The only team with a longer winning streak than No. 1 overall seed Sam Houston State (13-0) left in the NCAA FCS Playoffs are the Bearkats' opponent on Friday, No. 4 Montana (11-2), who has now won nine straight games after a quarterfinal win over Northern Iowa 48-10.
The Bearkats have enjoyed a huge third quarter scoring disparity against opponents this season, but as GoBearkats.com notes, Montana is just as good at halftime adjustments:
Montana and Sam Houston State both have been devastating in the third quarter this season. The Grizzlies have outscored opponents 138-51 in third quarter, while the Bearkats have done it by a 177-24 count, including 35-7 in their two playoff victories.
"Give credit to both our players and the coaching staff," [head coach Willie] Fritz said. "Our assistants have done an excellent job of coming in at half time and making adjustments. And our players are smart and football-wise. They're very coachable and go out and get it done."
The winner of Friday night's game will travel to Frisco, Texas for the NCAA FCS Championship January 7, facing the winner of Saturday's semifinal game between Georgia Southern and North Dakota State.
Date, time: Friday, December 16, 7:05 p.m. CT
Location: Elliot T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, Texas
TV: ESPN
Radio: KSAM 101.7 FM
Streaming: ESPN3
For more on the entire NCAA FCS Playoff picture, check out SB Nation's college football news hub.