Montana running back Eli Gillman added another chapter to his record-setting career Saturday, rushing for 147 yards and three touchdowns as the Grizzlies beat Utah Tech 35-14 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.<\/p>\n
The fifth-year senior continued his climb through both the Montana and Big Sky Conference record books. After breaking Chase Reynolds\u2019 Montana career rushing-touchdown record a week earlier, Gillman passed Reynolds for the Grizzlies\u2019 all-time total-touchdown mark, reaching 62.<\/p>\n
Gillman also moved into third place in Montana history for career points by a non-kicker with 372 and tied Sacramento State\u2019s Charles Roberts for the Big Sky career rushing-touchdown record with 56.<\/p>\n
His 62 total touchdowns moved him into second place in Big Sky history, behind only former Eastern Washington star Cooper Kupp, who finished with 77.<\/p>\n
Gillman also became just the fourth player in Montana history to surpass 4,000 career rushing yards. He finished the game with 4,005 and recorded his 18th career 100-yard rushing performance.<\/p>\n
The Grizzlies received another big performance from receiver Brooks Davis, who caught 12 passes for 151 yards. Quarterback Keali\u2019i Ah Yat completed more than 70% of his passes for 246 yards as Montana finished with 462 yards of total offense.<\/p>\n
Montana\u2019s defense helped set the tone early, forcing turnovers and keeping Utah Tech scoreless through the first three quarters. The Grizzlies held the Trailblazers to 104 rushing yards and just 3-for-14 on third down.<\/p>\n
Montana opened the scoring after recovering a Utah Tech fumble on fourth down. Gillman capped the ensuing drive with a 1-yard touchdown run and added another 1-yard score early in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
Ah Yat later connected with Ledkeldrige Bridges for a 15-yard touchdown, giving the Grizzlies a 21-0 halftime lead.<\/p>\n
Gillman delivered the biggest play of the second half when he broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, pushing Montana\u2019s lead to 28-0.<\/p>\n
After Utah Tech scored its first touchdown, Dylan Paine answered immediately with a 57-yard touchdown run on Montana\u2019s next offensive play.<\/p>\n
Utah Tech added a late score, but the Grizzlies closed out the 35-14 victory to remain unbeaten.<\/p>\n
Montana improved to 3-0, while Utah Tech fell to 0-3.<\/p>\n
The Grizzlies now head on the road for the first time this season, traveling to Corvallis to face Oregon State on Sept. 19.<\/p>\n