Gillman breaks Big Sky rushing record in Montana rout

Eli Gillman shattered the Big Sky Conference record for career rushing touchdowns during a 57-24 victory over Portland State on Saturday in Missoula. The Montana running back finished with 196 yards on just eight carries, capping a performance that pushed his total to 78 scores. That figure breaks the previous record of 77 held by Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp.

The Grizzlies dominated the ground game, accumulating 363 total rushing yards. Gillman scored on runs of 45, 15, 43, and 84 yards. The final touchdown came after he pivoted right to escape a tackle, finding an open lane down the center of the field. Keali’i Ah Yat added to the offensive surge, completing 19 of 28 passes for 259 yards and a one-yard score to Chase Cook. He also rushed for a touchdown himself.

Montana, ranked No. 12 in the FCS Stats Perform poll, controlled the pace from the opening whistle. Gillman hauled in a 48-yard reception on the first drive, setting up an eight-yard run by Hashim Jones. The Grizzlies led 29-10 at halftime with two touchdowns from Gillman. He then scored on consecutive carries in the third quarter to close out his day. Cody Schweikert also found the end zone for the team.

Portland State managed 205 passing yards through John-Keawe Sagpolutele, who connected with Tanner Beaman for a touchdown. Niall Raby and Zui Shelton added rushing scores for the Vikings. The Grizzlies finished the game with a record of 7-3 overall and 5-2 in conference play. They will travel to Oregon State next Saturday for their first road game of the season.