Phillips throws 4 TD passes to lift Montana past Valpo 45-23
MISSOULA, Mont. -- Kentucky transfer Reese Phillips threw three of his four second-half touchdowns in a span of six offensive plays to lead Montana to a 45-23 win over Valparaiso in the season-opener for both teams on Saturday.
The senior capped a nine-play drive with a 14-yard strike to Samori Toure to put the Grizzlies up 24-13 in the third quarter. He hooked up with Keenan Curran on a 45-yard score on third down of the next possession and Jerry Louie-McGee for 25 yards on second down of the next series to make it 38-13.
Louie-McGee, who had nine catches for 159 yards, also hauled in Phillips' fourth TD pass, a 17-yarder with 5:50 to play.
Phillips, who never started at Kentucky, was 27 of 38 for 381 yards and one interception. The Grizzlies finished with 538 yards of offense to run their season-opening home winning streak to 14 games.
Jeremy Calhoun ran for two touchdowns in the first half to give Montana a 17-13 lead.
Backup quarterback Chris Duncan threw for two touchdowns for the Crusaders, who had 450 yards on offense. Dimitrois Latsonas kicked three field goals.
Game Information
2023 Big Sky Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 7-1 | 13-2 |
| Idaho | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Montana State | 6-2 | 8-4 |
| Northern Arizona | 5-3 | 5-6 |
| UC Davis | 5-3 | 7-4 |
| Sacramento State | 4-4 | 8-5 |
| Weber State | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| Portland State | 4-4 | 5-6 |
| Idaho State | 3-5 | 3-8 |
| Eastern Washington | 3-5 | 4-7 |
| Cal Poly | 1-7 | 3-8 |
| Northern Colorado | 0-8 | 0-11 |
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