Montana State opened its national championship defense the way Bobcat fans have come to expect — with a lopsided shutout of a Big Sky Conference opponent on the road. Quarterback Justin Lamson accounted for three touchdowns and receiver Dane Steel put together a career performance as MSU blanked Big Sky newcomer Utah Tech 54-0 Saturday at Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Utah.
The Bobcats enter the 2026 season as the top-ranked team in the Football Championship Subdivision, a position earned by last year's national title run. Utah Tech, playing its first season as a full Big Sky member, provided little resistance in what amounted to a statement-setting opener for Bozeman's program. Steel's career night in the receiving game gave Lamson a reliable downfield target from the first snap of the season.
For Helena-area Bobcat fans — and there are plenty of them on both sides of the Divide — the opener offered an encouraging preview of a team that appears to have retained its championship-caliber depth heading into the conference schedule. MSU's next game and home schedule details are available through the Bobcats' athletics website.