MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Dalton Sneed ran for one score and threw for another, helping Montana hold off Northern Iowa 26-23 Saturday night in Bobby Hauck’s first game back as Montana’s coach. Hauck, who guided the Grizzlies (1-0) to Big Sky Conference titles in each of his seven seasons at the helm from 2003-09, saw his defense hold Northern Iowa to 47 total yards in the first half.

The Panthers (0-1), ranked No. 13 in the FCS, got on the board when backup quarterback Colton Howell ran in from 1-yard out with 1:57 left in the third quarter.
Marcus Weymiller added a 1-yard touchdown run with 11:43 to play and, after a pair of Montana punts, Northern Iowa drew to 26-23 after Howell’s 11-yard pass to Nick Fossey with 3:14 remaining. Howell ran for 22 yards and threw for 140 in relief of starter Eli Dunne, who was just 5-of-20 passing for 24 yards, with in interception.

The Grizzlies improved to 6-0 all-time against UNI. Montana also beat the Panthers 48-10 in the 2011 I-AA playoffs, but the win was vacated due to NCAA infractions.