Montana wide receiver Jerry Louie-McGee (16) catches a pass for a touchdown past Valparaiso defensive back Josmar Diaz-Martinez (28) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. Montana beat Valparaiso 45-23. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
The Associated Press
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - Kentucky transfer Reese Phillips threw three of his four second-half touchdowns in a span of six offensive plays to lead Montana to a 45-23 win over Valparaiso in the season-opener for both teams on Saturday.
The senior capped a nine-play drive with a 14-yard strike to Samori Toure to put the Grizzlies up 24-13 in the third quarter. He hooked up with Keenan Curran on a 45-yard score on third down of the next possession and Jerry Louie-McGee for 25 yards on second down of the next series to make it 38-13.
Louie-McGee, who had nine catches for 159 yards, also hauled in Phillips' fourth TD pass, a 17-yarder with 5:50 to play.
Phillips, who never started at Kentucky, was 27 of 38 for 381 yards and one interception. The Grizzlies finished with 538 yards of offense to run their season-opening home winning streak to 14 games.
Jeremy Calhoun ran for two touchdowns in the first half to give Montana a 17-13 lead.
Backup quarterback Chris Duncan threw for two touchdowns for the Crusaders, who had 450 yards on offense. Dimitrois Latsonas kicked three field goals.
Montana quarterback Reese Phillips (11) throws a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Valparaiso, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Montana offensive lineman David Reese, left, celebrates with wide receiver Jerry Louie-McGee after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. Montana beat Valparaiso 45-23. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Valparaiso wide receiver Donny Navarro (26) celebrates after a touchdown reception against Montana in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Montana safety Josh Sandry (13) is tackled after intercepting a Valparaiso pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Valparaiso running back Jarrett Morgan (10) is pushed out of bounds after making a reception against Montana in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Montana running back Jeremy Calhoun (8) tries to push his way into the end zone against Valparaiso in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Valparaiso quarterback Jimmy Seewald (9) throws a pass under pressure from the Montana defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Valparaiso head coach Dave Cecchini, left, shakes hands with Montana head coach Bob Stitt after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. Montana beat Valparaiso 45-23. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
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Montana head coach Bob Stitt shakes hands with each of his players before playing Valparaiso in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Patrick Record)
The Associated Press