The MSU Bobcats Open Up Their Season Against the Defending Big Ten Champions
The 2025 college football season for the Montana State Bobcats begins with a marquee matchup at Autzen Stadium against the Oregon Ducks on August 30th in Eugene, Oregon. The game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. EST kickoff on the Big Ten Network. For Oregon, it’s a tune-up with playoff ambitions and an opportunity to show their skill on the green field. For Montana State, it’s a rare Power Five test that could put the program’s physical identity on display once again for the foreseeable 2025 season.
Montana State’s First Competition
Montana State enters the 2025 season as one of the most consistent programs in the FCS. The Bobcats, led by head coach Brent Vigen, return a veteran-heavy squad built around their signature ground game and physical front seven. They’ve made deep postseason runs in recent years, including multiple semifinal appearances, and are not expected to shy away from the spotlight. However, the Bobcats will have to be sharp from the start. Oregon enters the season as a formidable opponent, coming off last season with a 45–37 win over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship. Shortening the game and minimizing mistakes will be key if the Bobcats hope to hang. This matchup provides more than exposure; it offers a litmus test for where Montana State stands among the FCS elite and an opportunity to upset expectations in one of college football’s loudest environments.
Oregon’s Focus
Oregon enters 2025 with high expectations and national championship aspirations. Head coach Dan Lanning returns a roster stacked with experience and elite-level talent from recent recruiting cycles. The Ducks are ranked inside the preseason Top 10 by several outlets and are considered a serious contender for the expanded College Football Playoff. While Oregon is heavily favored, the Ducks aren’t taking this matchup lightly. With a revamped offensive line and a quarterback battle still unfolding, this game offers an opportunity to build rhythm, test personnel, and reinforce the physical identity Lanning has emphasized since arriving in Eugene. For Oregon, the opener is about discipline, depth, and establishing momentum. For Montana State, it’s a high-profile opportunity to test itself against a top 10 opponent and showcase the strength of FCS football on a national stage.
