BOZEMAN, Montana – One and oh.

That oft-used phrase around the Bobcat Athletics Complex, says Montana State head football coach Brent Vigen, communicates in ways big and small the program’s commitment to “live the week we’re in, live the opponent we’re facing” then instead of letting attention wander to the future or the past. That one-and-oh mentality is on full display this week as the Bobcats take on the Big Sky’s only other undefeated team. MSU and UC Davis face off Saturday at 6:00 PM MT at UC Davis Health Stadium.

Vigen acknowledges that it sounds like a “broken record,” but this week is playing out like all previous weeks that have led the Cats to a 10-0 record, 7-0 in the Big Sky. “That’s really the key,” he said. “We can’t suddenly think that we have to change things this week. We have to stick to a similar script, prepare really well and know that we have to play well against a very good football team, a well-coached team.” football team, this week.”

The second-ranked Bobcats face No. 4 UC Davis (9-1, 6-0 Big Sky) in a game that will determine the Big Sky Conference’s automatic berth for the FCS Playoffs, and Vigen said everyone recognizes the meaning of the game. “Two teams that are undefeated in conference play getting the chance to face each other in Davis” is an exciting opportunity, Vigen said. “I have a lot of respect for that program, not just for what they’ve done this year, but over time. I have a lot of familiarity with UC Davis, going back to my time at North Dakota State. We’ve only played once in my time here, but I certainly have a lot of respect for what that program has done over the years.”

Vigen said the key element of UC Davis is balance. “This team in particular has put itself in this position because it’s playing well both offensively and defensively. It’s as simple as that. They’ve found ways to control the line of scrimmage, especially on Saturday night in the second half.” They did that and they won a big victory.”

The Aggies rank third in the Big Sky in both scoring offense (35.3 points per game) and scoring defense (20.9 points allowed), but the most important matchup comes at the line of scrimmage. UC Davis is allowing just 118.3 rushing yards per game, second in the Big Sky, while Montana State is rushing for an FCS-best 330.0 yards per game.

“Something’s going to have to give,” Vigen said of the matchup that pits MSU’s run game against UCD’s defensive front. “I think they’re giving up 118 yards (per play), 3.6 yards per rush, and we’re averaging 7.2 yards per rush. So that part of our offense, our ability to run the football, versus their defense and their ability It will be crucial to stop this. They have taken the ball away a lot this year, so that will play a big role in how this game goes on Saturday.”

The Aggies’ reliability on defense has been important, Vigen said. “Defensively they’ve been very consistent and very good, especially against the run-up,” he said. “That means they play well up front. They are big. It’s a defense where I wouldn’t withdraw any player and that’s a tribute to what they do. They play against a lot of guys, they have good size up front, they are active, they tackle well and at the same time they have good coverage.”

Offensively, UC Davis attacks with an offense that features veteran quarterback Miles Hastings and brilliant running back Lan Larison. The Aggies lead the Big Sky with 317.3 passing yards per game, and Larison is rushing for 106.1 yards per game while contributing a team-high 46 catches.

“Miles Hastings is a veterinarian,” Vigen said. “He’s played a lot of football and it seems like he’s playing his best football right now. He’s got almost 70 percent completion, over 3,000 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, and he’s really spreading that around well. He looks like a polished player.” vet, a guy who just gets off the ball and knows where to go, a guy who doesn’t make bad plays. They play very well to his strengths, a quick release and accuracy that he can also get the ball up the field.”

As the primary weapon on both the running and passing attacks, Larison influences every aspect of the Aggies’ offense. “Lan Larison has over 1,500 total yards, 16 TDs, 40 catches, so he has over 250 touches. They’re leaning on him and finding different ways to get him involved. He’s really an effective guy in so many ways, but I think he’s most dangerous when they get him in space.”

Vigen said focusing on Larison, however, is not an option. “They have four versatile receivers who all have 25+ catches and tight ends that they use in different ways. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle for them offensively and they are very creative. They do what they do, but they find every week different wrinkles.”

Saturday’s game will air in Montana on Scripps Sports’ CBS stations and will air on ESPN+. The Bobcat Radio Network also carries the call of Keaton Gillogly and former Bobcats Leo Davis and Dan Davies.

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