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.
The fifth-year senior continued his climb through both the Montana and Big Sky Conference record books. After breaking Chase Reynolds’ Montana career rushing-touchdown record a week earlier, Gillman passed Reynolds for the Grizzlies’ all-time total-touchdown mark, reaching 62.
Gillman also moved into third place in Montana history for career points by a non-kicker with 372 and tied Sacramento State’s Charles Roberts for the Big Sky career rushing-touchdown record with 56.
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.
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.
The Grizzlies received another big performance from receiver Brooks Davis, who caught 12 passes for 151 yards. Quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat completed more than 70% of his passes for 246 yards as Montana finished with 462 yards of total offense.
Montana’s 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.
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.
Ah Yat later connected with Ledkeldrige Bridges for a 15-yard touchdown, giving the Grizzlies a 21-0 halftime lead.
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’s lead to 28-0.
After Utah Tech scored its first touchdown, Dylan Paine answered immediately with a 57-yard touchdown run on Montana’s next offensive play.
Utah Tech added a late score, but the Grizzlies closed out the 35-14 victory to remain unbeaten.
Montana improved to 3-0, while Utah Tech fell to 0-3.
The Grizzlies now head on the road for the first time this season, traveling to Corvallis to face Oregon State on Sept. 19.