PORTLAND, Ore. – No. 3 Montana State is currently 7-0 for the first time since 1978. The Bobcats (3-0 Big Sky) are coming off a 38-7 win over then-No. 7 Idaho and now look to continue that momentum at Portland State (1-5, 1-2) on Saturday.

Montana State’s defense continued to dominate despite losing three starters to season-ending injuries, not allowing a goal until the final minute of the game against Idaho.

“We’ve gotten more creative on third down,” Montana State coach Brent Vigen said of how the defense has improved since last season. “We have been able to present different looks week in and week out to play to our strengths.

“And beyond that, I think going back to January, making the change that we made, bringing back four coaches and adding Jody (Owens), I think it’s been a very galvanized group since then.”

Vigen referred to the personnel changes made to the defense in promoting both linebackers coach Bobby Daly and defensive lineman coach Shawn Howe to co-defensive coordinators.

The defense will need to be on point again Saturday when the Bobcats take on veteran Portland State quarterback Dante Chachere, who is coming off a game in which he both passed and rushed for more than 200 yards in a win over Idaho State last week.

That performance earned him Big Sky Conference and FCS National Player of the Week honors.

“Once he loses, he could go the distance, and he did that a few times on Saturday,” Vigen said of the threat Chachere poses to opposing defenses. “You know, we’ve got to be very disciplined, and you’ve got to be able to stay in coverage because that’s what he’s going to do… he’s also going to make throws that don’t just turn into runs. “

Montana State QB Tommy Mellott also has a great performance in the Bobcats’ win over Idaho. He totaled 261 yards and four touchdowns, two of which he ran on his own.

“That’s obviously what you hope and expect from a fourth-year like Tommy,” Vigen said of how Mellott took control of last week’s game. “You know, I think the great thing is that he continues to rise to these challenges, continues to play better and better, and I’m grateful that he’s our quarterback because if he’s not the best in the country, he’s up there.”

The match will start on Saturday at 2:00 PM Mountain Time on the MTN channel.