Photo by: Garrett Becker
GAME #11: Bobcats, Grizzlies Get Together for 121st Brawl of the Wild
11/16/2022 5:19:00 PM | Football
The stakes are high, as MSU fights for a share of the Big Sky crown
BOZEMAN, Montana – The stakes are as high as the emotions, and college football fans across the nation train their eyes on the Treasure State this weekend when Montana State hosts Montana for the 121st renewal of this ancient rivalry.
ESPN's College Game Day heads to Bozeman for Saturday's game, which pits the third-ranked MSU Bobcats (9-1 overall, 7-0 in the Big Sky) against No. 12 UM (7-3, 4-3) in a game with strong playoff implications and, for the home team, at least a share of the conference title. But that all takes a back seat when the Cats and Griz get together.
"I know this game means so much to the people in this state," said second-year Bobcat coach Brent Vigen. "It's Montana's Super Bowl. But it's our job as coaches, and the players' jobs, to practice well and prepare to play very, very well. That's what's important to us."
The strongest on-field storyline on Saturday matches Montana State's prolific offense (third in the FCS in scoring offense and total offense) against Montana's tenacious, aggressive defense (third in the FCS in scoring defense). The Bobcats feature an array of offensive weapons, beginning with the quarterback tandem of Tommy Mellott and Sean Chambers that operates behind a tremendous offensive line. That offensive front has helped the Bobcats rank second nationally in rushing offense and eighth in sacks allowed.
Linebacker Patrick O'Connell anchors Montana's defense. His 1.0 sacks per game is fourth in the FCS and his 1.5 tackles for loss is fourth. Cornerback Justin Ford's stats don't pop, but most teams avoid the air space that surrounds him. He is one of the most talented players in the FCS.
Grizzly quarterback Lucas Johnson is both efficient and explosive. He averages 219.6 total yards per game and is among the league leaders in pass efficiency. Receiver Mitch Roberts has been a staple of the passing game, and in the past two weeks Nick Ostmo has emerged as one of the best running backs in the FCS. He averages 70.4 yards per game and 6.1 per carry but in the last two games has rolled up 367 yards on just 37 carries, with five touchdowns.
Linebacker Callahan O'Reilly anchors the Bobcats on defense. He leads the Bobcats with 69 tackles, 4.5 for a loss with two sacks, and has intercepted four passes. Coupled with his three forced fumbles, O'Reilly is the most prolific player in the Big Sky at producing turnovers. Linebacker Nolan Askelson has also been brilliant, logging 60 tackles. Nickel back Ty Okada has 55 tackles and an interception.
Kickoff is at 12 noon Saturday, and the game is televised statewide on MTN stations and streamed on ESPN+.
#GoCatsGo
ESPN's College Game Day heads to Bozeman for Saturday's game, which pits the third-ranked MSU Bobcats (9-1 overall, 7-0 in the Big Sky) against No. 12 UM (7-3, 4-3) in a game with strong playoff implications and, for the home team, at least a share of the conference title. But that all takes a back seat when the Cats and Griz get together.
"I know this game means so much to the people in this state," said second-year Bobcat coach Brent Vigen. "It's Montana's Super Bowl. But it's our job as coaches, and the players' jobs, to practice well and prepare to play very, very well. That's what's important to us."
The strongest on-field storyline on Saturday matches Montana State's prolific offense (third in the FCS in scoring offense and total offense) against Montana's tenacious, aggressive defense (third in the FCS in scoring defense). The Bobcats feature an array of offensive weapons, beginning with the quarterback tandem of Tommy Mellott and Sean Chambers that operates behind a tremendous offensive line. That offensive front has helped the Bobcats rank second nationally in rushing offense and eighth in sacks allowed.
Linebacker Patrick O'Connell anchors Montana's defense. His 1.0 sacks per game is fourth in the FCS and his 1.5 tackles for loss is fourth. Cornerback Justin Ford's stats don't pop, but most teams avoid the air space that surrounds him. He is one of the most talented players in the FCS.
Grizzly quarterback Lucas Johnson is both efficient and explosive. He averages 219.6 total yards per game and is among the league leaders in pass efficiency. Receiver Mitch Roberts has been a staple of the passing game, and in the past two weeks Nick Ostmo has emerged as one of the best running backs in the FCS. He averages 70.4 yards per game and 6.1 per carry but in the last two games has rolled up 367 yards on just 37 carries, with five touchdowns.
Linebacker Callahan O'Reilly anchors the Bobcats on defense. He leads the Bobcats with 69 tackles, 4.5 for a loss with two sacks, and has intercepted four passes. Coupled with his three forced fumbles, O'Reilly is the most prolific player in the Big Sky at producing turnovers. Linebacker Nolan Askelson has also been brilliant, logging 60 tackles. Nickel back Ty Okada has 55 tackles and an interception.
Kickoff is at 12 noon Saturday, and the game is televised statewide on MTN stations and streamed on ESPN+.
#GoCatsGo
Players Mentioned
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