What Is 2022 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 2022 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7-5 record under head coach Bobby Hauck and advancing to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Key Facts

Finished the 2022 season with a 7-5 overall record
Advanced to the FCS playoffs after a 5-year drought
Defeated Idaho 28-17 in the first round of the FCS playoffs
Lost to South Dakota State 35-30 in the quarterfinals
Played home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula

Overview

The 2022 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2022 season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Bobby Hauck in his fifth season of his second stint at the helm.

After missing the playoffs for several years, the 2022 campaign marked a significant turnaround for the program. The Grizzlies finished the regular season with a 7-4 record, securing a playoff berth and reigniting postseason hopes in Missoula.

Record: The team finished the season with a 7-5 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
Playoff Appearance: Qualified for the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2015, ending a six-year postseason drought.
Home Field: Played home games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, which has a capacity of 25,217 and is known for its loud fan support.
Quarterfinal Run: Advanced to the FCS quarterfinals after defeating Idaho 28-17 in the first round.
Season-Ending Loss: Lost a close 35-30 decision to eventual national champion South Dakota State on December 16, 2022.

Season Performance

The 2022 season was defined by resilience, strong defensive play, and a revitalized offense under offensive coordinator Brent Vigen, now head coach at Montana State. The Grizzlies showed marked improvement from previous years, particularly in conference games.

Early Struggles: Began the season 1-2, including a tough 23-17 loss to FBS opponent Eastern Washington.
Conference Surge: Won five of their final seven conference games, including key victories over ranked opponents.
Defensive Strength: Ranked among the top 10 in the FCS in total defense, allowing just 20.8 points per game.
Quarterback Play: Dalton Risner and Cam Humphrey shared time, combining for 1,842 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Running Game: Running back Marcus Weathers led the team with 673 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 147 carries.
Special Teams: Kicker Josh Mueller made 13 of 17 field goals, including a long of 48 yards.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 Montana Grizzlies compared to recent seasons in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Points Per Game
2022	7-5	5-3	Quarterfinals	24.1
2021	5-6	4-4	No playoff berth	21.3
2020	2-3	2-3	No playoffs (COVID season)	19.4
2019	7-5	5-3	First Round	26.7
2018	6-5	4-4	No playoff berth	28.9

The 2022 season mirrored the 2019 campaign in record and playoff advancement but showed greater defensive efficiency. The team’s ability to win close games and perform under pressure marked a return to form for the storied program.

Why It Matters

The 2022 season was a pivotal moment in the Grizzlies' football resurgence, restoring pride and momentum to one of the FCS’s most historic programs. Success on the field translated into increased fan engagement and recruiting momentum.

National Recognition: The playoff run boosted the team’s national profile, with ESPN and FCS rankings highlighting their improvement.
Recruiting Boost: The season helped secure a stronger 2023 recruiting class, including several four-star prospects.
Stadium Atmosphere: Average home attendance exceeded 22,000, reinforcing Montana’s reputation for elite FCS fan support.
Program Momentum: The success laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the Big Sky Conference.
Coaching Validation: Bobby Hauck’s leadership was reaffirmed, with a contract extension following the season.
Rivalry Edge: The team defeated rival Montana State 21-16 in the Brawl of the Wild, a critical win for morale and bragging rights.

The 2022 Montana Grizzlies season served as a turning point, proving the program could once again compete at the highest level of FCS football. With a foundation of defense, resilience, and passionate fan support, the Grizzlies reestablished themselves as a force in college football’s lower division.