MISSOULA — Not only did Montana play 12 consecutive regular season football games without a bye week, but the Grizzlies did so while playing more snaps than any other playoff qualifier heading into the postseason.

Their 1,659 total offensive and defensive snaps edged out Illinois State at 1,643 for the most among the teams that made the 24-team bracket.

Their 833 defensive snaps were the second-most among the teams in the playoff field, behind only Illinois State at 846. Their 826 offensive snaps were the fifth-most, while South Dakota State led the way with 858.

They finally got a week off in the first round of the playoffs as they earned their way to a top-eight seed. It was a chance to refuel their gas tank after being the only team in the FCS to play 12 games over 12 straight weeks.

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