DIVISION I-AA CHAMPIONSHIP Montana's game strong as Ochs

Colorado transfer has thrown for 3,436 yards and 30 touchdowns.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Craig Ochs is one game away from the perfect ending to his collegiate career.
Ochs, who transferred to Montana from Colorado in January 2003, leads the Grizzlies (12-2) against James Madison (12-2) in the Division I-AA championship game tonight.
"It's been awesome," Ochs said Thursday. "As a senior, this is the way you want to end -- a storybook ending."
Ochs, Colorado's starting quarterback in 2002, has had a fabulous senior season. He ranked fifth in I-AA in passing efficiency with 158.65, threw for 3,436 yards with 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions and has the Grizzlies in the championship game for the fifth time in school history, looking for their third title.
Ochs started his college career in Colorado but transferred to Montana on the advice of his high school coach. He was looking a different situation after several concussions cost him playing time and he had some differences with Buffaloes coach Gary Barnett.
"I've always believed in myself as any athlete or competitor believes in himself. You go through adversity sometimes, but it strengthens your resolve," Ochs said. "It's all been worth it for this year."
Coach's fortune
Montana coach Bobby Hauck couldn't believe his luck when he was hired in December 2002 to replace Joe Glenn, who led the Grizzlies to their last title in 2001, and found Ochs wanted to transfer.
"He is the best quarterback in I-AA football. He's the best in our league. He's the best I've been around," Hauck said. "I'm thankful he's on our team."
Montana is playing on the road for the first time since Oct. 30, having won three playoff games at home to reach the championship.
Meanwhile, the Dukes made history in their bid for the school's first title. James Madison is the first team to win all its playoff games on the road.
"We've traveled the rough road," James Madison coach Mickey Matthews said.
James Madison's leading tackler is a freshman, free safety Tony LeZotte, who also was recruited by some Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference schools.
Matthews came to James Madison in 1999 after being a defensive assistant coach at Georgia. He was the defensive coordinator for Marshall and coached the Thundering Herd in four I-AA championship games, winning in 1992.
This year he helped the Dukes, 6-6 last season, make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.