The Montana State vs. Montana football game is one of the most important rivalry games in the Big Sky Conference. Known as the Cat-Griz game and officially the Brawl of the Wild, the annual match up brings the Montana State Bobcats and Montana Grizzlies together. The Montana State vs Montana rivalry is one of the oldest in the FCS.
The winner receives the Great Divide Trophy, which has been awarded to the winning team since 1986. The rivalry is played every season and is one of the biggest events on the college football calendar in Montana.
Montana State vs. Montana Rivalry
The Cat-Griz rivalry dates back to the 1890s. Montana State and Montana have played each other hundreds of times, creating a long history of memorable games and close finishes.
From 1956 through 1985, Montana State won 22 of the 30 meetings. Montana then recorded 16 straight wins from 1986 through 2001 before the Bobcats ended the streak.
The rivalry has remained competitive across different eras, with both programs producing championship teams and standout players.
What Is the Cat-Griz Game?
The Cat-Griz game is the annual football match up between the Montana State Bobcats and the Montana Grizzlies.
The game is also known as the Brawl of the Wild. The two teams compete for the Great Divide Trophy, making the match up more than a regular conference game.
The rivalry is played at either Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman or Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, depending on the schedule.
Famous Cat-Griz Moments
The rivalry has produced several memorable games.
One of the best-known recent moments came in 2018, when Montana State overcame a 22โ0 deficit to defeat Montana 29โ25. The game ended with a dramatic goal-line fumble that became known by Bobcats fans as “The Stuff.”
The 2022 Cat-Griz game also made history at Bobcat Stadium. The match up attracted a record crowd of 22,047, setting the stadium’s attendance record.
These moments have helped make the Brawl of the Wild one of the most followed games in the Big Sky Conference.
2026 Cat-Griz Game
The 2026 Montana State vs. Montana game is scheduled for
- Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Kickoff: 12:00 noon MT
- Location: Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, Montana
- Event: Cat-Griz / Brawl of the Wild
- Occasion: Senior Day
The game will close Montana State’s 2026 regular season. Fans should check the latest schedule and broadcast information as game day approaches because kickoff and viewing details can change.
Great Divide Trophy
The Great Divide Trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual Montana-Montana State football game.
The trophy represents the rivalry between the two universities and is passed between the programs after each matchup. It adds another piece of tradition to the Cat-Griz game.
Where to Watch the Cat-Griz Game
Fans can check the latest broadcast information before kickoff. Television and streaming details can vary from season to season. See the Montana State football TV schedule.
For the 2026 game, check the Montana State football schedule, official team updates, and available broadcast listings for the confirmed channel or stream.
You can also follow the game through live score updates and check the final result after the game.
Cat-Griz Series History
The all-time series has been led by Montana, although the rivalry has gone through periods of strong success for both programs.
The historical record includes long winning streaks, championship-era teams, and several close games. Because the series stretches back more than a century, its record changes after every annual meeting.
For the latest series record, fans should check the official records from Montana State and Montana before publishing an updated total.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cat-Griz game in 2026?
The 2026 Cat-Griz game is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at noon MT at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.
What is the Cat-Griz game?
The Cat-Griz game is the annual football match up between the Montana State Bobcats and Montana Grizzlies. It is officially known as the Brawl of the Wild.
What is the Brawl of the Wild?
The Brawl of the Wild is the name used for the Montana-Montana State football rivalry. The teams compete for the Great Divide Trophy.
What is the Great Divide Trophy?
The Great Divide Trophy is presented to the winner of the annual football game between Montana State and Montana.
Where is the 2026 Cat-Griz game?
The 2026 game is scheduled to take place at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana, with Montana State serving as the home team.
Who leads the Cat-Griz series?
Montana has held the all-time series lead, while Montana State has also had periods of strong success. The historical record should be checked against the latest official team records because the series is updated after every meeting.
Follow the Brawl of the Wild.
The Cat-Griz game is the final regular-season matchup on Montana State’s 2026 schedule. The Montana State vs Montana game always delivers โ check the live score on game day. Fans can follow the Montana State football schedule, live score, final result, and game coverage for the latest information on the Brawl of the Wild.
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