Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 4 | 6:00 p.m. MT
Location: ICCU Dome | Pocatello, Idaho
Watch: ESPN+ | Listen: KISU 91.1 FM
Matchup Overview
Idaho State returns home to the ICCU Dome for a primetime Big Sky showdown against nationally ranked Montana. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. on Saturday night in Pocatello.
The Bengals enter the contest 2–3 overall and 1–0 in conference play following a 26–18 road win at Northern Colorado, while the Grizzlies stand at 4–0 and 1–0 after defeating Idaho 41–30 in Missoula.
Saturday marks the 62nd all-time meeting between the programs. Montana holds a 48–13 advantage in the series and is 16–10 all-time in Pocatello. The Griz have won 16 of the past 17 meetings, with Idaho State's last victory coming in 2003—a 43–40 double-overtime Homecoming thriller inside Holt Arena.
Bengal Breakdown
The Bengals' offense continues to roll, averaging 472.4 yards and 38.6 points per game, ranking second and third in the Big Sky respectively. Idaho State's aerial attack sits among the national leaders at 297.6 passing yards per game, while its offensive line has surrendered just one sack all season.
Quarterbacks Jordan Cooke (966 yards, 4 TD) and Davis Harsin (421 yards, 7 TD) have combined for 1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air. Michael Shulikov leads ISU with 400 receiving yards and three scores on 19 catches, while Ian Duarte tops the roster with 21 receptions.
On the ground, Dason Brooks has totaled 373 rushing yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 161-yard performance at Northern Colorado—the most by a Bengal in two seasons.
Defensively, Idaho State has generated steady pressure with 13 sacks and nine takeaways through five games. Rylan Leathers leads the team with 42 tackles, followed by Nathan Reynolds and Teilor Tuioti with 37 apiece.
Special teams remain a bright spot, as Trajan Sinatra is a perfect 9-for-9 on field goals, including a career-long 56-yarder at New Mexico. Gabriel Russo has averaged 44.5 yards per punt, giving ISU one of the most consistent kicking duos in the league.
Scouting the Grizzlies
Montana enters the weekend atop multiple Big Sky statistical categories, averaging 498.8 yards and 42.5 points per game—both league bests and among the top 10 nationally. The Griz have been equally dangerous on the ground (217.8 ypg) and through the air (281.0 ypg) while boasting the conference's best passing efficiency rating at 162.8.
Quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat has passed for 1,124 yards and seven touchdowns, and running back Eli Gillman headlines the rushing attack with 464 yards and seven scores. Michael Wortham leads the receiving unit with 280 yards, while Brooks Davis adds 193 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Montana ranks third in the league in total defense (386.5 ypg) and has allowed just one rushing touchdown all season. Elijawah Tolbert leads the defense with 27 tackles, and Solomon Tuliaupupu has recorded two sacks.
Special teams remain reliable for the Griz as well, with Nico Ramos converting all three field-goal attempts and Ty Morrison averaging 41.6 yards per punt.
By the Numbers
| Category |
Idaho State |
Montana |
| Points Per Game |
38.6 |
42.5 |
| First Downs |
120 |
93 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game |
174.8 |
217.8 |
| Passing Yards Per Game |
297.6 |
281.0 |
| Total Offense |
472.4 |
498.8 |
| Passing Touchdowns |
12 |
7 |
| Interceptions Thrown |
6 |
4 |
| Rushing Touchdowns |
10 |
15 |
| Field Goals |
9/9 |
3/3 |
| Time of Possession |
27:46 |
31:21 |
| Sacks Allowed / Yards |
1-11 |
9-49 |
| Red Zone (Scores/Attempts) |
20-24 (83%) |
16-17 (94%) |
| Scoring Defense |
26.8 |
22.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed |
175.2 |
182.3 |
| Passing Yards Allowed |
246.4 |
204.3 |
| Total Defense (Yards) |
421.6 |
386.5 |
| Sacks – Yards |
13-110 |
5-46 |
| Interceptions |
2 |
4 |
| Fumbles Forced / Recovered |
5-1 |
1-1 |
| Penalty Yards Per Game |
64.8 |
59.5 |
Coaches Corner
On facing Montana:
"Montana, they're playing really well. I think right now, statistically they're the best defense and offense in the conference in a variety of metrics," said Head Coach Cody Hawkins. "Darn good football team, really exciting opportunity for our guys to play a big time football game. We told 'em it's not just a big game because the Grizz are playing, it's a big game because the Bengals are playing in it."
On Montana's offense:
"It all starts with Gillman, their tailback. They just really have been able to play classic Montana football where they're doing a great job wearing you out up front," Hawkins said. "But they've got good skill players—Wortham is a dynamic guy. They're able to run their basic stuff a variety of ways and have a ton of constraints off of the things they do well, just enough to keep you honest."
On Montana's defense:
"I say same old Montana, man," Hawkins added. "They're big, they're physical, you can tell they play really fast. And in the secondary, they're gonna do enough stuff to counter everything that they do that you've got to make sure you do a good job recognizing their keys. Any Bobby Hauck team is gonna be really good on special teams too."
Series History
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62nd all-time meeting (Montana leads 48–13)
-
Montana leads 16–10 in Pocatello
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ISU's last win: 2003 (43–40 2OT in Pocatello)
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Montana has won 16 of the past 17 matchups
Up Next
Following Saturday's game, Idaho State travels to Portland State for a Big Sky matchup on Oct. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. PT at Hillsboro Stadium.
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