Montana defeated Furman in one of the best games of the college football season on Friday night, advancing to the FCS semifinal.
The Grizzlies came away with a 35-28 win in overtime. In an overtime game, we can look at any play and say that if the play had gone differently, the game would have had a different result. That said, one Montana player’s performance stood out above the rest, return man Junior Bergen.
Bergen got the game going in style and whipped the Washington–Grizzly Stadium crowd into a frenzy with a 99-yard return for a touchdown on the game’s opening kickoff.
Life as a kicker is tough sometimes. pic.twitter.com/ert817OZWu
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 9, 2023
Furman, though, not only got back into the game, but took a 21-20 lead going into the fourth quarter But after a three-and-out from inside the 10-yard line, the Paladins were forced to punt from their own end zone. That gave Bergen another chance to shine and he did not disappoint.
Bergen fielded the punt and returned it 59 yards for his second return touchdown of the game.
After returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown, Montana's Junior Bergen goes 50 yards on a punt return to give the Grizzlies a 28-21 lead over Furman in the FCS quarterfinal. pic.twitter.com/mdmx8R9L7r
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 9, 2023
After Furman tied the game in the final seconds, Bergen had a potential opportunity for one more big return. The Paladins, though, thought better of it, kicking the ball short.
The Grizzlies scored a touchdown to take a 35-28 lead in overtime. Their defense then held Furman, securing the win.
Bergen’s performance in the narrow victory was widely lauded on Friday night.
kid has STAR-POWER. @bergen_junior pic.twitter.com/fvvCVwIn1D
— FCS Nation Radio (@FCSNationRadio1) December 9, 2023
Also, Junior Bergen will be discussed in Griz lore for eternity ⚡
— Lucas Semb (@Lucas_Semb) December 9, 2023
Junior “F-ing” Bergen!!!
Not just one, but two!!!!
🐐🐐🐐🐐 @bergen_junior
— Luke Rouns (@LukeRouns) December 9, 2023
How, if you’re Furman, do you kick to Junior Bergen again?? All-time performance tonight. pic.twitter.com/dj1oGvLQfy
— Brett Gibbons (@roadtocfb) December 9, 2023
YOU KICK TO JUNIOR BERGEN AT YOUR OWN PERIL https://t.co/ePnGGAzCnv pic.twitter.com/j7hl2XpH8A
— Shaun Rainey (@ShaunRainey) December 9, 2023
[Photo Credit: ESPN 2]