Big Sky Now: FCS Championship preview Bobcats v. Redbirds
BIG SKY NOW PODCAST | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 hour, 41 minutes AGO
Big Sky Now brings the best sports reporters from the inland Northwest to the table to discuss Big Sky Conference football and basketball. | January 1, 2026 9:10 PM
The FCS National Championship is finally here, and the Big Sky Now panel breaks down everything surrounding Montana State vs Illinois State in Nashville on Monday, January 5th, 2026.
Host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mike Maynard, and Mark Nelke to analyze the key matchups, coaching storylines, and historical stakes facing both programs.
The discussion centers on Montana State’s dominant rushing attack, elite line play, and championship experience versus an Illinois State team that has powered through four straight playoff road wins.
The panel examines whether the Redbirds’ veteran offense and physical run game can neutralize the Bobcats early, how quarterback play could swing momentum, and why trench play may ultimately decide the title.
With Montana State chasing its first national championship win since 1984 and Illinois State seeking the first FCS title in program history, the crew delivers score predictions, matchup insights, and what each team must do in the opening quarter to lift the trophy.
Plus, Fritz shares what it means to cover the championship game live from Nashville.
READ MORE:
Big Sky Now: Former Bobcat Rylan Ortt breaks down MSU's championship run
Cats on the prowl: MSU not overlooking Illinois State
FCS Playoffs: Checking off that to-do list
Full Count: Pretty much the same thing over and over
Follow the Big Sky Now podcast by Hagadone Sports Network on You Tube or your favorite podcast app.
ARTICLES BY BIG SKY NOW PODCAST
Big Sky Now: FCS Championship preview Bobcats v. Redbirds
The FCS National Championship is finally here, and the Big Sky Now panel breaks down everything surrounding Montana State vs Illinois State in Nashville on Monday, January 5th, 2026.
Big Sky Now: Former Bobcat Rylan Ortt breaks down MSU's championship run
On this episode of Big Sky Now, Luke Schmit sits down with Ortt to break down Montana State’s dominant postseason run — including the Cat–Griz showdown in Bozeman, the Bobcats’ continued 13-game winning streak, and what separates this year’s team from last season’s national championship squad.
Big Sky Now: Griz fall to Cats as Redbirds advance to the FCS Championship
The Big Sky Now panel breaks down a pivotal weekend of Big Sky Conference playoff football, including Montana’s road loss to Montana State in Bozeman and Illinois State’s postseason win that sends the Redbirds deeper into the bracket.