What Is 2010 Montana Grizzlies football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 9–5 record and losing in the FCS semifinals to Eastern Washington. Head coach Robb Akey led the team, which won the Big Sky Conference title with a 7–1 league record.

Key Facts

The 2010 Montana Grizzlies finished the season with a 9–5 overall record
They won the Big Sky Conference with a 7–1 conference record
Head coach Robb Akey was in his fourth season leading the team
The Grizzlies advanced to the FCS semifinals before losing to Eastern Washington 24–20
Quarterback Chris Johnson threw for 2,244 yards and 17 touchdowns during the season

Overview

The 2010 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Robb Akey in his fourth year at the helm, aiming to reclaim national prominence after a semifinal appearance in 2009.

Finishing with a 9–5 overall record and a 7–1 mark in conference play, the Grizzlies secured the Big Sky title and earned a playoff berth. Their season culminated in a hard-fought semifinal loss to Eastern Washington, ending their championship hopes.

Record: The team finished with a 9–5 overall record, including a dominant 7–1 performance in Big Sky Conference games, securing the league title.
Playoff Run: Montana advanced to the FCS semifinals, defeating South Dakota State and Northern Iowa before falling 24–20 to Eastern Washington.
Head Coach: Robb Akey led the team in his fourth season, compiling a 9–5 record in 2010 after a 10–4 campaign the previous year.
Quarterback Stats: Chris Johnson started at quarterback, throwing for 2,244 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 9 interceptions over 14 games.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed an average of 20.6 points per game, ranking among the top units in the FCS for most of the season.

How It Works

The structure of college football seasons, particularly in the FCS, involves a regular season followed by a playoff system to determine the national champion. Teams compete in conferences, with top performers earning automatic or at-large bids to the postseason tournament.

Regular Season: The Grizzlies played a 12-game regular season schedule, facing a mix of conference and non-conference opponents to build their playoff resume.
Conference Play: As members of the Big Sky Conference, Montana’s seven conference games determined their league standing and playoff eligibility.
Playoff Qualification: Finishing first in the Big Sky earned Montana an automatic bid to the 20-team FCS playoffs, seeded based on national rankings.
Postseason Format: The FCS playoffs consist of 24 teams in a single-elimination bracket, with Montana entering as a seeded team after their strong record.
Home Field Advantage: Montana hosted two playoff games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, which has a capacity of over 25,000 and is known for its loud, hostile environment.
Championship Game: The FCS National Championship is held in Frisco, Texas, though Montana did not reach the final after losing in the semifinals.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2010 season compared closely to Montana’s 2009 campaign, with similar records and playoff outcomes. Below is a comparison of key metrics across recent seasons:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Head Coach
2008	10–4	6–2	FCS Runner-Up	Robb Akey
2009	10–4	7–1	FCS Semifinals	Robb Akey
2010	9–5	7–1	FCS Semifinals	Robb Akey
2011	7–4	6–2	No postseason	Robin Pflugrad
2012	2–9	1–7	No postseason	Robin Pflugrad

This table highlights Montana’s consistent competitiveness from 2008 to 2010, followed by a sharp decline. The 2010 team maintained the program’s high standard despite falling short of the championship game.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was significant as it marked the last deep playoff run under Robb Akey and reflected the peak of a sustained period of excellence for the Grizzlies program. It also underscored the competitive balance in the FCS, where upsets are common and parity is high.

Program Legacy: The 2010 season contributed to Montana’s reputation as a perennial FCS powerhouse, with multiple national title appearances in the 2000s.
Player Development: Several players from the 2010 roster went on to sign professional contracts or play in higher leagues, including arena football.
Recruiting Impact: Success in 2010 helped Montana attract top-tier FCS recruits in subsequent seasons, maintaining program strength.
Conference Dominance: Winning the Big Sky title reinforced Montana’s status as a dominant force in one of the toughest FCS conferences.
Fan Engagement: High attendance at Washington-Grizzly Stadium reflected strong community support, with average crowds exceeding 20,000.
Transition Period: The 2010 season preceded coaching changes and a rebuilding phase, making it a benchmark for future teams to emulate.

The 2010 Montana Grizzlies football team remains a notable chapter in the program’s history, representing both the heights of success and the challenges of sustaining excellence in college football.