EWU vs. UM: Games Don't Get Much Bigger Than This - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Eastern Washington Football

EWU vs. UM: Games Don't Get Much Bigger Than This

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© Eastern Washington hosts Montana this weekend in a huge rivalry game for both schools (Photo: SWX) © Eastern Washington hosts Montana this weekend in a huge rivalry game for both schools (Photo: SWX)
CHENEY, Wash. -

Aside from their FCS championship game in 2010, Eastern Washington football games don't get much bigger – or more important – than they do this weekend.

The No. 7 Eagles take on rival No. 21 Montana this Saturday on the red turf at Roos Field in Cheney.

Even though EWU is trying to treat this like any other game, both coaches and players admit there is definitely something extra on the line when it comes to playing the Grizzlies.

"The Montana-Eastern rivalry is really strong and we're really excited to play this game," said nose tackle Evan Cook.

"It's two consistent top teams in the Big Sky so it's going to create a natural rivalry just because of that alone," said coach Beau Baldwin.

Even the newcomers, like quarterback Vernon Adams, are getting the feeling this week is something special.

"I know how big the rivalry is," said Adams. "Everybody out here is excited, we're jumping around."

Eastern goes into the game after beating Weber State in Ogden last week. Montana lost to Northern Arizona 41-31 last Saturday, as the Lumberjacks snapped a 14-game losing skid to the Grizzlies.

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