The UC Davis Aggies (1-6 overall, 0-4 Big West) fell to the No. 6 Montana Grizzlies (5-2, 3-0) 42-28 despite a valiant effort by the Aggie offense in Missoula, Mont.
Sophomore quarterback Ben Scott was under center for the second straight week and threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 20 of 37 attempted passes. Scott connected with junior wide receiver Ramon Vargas eight times for 129 yards and two touchdowns.
The Grizzlies were led by Jordan Canada, who rushed for three touchdowns with 152 yards, and Jamaal Jones, who scored a touchdown and earned 146 yards in five receptions.
Senior running back Gabe Manzanares led the running game for the Aggies as he ran for 110 yards in 10 carries. Manzanares also caught three passes for a total of 24 reception yards; one of which resulted in an eight-yard touchdown.
The Aggies and the Grizzlies ended the first half with a 14-14 tie. However, the Grizzlies scored two unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter. With a 14-point deficit, the Aggies were able to cut the lead to seven after Scott passed an 11-yard touchdown to senior running back Dalton Turay.
Montana responded with a two-play drive, which ended in a 24-yard touchdown run from Canada. But UC Davis would not go away quietly. Vargas received a 15-yard pass from Scott to earn his second touchdown of the game.
With a seven-point lead and 2:22 remaining, the Grizzlies’ defense stopped the Aggies on a fourth and fifteen play. The Grizzlies closed the game with a 21-yard touchdown run by Canada.
Despite the loss, the Aggies demonstrated that they can keep up with high-ranked opponents.
UC Davis has a bye week on Oct. 25, but return to Aggie Stadium on Nov. 1 to face Northern Colorado.
