High Stakes in 123rd ‘Brawl of the Wild’ Game Between Montana Rivals

The 123rd annual «Brawl of the Wild» football game is set for Saturday, November 23, 2024, and will feature the University of Montana Grizzlies facing off against the University of Montana Bobcats in Bozeman. This storied rivalry matchup holds significant stakes for both teams this year. Montana State, currently ranked second, aims to embark on a historic achievement by completing their first-ever 12-0 regular season. Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked Montana Grizzlies are pushing for a ninth victory and a potential sweep over their adversaries for the second consecutive year. Over the past four meetings, the home team has secured the victory, with the Grizzlies emerging triumphant by 37-7 last year. In contrast, the Bobcats dominated their home encounters with scores of 55-21 in 2022 and 48-14 in 2019.

The much-anticipated game will be broadcast live on KRTV. Coverage commences at 11 a.m. with the «Saturday Showdown Pregame Show,» leading to a noon kickoff. It has been noted that certain programming guides from Dish Network and DirecTV have not updated to reflect the game’s airing on KRTV; however, officials confirm that the game will indeed be broadcast as planned on these platforms.

Coverage will be widespread across Montana with CBS affiliates, including KXLH in Helena, KBZK in Bozeman, KPAX in Missoula and the Flathead Valley, KTVQ in Billings, and KXLF in Butte also airing the game. For viewers outside these regions, the matchup will be available via streaming on ESPN+.

Montana State’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable, and their prospects in the upcoming game could not only cement a flawless season but also ensure an outright Big Sky Conference title. Securing such a title is critical, as it would likely guarantee a top-two seed for the FCS playoffs, which comes with the advantage of home-field play through the semifinals. «I know this team is after more,» said Montana State coach Brent Vigen. «The seeding piece to it all is obviously critical to us this week, and then the rivalry. This game it counts as one, but it does mean more.»

Aside from the rivalry stakes, the game marks Senior Day for Montana State, honoring 24 players completing their eligibility. Senior safety Rylan Ortt expressed strong team camaraderie, saying, «Everyone plays for each other, I feel like this is a super tight class.» Quarterback Tommy Mellott noted the pressure of maintaining weekly victories but emphasized the pride associated with the program’s expectations.

Despite the changing landscape of college football, the Montana rivalries continue to hold a revered place in the sport. Coach Brent Vigen highlighted the rivalry’s significance, particularly in maintaining school spirit and passion. «In this day and age with so many of these intrastate, intraconference rivalries going away, I can see that this rivalry within our roster, within our team is as alive as ever,» Vigen remarked.