Big Sky Now

On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit and the panel break down a Week 5 slate that saw two unbeaten Big Sky teams fall, then preview a Week 6 headlined by Montana at Northern Arizona. Joining Luke are Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen, Mike Maynard of the Columbia Basin Herald, and Mark Nelke of the Coeur d'Alene Press.

Week 5 brought a two-point conversion that ended Montana State's 19-game winning streak, a Homecoming win that kept Montana unbeaten in conference play, and a double-overtime thriller in Ogden. The panel digs into the final-second clock controversy in Moscow, Idaho State's first loss, and what is going wrong for Eastern Washington at 1-5.

Week 6 puts the Griz on the road at 7,000 feet, sends a revived Idaho to Weber State, and has two middle-of-the-pack matchups that could shape the playoff picture. Every panelist makes their picks, and the standings are tight.

Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em! Someone needs to beat Jon. No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - Idaho 35, Montana State 34
09:39 - Montana 36, Northern Colorado 14
14:17 - UC Davis 49, Eastern Washington 38
18:03 - Northern Arizona 38, Idaho State 31
21:37 - Southern Utah 46, Utah Tech 33 (Battle for the Ax)
22:25 - Weber State 42, Cal Poly 34 (2OT)
24:47 - Week 6 Preview: Montana at Northern Arizona
28:45 - Idaho at Weber State
31:05 - Northern Colorado at Eastern Washington
33:35 - Utah Tech at Portland State
35:42 - Cal Poly at Idaho State
40:13 - Week 6 Pick 'Em: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit mountainpasssafes.com to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Week 4 delivered a statement from the Montana Grizzlies and another nail-biter for Idaho State, and Week 5 brings a stacked Big Sky slate headlined by a Friday night trap game in Moscow. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every result and preview the week coming up.

Montana blew the doors off UC Davis 62-22 behind a career rushing day from Eli Gilman, who set the program's single-game rushing record. Idaho State survived a turnover-filled battle with Southern Utah to stay undefeated at 4-0, Cal Poly knocked off Eastern Washington 31-27 behind running back Jayden Green, and Montana State beat Northern Arizona 28-14 despite missing three of its top offensive players to injury. Portland State pulled off a wild shootout win over Weber State, and Northern Colorado rolled past Utah Tech 37-13 for its second straight win.

Then the panel turns to a loaded Week 5: Idaho hosts Montana State on a short week with the Bobcats' top playmakers still banged up, Montana hosts Northern Colorado for a homecoming game that doubles as head coach Bobby Kennedy's return to his alma mater, and an undefeated Idaho State hosts Northern Arizona in what the panel calls a potential postseason resume game. The show wraps with the weekly picks segment, where Jon Allen looks to extend his lead atop the standings.

Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em! Someone needs to beat Jon. No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:10 Montana 62, UC Davis 22 Recap
5:59 Idaho State 28, Southern Utah 24 Recap
9:20 Cal Poly 31, Eastern Washington 27 Recap
13:50 Montana State 28, Northern Arizona 14 Recap
19:17 Portland State Outlasts Weber State in Wild Shootout
23:05 Northern Colorado 37, Utah Tech 13 Recap
25:08 Week 5 Preview: Idaho at Montana State
29:13 Week 5 Preview: Northern Colorado at Montana
32:11 Week 5 Preview: Northern Arizona at Idaho State
34:42 Week 5 Preview: Eastern Washington at UC Davis
37:32 Week 5 Preview: Southern Utah at Utah Tech
38:46 Week 5 Preview: Weber State at Cal Poly
39:57 Week 5 Pick 'Em: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit mountainpasssafes.com to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Week three brought Big Sky Conference football back down to earth, and week four kicks off conference play for real. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every result and preview the full week four slate.

Montana State needed a second-half comeback to hold off Central Connecticut State 35-30, pushing the nation's longest active win streak to 18 games. It was a rough week on the road for the state's flagship programs: Montana fell 52-17 at Oregon State, and Portland State was run off the field 84-0 by Oregon. Idaho dropped to 0-4 in a heartbreaker against Abilene Christian, Eastern Washington lost big to Washington, Northern Colorado needed overtime to beat Northeastern State, Southern Utah fell to St. Thomas, and Cal Poly lost a shootout to San Diego.

Then the crew turns to week four, the first full slate of Big Sky Conference games. Montana travels to UC Davis for a Friday night shootout, a ranked Northern Arizona team heads to Bozeman to face Montana State, Idaho State looks to keep its hot start alive at Southern Utah, and Cal Poly and Eastern Washington meet in a game both teams need. 

Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em! Someone needs to beat Jon. No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:06 Montana State 35, Central Connecticut State 30 Recap
4:30 Oregon State 52, Montana 17 and Oregon 84, Portland State 0 Recap
10:12 Abilene Christian 41, Idaho 39: Vandals Fall to 0-4
12:58 Washington 48, Eastern Washington 16 Recap
15:02 Northern Colorado and Southern Utah Recaps
16:50 San Diego 38, Cal Poly 35 Recap
18:23 Rapid Scoreboard: UC Davis, Northern Arizona, Weber State
19:11 Week 4 Preview: Montana at UC Davis
23:05 Week 4 Preview: Northern Arizona at Montana State
25:33 Week 4 Preview: Idaho State at Southern Utah
28:08 Week 4 Preview: Cal Poly at Eastern Washington
30:12 Week 4 Preview: Portland State at Weber State and Utah Tech at Northern Colorado
 31:31 Week 4 Pick 'Em: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Big Sky Conference football week two is in the books, and Montana State's win over Nevada might be the headline of the season so far. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every result from week two and preview the full week three slate.

Montana State knocked off Nevada 20-7 behind Justin Lampson, who leads all FCS quarterbacks in QBR, pushing the Bobcats' win streak to 17 games. Idaho fell to 0-3 after a 23-17 loss to Lamar. Montana beat Utah Tech 35-14 but lost two key defensive pieces in the process. Catch Jon’s full recap of the UM game, along with photos from the action!

Eastern Washington dropped a 41-23 decision to South Dakota, Northern Arizona forced six turnovers in a 38-28 win over Incarnate Word, and Idaho State improved to 3-0 for the first time since 1995 with a 59-17 win over San Diego. The panel also runs through a full scoreboard of Big Sky results against FBS competition, including Wyoming over Northern Colorado, San Jose State over Cal Poly, and blowout losses for UC Davis, Weber State, Southern Utah, and Portland State.

Then the crew looks ahead to the final week of non-conference play: Montana travels to Oregon State for its first road test of the season, Idaho hosts a must-win game against Abilene Christian before its bye week, Eastern Washington heads to Seattle to face Washington, and No. 20 Northern Arizona looks to build on its statement win against Utah Tech. The show wraps with the weekly picks segment, where Jon Allen's early-season hot streak continues.

Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
01:08 Montana State 20, Nevada 7 Recap
05:12 Lamar 23, Idaho 17: Vandals Fall to 0-3
08:40 Montana 35, Utah Tech 14 Recap
12:47 South Dakota 41, Eastern Washington 23 Recap
16:07 Northern Arizona 38, Incarnate Word 28 Recap
17:41 Idaho State 59, San Diego 17: Bengals Start 3-0
19:59 Northern Colorado & Cal Poly Recaps
21:17 More Week 2 Scores
21:41 Week 3 Preview: Montana at Oregon State
24:49 Week 3 Preview: Abilene Christian at Idaho
27:05 Week 3 Preview: Eastern Washington at Washington
28:50 Week 3 Preview: Northern Arizona at Utah Tech
30:23 Week 3 Quick Hits Around the Big Sky
32:36 Week 3 Pick 'Em Segment: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

#BigSkyFootball #FCSFootball #GoGriz #MontanaState #IdahoVandals #EasternWashington #NorthernArizona #IdahoStateBengals #OregonState #ColbyKellyGrigsby #CalPoly #WeberState #UCDavis #BigSkyConference #CollegeFootball #FCS #BigSkyNow

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every Big Sky Conference football week 1 result and preview the full week 2 slate. 

Idaho State stunned FBS opponent Utah State 29-17 for the program's first win over an FBS school since 2017. Southern Utah outlasted Weber State 47-42 in the Beehive Bowl shootout. Montana handled Drake 21-3 as running back Eli Gilman broke the program's all-time career rushing touchdown record, passing Chase Reynolds with his 53rd. Eastern Washington rallied behind quarterback Nate Bell to beat Northern Iowa 34-24. Utah routed Idaho 66-14, and Montana State rolled past Butler 51-24 behind a Jabez Woods kick return touchdown. The panel also runs through Cal Poly's narrow win over Central Washington, South Dakota over Northern Colorado, Northern Arizona's loss to Arizona, Portland State's loss to San Diego State, BYU's blowout of Utah Tech and UC Davis over San Diego.

Then the crew previews Big Sky Conference football week 2, headlined by Montana State hosting Nevada in a game with extra storylines after former Bobcats coach Jeff Choate's comments about scheduling and Montana State's athletic director producing emails from the 2024 negotiations. Other week 2 previews include Utah Tech at Montana, Eastern Washington at South Dakota, San Diego at Idaho State, UC Davis at SMU, Lamar at Idaho and Southern Utah at Colorado State, plus quick hits on Weber State at Colorado, Northern Colorado at Wyoming, Cal Poly at San Jose State, Incarnate Word at Northern Arizona and North Dakota at Portland State. The episode wraps with the crew's weekly pick 'em standings and this week's predictions from every panelist.

Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Idaho State Upsets Utah State 29-17 
3:56 - Southern Utah Outlasts Weber State 47-42 (Beehive Bowl) 
6:49 - Montana Handles Drake, Gilman Sets Rushing TD Record 
9:52 - Eastern Washington Rallies Past Northern Iowa 
13:46 - Utah Routs Idaho 66-14 16:16 - Montana State Rolls Past Butler 51-24 
17:39 - Quick Hits: Cal Poly, South Dakota, Northern Arizona, Portland State, BYU, UC Davis 
21:38 - Week 2 Preview
21:57 - Montana State vs Nevada Preview 
24:33 - Utah Tech at Montana Preview 
27:07 - Eastern Washington at South Dakota Preview 
29:01 - San Diego at Idaho State Preview 
30:04 - UC Davis at SMU Preview 
31:01 - Lamar at Idaho Preview 
32:32 - Southern Utah at Colorado State Preview 
34:50 - Quick Hit Slate: Weber State-Colorado, N. Colorado-Wyoming, Cal Poly-San Jose State, Incarnate Word-Northern Arizona, North Dakota-Portland State
36:47 - Week 2 Pick 'Em: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Big Sky Conference football is back, and week zero delivered chaos. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every Big Sky result from week zero and preview the full week one slate.

The Montana Grizzlies survived a scare from Southern Utah in Bobby Kennedy's coaching debut, needing a fourth quarter defensive stand to escape with the win. Cal Poly's Anthony Grigsby Jr. delivered a Friday night thriller against Idaho, Northern Arizona erased a 21-point deficit to shock Eastern Washington, and UC Davis had to claw back from a 21-point hole against Portland State just to survive. Idaho State opened 38-10 but lost star running back Jason Brooks for the season, Weber State outlasted Northern Colorado on a missed extra point, and Montana State handled Utah Tech 54-0. 

Then the panel looks ahead to week one: Idaho travels to face No. 21 Utah just five days after their heartbreaker, Drake heads to Missoula to face the Grizzlies, Northern Arizona gets a measuring stick trip to Arizona, and Weber State meets Southern Utah in the only Big Sky-on-Big Sky matchup of the week. The show closes with the crew's weekly picks segment, where Jon Allen defends his early season lead.

New this season! Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:38 - Montana Grizzlies Survive Southern Utah Scare
8:01 - Cal Poly Stuns Idaho in Friday Night Thriller
10:34 - Northern Arizona Erases 21-Point Deficit to Beat Eastern Washington
15:10 - UC Davis Escapes Portland State Scare
18:46 - Idaho State Opens 38-10, Loses RB Jason Brooks for the Season
21:15 - Weber State Outlasts Northern Colorado on Missed Extra Point
23:18 - Montana State Blanks Utah Tech 54-0
23:56 - Week 1 Preview: Northern Iowa at Eastern Washington
26:14 - Week 1 Preview: Idaho at No. 21 Utah
28:55 - Week 1 Preview: Drake at Montana
32:56 - Week 1 Preview: Northern Arizona at Arizona
35:12 - Week 1 Preview: Weber State at Southern Utah
36:59 - Week 1 Preview: Idaho State at Utah State
38:23 - Week 1 Preview: South Dakota at Northern Colorado
39:21 - Week 1 Preview: Portland State at San Diego State
39:41 - Week 1 Preview: UC Davis at San Diego
40:01 - Week 1 Preview: Montana State vs Butler
40:16 - Week 1 Preview: Cal Poly at Central Washington
40:38 - Week 1 Preview: Utah Tech at BYU
41:26 - Week 1 Picks and Predictions: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Kickoff week is here. Big Sky Now host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke and Mike Maynard to preview every Big Sky Conference football matchup in week zero.

The panel breaks down a nationally televised Idaho-Cal Poly opener, Eastern Washington's trip to Flagstaff against Northern Arizona, Southern Utah's first Big Sky test at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Montana State's week zero tune-up against Utah Tech, UC Davis on the road at Portland State, Idaho State's home opener against VMI, and Weber State's first game under new head coach Eric Care at Northern Colorado. The show also reads two fan comments from YouTube and closes with the panel's full slate of week zero picks.

New this season! Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro 
01:32 - Idaho vs Cal Poly Preview
04:19 - Fan Mailbag: Is Idaho Underrated?
06:13 - Eastern Washington vs Northern Arizona Preview
09:38 - Southern Utah vs Montana Preview
14:07 - Montana State vs Utah Tech Preview
16:40 - UC Davis vs Portland State Preview
18:20 - Cade Penick Named Washington State's Starting QB
18:50 - Idaho State vs VMI Preview
22:19 - Fan Mailbag: Idaho State's Playoff Case
23:10 - Weber State vs Northern Colorado Preview
25:35 - Week Zero Pick 'Em
30:16 - Closing Thoughts 

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Big Sky Now returns with our full 2026 Big Sky Conference football season preview! Host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke and Mike Maynard to break down all twelve teams, from defending national champion Montana State to newcomers Utah Tech and Southern Utah.

The panel digs into Montana State's roster after their national title run, Bobby Kennedy's first season leading Montana, health questions for Idaho's Joshua Wood, Idaho State's "prove it" year with Jordan Cook, Eastern Washington's search for consistency under Nate Bell, UC Davis's wide-open quarterback battle, Northern Arizona's Ty Pennington as a breakout candidate, new-coach storylines at Weber State and Portland State, and where Utah Tech and Southern Utah fit as first-year Big Sky members. The show closes with each analyst's preseason offensive and defensive MVP picks and their pick to win the conference championship.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - Panel Check-In & Offseason Catch-Up
06:38 - Big Sky Conference 2026 Overview: New Teams & Coaches
07:18 - Montana State Bobcats Preview
12:56 - Montana Grizzlies Preview
18:16 - Idaho Vandals Preview
20:07 - Idaho State Bengals Preview
23:29 - Eastern Washington Eagles Preview
27:56 - UC Davis Aggies Preview
29:38 - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Preview
31:34 - Utah Tech & Southern Utah: The New Additions
33:37 - Cal Poly Mustangs Preview
34:17 - Weber State Wildcats Preview
37:26 - Eastern Washington & Conference-Wide Storylines
39:10 - Preseason MVP & Big Sky Champion Picks
45:15 - Closing Thoughts

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. Luke talks with starting quarterback Ty Pennington, linebacker Ammon Allen and head coach Brian Wright about improving on last year's numbers, building offense-defense chemistry, and what it takes to turn the page on a tough 2025 season.

Northern Arizona's QB Pennington threw for over 3,000 yards last season. He says the focus this year isn't the stat line - it's efficiency and putting the offense in the end zone regardless of what the defense knows is coming. LB Ammon Allen talks about the bond growing between the offense and defense this offseason, calling it a necessity for a team with championship aspirations, while sharing what he does to unwind in Flagstaff between hiking, journaling and ceramics. Head coach Wright discusses building resiliency after a difficult 2025 season, the excitement of playing in front of Lumberjack fans at home, and how the team's leadership group and captain vote have shaped the culture heading into fall camp.

Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. New head coach Bobby Kennedy, running back Eli Gilman and linebacker Peyton Wing talk about the transition to a new era of Grizzly football, in-state recruiting, and life in Missoula.

Montana's new head coach opens up about stepping into the top job after years as an assistant, crediting mentors from Bill McCartney to Mack Brown for shaping his belief that in-state recruiting has to be the foundation of the program. Coach Kennedy talks candidly about the learning curve of managing an entire program instead of a single position group, and what it felt like to be embraced by Griz fans across the state during his spring tour. 

Running back Eli Gilman reflects on his final season in Missoula, playing alongside his brother, and the deep connection he's built with his returning quarterback. Linebacker Peyton Wing, now in year two, talks about settling into his role, the interceptions that defined last season, and what he loves about life in Missoula outside of football - from fly fishing to floating the river.

Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!