Know the Foe: Montana State
10/21/2025 1:43:00 PM | Football
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly football gets back in action Saturday when playing host to No. 5 Montana State at 5 p.m. on ESPN+.
The Mustangs look to snap a six-game slide against the Bobcats, last defeating Montana State at home on Nov. 1, 2014 (35-27). The Bobcats lead the all-time series, 10-9, dating to the first meeting – a 16-6 Mustang home victory – on Nov. 8, 1958.
The No. 5 Bobcats come into Saturday’s game 5-2 overall, having won five straight games after starting 0-2 falling losses to Oregon and South Dakota State. They rank as the top defense in the Big Sky when it comes to scoring, having not let any FCS opponent score more than 17 points in a regulation game this season.
They also allow the fewest yards per game to opponents this year at an average of 311.7 per contest. On the ground, they are allowing less than 100 yards per game in rushing which is tops in the Big Sky. Offensively, they rank as the second best rushing offense in the Big Sky at 225 yards per game behind a combo of running back Adam Jones and quarterback Justin Lamson.
Last season, Montana State made it all the way to the NCAA Championship game, falling in it to North Dakota State. They finished the season with a 15-1 record.
For Saturday’s game, the first 500 kids age 13 and under will receive a reversible Cal Poly bucket hat upon entry to the game. Also new this year for students is the chance to win one quarter of in-state tuition. Each of the first 2,500 students to arrive will receive a raffle ticket to enter to win. The winner will be announced after the third quarter ends.
