The Gap is Getting Wider

[catatac]

Between MSU and UM. If you haven't seen Colter's latest "Talkin Schmidt" episode, watch it. Andrew Schmidt (Huge Griz guy) hits the nail on the head, and you can tell he's ripping on everything Grizzly because he feels it's the best way to get people on board with pushing for serious changes within that program, if they ever want to be serious contenders. Vigen puts a premium on strength and conditioning, nutrition, mental toughness, etc., in fact Sean Herris is one of the highest paid coaches on the staff. Bobby treats it as an afterthought and just threw a guy in there. It's super important and it's why the Cats (And the DSUs) push UM around on the lines. Bobby doesn't double rep in practice. Bobby disrespects the best MT recruits by not offering them as much as Vigen because he expects them to play for him because... we're the Griz dammit! Recruiting results, and results on the field absolutely prove all this out. I almost want UM to win this weekend because if SDSU thumps them, the administration might wise up start thinking about telling Bobby to move along

We are damn lucky to have Vigen, for as long as we get to keep him.

[84CatGrad]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

[catatac]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

They beat up on bad teams, struggled with average teams, and barely beat or lost to the good teams they faced. I don't think they're a sinking ship, I just don't think they're on the same level as the Cats, in all those areas I mentioned above. I would be absolutely shocked if they made it to Nashville. If the Cats make it, I won't be shocked at all.

[Rich K]

It's not just football.

#BOTW Results
2024-25 Montana State 13, Montana 4
2023-24 Montana State 10, Montana 7
2022-23: Montana State 13, Montana 3
2021-22: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2020-21: Montana State 8, Montana 3
2019-20: Montana State 9, Montana 4
2018-19: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2017-18: Montana State 12, Montana 5
2016-17: Montana State 10, Montana 7
2015-16: Montana 12, Montana State 5
2014-15: Montana 9, Montana State 8
2013-14: Montana 14, Montana State 3

[lutecat]

Why are we drawing attention to this?

Let them be who they are, and never do anything about it. Instead of bringing this to their attention.

[coloradocat]

I'm more than happy for them to win 10 games every year but never make it past the quarterfinals again. Bergen isn't walking through that door.

[aucat]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

I agree with you. The idea that MSU is leaving UM in the dust is wishful thinking. I WISH it was true, although Ty Gregorak said the UM streak was actually very bad for the "rivalry." While I don't pull for UM I don't hink they are going away.

We were the better team this year but we only won by three points. It was a dang close nerve wracking ballgame. I was hoping for a decisive win, but it turned out to be a nailbiter.

Their men's basketball team has pretty much owned us. Our women's team has done great, but we barely beat them by one point last year in the Big Sky finals.

I was on hand at the Brick the night we had 5000 fans on hand dressed in gold and UM kicked our volleyball team out of the Brick.

I do think both the MSU institution and the athletics dept. has the better momentum, no question about it. But I don't see how you can say there is a big gap at this point anyway.

[Cataholic]

It's not just football.

#BOTW Results
2024-25 Montana State 13, Montana 4
2023-24 Montana State 10, Montana 7
2022-23: Montana State 13, Montana 3
2021-22: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2020-21: Montana State 8, Montana 3
2019-20: Montana State 9, Montana 4
2018-19: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2017-18: Montana State 12, Montana 5
2016-17: Montana State 10, Montana 7
2015-16: Montana 12, Montana State 5
2014-15: Montana 9, Montana State 8
2013-14: Montana 14, Montana State 3

Wow! 9 straight! That deserves more recognition as a streak! It is quite an accomplishment!

[onceacat]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

I agree with you. The idea that MSU is leaving UM in the dust is wishful thinking. I WISH it was true, although Ty Gregorak said the UM streak was actually very bad for the "rivalry." While I don't pull for UM I don't hink they are going away.

We were the better team this year but we only won by three points. It was a dang close nerve wracking ballgame. I was hoping for a decisive win, but it turned out to be a nailbiter.

Their men's basketball team has pretty much owned us. Our women's team has done great, but we barely beat them by one point last year in the Big Sky finals.

I was on hand at the Brick the night we had 5000 fans on hand dressed in gold and UM kicked our volleyball team out of the Brick.

I do think both the MSU institution and the athletics dept. has the better momentum, no question about it. But I don't see how you can say there is a big gap at this point anyway.

Huh? I don't think we watched the same game. The Cats went up by 3 on Dowlers INT return, then extend the lead to 10 for most of the 4th. Gris never had possession in a position to score a go ahead in the 4th. (Could have tied it with the FG)

It certainly wasn't a blowout, but it wasn't like the Pandas ever had a chance to go ahead in the 4th. Cats easily could have put another TD on the board in the 4th quarter, but chose not to.

I like to think that it's because Vigen knows that as long as the final score looks closer than it is, UM will keep Booby around until the end of time. Which is great for the Cats. Booby is just good enough to make the playoffs year in and year out, but isnt likely to be in contention for deep playoff runs. Hes like the Rob Ash of Missoula.

The longer Vigen keeps him in Missoula by toying with the gris fans, the better off we are.

[BobcatDel]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

I agree with you. The idea that MSU is leaving UM in the dust is wishful thinking. I WISH it was true, although Ty Gregorak said the UM streak was actually very bad for the "rivalry." While I don't pull for UM I don't hink they are going away.

We were the better team this year but we only won by three points. It was a dang close nerve wracking ballgame. I was hoping for a decisive win, but it turned out to be a nailbiter.

Their men's basketball team has pretty much owned us. Our women's team has done great, but we barely beat them by one point last year in the Big Sky finals.

I was on hand at the Brick the night we had 5000 fans on hand dressed in gold and UM kicked our volleyball team out of the Brick.

I do think both the MSU institution and the athletics dept. has the better momentum, no question about it. But I don't see how you can say there is a big gap at this point anyway.

Curious on your comment on gris MBB “owning us”. Since the Covid year it’s Cats with 4 wins and 3 championships…while gris have 5 wins and 1 championship. True last year we lost twice to them by 7 points one game and 4 points in other. We can disagree on what “owning us” means but I call it pretty even and competitive.

And the WBB beat them 3 times last year!!! By 1 point at their house and 1 point at the tourney. And even losing two starters in Bozeman we gave them a BB clinic…last shot would have broken the century barrier if it went in. To me that’s kinda like tearing their hearts out! I just wished we could have played them again!!! (Bobcats up 7 wins to 2 during that time frame)

Yep Volleyball lost in our house 1-3. Might recall Bobcats won in their house 3-2 in front of their 3000 fans.

I’m too lazy to go back to tabulate track over last few years.

[GoldstoneCat]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

I agree with you. The idea that MSU is leaving UM in the dust is wishful thinking. I WISH it was true, although Ty Gregorak said the UM streak was actually very bad for the "rivalry." While I don't pull for UM I don't hink they are going away.

We were the better team this year but we only won by three points. It was a dang close nerve wracking ballgame. I was hoping for a decisive win, but it turned out to be a nailbiter.

Their men's basketball team has pretty much owned us. Our women's team has done great, but we barely beat them by one point last year in the Big Sky finals.

I was on hand at the Brick the night we had 5000 fans on hand dressed in gold and UM kicked our volleyball team out of the Brick.

I do think both the MSU institution and the athletics dept. has the better momentum, no question about it. But I don't see how you can say there is a big gap at this point anyway.

Huh? I don't think we watched the same game. The Cats went up by 3 on Dowlers INT return, then extend the lead to 10 for most of the 4th. Gris never had possession in a position to score a go ahead in the 4th. (Could have tied it with the FG)

It certainly wasn't a blowout, but it wasn't like the Pandas ever had a chance to go ahead in the 4th. Cats easily could have put another TD on the board in the 4th quarter, but chose not to.

I like to think that it's because Vigen knows that as long as the final score looks closer than it is, UM will keep Booby around until the end of time. Which is great for the Cats. Booby is just good enough to make the playoffs year in and year out, but isnt likely to be in contention for deep playoff runs. Hes like the Rob Ash of Missoula.

The longer Vigen keeps him in Missoula by toying with the gris fans, the better off we are.

? They had the ball down 24-21 and drove into the red zone, or close, got knocked back a couple yards and we blocked the kick. They were definitely in position to take the lead in the 4th.
That said, I do agree with your point in general, I think they played their best game and we played... fine. And still beat them over there.

[lutecat]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

I agree with you. The idea that MSU is leaving UM in the dust is wishful thinking. I WISH it was true, although Ty Gregorak said the UM streak was actually very bad for the "rivalry." While I don't pull for UM I don't hink they are going away.

We were the better team this year but we only won by three points. It was a dang close nerve wracking ballgame. I was hoping for a decisive win, but it turned out to be a nailbiter.

Their men's basketball team has pretty much owned us. Our women's team has done great, but we barely beat them by one point last year in the Big Sky finals.

I was on hand at the Brick the night we had 5000 fans on hand dressed in gold and UM kicked our volleyball team out of the Brick.

I do think both the MSU institution and the athletics dept. has the better momentum, no question about it. But I don't see how you can say there is a big gap at this point anyway.

Curious on your comment on gris MBB “owning us”. Since the Covid year it’s Cats with 4 wins and 3 championships…while gris have 5 wins and 1 championship. True last year we lost twice to them by 7 points one game and 4 points in other. We can disagree on what “owning us” means but I call it pretty even and competitive.

And the WBB beat them 3 times last year!!! By 1 point at their house and 1 point at the tourney. And even losing two starters in Bozeman we gave them a BB clinic…last shot would have broken the century barrier if it went in. To me that’s kinda like tearing their hearts out! I just wished we could have played them again!!! (Bobcats up 7 wins to 2 during that time frame)

Yep Volleyball lost in our house 1-3. Might recall Bobcats won in their house 3-2 in front of their 3000 fans.

I’m too lazy to go back to tabulate track over last few years.

That was a nail biter of a game and I didnt breath easy until we crossed the 50.

Mbb outside of the spinkle years, yes they have dominated the rivalry recently.

[catscat]

It's not just football.

#BOTW Results
2024-25 Montana State 13, Montana 4
2023-24 Montana State 10, Montana 7
2022-23: Montana State 13, Montana 3
2021-22: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2020-21: Montana State 8, Montana 3
2019-20: Montana State 9, Montana 4
2018-19: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2017-18: Montana State 12, Montana 5
2016-17: Montana State 10, Montana 7
2015-16: Montana 12, Montana State 5
2014-15: Montana 9, Montana State 8
2013-14: Montana 14, Montana State 3

So basically our dominance has been when Leon has been AD.

[wbtfg]

It's not just football.

#BOTW Results
2024-25 Montana State 13, Montana 4
2023-24 Montana State 10, Montana 7
2022-23: Montana State 13, Montana 3
2021-22: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2020-21: Montana State 8, Montana 3
2019-20: Montana State 9, Montana 4
2018-19: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2017-18: Montana State 12, Montana 5
2016-17: Montana State 10, Montana 7
2015-16: Montana 12, Montana State 5
2014-15: Montana 9, Montana State 8
2013-14: Montana 14, Montana State 3

So basically our dominance has been when Leon has been AD.

I dont think we can overstate how important it was to move on from Peter Fields…..and Leon was the perfect hire.

[MSU01]

It's not just football.

#BOTW Results
2024-25 Montana State 13, Montana 4
2023-24 Montana State 10, Montana 7
2022-23: Montana State 13, Montana 3
2021-22: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2020-21: Montana State 8, Montana 3
2019-20: Montana State 9, Montana 4
2018-19: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2017-18: Montana State 12, Montana 5
2016-17: Montana State 10, Montana 7
2015-16: Montana 12, Montana State 5
2014-15: Montana 9, Montana State 8
2013-14: Montana 14, Montana State 3

So basically our dominance has been when Leon has been AD.

I dont think we can overstate how important it was to move on from Peter Fields…..and Leon was the perfect hire.

MSU hasn't done too badly with their second choice AD and sixth choice football coach! Robin Selvig's retirement which allowed Coach Binford and the WBB program to tip the balance of the rivalry in their favor also has helped a lot.

[bobcatfan15]

It's not just football.

#BOTW Results
2024-25 Montana State 13, Montana 4
2023-24 Montana State 10, Montana 7
2022-23: Montana State 13, Montana 3
2021-22: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2020-21: Montana State 8, Montana 3
2019-20: Montana State 9, Montana 4
2018-19: Montana State 11, Montana 6
2017-18: Montana State 12, Montana 5
2016-17: Montana State 10, Montana 7
2015-16: Montana 12, Montana State 5
2014-15: Montana 9, Montana State 8
2013-14: Montana 14, Montana State 3

Our track and field, and cross country teams have really leveled up also.
I don’t think this gets near enough attention as it should…
I like this streak .
Also, Peter Fields was terrible. Good riddance.

[cats2506]

MSU's current program is to recruit HS kids and develop them, many will get 4 games in the first year and work into the rotation as RS freshmen.
UM has gone the transfer portal largely, most of the HS kids they recruit are not seeing the field until the 3rd year. Transfer upperclassmen are constantly needing to be replaced and worked into the system. It is a difficult hole to get out of.

CFB is becoming largely about money, while both depend on support from across the state, a lot of new money is in the Bozeman area. Bozeman has become the tech center of Montana, (think Boise in the 90's) and is continuing to grow. The area around Missoula is largely at capacity, growth is much more difficult there and UM is a liberal arts school so it has less impact on recruiting tech company's to the area.

They can continue to be competitive at a high level, but it is going to be more and more difficult to fundraise and keep up.

Personally it saddens me a little, I think the rivalry is more than just a big deal to Montana (the state) fans, I think it is hugely beneficial to have another team to push each other. I see signs that I interpret as a move towards FBS from MSU, I am unsure that UM is able to do that right now, if it happens I am sure that they will do everything they can to move together.

[RockyBearCat]

Personally it saddens me a little, I think the rivalry is more than just a big deal to Montana (the state) fans, I think it is hugely beneficial to have another team to push each other. I see signs that I interpret as a move towards FBS from MSU, I am unsure that UM is able to do that right now, if it happens I am sure that they will do everything they can to move together.

I agree with the initial part. However, if Cats go on a 30-0 run against the gris, I would be fine with it. We have the "hugely beneficial" other team to push us, they go by the Bizon and even the JackRabbits.

[onceacat]

Serious changes? They went 11-1 and are seeded third in the tournament. Sure, we've won 7 of 9 but it hardly feels like the SS Missoula is sinking fast, as much as I wish it were.

I agree with you. The idea that MSU is leaving UM in the dust is wishful thinking. I WISH it was true, although Ty Gregorak said the UM streak was actually very bad for the "rivalry." While I don't pull for UM I don't hink they are going away.

We were the better team this year but we only won by three points. It was a dang close nerve wracking ballgame. I was hoping for a decisive win, but it turned out to be a nailbiter.

Their men's basketball team has pretty much owned us. Our women's team has done great, but we barely beat them by one point last year in the Big Sky finals.

I was on hand at the Brick the night we had 5000 fans on hand dressed in gold and UM kicked our volleyball team out of the Brick.

I do think both the MSU institution and the athletics dept. has the better momentum, no question about it. But I don't see how you can say there is a big gap at this point anyway.

Huh? I don't think we watched the same game. The Cats went up by 3 on Dowlers INT return, then extend the lead to 10 for most of the 4th. Gris never had possession in a position to score a go ahead in the 4th. (Could have tied it with the FG)

It certainly wasn't a blowout, but it wasn't like the Pandas ever had a chance to go ahead in the 4th. Cats easily could have put another TD on the board in the 4th quarter, but chose not to.

I like to think that it's because Vigen knows that as long as the final score looks closer than it is, UM will keep Booby around until the end of time. Which is great for the Cats. Booby is just good enough to make the playoffs year in and year out, but isnt likely to be in contention for deep playoff runs. Hes like the Rob Ash of Missoula.

The longer Vigen keeps him in Missoula by toying with the gris fans, the better off we are.

? They had the ball down 24-21 and drove into the red zone, or close, got knocked back a couple yards and we blocked the kick. They were definitely in position to take the lead in the 4th.
That said, I do agree with your point in general, I think they played their best game and we played... fine. And still beat them over there.

They were in a position to TIE, not win. And Cats utterly dominated for the last 8 min or is of the 4th.

In all reality it was a 2 score game (in other words, not particularly close) but Vigen chose to kneel down.

[Travelingcat]

I think the big statistic is that the University of Montana enrolled 1214 Freshmen this year and MSU enrolled almost three times that.

That is frankly a shocking disparity for two pretty similarly situated universities in the same state. Especially given that UM was the historically more "prestigious" flagship school.

I'd expect UM to lower that gap over time just out of having nowhere to go but up at this point.

There is a lot of new money and growth in Bozeman, and Missoula has lagged in that, but I'd hardly say it's struggling. It's just not growing at the same pace. But at some point, you'd expect things to even out a bit.