By Kelvin Ang

kang@journalnet.com

During his news conference after Idaho State's 12-10 loss to Montana on Saturday, Bengals coach John Zamberlin pooh-poohed talk of a moral victory.

But don't be mistaken. The Bengals' ferocious effort in nearly pulling off a historic upset meant a great deal to their coach.

"People can stand up and second-guess things," Zamberlin said. "I'm not going to second-guess anything with my guys and what they did (Saturday). I'm not going to second-guess what we're going to be as a program.

"I told them that this game is going to be, not in the far future, a game that's going to be for the championship every year. And I totally believe that."

All along, Zamberlin insisted his team was headed in the right direction. The Bengals were no more than a few plays from being competitive. On Saturday, they proved it.

The following are the Journal's grades for their play against the Grizzlies at Holt Arena.

Passing offense: B+

Quarterback Russel Hill turned in an incredibly gutsy performance, passing for 85 of his 198 yards in the fourth quarter. He kept Idaho State's touchdown drive alive by completing 12-yard passes on consecutive third-and-10s, before finally slinging a 21-yarder to receiver Kelvin Krosch in the end zone. But Hill did throw a foolish pick in his own territory in the third quarter.

Rushing offense: A

Thanks to a rejuvenated effort by the offensive line, senior running back Clint Knickrehm powered his way to a career-high 102 yards against Montana's stiff run defense.

Passing defense: B

Idaho State's secondary did its part in the team's second-half surge by picking off Montana quarterback Andrew Selle in the fourth quarter. But the unit did surrender 335 passing yards, 68 of which came on the Grizzlies' winning drive.

Rushing defense: A-

Montana running back Chase Reynolds entered the game leading the nation in points scored per contest at 10.5. He got zero Saturday, snapping his streak of 17 straight games with a touchdown.

Special teams: A

Idaho State punter Jon Vanderwielen averaged 46 yards on his six kicks and pinned three inside the 20. More importantly, he allowed Montana's punt return ace Marc Mariani to gain just 39 yards on his four punt returns. Of that yardage, 37 came on a second-half run on which the Grizzlies appeared to get away with a block in the back.

Coaching: A

Montana coach Bobby Hauck declared after the game that Zamberlin out-coached him badly. Idaho State showed more intensity on defense and more creativity on offense than it had all year.

Analysis

Grading the game

GPA vs. Montana: 3.7, or an "A-" average