The greatest sports rivalry in Montana is poised for a climactic meeting this weekend in Missoula.
The Montana State Bobcats travel to Missoula to play the Montana Grizzlies at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The game will be televised live on Root Sports.
There’s a lot on the line in this year’s regular-season finale.
The Bobcats are 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the Big Sky Conference, tied for first place with Eastern Washington (9-2, 6-1). MSU is ranked 12th/13th in the country, according to the latest FCS polls.
A victory on Saturday guarantees the Cats at least a share of the conference title.
Hoping to play spoilers, the Grizzlies are 7-4 overall and 5-2 in conference and fighting to keep their season alive with a playoff berth. Montana is ranked 15th/16th in the FCS and would likely earn a playoff berth by defeating their in-state rivals.
Both the Grizzlies and the Bobcats need to win this week to ensure a spot in the FCS playoff field of 16 teams.
Montana defeated MSU last year in Bozeman 28-14. The teams have split the past four games. The Bobcats won 16-7 in 2012.
Both teams are coming off impressive wins last week but could have to rely on their backups this weekend.
Montana State’s backup quarterback Jake Bleskin threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns to lead Montana State to a key 44-39 comeback win over Idaho State on Saturday.
Bleskin filled in for starter Dakota Prukop, who injured his knee. Head coach Rob Ash said last weekend Bleskin could be tabbed again this weekend but it will likely be a game-time decision.
The Griz are faced with a similar situation. Starting QB Jordan Johnson injured his ankle last weekend and Kalispell native and UM senior backup Shay Smithwick-Hann filled in and guided Montana to a 35-15 win over Southern Utah.
There’s no word yet on Johnson’s status and it could be another game-time decision.