Big Sky Breakdown

In this week's Akem's Analysis, we look at one of the biggest games in this early season as the 5th-ranked Montana Grizzlies take on the 8th-ranked Idaho Vandals. Although the season is early, this game has huge playoff ramifications. Montana State takes on Eastern Washington at home, and they're looking to dominate their opposition as they have in recent years. Along with other Big Sky games, I will talk about the Bison taking on the Yotes in their conference opener. Another game that may have big playoff implications later in the season. All of this and more in this week's Akem's Analysis.0:00 - Intro 2:34 - Montana vs Idaho Preview 19:44 - Montana State vs EWU Preview 32:55 - Sac State vs Cal Poly Preview 39:00 - UC Davis vs Weber State Preview 48:29 - NDSU vs South Dakota Preview 1:00:50 - Final Thoughts 1:02:21 - End

Montana State freshman defensive back Carson Williams joins Colter Nuanez to talk about MSU's non-conference slate and his fearless nature as a cornerback on this week's Montana State Minute, proudly presented by the Bobcat Collective.

Idaho head coach Thomas Ford Jr. along with senior captain tight end Jake Cox (13:23) join Colter Nuanez to talk about the No. 8 Vandals playing No. 5 Montana on national television on Saturday night in Missoula, MT.

No. 5 Montana moved to 3-0 with a 63-20 win over Indiana State in Missoula on September 20. Jordan Tripp was an FCS All-American who became an NFL Draft pick during his time at Montana and after graduating from UM. Tripp, now the color commentator for Scripps Sports for Griz broadcasts, joins Colter Nuanez weekly to break down all things Griz football.

JP Flynn was an All-American offensive lineman at Montana State in 2015 and 2016 who went on to play in the NFL. This week, he joins the Big Sky Breakdown to analyze Montana State's 17-0 win over Mercyhurst and share some of his best memories against Eastern Washington in his playing career.

In the latest episode of the Sports Bite, host Blake Hempstead takes a road trip with Skyline Sports analyst Samuel Akem, a former Montana Griz wide receiver.

No. 5 Montana exploded for more than 600 yards of total offense on the way to a 63-20 beatdown of Indiana State in Missoula Andrew Schmidt, a former Griz RB and NFL agent, joins Colter Nuanez weekly to breakdown all things Montana & the Big Sky Conference. This week, Andrew talks about Eli Gillman's prodigious talent, Keali'i Ah Yat's progress + the latest "Schmidt Storm".

Montana State gutted out a 17-0 win over Mercyhurst to end non-conference play with a 2-2 record. The Bobcats had just six offensive possessions on Saturday against the Lakers. Former Bobcat player & coach Mike Rider joins Colter Nuanez to break down how Montana State has looked through the non-conference.

This week, Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez to talk scheduling non-NCAA opponents, the rise of Idaho & fall of EWU + Big Sky prospects for UM & MSU heading into Big Sky opening weekend.

Montana head coach Bobby Hauck along with sophomore quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat and junior linebacker Peyton Wing addressed the media ahead of UM's Saturday night showdown against No. 8 Idaho on ESPN2.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media recapping his team's 2-2 non-conference slate capped by a 17-0 win over Mercyhurst and previews his team's Big Sky Conference opener against Eastern Washington on Saturday in Bozeman.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen along with offensive linemen senior JT Reed and sophomore Everett Carr along with senior defensive tackle Paul Brott addressed the media following MSU's 17-0 win over Mercyhurst in Bozeman to move to 2-2. Brent Vigen began, followed by senior offensive lineman JT Reed (9:39), junior DB Takhari Carr (17:02), followed by senior defensive tackle Paul Brott (22:02).

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem will be talking about Montana in its third straight home game against Indiana State. Montana State got its first victory in Week 3, and they look to continue that against the Mercyhurst Lakers. 0:00 - Intro1:52 - Montana vs Indiana State Preview16:03 - Montana State vs Mercyhurst Preview 30:31 - Idaho vs San Jose State Preview 41:58 - NAU vs Incarnate Word Preview 50:13 - Sac State vs Central Arkansas Preview 59:56 - UC Davis vs Southern Utah Preview 1:09:01 - Final Thoughts 1:10:39 - End

Former Montana State All-American J.P. Flynn is the newest contributing analyst to Skyline Sports! He joins Colter Nuanez to break down the evolution of Montana State's program over the last 10 years plus his analysis of MSU's offensive transition and its offensive line reshuffle.

No. 5 Montana moved to 2-0 with a 24-23 come from behind win over No. 16 North Dakota in Missoula on Saturday. Jordan Tripp was an FCS All-American who became an NFL Draft pick during his time at Montana and after graduating from UM. Tripp, now the color commentator for Scripps Sports for Griz broadcasts, joins Colter Nuanez weekly to break down all things Griz football.

Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez to talk about fan bases learning to watch a new offensive identity, Montana's lack of offensive identity but a solidified quarterback option and much more.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, we recap Montana's big-time victory against the Fighting Hawks that saw their young QB and WR find their groove in the second half. Keenan Curran joins us again to recap that one. Samuel Akem will also get into the Montana State game and what they have looked like so far, 3 games into the season.0:00 - Intro 1:38 - Montana vs UND Recap feat Keenan Curran 42:16 - Montana State vs San Diego Recap 50:39 - Idaho vs Utah Tech Recap 57:54 - NAU vs Southern Utah Recap 1:04:40 - Sac State vs Mercyhurst Recap 1:12:35 - Top 10 Operating Budgets In FCS Football 1:17:21 - Final Thoughts 1:18:51 - End

Brooks Nuanez joins Colter Nuanez to talk about the grind it is to cover games between mismatched opponents, plus the good and the bad from Montana's 24-23 win over North Dakota and the bright spots and criticisms of Montana State's 41-7 win over San Diego.

Montana sits at No. 5 in the national FCS polls after rallying for a 24-23 win over North Dakota on September 13, 2025. Andrew Schmidt, a former Griz RB and NFL agent, joins Colter Nuanez weekly to breakdown all things Montana & the Big Sky Conference. This week, Andrew talks about "Bobby Ball magic", UM's OL inconsistencies and has his latest "Schmidt Storm"

No. 4 Montana State earned its first win on Saturday with a 41-7 drubbing of San Diego in Bozeman, Montana. MSU won 15 straight games to begin 2024 but had lost three straight if you include last season's national championship game loss to NDSU. Former Bobcat player & coach Mike Rider joins Colter Nuanez to break down how Montana State has looked through three weeks of this season.

Ty Gregorak, the color commentator for Scripps Sports Montana State and Big Sky Conference TV broadcasts, joins Colter Nuanez to talk about the first three games of the season for MSU, including the first win of the year for the Bobcats last week against San Diego.

No. 5 Montana earned a thrilling 24-23 win over No. 16 North Dakota behind a breakout performance from QB Keali'i Ah Yat (300 yards, 2 TDs). Montana head coach Bobby Hauck, senior safety Micah Harper and senior kicker/punter Ty Morrison addressed the media ahead of UM's matchup against Indiana State in Missoula on Saturday afternoon.

No. 4 Montana State earned its first win of the season by drilling San Diego 41-7 on Saturday in Bozeman, MT. The Bobcats rolled up 539 yards of total offense as Justin Lamson threw for 293 yards and 3 TDs. MSU fifth-year head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media on Monday ahead of his team's upcoming matchup against Mercyhurst at Bobcat Stadium.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen along with juniors wide receiver Taco Dowler and safety Caden Dowler addressed the media following MSU's 41-7 win over San Diego in Bozeman on Saturday.

University of North Dakota head coach Eric Schmidt joins Colter Nuanez to talk about his return to his alma mater and his team's matchup at No. 5 Montana on Saturday afternoon.

Tom Miller, a sportswriter who's covered North Dakota football for 21 years for the Grand Forks Herald Newspaper, joins Colter Nuanez of ESPN MT and Skyline Sports to talk all things UND, including the Fighting Hawks' football game in Missoula against Montana on Saturday.

Shaun Rainey of SWX Montana television joins Colter Nuanez to give his impressions on Montana's season opening win over Central Washington.

Montana State fell to 0-2 after a 30-24 double overtime loss to No. 2 South Dakota State in Bozeman on Sept. 6. The loss was Montana State's first regular-season home loss since October of 2019. Former Bobcat player & coach Mike Rider joins Colter Nuanez to break down where MSU sits entering Week 3.

Montana moved up to No. 5 in the national FCS polls thanks in part to a 42-17 win over Division II Central Washington on September 6, 2025. Andrew Schmidt, a former Griz RB and NFL agent, joins Colter Nuanez weekly to breakdown all things Montana & the Big Sky Conference. This week, Andrew talks about Montana's offensive potential, it's talent upgrades and has his latest "Schmidt Storm".

No. 5 Montana posted a 42-17 win over Central Washington on September 6, 2025. Jordan Tripp was an FCS All-American who became an NFL Draft pick during his time at Montana and after graduating from UM. Tripp, now the color commentator for Scripps Sports for Griz broadcasts, joins Colter Nuanez weekly to break down all things Griz football.

Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez to talk about what impressed him most during Montana's season-opening win over Central Washington, his strong evaluation of Montana State despite an 0-2 start and some thoughts on the 1995 Montana Griz national championship team, which will celebrate their 30th anniversary this weekend in Missoula.

Idaho wide receiver Tony Harste and head coach Thomas Ford Jr. (12:02) join Colter Nuanez to break down Idaho's 37-30 win over St. Thomas, the first win of Ford's career, and to preview UI's game against Utah Tech on Saturday.

Samuel Akem of Skyline Sports joins Colter Nuanez to talk around the FCS, including the Griz, the Cats and the Big Sky Conference. Sammy gives us his standout teams of the season so far, including thoughts on UC Davis, Idaho and UT Rio Grande Valley. The boys also dive into Montana's 42-17 win over Central Washington and Montana State's 2OT 30-24 loss to South Dakota State.

No. 6 Montana posted a 42-17 home win over Central Washington on September 6, 2025.The Griz host a North Dakota team that beat UM 27-24 in Grand Forks last September. Montana head coach Bobby Hauck, senior corner Kenzel Lawler (left) and junior running back Eli Gillman addressed the media on Monday.

Montana State head coach Brent Vigen addressed the media ahead of his team's game against San Diego against Bozeman on Saturday.

No. 2 South Dakota State made a 4th down stop in double overtime to secure a 30-24 win over No. 3 Montana State in Bozeman on September 6, 2025. Montana pulled away for a 42-17 win over Central Washington in their season opener in Missoula. Brooks Nuanez was in Missoula, Colter Nuanez was in Bozeman. They recap what they saw in Week 2 on both sides of the Continental Divide.

No. 2 South Dakota State made a 4th down stop in double overtime to secure a 30-24 win over No. 3 Montana State in Bozeman on September 6, 2025. A record-setting crowd watched Montana State's first regular-season home loss since 2019. MSU head coach Brent Vigen, DE Hunter Parsons, RBs Julius Davis & Adam Jones addressed the media after falling to 0-2.

Award-winning broadcaster Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez weekly to talk Griz, Bobcats and Big Sky Conference sports. This week, we talk about former Big Sky players in the NFL, Montana State's nationally elite home opener and the Griz getting 2025 underway.

In this Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem looks forward to some of the Week 2 matchups happening in the Big Sky Conference. Once again, the game of the week in FCS football involves a Big Sky team. Montana State and SDSU face off after both squads lost major talent, but are still in the conversation as top teams in the country. Montana will get their first chance to hit the field for 2025 after their Week 1 "bye". 0:00 - Intro 2:54 - Montana vs Central Washington Preview 15:57 - Montana State vs SDSU Preview 24:45 - NAU vs Utah Tech Preview 29:48 - Sac State vs Nevada Preview 36:48 - Idaho vs St. Thomas Preview 43:32 - Idaho State QB Out For At Least A Month 46:37 - Final Thoughts 47:47 - End

Tanner Castora is a freelance journalist covering South Dakota State with a variety of mediums.He's also the author of "Stig and the Rise of South Dakota State Football", a biography about former SDSU head coach John Stieglemeier.Castora joined Colter Nuanez on the Big Sky Breakdown to discuss SDSU's game at No. 3 Montana State on Saturday

Former Griz RB and NFL Agent Andrew Schmidt joins Colter Nuanez to preview Montana's season opener.

Montana State inside linebacker Neil Daily suffered an injury that knocked him out of MSU's 59-13 loss to Oregon.Cole Taylor, a sophomore from Great Falls who was a QB at CMR High, stepped in and performed well. Taylor joined Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports & ESPN MT to break down his standout performance.

Former Bobcat player & coach Mike Rider joins Colter Nuanez to break down Montana State's Week 1 loss at Oregon and preview the FCS game of the week between MSU and South Dakota State.

Former Montana Griz linebacker Jordan Tripp, who was an NFL draft pick out of UM, is now the color commentator for Griz football games on Scripps Sports broadcasts this fall. He joined Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports to talk about all things Griz, broadcasting and more.

Montana head coach Bobby Hauck will open his 14th season leading his alma mater in Missoula on Saturday evening against Central Washington of the Division II Lone Star Conference.

Montana State 5th-year head coach Brent Vigen hosted his weekly press conference on Monday to help preview his team's home opener against No. 2 South Dakota State. The Bobcats lost 59-13 to No. 7 Oregon. The Jackrabbits beat Sacramento State 20-3.

Montana State opened the 2025 season with a 59-13 loss to No. 7 Oregon.The 46 points is the largest margin of defeat suffered by the Bobcats since a 69-10 loss at Kansas State in 2008.Following the loss, MSU head coach Brent Vigen along with junior WR Taco Dowler & DT Alec Eckert addressed the media.

Former Montana State player and coach Michael Rider is back for another season breaking down all things Bobcat football with Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports. Montana State opens its 2025 season in Eugene against the No. 7 Oregon Ducks on Saturday. The Bobcats went 15-1 but lost their final game of 2024 in the FCS national title game, falling 35-32 to North Dakota State.