Montana (0-0) at No. 20 Washington (0-0), Saturday at 8 p.m. EDT (Pac-12 Network).
Line: no line, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Washington leads 17-1-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
After playing just four games and missing out on the Pac-12 championship game a season ago, No. 20 Washington gets a season of high expectations started and welcomes back fans to Husky Stadium against FCS powerhouse Montana. It’s a warmup for the Huskies ahead of next week’s showdown at Michigan, one of the most high-profile non-conference games for the Pac-12. For the Grizzlies, the trip to Seattle is a big pay day and a chance to get on the field after playing just two games during the spring of 2021.
KEY MATCHUP
Washington’s defensive front vs. Montana’s offensive line. As is usually the case in matchups between FBS and FCS teams, depth and talent up front usually make the biggest difference. Washington’s defensive front has the chance of being very good but is also unproven at a couple of positions. Montana’s offensive line features three redshirt senior starters along with Washington State transfer Hunter Mayginnes. That group must be very good if the Grizzlies want to keep it close.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Montana: QB Cam Humphrey. The senior started his career at Boise State before ending up in Missoula. He’ll begin the season about 20 miles from where he played high school football. Humphrey saw limited snaps in 2019, but threw for five touchdowns in Montana’s two games last spring.
Washington: WRs Rome Odunze, Terrell Bynum and Ja’lynn Polk. The only position group with questions on the offensive side for Washington is its wide receivers. Odunze and Bynum combined for just 14 catches last season, while Polk — a transfer from Texas Tech — had 28 grabs and two touchdowns. If this group develops, the Huskies offense could be extremely potent.
FACTS & FIGURES
The teams faced off in 2017, a 63-7 Washington victory. Prior to that, the teams hadn’t met since 1951. … Montana won both its games last spring against Division II Central Washington (59-3) and Big Sky-foe Portland State (48-7). … Washington’s last home game in front of fans was the 2019 Apple Cup against Washington State, a 31-13 victory.
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