Justin Lamson
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #6: Bobcats Face Former MSU Assistant in Lumberjacks Head Coach Brian Wright
10/4/2025 2:18:00 PM | Football
Today's game matches two accurate, efficient quarterbacks
BOZEMAN, Mont. (Oct. 4, 2025) – Northern Arizona head coach Brian Wright will strike a familiar figure today for Montana State fans, but not as familiar as one current MSU assistant coach.
Current Bobcat linebackers coach Jody Owens starred for the Cats for four seasons, from 2009-12. During the middle two of those, Wright worked as the program's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. To his partial credit is the development of MSU legend DeNarius McGhee, who became the starter as a redshirt freshman during Wright's first season in Bozeman.
The ties run deeper for Owens. When Wright became the head coach at NCAA Division II Pittsburg State in 2020 he hired Owens to coach linebackers. The former Big Sky Defensive MVP spent two years there before moving to the Carolina Panthers and then St. Augustine's.
"Brian Wright is a tremendous coach and motivator," Owens said in preparing to coach against his former boss, "and he's a great person, too. He was really influential on my career."
* * * * *
Two of the most accurate and efficient passers in the FCS square off today in the Walkup Skydome. Montana State's Justin Lamson is 4th in the FCS in completion percentage (.730), while NAU's Ty Pennington is 40th (.625). Pennington is 20th in passing efficiency (155.1), while Lamson is 21st (155.1).
* * * * *
To say Montana State has struggled in the Walkup Skydome is to soft sell the situation. At 5-15, this venue is the one in which the Cats have the worst record (with at least 15 games).
* * * * *
The Bobcats have no two-deep changes entering today's game.
* * * * *
Brent Vigen is 18-10 against nationally-ranked opponents during his four-plus seasons at Montana State, 7-6 on the road.
#GoCatsGo
Current Bobcat linebackers coach Jody Owens starred for the Cats for four seasons, from 2009-12. During the middle two of those, Wright worked as the program's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. To his partial credit is the development of MSU legend DeNarius McGhee, who became the starter as a redshirt freshman during Wright's first season in Bozeman.
The ties run deeper for Owens. When Wright became the head coach at NCAA Division II Pittsburg State in 2020 he hired Owens to coach linebackers. The former Big Sky Defensive MVP spent two years there before moving to the Carolina Panthers and then St. Augustine's.
"Brian Wright is a tremendous coach and motivator," Owens said in preparing to coach against his former boss, "and he's a great person, too. He was really influential on my career."
* * * * *
Two of the most accurate and efficient passers in the FCS square off today in the Walkup Skydome. Montana State's Justin Lamson is 4th in the FCS in completion percentage (.730), while NAU's Ty Pennington is 40th (.625). Pennington is 20th in passing efficiency (155.1), while Lamson is 21st (155.1).
* * * * *
To say Montana State has struggled in the Walkup Skydome is to soft sell the situation. At 5-15, this venue is the one in which the Cats have the worst record (with at least 15 games).
* * * * *
The Bobcats have no two-deep changes entering today's game.
* * * * *
Brent Vigen is 18-10 against nationally-ranked opponents during his four-plus seasons at Montana State, 7-6 on the road.
#GoCatsGo
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballLeon Costello Press Conference: Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center
Thursday, July 31
A Conversation with President Dr. Waded Cruzado | Montana State Athletics
Monday, May 19
Big Cats, Little Trucks - Willie Patterson
Wednesday, May 03
Matt Houk Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, May 03
