In a dramatic turn of events that will go down as one of the more unusual moments in recent college football, the Montana Grizzlies escaped with a narrow win over the Eastern Washington Eagles Saturday — thanks to a bizarre miscue from the Eagles in the closing seconds.
With under 10 seconds remaining and the Eagles positioned at Montana’s five‑yard line down by five, Eastern Washington attempted a spike to stop the clock. The ball instead ricocheted off quarterback Jake Schakel’s arm and was recovered by Montana, clinching the win for the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies Save College Football Undefeated Season — Barely
College football quarterback fumbles the spike play, team loses as a result. - Photo Via Twitter (X)
College football quarterback fumbles the spike play, team loses as a result. – Photo Via Twitter (X)
Montana’s 10‑0 start remains alive, but the game exposed cracks. The team once led by 22‑0, only to see the Eagles roar back and nearly steal the result. That the Grizzlies still claim victory underscores the thin margin between dominance and chaos in college football. Here is the infamous play:
THE SPIKE IS FUMBLED 🤯@MontanaGrizFB holds on pic.twitter.com/n9qm9bjxap
— Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) November 8, 2025
Why This Moment Resonates In College Football
Uncommon error: A fumbled spike is extraordinarily rare — especially at this level and in the final seconds of a game. It turned what seemed like a well‑executed comeback into an immediate defeat.
Momentum swing: The Grizzlies’ survival keeps playoff hopes alive and adds fuel to their championship aspirations. In contrast, Eastern Washington is left to wonder what might have been.
Drama‑filled finish: In a sport defined by explosive plays and last‑minute heroics, this ending reminds us that in college football, even the most straightforward plays can spiral into unforgettable chaos.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Montana has just two games left in the regular season, including a home finale against long‑time rival the Montana State Bobcats. They will need to maintain focus and avoid letting lapses like this become habits rather than rare occurrences.
Eastern Washington, rebuilding around this near‑miss, must tighten execution and composure in critical moments.
For All NFL And Football Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @mcquadewarnold . Also, do not forget to follow us at On Twitter for even more great football content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of Football – especially with all the trade rumors swirling around and free agency new s – college football, and more,click here!