Big Sky Breakdown

Hear from Montana head coach Bobby Hauck, senior safety Garrett Graves and senior offensive tackle Chris Walker as the Griz prepare to open the 2023 season at home against Butler on September 2.

Our latest installment of our Big Sky Media series featuring some of the best reporters and analysts who cover the Big Sky Conference features Kyle Hansen, a reporter for KPAX TV in Missoula who was the sideline reporter for MTN broadcasts for Griz football games last season.

Our latest installment of our Big Sky Media series featuring some of the best reporters and analysts who cover the Big Sky Conference features Ashley Washburn, a reporter for KBZK TV in Bozeman who was the sideline reporter for MTN broadcasts for Bobcat football games last season.

Colter Nuanez is joined by former Skyline Sports writer and journalism veteran Kyle Sample to break down all the factors into what goes into reporting crime cases pertaining to college athletics figures, including specifics about reporting on the ongoing cases of Montana State defensive coordinator Willie Mack Garza and offensive coordinator Taylor Housewright, who were each charged with DUI, Garza in November of 2022 and Housewright in May of 2023.

Colter Nuanez gives quick thoughts about each and every player on the Montana State Bobcats football roster in this twice-annual installment of Bobcats by the Numbers.

Colter Nuanez gives quick thoughts about each and every player on the University of Montana football roster in this twice annual installment of Griz by the Numbers.

Colter Nuanez and Andrew Houghton break down the Big Sky Conference football race by tiers and reveal their preseason polls with the Big Sky Kickoff media gathering less than a week away.

The Big Sky Conference preseason all-conference votes were due on July 13. So Colter Nuanez and Andrew Houghton did a deep dive on narratives around the league and reveal all of their votes on this week's Big Sky Breakdown.

In May, Colter Nuanez and Andrew Houghton gave letter grades for each and every sports season at both Montana and Montana State....except football. So the boys hash out Bobcat and Griz football for the 2022 season, the grades for the year and projections heading into the upcoming season.

Over the last six months, Colter Nuanez has had all five of the new head football coaches in the Big Sky Conference on Nuanez Now on ESPN Radio & SWX Montana television. Colter & Andrew Houghton break down the distinct challenges for each Northern Colorado, Idaho State, Cal Poly, Weber State and Sacramento State while sharing those interviews in this two-part episode. This episode includes general thoughts Weber State in the post-Jay Hill era (1:50), an interview with new WSU head coach Mickey Mental (10:40), Sacramento State analysis (19:45) and an interview with new Sac State head coach Andy Thompson (31:05).

Over the last six months, Colter Nuanez has had all five of the new head football coaches in the Big Sky Conference on Nuanez Now on ESPN Radio & SWX Montana television. Colter & Andrew Houghton break down the distinct challenges for each Northern Colorado, Idaho State, Cal Poly, Weber State and Sacramento State while sharing those interviews in this two-part episode. This episode includes general thoughts on the league (0:10), a breakdown of Northern Colorado (10:40), an interview with UNC head coach Ed Lamb (17:14), a breakdown of Idaho State (33:30), an interview with new ISU head coach Cody Hawkins (39:25), a breakdown of Cal Poly (54:25) and an interview with new Cal Poly head coach (1:02:44)

Colter Nuanez is joined by Voice of the Griz Riley Corcoran for a Montana men’s basketball season breakdown, including, broad thoughts on a roller coaster Griz hoops season (4:15). We also discuss Riley’s three biggest takeaways from the season (13:15), biggest off-season story lines in the Big Sky Conference (19:17), plus a conversation about the biggest needs for the Griz basketball team this off-season (24:33). Plus, Velk Law discusses their top spot in this season’s countdown of the Top 12 Griz basketball greats in John Velk’s four-plus decades sitting court-side (33:51). And Colter Nuanez shares an excerpt from Corcoran’s appearance this week on Nuanez Now on 102.9 ESPN FM, SWX Montana television and the ESPN MT App including a deep discussion on the perils and pluses of the NCAA transfer portal (45:03).

Colter Nuanez shares his appearance on "Inside the Den" with Voice of the Griz Riley Corcoran (2:45) leading up to the Big Sky Tournament. Plus, this week's ESPN Roundtable featuring Colter and Andrew Houghton playing word association for all 10 Big Sky Conference men's hoops teams (31:45), and the duo gives their All-Big Sky lists and awards (56:20). John Velk of Velk Law gives his latest installment (1:08:41) of his Top 12 Griz he's seen live in person, with conversation about No. 4 Wayne Tinkle, No. 3 Marc Glass and No. 2 Andrew Strait.

Colter Nuanez is joined by Andrew Houghton for key Big Sky Conference story lines (1:47) plus key story lines entering into this weekend’s Cat-Griz double header in Bozeman (9:23). Plus, Colter shares interviews with Montana State women’s basketball star senior Kola Bad Bear (40:10), UM Lady Griz coach Brian Holsinger (51:48), Montana head men’s coach Travis DeCuire (1:15:24) and Montana State head men’s basketball coach Danny Sprinkle (1:24:16) John Velk of Velk Law also swings by with his latest installment of his Griz Greats series (50:42), this week talking about No. 7 Kevin Criswell, No. 6 Will Cherry and No. 5 Kareem Jamar.

This week, Colter Nuanez takes you around the Big Sky Conference in men's and women's hoops plus checks in with one of the new football head coaches in the league, with interviews including: Northern Colorado head men's basketball coach Steve Smile (4:00), Northern Arizona head men's basketball coach Shane Burcar (14:48), Montana State head women's basketball coach Tricia Binford (25:15)John Velk of Velk Law Top 12 Griz men's players he's seen checking in with No. 8 Matt Kempfert.Montana head men's coach Travis DeCuire (41:30), Montana State men's head coach Danny Sprinkle (48:10), Northern Arizona women's head basketball coach Loree Payne (56:51) and Cal Poly head football coach Paul Wulff (1:04:00).

Colter Nuanez shares interviews from Around the Big Sky Conference in men's and women's basketball, including Sac State men's head coach David Patrick (6:12), Portland State men's head coach Jase Coburn (20:06), John Velk, Velk Law Griz Greats countdown: Shawn Samuelson (34:45), Portland State women's head coach Chelsey Gregg (43:30), Montana State men's head coach Danny Sprinkle (51:40), Montana men's head coach Travis DeCuire (1:00:30) and theGriz Star of the Week, Montana junior guard Josh Vazquez (1:06:45)

Colter Nuanez shares interviews with a variety of subjects in this weekend's rivalry showdown as Montana prepares to host Montana State in a double header in Missoula on Saturday January 21, 2023. Hear the latest edition of John Velk's countdown of the top Griz men's hoopers of all time featuring a conversation about Sayeed Pridgett (2:14). Plus, hear interviews with Montana State senior point guard Darian White (12:08), Montana senior power forward Mack Anderson (18:45), Montana State women’s basketball coach Tricia Binford (26:40), Montana women’s basketball coach Brian Holsinger (37:41), Montana State men’s basketball coach Danny Sprinkle (44:51), Montana men’s associate head basketball coach Chris Cobb (54:51).

Colter Nuanez takes you around the Big Sky Conference with all the scores from the women's league (1:50) and the men's league (7:05), plus rapid reactions from both. Hear from a breakdown of Montana State's 67-52 win over Weber State + sound bites from head coach Danny Sprinkle (11:41). And Griz hoops analysis (18:00) + an interview with Montana point guard Brandon Whitney (23:40).

On Thursday January 12, 2023, there were four games each in Big Sky Conference women's & men's basketball. Colter Nuanez gives a Big Sky scoreboard (0:35), Andrew Houghton joins in to break down Weber State's wild 59-57 win over Montana in Missoula (2:38) and thoughts on Montana State sweeping Idaho State (11:41). Plus, hear interviews with Weber State head coach Eric Duft (14:45) and Montana head coach Travis DeCuire (18:35).

Colter Nuanez takes you around the Big Sky Conference in men's & women's basketball with interviews featuring: Riley Corcoran, Voice of the Griz - 3:08Danny Sprinkle, Montana State men’s head coach – 20:51Travis DeCuire, Montana men’s head coach – 33:32John Velk, Velk Law – 45:05Tricia Binford, Montana State women’s head coach – 53:40Eric Duft, Weber State men’s head coach 1:03:27Seton Sobolewski, Idaho State women’s head coach – 1:13:48

Former Montana State defensive lineman Bill Kollar went on to play eight seasons and coach for three decades in the NFL. He retired from football on Sunday. On Tuesday, he found out he would be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Kollar was a two-time All-American at MSU who went on to become the MVP of the 1974 Senior Bowl and the first player ever out of the Big Sky Conference to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Colter Nuanez breaks down all things Big Sky Conference women's & men's basketball with league play opening up on the final weekend of 2022. Colter gives five interesting things about Big Sky women’s hoops (3:15), the Big Sky women’s hoops players of the week so far (9:26), five interesting facts about Big Sky men’s hoops (11:05), the Big Sky men’s hoops players of the week so far (23:51) and reviews the transfers proliferating everywhere (25:40) throughout the men's league. John Velk of Velk Law swings by to give his latest installment of the Top 12 Griz men's basketball players he's ever watched live (28:47) with a conversation about Scott Zannon and Jordan Hasquet, who Velk has tied for No. 12.Plus, Colter gives three big things about Montana men's hoops (42:00), the Montana State women's team (46:35), the Montana Lady Griz (49:00) and finally three big things about the Montana State men (53:05).

The early signing period for college football opened on Wednesday December 21, 2021. The Montana Grizzlies football team signed 13 prospects from the high school ranks, including eight from Montana. UM head coach Bobby Hauck and recruiting coordinator Justin Green addressed the media on Wednesday regarding the incoming recruiting class.

Colter & Brooks Nuanez analyze what has made this Montana State team special, how to define its leadership, why Brent Vigen has been the perfect fit plus what to expect from the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.Plus, hear from SDSU head coach John Stiegelmeier, Sam Herder of Hero Sports and Colter Nuanez's breakdown of what is missing for Griz football entering the off-season.

Montana State rolled in to the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs with a 55-7 win over William & Mary in the quarterfinals on December 9, 2022 in Bozeman, Montana. The semifinal appearance is the third in a row for the fourth-seeded Bobcats. MSU plays at No. 1 South Dakota State on Saturday afternoon in Brookings, South Dakota. Montana State second-year head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media on Monday.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen joins Colter Nuanez of ESPN MT and Skyline Sports to preview MSU's FCS playoffs quarterfinal game on Friday December 9, 2022 in Bozeman, Montana.

Colter Nuanez & Brooks Nuanez (2:23) analyze the Big Sky Conference's coaching carousel plus give thoughts on Montana State's 33-25 win over Weber State to move into the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs for the third fall season in a row and give some thoughts on Montana's season-ending 49-26 loss at No. 3 North Dakota State.Colter & Ty Gregorak (37:26) break down what is missing for the Griz, what has the Bobcats rolling and more.Plus, Colter shares an interviews with Sac State running back Cameron Skattebo (1:04:30), the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year, talking about the Hornets' first ever playoff win and Montana State All-American Isaiah Ifanse (1:12:17) on his return. And hear Colter's weekly spot (1:20:25) on the Bobcat Pregame Tailgate Show with Dave Wooten of KSKY Country in Bozeman

On Tuesday December 6, 2022, Montana pounded South Dakota State, racing to an 81-56 victory in the lone December non-conference home game for the Grizzlies. Hear from Montana head coach Travis DeCuire (4:23), Montana junior point guard Brandon Whitney (9:24) & South Dakota State head coach Eric Henderson (11:53) on the contest. Plus, the debut and first installation of a new Big Sky Breakdown podcast feature a countdown of the greatest Griz men's basketball players according to John R. Velk of Velk Law, a loyol season ticket holder who has sat court-side at Dahlberg Arena for more than three decades. In this installment (begins at 15:30), Velk & Colter Nuanez discuss all the best players in Griz history that were not four-year players at Montana.

Montana lost 49-26 at North Dakota State on Saturday, December 3, 2022. On Monday December 5, 2022, Griz head coach Bobby Hauck addressed the media to recap the season and preview the upcoming recruiting period. Video courtesy of UM Athletics and produced by Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

No. 4 Montana State rushed for 388 yards on the way to a 33-25 win over No. 9 Weber State in the second round of the FCS Playoffs on Saturday December 3, 2022 in Bozeman. The Bobcats are into the quarterfinals of the postseason for the third fall season in a row. On Friday December 9, 2022, the fourth-seeded Bobcats host fifth-seeded William & Mary of Williamsburg, Virginia. MSU second-year head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media on Monday. Skyline Sports will have a one-on-one with Colter Nuanez & Vigen later this week. Video filmed by Montana State athletics, produced by Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

Colter Nuanez is joined by Andrew Houghton of Skyline Sports to analyze Jason Eck's first season at Idaho, ponder the best fits for the head coach openings at Idaho State and Northern Colorado and debate the ramifications for a win or a loss by Griz football this weekend at North Dakota State. Plus, Nick Taber of WestPac Wealth swings by to talk Griz and give his financial tip of the day.

Colter Nuanez is joined by Brooks Nuanez & Ty Gregorak to talk all things Cat-Griz, FCS playoffs and analysis on the Weber State at Montana State game plus the Montana at North Dakota State contest in this weekend's second round of the FCS playoffs.

Colter Nuanez shares interviews from Around the Big Sky Conference, including chats with - Idaho quarterback Gevani McCoy - 3:32- Idaho head coach Jason Eck - 9:05- Sac State offensive lineman Brandon Weldon - 20:25- Montana senior kick returner Malik Flowers - 31:04- Montana State junior tight end Treyton Pickering - 41:37- Weber State senior wide receiver Ty MacPherson - 51:13- North Dakota State senior All-American offensive lineman Cody Mauch - 1:04:11

Colter Nuanez shares this week's "Catching up with a Coordinator" segment with Montana State second-year offensive coordinator Taylor Housewright recapping MSU's offensive performance in a 55-21 win over rival Montana and previewing Montana State's second-round FCS playoff matchup against No. 9 Weber State.

Montana scored 31 unanswered points on the way to a 34-24 win over Southeast Missouri State in the first round of the FCS Playoffs on November 26, 2022. The Grizzlies (8-4) head to third-seeded North Dakota State (9-2) for first matchup between the FCS powers since 2015. NDSU has claimed nine of the last 10 fall national championships. Audio recorded & produced by Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

Montana State went 8-0 in Big Sky Conference play and finished 10-1 overall to earn its first Big Sky championship since 2012 and the No. 4 seed in the FCS playoffs. Coming off a first round bye, MSU hosts No. 9 Weber State on Saturday in Bozeman. The Wildcats held on for a 38-31 win over North Dakota in the first round. Montana State defeated Weber State 43-38 on October 22, 2022 in Bozeman. Audio recorded & produced by Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

Colter Nuanez breaks down the first round of the FCS Playoffs with scores and Round of 16 matchups, plus some analysis of all three Big Sky Conference playoff games. Colter also gives his "Three Big Things" about Montana following a 34-24 come from behind victory for the Grizzlies over Southeast Missouri State. The Griz scored 31 unanswered points to advance to play North Dakota State in the second round of the postseason.

In this special Thanksgiving installment, Skyline Sports lead analyst Ty Gregorak joins Colter Nuanez to rehash the 121st rivalry game between Montana and Montana State, put into words MSU's 55-21 beatdown of the Griz and preview this weekend's FCS playoff games.

Montana went 2-4 down the stretch, including a 55-21 loss at No. 3 Montana State on Saturday in Bozeman, MT. But the Grizzlies qualified for the FCS playoffs for the 26th time in program history as an at-large. The Grizzlies will host Southeast Missouri of the Ohio Valley Conference in Missoula on Saturday November 26, 2022. On Monday, UM head coach Bobby Hauck, senior captain linebacker Patrick O'Connell and senior captain wide receiver Mitch Roberts addressed the media. Audio produced by Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

Colter Nuanez is joined by Skyline Sports podcast contributor Ryan Tootell, formerly of ESPN Missoula, for a conversation about the broad impact Montana State's 55-21 victory over Montana has on the rivalry, the power balance in the state, the FCS playoff draw and more.

Special edition rivalry podcast as Colter Nuanez makes the rounds with our friend podcasters, including the gents from the Griz Fan Pod, Ryan and Ryan from the R&R 'Cat Cast, Nick Taber of WestPac Wealth plus check out Colter's pregame show with Dave Wooten from KSKY Country in Bozeman. Big Sky Breakdown timesGriz Fan Pod - 3:40 R&R 'Cat Cast - 18:40Nick Taber - 52:42KSKY Country pre-game show - 1:11:50

In an impromptu Big Sky Breakdown, Ryan Tootell formerly of Skyline Sports & ESPN Missoula, joins Colter Nuanez for a conversation about the 121st version of the fiercest rivalry in the West between Montana and Montana State.

Colter Nuanez and Brooks Nuanez have a conversation about what the football rivalry between the Bobcats and the Grizzlies mean to them and to Montanans plus the brothers break down the pivotal matchups in Saturday's 121st edition of the fierce rivalry. Colter is joined by Ty Gregorak, who coached in 15 Brawls and will be on the color commentary for the television broadcast of the game Saturday, to talk about how special the game is for homegrown studs for Montana and Montana State. And Colter is joined by Andrew Houghton to break down what the game means from a national playoff perspective plus a fun conversation debating who would start at each position if you made a Cat-Griz super team out of the two powerhouse rosters.

Montana has won two games in a row by a final total 120-7 to move to 4-3 in Big Sky Conference play and 7-3 overall. The Griz play at Montana State (7-0, 9-1) on Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Bozeman, Montana. Monday, November 14, 2022, Montana head coach Bobby Hauck plus senior captains linebacker Patrick O'Connell, wide receiver Mitch Roberts and safety Robby Hauck addressed the media. Video filmed by Pixie Herbert and produced by Colter Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

Montana State moved to 7-0 in Big Sky Conference play, 9-1 overall by running roughshod over Cal Poly in a 72-28 victory last week. MSU rushed for a school record 554 yards in the win. The Bobcats host rival Montana (4-3 in Big Sky play, 7-3 overall) in the 121st edition of the fierce rivalry on November 19, 2022 at Bobcat Stadium. Montana State second-year head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media on Monday November 14. His lone Big Sky Conference loss leading MSU was to Montana, 29-10, last season in Missoula.

Colter Nuanez breaks down the day that was around the Big Sky Conference, including Montana's 63-7 win over Eastern Washington, Montana State's 72-28 win over Cal Poly and UC Davis' 44-26 win over Idaho.

Colter Nuanez shares interviews from around the Big Sky Conference in the latest Big Sky Breakdown. Conversations with: 1 - Freddie Roberson, Eastern Washington wide receiver - 2:202 - Spencer Brasch, Cal Poly quarterback - 11:553 - Taylor Housewright, Montana State offensive coordinator - 21:004 - Sam Herder, Hero Sports - 30:595 - Nick Taber, WestPac Wealth - 54:576 - Eli Alford, Griz senior defensive tackle - 1:10:467 - Colter on KSKY Country spot - 1:22:40

Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports is joined by Skyline co-founder Brooks Nuanez to talk about Montana's blizzard win over Cal Poly and Montana State coming up clutch once again at NAU. Plus, Colter and Skyline lead analyst Ty Gregorak breakdown the landscape of the Big Sky, talk about Montana State's four-leaf clover and analyze what the Griz need to do to make a run in the FCS playoffs.

Montana is coming off a 57-0 win over Cal Poly, a victory in which the Griz rolled up 695 yards of total offense and 412 rushing yards to snap a three-game losing streak and move to 3-3 in Big Sky Conference play, 6-3 overall. The Griz host Eastern Washington for their regular-season home finale on Saturday. UM head coach Bobby Hauck, junior offensive guard Hunter Mayguiness and junior safety Nash Fouch addressed the media on November 7, 2022.

Montana State posted a 41-38 win in walk-off fashion at Northern Arizona on Saturday, MSU's first win in Flagstaff since 2008. The Bobcats are now 6-0 in Big Sky Conference play, 8-1 overall. Montana State plays its final regular-season road game on Saturday at Cal Poly (0-6, 1-8). MSU head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media to preview the matchup.