No. 3 Montana State opens Big Sky play with its first trip to Idaho State since 2018

POCATELLO, Idaho – No. 3 Montana State opens conference play at Idaho State on Saturday, and the environment presents a challenge since no current Bobcat player has yet faced the Bengals at the ICCU Dome, formerly known as Holt Arena.

The last meeting between the two in Pocatello was on October 27, 2018, a 24-17 loss for the Bobcats that ended the Bengals' 11-game losing streak in the series. Montana State is 50-31-3 against Idaho State, but the Bengals are 22-18-2 in games played in the Dome.

Montana State coach Brent Vigen noted that this team will not only be playing in a new atmosphere, but also in a unique atmosphere because it is a dome.

“When you play in a dome, you have to assume that noise is more of a factor,” he explained. “Okay, we’ll definitely work through the noise part a little bit. I know the (outside) elements have been eliminated, so I think that part is positive.”

The Bobcats are 4-0 in conference play, which includes an FBS win over New Mexico in Week 0. Offensively, the team continued to dominate the run game and showcase its vertical game, especially against Mercyhurst.

The Bobcats limited quarterback Tommy Mellott to 23 total rushing attempts, which Vigen said was intentional.

“A pretty balanced team if we planned that, but we were still able to run the football effectively,” Vigen said. “And other than that, we didn’t have to put too much strain on Tommy. I think he's under 25 carries right now, and not that he's not carrying the ball, but that was intentional as we go through the non-conference season.”

The Bobcats' defense also shined. No offensive points were possible in the second half against New Mexico, and Utah Tech failed to record any first downs in the first three quarters. There was a shutout in the first half against Mercyhurst.

“There wasn’t much given up,” Vigen said. “We didn’t take the ball away, which I hope we did, but you know, I think we played really solid defensively.”

Idaho State's offense could prove challenging as it has a solid vertical passing game and also featured an explosive running game in last week's win over Southern Utah.

“They represent a lot to worry about, and you know, it's not just, 'Hey, they have this whole plan,'” Vigen explained. “They have guys that can play in their receiver group, and their size as a receiver is something I think we really need to do a job with.”

The game begins at 4 p.m. and will be televised by Scripps Sports. To find out how to watch it, click here.