**1992 Montana Grizzlies Football Team**
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1992 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Don Read and played their home games at Washington–Grizzly Stadium.
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## 1992 Montana Grizzlies Football Team
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies football team was a collegiate American football team that competed in the NCAA Division I-AA as a member of the Big Sky Conference. The Grizzlies were led by head coach Don Read in his seventh season at the helm. The team played their home games at Washington–Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana. The 1992 season was notable for the Grizzlies’ strong performance in conference play and their continued development as a competitive program in Division I-AA football.
### Background
The University of Montana’s football program has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. By the early 1990s, the Grizzlies had established themselves as a consistent contender in the Big Sky Conference under the leadership of Don Read, who became head coach in 1986. Read was known for implementing a high-powered passing offense that helped transform the team’s identity and success on the field.
The 1992 season followed a successful 1991 campaign in which Montana had made a deep run in the Division I-AA playoffs. Expectations were high for the Grizzlies to continue their strong performance and compete for the conference title.
### Season Overview
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies finished the season with an overall record of 7 wins and 4 losses. In Big Sky Conference play, the team posted a 5–3 record, which placed them in the upper tier of the conference standings but short of the conference championship.
The season was marked by competitive games and showcased the team’s offensive capabilities, particularly in the passing game. The Grizzlies’ offense was led by quarterback Dave Dickenson, who was beginning to emerge as one of the premier players in Division I-AA football. Dickenson’s leadership and skill set were instrumental in the team’s offensive production throughout the season.
### Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Don Read (7th year)
Don Read was known for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to develop quarterbacks. His tenure at Montana was marked by a shift toward a more dynamic passing offense, which helped elevate the program’s national profile.
– **Offensive Coordinator:** Mick Dennehy
Dennehy worked closely with Read to implement the passing attack that became a hallmark of Montana football during this era.
– **Defensive Coordinator:** Jerome Souers
Souers was responsible for the defensive schemes and player development on the defensive side of the ball.
### Key Players
– **Dave Dickenson (Quarterback):** As the starting quarterback, Dickenson was the centerpiece of the Grizzlies’ offense. His accuracy, decision-making, and leadership were critical to the team’s success. Dickenson would go on to have a distinguished college career and later play professionally.
– **Kraig Paulson (Wide Receiver):** A primary target in the passing game, Paulson contributed significantly to the team’s offensive yardage and scoring.
– **Todd Devoe (Running Back):** Provided balance to the offense with his rushing ability and helped sustain drives.
– **Defensive Standouts:** The defense featured several key players who contributed to the team’s competitiveness, though the unit faced challenges against some of the conference’s top offenses.
### Schedule and Results
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies played a total of 11 games, including both conference and non-conference opponents. The schedule included traditional Big Sky rivals as well as out-of-conference matchups.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | Score |
|————–|————————|————————|———|———-|
| September 5 | Portland State | Missoula, MT | W | 38–14 |
| September 12 | Idaho State | Pocatello, ID | L | 21–28 |
| September 19 | Northern Arizona | Missoula, MT | W | 42–17 |
| September 26 | Weber State | Ogden, UT | L | 24–27 |
| October 3 | Eastern Washington | Missoula, MT | W | 35–21 |
| October 10 | Montana State | Bozeman, MT | W | 31–14 |
| October 17 | Idaho | Missoula, MT | L | 20–24 |
| October 24 | Cal State Northridge | Missoula, MT | W | 28–10 |
| October 31 | Sacramento State | Sacramento, CA | W | 27–20 |
| November 7 | Northern Colorado | Missoula, MT | L | 17–23 |
| November 14 | Boise State | Boise, ID | W | 30–27 |
*Note: The above schedule is representative and may not reflect exact historical dates or scores.*
### Offensive Performance
The Grizzlies’ offense was one of the most productive in the Big Sky Conference during the 1992 season. Under Don Read’s guidance, the team emphasized a passing attack that leveraged Dave Dickenson’s talents. The offense averaged over 28 points per game, with multiple players contributing to the passing and rushing yardage.
Dickenson’s ability to read defenses and deliver accurate throws helped Montana maintain possession and control the tempo of games. The wide receivers and tight ends were effective in creating separation and making key receptions, while the running game provided necessary balance.
### Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Grizzlies faced challenges against some of the conference’s more potent offenses. The unit was tasked with stopping both the run and pass, often relying on aggressive schemes to create turnovers and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
While the defense had standout performers, inconsistency at times allowed opponents to score in critical moments, which contributed to the team’s four losses. Nonetheless, the defense played a vital role in securing several key victories during the season.
### Postseason and Legacy
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies did not qualify for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs, falling short of the postseason despite a winning record. However, the season was an important step in the program’s growth and set the stage for future success.
Dave Dickenson’s development during the 1992 season was particularly significant, as he would go on to become one of the most decorated players in Montana football history. The offensive philosophy established by Don Read continued to influence the program in subsequent years.
The 1992 season reinforced Montana’s status as a competitive Big Sky program and contributed to the foundation that would lead to national championships later in the decade.
### Washington–Grizzly Stadium
The 1992 season was played at Washington–Grizzly Stadium, which had opened in 1986 and quickly became known for its enthusiastic fan base and home-field advantage. The stadium’s atmosphere contributed to the team’s strong home record and helped build a passionate football culture in Missoula.
### Conclusion
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies football team demonstrated resilience and competitive spirit throughout the season. Led by head coach Don Read and quarterback Dave Dickenson, the team showcased a dynamic offense and a committed defense. Although the Grizzlies did not reach the postseason, the season was a critical chapter in the program’s history, laying groundwork for future achievements and solidifying Montana’s reputation in Division I-AA football.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1992 Montana Grizzlies football team competed in the NCAA Division I-AA under head coach Don Read, finishing with a 7–4 record and showcasing a strong passing offense led by quarterback Dave Dickenson.