If you walked into Autzen Stadium on August 30, 2025, expecting a sleepy season opener, you probably didn't know much about Brent Vigen’s Montana State program. Or maybe you knew too much. The hype was real. People were talking about an FCS powerhouse taking a shot at a Big Ten giant.
The reality? It was loud. It was fast. It was green.
Oregon ended up winning that game 59-13, but the score alone is kinda a liar. It doesn't tell you about the 12 catches Taco Dowler hauled in, or how Justin Lamson—a guy who grew up in California and played at Stanford—looked incredibly comfortable under the bright lights of Eugene. It also doesn't show the sheer speed of Dan Lanning’s Ducks, who seem to be recruiting at a level that most programs can’t even fathom.
The 2025 Matchup: A Tale of Two Tiers
Montana State arrived in Eugene as the defending Big Sky champions. They weren't some "cupcake" scheduled for a homecoming win. They were a team coming off a heart-wrenching loss to North Dakota State in the FCS title game the year prior. They were hungry.
But Oregon? They were hungry for a different reason.
✨ Don't miss: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
After a 2024 season where they went 12-0 in the regular season only to fall to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, the Ducks were on a mission. Dante Moore took the keys to the offense, and honestly, he didn't miss a beat. He threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns in that opener. He was surgical.
Why the Bobcats Stayed Relevant
Most FCS teams fold the tent when they’re down 31-0. Montana State didn't.
- Taco Dowler’s Breakout: 12 catches for 107 yards. That’s a career day against a secondary filled with four and five-star recruits.
- Zero Turnovers: The Bobcats didn't beat themselves. They played clean football. They just ran into a faster, deeper roster.
- Justin Lamson’s Poise: Going 23-for-31 against a Dan Lanning defense is no small feat.
Oregon scored on its first nine possessions. That’s just a stat that’s hard to wrap your head around. It felt like every time the Ducks touched the ball, Jayden Limar or Jordon Davison was finding a seam. Davison, the true freshman, scored three times. Three! In his first college game. It was a statement.
Looking Back at the Series History
Believe it or not, these two programs don't see each other often. Before 2025, you had to go all the way back to 1947 to find a game between them.
🔗 Read more: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
The Ducks won that one too, 27-14.
So, in nearly 80 years, they’ve played exactly twice. It’s a rare cross-pollination of the Big Sky and the Big Ten (formerly the Pac-12). While Oregon fans might see it as a tune-up game, for Montana State, it’s a measuring stick. It’s a chance to show that Bozeman football belongs on the national stage.
The 2026 Outlook: Where Do They Go From Here?
As we move through January 2026, the paths of these two programs have diverged in fascinating ways.
Montana State just finished another deep run. They actually captured the FCS National Title on January 5, 2026, with a wild 35-34 overtime win over Illinois State in Nashville. That win solidified them as the premier program in the FCS. They aren't just "good for their level" anymore. They are a developmental factory.
💡 You might also like: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
Oregon, meanwhile, hit the College Football Playoff semifinals again. They fell to Indiana in the Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026, ending a 13-2 season. It’s a bit of a "always a bridesmaid" situation in Eugene right now, but the talent is undeniable. Dante Moore is likely headed to the NFL, and the Ducks are already looking at the portal to see who's next.
Key Takeaways for 2026 and Beyond
- Recruiting Gap: Oregon is playing a different game. With guys like Dakorien Moore and Na’eem Offord, their floor is higher than most teams' ceilings.
- FCS Strength: Don't sleep on the Big Sky. Montana State’s performance in Eugene, despite the score, showed they can move the ball on elite defenses.
- Scheduling Trends: Don't expect these two to play again soon. Oregon's 2026 schedule is already packed with Boise State and Oklahoma State. Montana State is focused on a non-conference slate featuring Nevada and Butler.
If you’re a fan of either team, the 2025 game was a reminder of why we love college football. It’s the contrast. It’s the small-town grit of Montana vs. the high-tech, Nike-fueled machine of Oregon.
The Bobcats proved they could take a punch. The Ducks proved they could deliver a knockout.
If you want to track how these rosters are changing before the 2026 season kicks off, keep a close eye on the spring transfer portal window in April. Oregon will likely be hunting for a veteran QB to replace Moore, while Montana State will be looking to shore up their defensive line to defend that new national title. Check the official athletic sites at goducks.com and msubobcats.com for updated spring game rosters and kickoff times.