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Southern Utah vs Montana
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Montana opens its 2026 season ranked No. 2 in FCS against Southern Utah on Saturday. The game marks Bobby Kennedy's debut as head coach and a Big Sky Conference opener.
Background
Montana finished 13-2 last season, reaching the national semifinals, and enters 2026 ranked No. 2 in the FCS. Southern Utah returns to the Big Sky Conference after four seasons away, and the two teams last met in 2021 when Montana edged Southern Utah 20-19. This opener carries immediate implications for Big Sky standings.
How it unfolded
- Oct 30, 2021Montana edged Southern Utah 20-19 in their most recent meeting.
- Aug 25, 2026First look previews indicate Montana will open the Bobby Kennedy era against Southern Utah.
- Aug 29, 2026Game scheduled for 7 p.m. in Missoula; Montana ranked No. 2 in FCS, Southern Utah returning to Big Sky.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Analysts note the game's importance for Big Sky standings and Southern Utah's statement opportunity.
- Caution
- Southern Utah coach DeLane Fitzgerald acknowledged the challenge of facing No. 2 Montana in Missoula.