Fans Pick Sides: Will Griz Fans Cheer for Montana Players in FCS Title?

When you say “the rivalry” in Montana, it can mean only one thing. The Montana Grizzlies vs. Montana State Bobcats football rivalry that’s over 120 years old, and it runs deep. 

What Makes the Griz-Bobcats Rivalry So Intense?

As the rivalry ages, it just seems to get more intense. Especially in 2025. For the first time in history, the two teams met in the FCS Playoffs to see who would represent Montana at the FCS National Championships. 

For those who have been living under a rock, Montana State University ended up winning that game and will be representing the Big Sky conference for the National Championship for the second year in a row. They lost to the North Dakota State Bison in the January title game.

READ MORE: Montanans Playing In The 2026 FCS National Championship Game

For half the state, this is amazing, for the other half of the state, not so much. Does the rivalry run so deep that it will stop Montanans from rooting for other Montanans, who happen to play for the Bobcats?  

We asked our listeners if they will be rooting for Montana players in the National Championship game, and we got hundreds of responses.

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For some, the rivalry is stronger than their Montana pride, but for many, they are willing to set aside the rivalry to cheer for Montana players on the biggest stage that FCS Football has to offer. ��

House Divided: One Family’s Perspective

For the record, I have been a Griz fan my entire life. I have two children, one who attends UM and one who attends MSU. We are a “house divided” like many here in Montana. I would have loved to have seen the Griz play for the championship this year. I will be watching the game on Monday, and I will be cheering for Montana.   

Please keep scrolling to see some of the responses.