VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Ellis Henderson scored three touchdowns, two receiving and another on a kickoff return, as Montana edged South Dakota 31-27 on Saturday.
With Montana up 24-17, Jordan Tripp forced a fumble that was returned 35 yards by Matt Hermanson for a touchdown with 6:33 remaining in the game. A 38-yard field goal from Miles Bergner with 1:48 left gave the Coyotes (4-6) a lead, but Henderson returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to give the Grizzlies (8-2) a 31-27 lead.
South Dakota had one final opportunity, driving 44 yards to the Montana 31-yard line before Bo Tully broke up a pass intended for Josh Vander Maten and the Coyotes turned the ball over on downs.
Jordan Johnson had 337 yards passing and two touchdowns, highlighted by a 71-yard strike to Henderson in the first half.
Trevor Bouma had 147 yards rushing and a touchdown to lead South Dakota.
