Grizzlies next up to challenge sensational Kupp

Nobody, it seems, has an answer for Cooper Kupp.

But there is a big question about the Eastern Washington receiver.

“He’s one of those guys you look at and go, ‘Why is this guy in the Big Sky?’ ” said Ty Gregorak, the Montana State defensive coordinator. “He’s the best I’ve ever seen in 13 years in the league.”

Kupp, who last weekend torched the Montana State Bobcats for 13 receptions, 154 yards and a touchdown, this week takes his record-setting show back home to take on the visiting Montana Grizzlies.

“The Griz game is always a fun one,” Kupp said Tuesday before practice in Cheney, Wash. “We love that team and how those guys play. They play the game hard and we’re excited to meet up with them this year.”

It’s arguably the game of the year in the Big Sky Conference as the third-ranked Eagles meet No. 16 Montana on Saturday afternoon in Cheney. Certainly the prospect of facing Kupp and quarterback Gage Gubrud represent the challenge of the year for the fine Montana Grizzly defense.

Kupp, the reigning Stats FCS Offensive Player of the Year, broke two national records last Saturday in Bozeman and now owns 12 FCS marks.

He also has broken eight Big Sky and 21 Eastern Washington school records. Among his national career records are those for 64 touchdowns and 5,630 yards. With 370 catches, he is 25 behind the all-time FCS record of 395.

“He’s so special,” Gregorak said. “He catches everything. He blocks. His route-running is fantastic. He’s one of the best players that we’ve seen in this conference in a long time.”

What’s even more amazing about Kupp is the way he fell through the cracks. The 6-2, 215-pounder from Yakima, Wash., was not highly recruited coming of high school.

“I was a little undersized and playing football at a school that wasn’t real successful in football in years past,” Kupp said. “It was a blessing in disguise. I’m extremely blessed to be where I am, here playing football for the Eastern Eagles.”

Kupp, it appears, owns as much humility as ability. He’s also extremely loyal. How else to explain his return to Cheney for his senior season when NFL dollars were seemingly there for him?

“This is where I wanted to be,” Kupp said. “There’s nowhere else I could see myself. God’s plan was for me to come back here, for the life I lead here and experiencing Eastern football for one more year. I was asked ‘Where do I want to be a year from now?’ That was last November. I couldn’t see myself watching my brothers play on TV when I had the opportunity to be out there with them. And I’m having a blast.”

Not so much for his opponents, though.

In five games (he missed one with a shoulder ailment), Kupp has 46 receptions for 712 yards and seven scores.

“You know those 50-50 balls that everybody talks about?” said Gregorak, referring to jump balls where apparently receivers and defenders both have a shot at it. “Well, they’re not 50-50 balls when they’re going to No. 10 (Kupp). I saw that multiple times this past Saturday.”

Gregorak saw plenty of Kupp in years past when he was on the Montana Grizzly coaching staff. Kupp has career totals of 37 catches for 520 yards and three touchdowns in four games against the Griz. He also has a punt return for a score.

Gregorak said Kupp’s effect on the Big Sky has been similar to that of Dave Dickenson, the former Grizzly great quarterback from Great Falls.

“Just as a difference-maker, and the impact he had on the league during his time,” Gregorak said. “Kupp is just unbelievable. The records he’s set and continues to set.”

And that’s why friends and foes alike relish the opportunity to watch Kupp compete.

“His impact on this league will forever be remembered by anybody who’s a Big Sky fan. He’s made history,” Gregorak said. “No matter which program you root for, you’ll remember the name Cooper Kupp. And it’s pretty cool.”

Gubrud is also having a sensational season. The sophomore has amassed 3,243 yards of total offense.

“It’s incredible. The year he’s having is something else,” Kupp said. “He’s continuing to work, he’s keeping his head on straight and knows there’s a long way to go. Regardless of what the stats say or people might say, there’s always stuff to perfect and learn. He does a great job of keeping that mentality.”

And so does Cooper Kupp.

“You can always improve,” he said. “Always.”

Scott Mansch is Tribune Sports Columnist and has covered Big Sky Conference athletics for many years. He can be reached at 791-1481, smansch@greatfallstribune.com or on Twitter @GFTrib_SMansch