Every year during Cat-Griz week, Skyline Sports pinpoints the most intriguing on-field matchups that have the potential to decide the Fiercest Rivalry in the West. This year’s edition of our Matchups series features six stories, including deep dives on Montana’s new quarterback, Montana State’s historic running game, and the sideline battle between Bobby Hauck and Brent Vigen.
You can find every one of Skyline Sports’ Cat-Griz Matchups stories right here.
Griz QB Clifton McDowell vs. the hype of the rivalry
“It’s hard to believe that the ever-cool McDowell, especially playing at home, will be overwhelmed by the intensity of a rivalry he didn’t know existed six months ago. That would leave it up to the Bobcats’ defense to put him under pressure in this matchup to watch.”
“The matchup between an ever-improving University of Montana passing attack and an injury-riddled and staggering Montana State secondary has the potential to steal the spotlight Saturday afternoon during the annual Cat-Griz clash at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.”
Montana State QBs vs. Washington-Grizzly Stadium
“Both Chambers and Mellott have played in tough road environments, particularly this year, when the Bobcats went on the road to play top-ten ranked SDSU, Sac State and Idaho.”
Griz special teams vs. Bobcat special teams
“Both teams have struggled in the placekicking department. UM’s Grant Glasgow and MSU’s Hall have both been replaced after Glasgow had made just 7 of 13 and Hall just 5 of 10. Glasgow was lights out in Montana’s 23-21 win over Idaho at the Kibbie Dome, drilling three field goals of more than 40 yards. But he hit the skids as of late, giving way to Nico Ramos, a senior and former Cal transfer who has come on for UM and converted both of his attempts. For MSU, Casey Kautzman, a redshirt freshman from Butte, has made all three of his attempts after replacing Hall and is 5 for 5 on the year.”
“Vigen is 22-2 in Big Sky Conference games and has led MSU to 12 wins in each of the two seasons preceding this already eight-win campaign.
But because one of the two blemishes in his brief stint leading MSU came in a 29-10 beatdown at the hands of the hated Grizzlies in Missoula in 2021, Saturday’s return to Washington-Grizzly Stadium has major ramifications.”
Montana State rushing offense vs. Griz run defense
“It hasn’t mattered who the head coaches or primary players are in the game…other than Montana’s blitzkrieg win over MSU in 2021 in Bobcat head coach Brent Vigen’s first rivalry game, Montana State has run the ball directly down the Grizzlies’ throats.
The physical domination has been a point of extreme consternation for those who follow Montana football. The Griz have a long and well-established reputation as a tough, violent team with a defensive mentality and run-stopping linebackers in spades.”
