No. 3 Montana State ready for long-awaited Gold Rush opener

BOZEMAN — For the first time since 2001, Montana State's football season began with two road games. Both went to MSU – a thrilling 35-31 win over New Mexico and a 31-7 victory over Utah Tech.

The Bobcats' season-opening road schedule has generated a lot of anticipation among the team and the community. This Saturday, the Bobcats will finally play in front of their home crowd in their annual Gold Rush game when they welcome Maine of the FCS Coastal Athletic Association.

“To have the first of many sold-out games, but the first one and to have everyone in gold is really unique for our university, for our football program,” Montana State coach Brent Vigen said. “And while we've had good crowds at both places, both Albuquerque and St. George, I think there's a whole different energy in front of 20,000-plus fans all behind you that our guys are excited about.”

“When we start two road games, the nerves before the road game are definitely over,” Montana State defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV said. “I think there are definitely big things coming this Saturday. I think we play a lot better at home. That's just what we've always done and I think it's going to be a great show.”

The defense did not allow a single first down in the first three quarters against Utah Tech last week and held New Mexico from scoring a single point on offense for the entire second half of the game two weeks ago.

While the opposing offense is being disrupted, the team has yet to record a sack, so performance has been the focus this week.

“I know we're going to get pressure,” Vigen said. “I know guys are going to want to get some sacks, and that will come with time. But I think when you look at those two games and our performance on offense, even though we're nowhere near the numbers, so to speak, we've managed to make people uncomfortable.”

Montana State's first two opponents had new coaching staffs, while Maine has a third-year head coach in Jordan Stevens and a solid core of returning players.

They've already played one game this season: a 17-14 win over Colgate last week. That makes the search a little easier, but the Black Bears have a new quarterback in Carter Peevy, who transferred from Mercer this year.

“We think, OK, they have a game,” Vigen said. “We have a chance to see that. We can work with the video from last year a little differently than we otherwise would have.”

“I know there's a new quarterback. We're watching a game of his right now playing for Maine and he's got some ability, I think both throwing and running. So he'd be the one you look back at based on what he did at Mercer.”

The game will take place at 6 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium and will be broadcast on the MTN channel and ESPN+.