Montana State football faces Montana in FCS semifinal rematch, here’s why this 125-year rivalry will decide everything

Montana State football takes the field today against arch-rival Montana in the FCS semifinal rematch of the legendary Brawl of the Wild rivalry. For the first time ever, these two programs face off in the postseason, with a national championship berth on the line. The intensity, the history, and the stakes have never been higher in this 125-year rivalry.

A Rivalry at Its Peak: The Historic Semifinal Matchup

The Brawl of the Wild represents the fourth-oldest rivalry in FCS football, dating back to 1897 when Montana State defeated Montana 33-19. For over a century, these in-state rivals have battled annually, creating generations of unforgettable moments. This year’s semifinal game elevates the rivalry to unprecedented heights—both teams ranked in the top 5 of the FCS Stats poll, both undefeated in conference play during the regular season, and both desperate to reach the national championship game.

Montana State’s Jeff Choate brings championship experience to his program, while Montana’s Bobby Hauck leads a Grizzlies squad hungry for redemption after the regular-season loss. The last three meetings have been decided by razor-thin margins, with Montana State holding the 3-3 record in their last six meetings dating back to 2019. This semifinal promises to be a showcase of two elite FCS programs at their absolute peak.

Montana State’s Offensive Machine Looking to Secure Final Four

Justin Lamson has been efficient for the Bobcats, completing 72.3% of his passes for 2,683 passing yards and 22 touchdowns through the regular season. On the ground, Montana State features a powerful duo in running back Julius Davis (1,044 yards) and Adam Jones (916 yards), both of whom scored in both playoff wins. The Bobcats dominated Stephen F. Austin 44-28 in the quarterfinals, showcasing the dominant run game and balanced attack that has fueled their 12-game winning streak.

Montana State’s defense also ranks among the conference’s elite units, particularly strong against the run. The Cats will need that defensive intensity Saturday, as they look to contain Michael Wortham, Montana’s dynamic receiver who has been exceptional throughout the season. Montana State’s ability to establish the running game early while slowing Montana’s passing attack may determine this semifinal.

Montana’s Explosive Offense Seeks Revenge in Rematch

Keali’i Ah Yat‘s breakthrough 2025 season has made the Grizzlies one of the FCS’s most dangerous offenses. The sophomore quarterback has amassed 3,819 passing yards entering the semifinal, and his recent playoff performances have been exceptional. Against South Dakota State, he threw for 360 yards and four touchdowns to lead Montana to a decisive 52-29 victory. Ah Yat completed 26 of 32 passes for one touchdown in November’s regular-season loss to Montana State, but he’s been blazing hot since then.

Montana’s running backs Eli Gilman and its receiving corps have complemented Ah Yat’s arm perfectly. The Grizzlies put up 102 combined points in their two playoff victories, suggesting their offense is operating at another level heading into the rematch. But Montana came up short once at home in November—Saturday’s task looks even tougher with an away trip to Bozeman and Montana State’s tremendous home-field advantage.

Historical Redemption and National Championship Stakes

For Montana, Saturday represents a chance for immediate redemption after the November defeat. The Grizzlies have reached the FCS semifinals an impressive 12 times, going 39-26 overall in playoff history, making them one of the program’s most experienced playoff teams. However, they’ve struggled to convert postseason opportunities, particularly in recent years. A win here sends them to the national championship game and validates their 13-1 regular season as elite-level FCS football.

For Montana State, this semifinal is about seizing a rare championship opportunity. While the Bobcats have 7 semifinal appearances and hold a 4-2 record in those games, their last national championship came in 1984. Their historic 12-game winning streak has positioned them perfectly to make a run to the title. The home-field advantage at Bobcat Stadium and the momentum of that streak make Montana State oddsmakers’ favorite.

What Will Determine the Winner of This Legendary Showdown?

Can Montana State’s rushing attack establish dominance early and control the time of possession, or will Montana’s explosive passing game find rhythm and strike quickly? Will Bobcat Stadium’s crowd noise disrupt Keali’i Ah Yat‘s timing, or will the young QB deliver another playoff performance for the ages? The team that controls the line of scrimmage and limits mistakes likely advances to claim a spot in the FCS National Championship game.

This semifinal rematch has all the ingredients of an instant classic—a 125-year rivalry reaching its climax, two elite programs at peak performance, and a national championship berth hanging in the balance. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET on Saturday at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, with the game airing on ABC. The winner advances to the FCS National Championship on January 5, 2026, with their season still alive.

Sources

• USA Today – FCS playoff semifinals coverage and Brawl of the Wild history
• NCAA.com – Official FCS playoff brackets and game previews
• ESPN – Player stats and playoff matchup analysis

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.