Big Sky Now: FCS championship coverage from Nashville

by BIG SKY NOW PODCAST
PODCAST | January 5, 2026 10:10 AM

Montana State is one win away from an FCS national championship, and Big Sky Now is on the ground in Nashville.

Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, who joins from Tennessee ahead of the title matchup between the Bobcats and Illinois State.

Fritz breaks down Montana State’s preparation, the fan presence taking over Broadway, and what he learned from media day interviews with Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson and other key players.

The conversation also dives into head coach Brent Vigen’s mindset, how Montana State has reloaded since last season’s championship loss, and why a fast start will be critical against a battle-tested Illinois State team.

The Redbirds arrive riding a dominant road run out of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, setting up a high-stakes showdown between two of the FCS’s toughest programs.

Fritz also shares insight on Illinois State’s roster, the national championship atmosphere at FirstBank Stadium, and kickoff details as the Big Sky looks to claim its first FCS title since 2010.

Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time in Nashville.

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