5 keys for the Grizzlies

1. Reynolds must run -- Junior running back Chase Reynolds has rushed for 1,438 yards and 22 touchdowns this season and has helped lead Montana to its second straight national championship game. He will need a good performance Friday against a very good Villanova rushing defense. Reynolds was held to 47 yards rushing against Richmond a year ago, and the Grizzlies might not win this time, either, if Reynolds can't get on a roll.

2. Contain Szczur -- Villanova junior wideout Matt Szczur does a little bit of everything for the Wildcats, and he must be contained if the Grizzlies are going to win. Szczur has 1,969 all-purpose yards this season and was named to the Walter Camp All-America team on Monday. Szczur made two pivotal plays in the semifinals against William & Mary, scoring on a 62-yard run and converting a fake punt.

3. Start fast -- Montana is a team that can get on a roll and score points in bunches. The Grizzlies are averaging 45.3 points per game in the playoffs, but they will be facing a defense that gives up only 13.6 points per game. The best time to jump on the Wildcats might be early, when Villanova is most likely to be nervous about playing in its first championship game.

4. Superb special teams -- The little things so often make the difference in close games, and special teams likely will be crucial Friday. Montana is seventh in the country in net punting, fifth in punt returns and second in kickoff returns. Marc Mariani already has a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the playoffs and some more big plays could come in handy against Villanova.

5. Enjoy the moment -- Montana's players have talked a lot about how much it means to them to get back to the title game after losing 24-7 to Richmond last season. Now that the Grizzlies are back, they need to relax and do what they've done in all 14 of their previous games, which is make the big plays and enjoy the ride.