quarterfinals	No. 4
Western Illinois	10–3	Gateway (7–1)	Second Round	No. 6
Richmond	10–3	Atlantic 10 (7–1)	Quarterfinals	No. 5

The table illustrates that while Montana had a strong season, Georgia Southern ultimately proved superior in the semifinals. All five teams posted impressive conference records, but Montana's early playoff exit prevented a national title run. The Grizzlies remained one of the most consistent programs in I-AA football during this era.

Why It Matters

The 2000 season was a pivotal chapter in Montana football history, reinforcing the program's national reputation and setting the stage for future success. It highlighted the team's ability to compete at the highest level of I-AA football.

Program Legacy: The season strengthened Montana’s reputation as a powerhouse in Division I-AA, leading to a national title the following year.
Recruiting Boost: Deep playoff runs helped attract top-tier talent to Missoula in subsequent recruiting classes.
Stadium Growth: Success on the field contributed to expansion of Washington-Grizzly Stadium in the early 2000s.
Coach Development: Joe Glenn’s success elevated his profile, eventually leading to a head coaching job at Wyoming.
Rivalry Intensity: The win over Montana State intensified the Brawl of the Wild rivalry, one of the fiercest in FCS football.
National Exposure: Playoff games broadcast on ESPN increased national visibility for the university and athletic program.

Ultimately, the 2000 Montana Grizzlies laid the foundation for sustained excellence, culminating in a national championship in 2001. Their season remains a benchmark for FCS-level competitiveness and team resilience.