MISSOULA – It was circled on the calendar for many before the start of the season, and the whole build-up has only increased those expectations as No. 7 Montana gets ready to host No. 4. UC Davis is a huge top-10 clash.

The game will have a major ripple effect in determining the Big Sky Conference champion as the regular season comes to a close in the final weeks. Kickoff is Saturday at 8:15 PM on ESPN2 in Missoula.

“We just try to win every week, and it doesn’t matter who’s on the other sideline,” UM head coach Bobby Hauck said. “We just try to win every week. And this week it’s UC Davis, a good conference opponent.”

Davis has one of the best offenses and defenses in the Big Sky Conference.

The Aggies are 8-1 this year with an 8-0 mark against FCS teams, including a 5-0 record in conference play.

Led by do-it-all Lan Larison, the preseason Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, the Aggies’ high-powered offense was a tall order for opponents to sort out.

“Well, he’s their main receiver and their main ball carrier. He catches it well. He runs hard. He’s got good speed,” Hauck said. “He’s proven to be pretty durable this year, which he wasn’t last year. So, you know, he’s just a talented kid.”

The Aggies are also led by veteran quarterback and All-Big Sky talent Miles Hastings, as well as All-American safety Rex Connors in their stout defense.

These guys include players the Griz saw last year, which added some familiarity to the game.

“I’ve taken a broad look at what to expect next, but you know, now that Larison is healthy, he’s going to be a big part of our preparation,” UM senior linebacker Ryan Tirrell said. “But as far as their other personnel go, it will be good to be able to look back at last year’s film and see what we did right and what we did wrong against them.”

In the Aggies’ home stretch, they will play Montana and No. 2 ranked Montana State as they try to clinch the regular season conference title.

For Montana (7-2, 4-1 Big Sky), this is a prime opportunity for the Grizzlies to get a top-5 win, make another statement and build momentum heading into the playoffs and a possible first-round bye as Montana returns. to the friendly confines of Washington-Grizzly Stadium for the first time in almost a full month.

“Well, it’s a great opportunity for them to come here in the best environment in FCS football, so it should be a good game,” Hauck said.