Montana Grizzlies football playoff appearances in a row (17), Big Sky Conference titles in a row (12), and overall playoff appearances (19). Their success made them the most successful program in all of college football in the 2000s (119 wins) and third most successful team in FCS in the 1990s (93 wins). The University of Montana's first football season was in 1897, where they won a single game against future rival Montana State. The team played only schools from Montana until it helped found the Northwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NWIAA) in 1902. In addition to Montana, this original Northwest Conference included Washington, Washington
Montana Grizzlies football total football national championships won, although they rank fourth in nation in the number of Division I-AA (FCS) National Championships with two. They are behind the Carroll College from Helena, Montana and the Montana State Bobcats. The Saints have won six NAIA Football Championships while the Montana State Bobcats have won three national titles, although they only have one title as a Division I-AA (FCS) school. The Grizzlies have appeared in the I-AA/FCS playoffs 24 times with a record of 34–22. However, their 2011 appearance has been vacated making their official playoff record 31–20 in 23 appearances. They were National