#7 SFA @ #2 MSU Friday night.

[RedClowder]

The Bobcats have been really good in quarterfinal games.

2019: 24-10 over Austin Peay. Not as close as score. Held AP to 0 rushing and 3.3 per play

2021: 42-19 at SHSU

2022: 55-7 vs William & Mary

2024: 52-19 vs Idaho
[/]

I don’t know which one of those I liked the most. Probably SHSU. That was a crazy game to watch. We had lightning in a bottle.

Let’s hope the QF trend holds true for next weekend. Exercise some demons. I’d love to watch a Bobcat whoop down.

[84CatGrad]

I don't like thinking that if both teams advance, that is, the Cats host the Gris, ESPN will want to air that rematch on Friday night, too. It would be by far the best choice for which game to broadcast.

Both semifinals are on Saturday on ABC. I just hope we don’t get the 10am slot.

The bracket says semifinal games Saturday at 2pm or 530pm MST.

After the Yale game I don't want any talk of the semi until Sunday.

[GoCats18]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

[ZebraCat]

I don't like thinking that if both teams advance, that is, the Cats host the Gris, ESPN will want to air that rematch on Friday night, too. It would be by far the best choice for which game to broadcast.

Both semifinals are on Saturday on ABC. I just hope we don’t get the 10am slot.

The bracket says semifinal games Saturday at 2pm or 530pm MST.

After the Yale game I don't want any talk of the semi until Sunday.

Guess you better make yourself scarce until then

[SFASawmill]

Looking forward to Friday’s matchup! Have nothing but respect for Montana State! Should be a hell of a matchup!

[kwcat]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

[91catAlum]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

[kwcat]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Did Vidlak play at all in Missoula after he transferred from Boise?

[RockyBearCat]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Vidlak was at dUMb in 2023 but didn't play against the Cats.

https://gogriz.com/sports/football/rost ... idlak/6845 (2023 gris stats)

[wbtfg]

Anyone have a scouting report on SFA?

[91catAlum]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Did Vidlak play at all in Missoula after he transferred from Boise?

He did, seems like he and McDowell split time early in the year until they decided on McDowell. If I remember correctly.

[WalkOn79]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Did Vidlak play at all in Missoula after he transferred from Boise?

He did, seems like he and McDowell split time early in the year until they decided on McDowell. If I remember correctly.

Yeah I think Sam got sacked like 20 times at NAU and they made the switch. The Griz OL completely gave up that game.

[RockyBearCat]

AI assisted so a couple minor errors.... One thing I noted is that last weekend, they had 32 rushes for

Game: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (No. 7) at Montana State Bobcats (No. 2) Date: Friday, December 12, 2025 Kickoff: 7:00 PM MT (9:00 PM ET) Location: Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, MT Forecast: 35°F / 18°F, Snow Showers, Wind 5-10 mph TV: ESPN

Executive Summary: Fire and Ice in the FCS Quarterfinals
The FCS Quarterfinals bring us a classic clash of styles and environments as the air-raid concepts of the No. 7 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks travel north to face the ground-and-pound physicality of the No. 2 Montana State Bobcats.

Stephen F. Austin (SFA) arrives fresh off a thrilling 41-34 shootout victory over rival Abilene Christian, showcasing an offense that can strike quickly but a defense that can be porous. Montana State (MSU), conversely, survived a gritty 21-13 defensive battle against Yale, relying on forcing four turnovers to mask a sluggish offensive start.

The narrative of this game is defined by the elements. SFA is a dome/warm-weather team stepping into "The Freezer" of Bobcat Stadium, where snow is in the forecast and temperatures will drop into the 20s by kickoff. For SFA to pull the upset, QB Sam Vidlak must prove his arm strength can cut through the cold wind. For Montana State, the formula remains unchanged: run the ball, play elite defense, and let the elements break the opponent’s will.

Montana State Bobcats (11-2, 8-0 Big Sky)
Style: Power Run / 4-2-5 Defense Key Stat: +1.5 Turnover Margin per game (Forced 4 turnovers vs. Yale)

Offense: The New Era of "Run the Damn Ball"
With the legendary Tommy Mellott era in the rear-view mirror, the Bobcats have transitioned to QB Justin Lamson. While not the explosive runner Mellott was, Lamson has been efficiently lethal, throwing for over 2,400 yards and 20 TDs this season with a completion percentage north of 70%. He manages the game well but struggled with ball security last week (one fumble), a blemish he must correct.

The engine of this offense is now sophomore RB Adam Jones. Jones has seized the RB1 role following Scottre Humphrey’s transfer, and he looked the part against Yale, churning out 107 yards and a pivotal 33-yard touchdown. He is a one-cut, downhill runner perfect for snowy conditions. The offensive line remains a typical Montana State unit: massive, mobile, and mean. They will look to lean on an SFA defensive front that gave up 34 points last week.

Scouting Note: Watch for the Bobcats to use heavy personnel (12 and 13 personnel) to force SFA to stack the box, then utilize Lamson on play-action bootlegs. If SFA can’t stop the run with their front four, it will be a long, cold night.

Defense: Opportunistic and Aggressive
Defensive Coordinator Shawn Howe’s unit is ranked No. 2 nationally in total defense, a ranking justified by their performance against Yale. The secondary has been the catalyst, led by Caden Dowler. Dowler has an interception in four consecutive games, proving to be a ball-hawk who baits quarterbacks into mistakes.

The front six is disciplined. They don't blitz often, preferring to get pressure with four and drop seven into coverage windows that become tighter in cold weather. Their red-zone defense is elite; they forced Yale into field goals or turnovers every time the Bulldogs threatened.

Vulnerability: If there is a crack in the armor, it’s the deep ball. Aggressive safeties can sometimes bite on double moves, but few teams have the protection to let those routes develop against the MSU pass rush.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (11-3, Southland At-Large)
Style: Spread / Air Raid Tempo Key Stat: 320+ Passing Yards/Game avg in playoffs

Offense: The Vidlak-Harris Connection
Head Coach Colby Carthel has this team believing. The offense runs through QB Sam Vidlak, who has put up video game numbers in 2025. He is a rhythm passer who relies on timing and anticipation. His favorite target, WR Kylon Harris, is a speedster who can turn a 5-yard slant into a 50-yard touchdown.

However, this offense relies on friction-less conditions. They thrive on turf, in domes, and in 70-degree weather. The scouting concern is how the football feels in Vidlak's hand at 20 degrees. If the ball is slick and hard, their quick-screen game becomes dangerous (fumbles) and the deep ball becomes a prayer. They must establish RB Jerrell Wimbley early. Wimbley rushed for nearly 1,000 yards this season but is often the second option. In this game, he might need to be the first.

Defense: High Risk, High Reward
The Lumberjacks' defense surrenders yards but relies on "havoc plays"—sacks and tackles for loss. They gave up 34 points to Abilene Christian, struggling to get off the field on third down. Their linebackers are undersized but fast, which works well against spread teams but is a liability against Montana State’s power gap scheme.

They have to crowd the line of scrimmage. Expect SFA to load the box with 8 defenders and dare Justin Lamson to beat them over the top. It’s a gamble, but sitting back and letting Adam Jones run for 5 yards a carry is a death sentence.

The "X" Factors
1. The Elements (The 12th Man)
It cannot be overstated: Bozeman in December is a different sport. The forecast calls for snow showers and freezing temperatures. SFA is a team from Texas. Historically, dome/warm-weather teams struggle significantly in their first quarter in Bobcat Stadium as the shock of the cold sets in. If MSU jumps out to a 14-0 lead, SFA’s morale could freeze along with the turf.

2. Turnover Battle
SFA is +2 in the playoffs; MSU is +4. Montana State’s defense lives on creating short fields. SFA QB Sam Vidlak must avoid the "hero ball" mentality if they fall behind. An interception in the snow is essentially a punt, but a fumble in their own territory will be fatal.

3. The Crowd
Bobcat Stadium will be sold out and hostile. The noise level disrupts the timing of spread offenses, leading to false starts and delay of game penalties. SFA’s ability to use a silent count effectively will be tested immediately.

Key Matchup to Watch
SFA WR Kylon Harris vs. MSU S Caden Dowler This is speed vs. instinct. Harris is the lightning rod for the Lumberjacks; they need to get him the ball in space to negate the pass rush. Dowler is the eraser in the middle of the field. If Dowler can keep Harris in front of him and tackle well in the open field (difficult on a slippery surface), SFA’s explosive play ability vanishes. If Harris breaks one or two tackles, the Lumberjacks have a chance to shock the world.

Prediction
Stephen F. Austin has the offensive firepower to threaten anyone in the FCS, and Sam Vidlak is a legitimate NFL prospect. In a neutral site dome, this is a 50/50 game.

But this isn't a neutral site.

The combination of the travel, the hostile crowd, and the snow plays directly into Montana State's strengths. The Bobcats are built to win ugly. They don't mind punting, they don't mind 3-yard runs, and they thrive on defensive chaos. SFA will likely start slow as they adjust to the footing and the temperature. By the time they find their rhythm, the relentless MSU run game led by Adam Jones will have worn down the undersized SFA front.

Expect a tight first half, followed by a decisive third quarter where the Bobcats dominate time of possession and force two crucial turnovers.

Final Score Prediction: Montana State 31, Stephen F. Austin 17

Next Steps for the Winner: The winner advances to the FCS Semifinals to face the winner of South Dakota vs. Montana. A potential "Brawl of the Wild" rematch in the semis looms large if chalk holds.

[cats2506]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

Vidlak got benched midseason in 23.

[RockyBearCat]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Did Vidlak play at all in Missoula after he transferred from Boise?

He did, seems like he and McDowell split time early in the year until they decided on McDowell. If I remember correctly.

Yeah I think Sam got sacked like 20 times at NAU and they made the switch. The Griz OL completely gave up that game.

Was that the game where the gris OL was walking off the field while he was still scrambling?

[coloradocat]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Did Vidlak play at all in Missoula after he transferred from Boise?

He did, seems like he and McDowell split time early in the year until they decided on McDowell. If I remember correctly.

Yeah I think Sam got sacked like 20 times at NAU and they made the switch. The Griz OL completely gave up that game.

Walking off the field during the play level of giving up. That was the last time Vidlak played that year wasn't it?

[WalkOn79]

I think it’s pretty to cool to see Vidlak having the success he is, especially with how Hauck tossed him to the curb. I know we will be tested and the top player stats for both schools are almost identical. Maybe a huge Bobcat win Friday night will make Titus Vidlak decide MSU is where he will want to play.

Did he get the start
For Cat Griz in 23?

23 was Clifton McDowell. Last year was Fife who transferred to one of the New Mexico schools.

Did Vidlak play at all in Missoula after he transferred from Boise?

He did, seems like he and McDowell split time early in the year until they decided on McDowell. If I remember correctly.

Yeah I think Sam got sacked like 20 times at NAU and they made the switch. The Griz OL completely gave up that game.

Walking off the field during the play level of giving up. That was the last time Vidlak played that year wasn't it?

Pretty sure it was.

[rfischer94]

I don't like thinking that if both teams advance, that is, the Cats host the Gris, ESPN will want to air that rematch on Friday night, too. It would be by far the best choice for which game to broadcast.

That would give the gris one less day to prepare.

[RockyBearCat]

I don't like thinking that if both teams advance, that is, the Cats host the Gris, ESPN will want to air that rematch on Friday night, too. It would be by far the best choice for which game to broadcast.

That would give the gris one less day to prepare.

NCAA site shows the semis both on Saturday at 2PM and 5:30PM MST. Doesn't show which is which yet.

[tetoncat]

Looking forward to Friday’s matchup! Have nothing but respect for Montana State! Should be a hell of a matchup!

Welcome aboard. Any insight to the team and season is welcomed.