Montana State Bobcats Face Northern Colorado Bears in Key FCS Showdown

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Montana State Bobcats are set to face the Northern Colorado Bears this Saturday, November 1, at 12 p.m. MDT at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colorado. The game is crucial for both teams as Montana State looks to extend its impressive season.

The Bobcats, holding a strong 6-2 record, have dominated the Bears historically with a 12-1 record against them since 2006. Despite Northern Colorado’s struggles this season with a 3-5 record, their losses have come from formidable opponents, including ranked FCS teams like South Dakota and UC Davis.

Northern Colorado’s offense, led by quarterback Eric Gibson Jr., has shown potential; Gibson ranks second in the Big Sky Conference for passing yards. He is supported by key receivers Carver Cheeks and Brayden Munroe, both of whom are among the top five in the conference for receiving yards.

Bobcats Head Coach Brent Vigen noted Gibson’s quick decision-making and ability to read defenses, mentioning, “He’s definitely capable of making quick decisions, seeing coverage, man and zone, and he’s not afraid to go after matchups.” Vigen emphasized the importance of tackling in the Bears’ defensive strategy, acknowledging their strength in creating turnovers.

Although Northern Colorado averages only 24.5 points per game, their defense ranks third in the Big Sky for points allowed, employing a bend-but-don’t-break style. Vigen commented on their solid defensive approach, stating, “They have good tacklers on the back end and are sound in their scheme.”

The Bobcats enter this game riding high with six consecutive wins, showcasing a strong team dynamic. Vigen conveyed confidence in his squad, stating, “It’s about the offense and defense doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.” The Bobcats aim to improve to 5-0 in the Big Sky Conference with a victory over Northern Colorado.