How to watch the Cats and the Griz games on Saturday, September 7

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Bobcats and Grizzlies Square Off in Anticipated FCS Matchups

As the college football season kicks off, two of the top teams in the FCS division are set to take the field in highly anticipated matchups. The Montana State University Bobcats, ranked third in the nation, will host the Maine Black Bears in their home opener, while the University of Montana Grizzlies, ranked fourth, travel to face the 23rd-ranked North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

Marquee Showdowns Highlight Week 2 Slate

Montana State Hosts Maine in Gold Rush Game

After opening their season with two road victories, the Bobcats finally return to the friendly confines of Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, September 7th. Montana State, which has jumped out to a 2-0 start with wins over FBS opponents New Mexico and Utah Tech, will welcome the Maine Black Bears for the annual Gold Rush game.The Bobcats, led by head coach Brent Vigen, have quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the FCS. Their opening-week victories over New Mexico and Utah Tech have propelled them to a third-place ranking in the national polls. Now, they'll look to continue their strong start and defend their home turf against a Maine squad that opened its season with a narrow 17-14 victory over Colgate.The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcast nationally on CBS affiliates across Montana, including KRTV in Great Falls, KBZK in Bozeman, KTVQ in Billings, KXLF in Butte, KXLH in Helena, and KPAX in Missoula. Fans can also stream the action live on ESPN+.

Grizzlies Seek Statement Win at North Dakota

While the Bobcats host the Black Bears, the University of Montana Grizzlies will hit the road for a top-25 matchup with former Big Sky Conference rival North Dakota. The Grizzlies, who opened their season with a narrow 29-24 victory over Missouri State, are ranked fourth in the nation and eager to make a statement against the 23rd-ranked Fighting Hawks.North Dakota, who opened its season with a 21-3 loss to FBS opponent Iowa State, will be looking to rebound and prove its worth against the highly-regarded Grizzlies. Montana, led by head coach Bobby Hauck, will face a stiff test in the Alerus Center, but they'll be buoyed by the knowledge that they've had the upper hand in the series with North Dakota in recent years.The game is scheduled for a 5 p.m. (MT) kickoff and will be broadcast on the Midco Sports Network, which is available across Montana on the MTN channel. Coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. with the Scripps Sports Saturday Showdown Pregame Show, and fans can also stream the action live on ESPN+ or Midco Sports Plus.

Expectations High for Both Montana Programs

With both the Bobcats and Grizzlies ranked in the top five of the FCS poll, the expectations are high for these two Montana powerhouses. The Bobcats, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Tommy Mellott and running back Elijah Elliott, are poised to make a deep playoff run and potentially challenge for a national championship.Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, who have a rich tradition of success in the FCS, are looking to reassert their dominance and prove that they are worthy of the lofty ranking bestowed upon them. With a roster filled with talented playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Grizzlies have the potential to make a statement not just in this game, but throughout the entire season.As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the rivalry between Montana State and Montana remains one of the most storied and anticipated matchups in the FCS. Fans across the state and beyond will be tuning in to see which team emerges victorious and solidifies its place among the elite programs in the nation.