Bergen returned two punts for touchdowns, tying the FCS record with the seventh and eighth of his career, as the Grizzlies secured a 41-27 victory over Tennessee State, coached by Eddie George, in a first-round game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Montana, the No. 14 seed, will now face No. 3 seed South Dakota State in a second-round matchup next week on the road.
Despite three offensive turnovers that kept Tennessee State competitive, Bergen’s electrifying 52- and 54-yard punt return touchdowns were game-changers. His first return expanded Montana’s lead to 27-6 in the third quarter, while his second gave the Grizzlies breathing room with a 34-20 advantage in the fourth. 
Bergen has now scored five punt return touchdowns in the playoffs, adding to his tally from games against SE Missouri in 2022 and Furman and North Dakota State last season.
Montana’s offense struggled with consistency and turned the ball over three times against a Tennessee State defense coordinated by former Griz linebacker Brandon Fisher. However, special teams played a pivotal role in the victory.
After a slow start that included a three-and-out, Montana got on the board with a 39-yard field goal by Ty Morrison. Tennessee State responded with a 37-yard kick from James Lowery, tying the game 3-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Freshman running back Malae Fonoti led a promising drive early in the second quarter, but Morrison missed a 39-yard field goal attempt. Later, Eli Gillman broke the tie with a 7-yard touchdown run, putting Montana ahead 10-3. Morrison added field goals of 31 and 50 yards—his career-long—to give the Grizzlies a 16-3 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Montana quarterback Logan Fife fumbled near midfield, leading to a 26-yard field goal by Lowery to cut the lead to 16-6. Morrison answered with his fourth field goal, a 30-yarder, extending the lead. Bergen’s first punt return touchdown followed, but Tennessee State stayed within striking distance thanks to a 63-yard kickoff return by Craig Cunningham and a 3-yard touchdown pass from Draylen Ellis to Karate Brenson, narrowing the gap to 27-13.
Fife’s second fumble early in the fourth quarter set up an 11-yard touchdown run by Ellis, cutting the lead to 27-20. Bergen’s second punt return touchdown restored order for Montana, but Ellis and Brenson connected again for a touchdown, making it 34-27 with just over three minutes remaining.
On the next possession, Gillman delivered a game-sealing 59-yard touchdown run, refusing to go down and cutting back across the field. A late interception by Trevin Gradney in the red zone secured the victory for Montana.
– **Junior Bergen (Special Teams):** Bergen’s two punt return touchdowns were pivotal, further cementing his legacy as the greatest return specialist in Montana history. His eight career punt return touchdowns tie the FCS record set by Leroy Vann (Florida A&M, 2006-09).
– **Eli Gillman (Offense):** Gillman rushed for 136 yards on 20 carries, achieving his first 1,000-yard season, and scored two touchdowns, including the game-clinching 59-yarder.
– **Riley Wilson (Defense):** Wilson was a force on defense with seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss as the Grizzlies held Tennessee State to minus-19 rushing yards.
The Grizzlies (9-4) will face two-time defending national champion South Dakota State (10-2) next Saturday at 12 p.m. Mountain time in Brookings, S.D. It’s a rematch of last year’s championship game, which the Jackrabbits won 23-3.
This will mark the fourth playoff meeting between Montana and South Dakota State since 2009, but the first time the Grizzlies will visit Brookings since a 24-0 victory in 1970.