Although the Big Sky Country does not have an NFL team, you can rest assured that sports bars and man caves across our BIG state have plenty of football on the BIG tube on the weekends.
There is no shortage of opportunities to bet on your favorite team, from the big leagues to the college teams scattered throughout our great state.
Below you will find all the details you need to get into your game. Looking for swag? Click on the schools’ websites to find what’s trending in logo wear this year. Need some recipes for the ultimate Tailgate Party? We have you covered with 48 “Cheesy, Spicy, Salty, Cravable Tailgate Recipes to Wash Down with A Beer” article from Taste of Home.
Now, are you ready for some football?
Let the College Brawls Begin!
If you spend any time following football in Montana, you certainly have heard about the annual Brawl of the Wild, where the University of Montana v/s Montana State game winner receives the prestigious “Great Divide Trophy.” According to Wikipedia, the rivalry began back in 1897, which makes it the 11th oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi. As of 2021, the game has been played 120 times. And for you Cat fans, you can keep your chin high as Montana State officially leads the all-time series 73-41-5.
Speaking of the Great Divide, let’s look at those teams first:
University of Montana “Grizzlies”
Montana’s “Grizzlies” football team has competed in the Big Sky Conference since 1963 and was a founding member of the Big Sky Conference. Throughout history, they have documented impressive winning streaks that any coach would be proud to claim. Their hometown “Washington-Grizzly Stadium” has a winning percentage of .890 and holds the record for the most invitations to the finals.
They are off and running with their first game on tap Labor Day weekend. You can see a full football schedule for the University of Montana at GoGrizz.com.
Montana State University “Bobcats”
In 1987, the Montana State “Bobcats” started their quest to achieve some of the highest accolades in college football. And they never looked back. Their history includes three national championships (in 1956, 1976, and 1984), and they are the ONLY football program in the nation to attain titles in three different divisions: NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division I-AA. And that is just the beginning. They have racked up dozens of conference titles and have qualified for the NCAA playoffs for over a decade.
You can follow their season at MSUBobcats.com.
University of Montana Western – “Bulldogs”
This public college in Dillon, Montana, is affiliated with the University of Montana. Founded in 1893 as the “Montana State Normal School,” its “Bulldog” athletic program is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Throughout time, the school rebranded as the “Western Montana College of the University of Montana” when it was a training center for teachers. In 2000, it became part of the Montana University program and had been affiliated with the Frontier Conference since 1933!
Want to watch the Bulldogs this year? Bookmark UMwestern.edu.
Montana Technological University – “Orediggers”
As the name would indicate, it specializes in engineering, applied and health science. It was initially founded as the “Montana School of Mines in 1900. After several name changes, it was rebranded as Montana Tech of the University of Montana back in its day. The campus has become of the more respected universities for its comprehensive list of bachelor’s degrees in addition to its PH.D. programs.
When it comes to sports, there is plenty of analysis, as one would expect from its level of achievements in technology. To follow the Montana Tech “Go Diggers” football schedule, visit GoDiggers.com.
Carroll College – “Saints”
One of the most successful programs in the NAIA division of college football is in Helena, Montana, where the Carroll Fighting Saints continue to challenge the odds. It has been involved in the sport since 1920 and has six national championships (to date) and 40 conference championships within the Frontier Conference. They play their home games at the Nelson Stadium on campus.
A commitment to excellence is the foundation of learning at Carroll. As an academically prestigious institution, Carroll demands the best from its students and upholds the dual goal of vocation and enlightenment, oh, and football, too. Click Here for their season line-up.
The Ultimate Tailgate Recipes – From Taste of Home
No need to stress over what you should prep for the games ahead. We found 48 “Cheesy, Spicy, Salty, Cravable Tailgate Recipes to Wash Down with A Beer” options that will be a winner at your next tailgate gathering. Some of the Hollinger Real Estate team’s favorites include the Jalapeno Popper Dip, Chipotle Chicken, and to top it all off ‘Montana-style,” … be sure to finish off the feast with the “Cherry Plum Slab Pie with Walnut Streusel!”
