Nov. 2, 2009

GameNotes: Idaho State hosting #2 Montana

Pocatello, ID --- Idaho State University will host the second-ranked Montana Grizzlies on Saturday, November 7 at 3;35 pm in Holt Arena in a game that will bring a little nostalgia back to the premises. Jared Allen, the 2003 winner of the Buck Buchanan Award as the nation's I-AA Defensive Player of the Year, will be formally inducted into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame at halftime. Allen, who had three sacks in a 38-26 win by his Minnesota Vikings over the Green Bay Packers and who leads the NFL with 10.5 sacks, will be in attendance.

Allen is a six-year NFL veteran, and he quickly went from a fourth round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs as a part time defensive end and long snapper to one of the best players in the NFL, and certainly one of the most entertaining. For his career he has 68 sacks, including 40.5 in his last 2 1/2 seasons, and he also has added 19 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, 30 passes defended, three touchdowns, and three safeties.

However, Allen won't be suiting up for ISU, and they could use him along a banged up defensive line that has been depleted by injury and sickness. The Bengal offense might pick up an extra guy as Ben Laporta returned from an injury to carry four times late in the game with Montana State, giving ISU another running back for the week.

While ISU has lost nine straight, the Griz enter the game at #2 in the nation and on an eight-game winning streak, including a 5-0 conference mark. They will clinch at least a share of their 12th consecutive Big Sky title with a win, and that coupled with a Portland State win on Montana State would give Montana the Big Sky's automatic berth as well.

The game will be available on The Bengal Radio Network, which is flagshipped at ESPN Radio 930 AM KSEI in Pocatello and KRXK 1230 AM in Idaho Falls. The Bengal Radio Network also contains stations in Idaho Falls (KGTM 98.1 FM) and Twin Falls (KTFI AM 1270 AM). Jerry Miller and Brad Bugger will have the call. The game will also be available on KPAX in Missoula, with Phil Buck and Bob Hermes calling the action.