Gillman Breaks Big Sky Scoring Record

Eli Gillman established a new Big Sky Conference record with four rushing touchdowns during Montana's 57-24 victory over Portland State on Saturday in Missoula.

The Montana quarterback carried the ball only eight times but produced 196 yards and four scores. His touchdown runs came from distances of 45, 15, 43, and 84 yards. The final score gave him 78 career rushing touchdowns, surpassing the previous record of 77 held by Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp.

Montana, ranked No. 12 in the FCS Stats Perform poll, dominated the game with a ground attack that generated 363 total rushing yards. Keali'i Ah Yat passed for 259 yards on 19 of 28 attempts and added a one-yard touchdown pass to Chase Cook. Ah Yat also scored a rushing touchdown. Hashim Jones and Cody Schweikert contributed additional rushing scores for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies (7-3, 5-2) scored on eight of their nine offensive drives. Gillman had a 48-yard reception on the opening drive that set up an eight-yard run by Jones. He finished with two touchdowns on consecutive carries in the third quarter.

Portland State (2-8, 2-5) managed 205 passing yards for John-Keawe Sagpolutele, who threw a touchdown to Tanner Beaman. Niall Raby and Zui Shelton provided the Vikings with their remaining rushing touchdowns.

Montana travels to Oregon State next Saturday for its first road game of the season. Utah Tech hosts Northern Arizona in the other scheduled matchup.