The last time Montana State played was in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs at the end of the 2019 season. The Bobcats open the season at Wyoming, and both teams have lofty expectations this year. Wyoming was 2-4 last season but has most of that team back, and should be better.
Montana State is ranked 8th in the FCS heading into the season, and won't be nervous playing FBS Wyoming. Brent VIgen is the new head coach, and he came from Wyoming where he was an assistant for several years.
Quarterback Tucker Rovig returns for Montana State. as well as running back Isaiah Ifanse. Montana State's defense has a lot of returners and could be the strength of this team.
Wyoming has almost all of its team back, and though they lost their offensive coordinator to Montana State, the Cowboys are expecting big things this year.
The Cowboys will still be a run-first team, but they are planning to diversify the offense some this year. Sam Chambers won the quarterback job in the spring, but he has had trouble staying healthy in the past. Last year's starter, Levi Williams, is a capable backup.
Both quarterbacks can run, and the team has two speedy running backs from last year, so the Cowboys should have a strong running game. The entire offensive line returns.
The Cowboy defense was 16th in the nation last year, and allowed 21 points per game. That entire unit returns and could be one of the best in the Mountain West.
