Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
CATS IN CAMP DAY #14: Bobcats Prep for First Scrimmage
8/14/2026 8:03:00 PM | Football
MSU looks for continued consistency
After a year unlike any other in Montana State football history, the Bobcats prepare for the 2026 season beginning with the first preseason practice on July 30 and culminating with the season opener at Utah Tech on August 29.
THE STRAIGHT SKINNY: Montana State's Friday practice, a spiders-and-helmet practice in Bobcat Stadium, lasted around 90 minutes and was heavy on situation work.
"I think we had a good week of practice," said MSU head coach Brent Vigen, "but I think we're ready for the next test. We've been at it for over two weeks and our schemes are in, guys should know what they're doing (which) allows them to play fast. We'll see how it sorts out tomorrow."
August's only live work in Bobcat Stadium occurs on Saturday, when the Cats stage their only live scrimmage of preseason camp. "We're excited to be back out in Bobcat Stadium for our only extensive scrimmage, and we'll see how we come out on the other side."
Vigen has been impressed by his team's effort and focus in August. "We've marked ourselves by being very consistent and showing up each week with our very best," Vigen said. "I feel like how you practice models that. If you show up every day with the right intent and the right effort and attitude you have a chance to be a consistent team."
THROUGH THE PLAYERS' EYES: Here is a quick advance scouting report on Saturday's scrimmage from MSU's quarterbacks on each side of the ball – fifth-year senior caller Justin Lamson, and safety Caden Dowler, the defense's green dot designee.
From quarterback Justin Lamson: "I would say just trying to be as clean as possible, no (missed assignments), and just doing our (own) 1/11th. That's been our goal in every single scrimmage. When we do that, we do really well. So (we're) just trying to do our job and not trying to do too much, and if we have to make an adjustment mid-scrimmage, being able to go out and execute that like we would have to in real game."
From safety Caden Dowler: "Communication is number one. I think we've had some days where we communicate really well, and then some days where we don't. You can really tell on film when we're communicating well and when we're not. It's a tackling day, and we don't get many chances to tackle, so really making tackles, especially in space, is going to be huge. Capitalizing on our opportunities when we get them. And then third, just go have fun. Everyone needs to let it loose, get out there and tackle, and have fun."
WILLS INJURED: Senior defensive back Alec Wills suffered a season ending injury this week, MSU coach Brent Vigen announced Friday. Wills transferred from Penn over the summer and was in line for a spot in the team's cornerback rotation.
ONE QUICK QUOTE: "There are a lot of things that we'll continue to address, but ultimately we're ready to get going on our scrimmage for fall camp and really excited to see where this football team is at and where a lot of individuals are at."
-Brent Vigen on Saturday's scrimmage
COMING UP: Montana State stages a closed scrimmage on Saturday in Bobcat Stadium. The event is closed to the public.
#GoCatsGo
THE STRAIGHT SKINNY: Montana State's Friday practice, a spiders-and-helmet practice in Bobcat Stadium, lasted around 90 minutes and was heavy on situation work.
"I think we had a good week of practice," said MSU head coach Brent Vigen, "but I think we're ready for the next test. We've been at it for over two weeks and our schemes are in, guys should know what they're doing (which) allows them to play fast. We'll see how it sorts out tomorrow."
August's only live work in Bobcat Stadium occurs on Saturday, when the Cats stage their only live scrimmage of preseason camp. "We're excited to be back out in Bobcat Stadium for our only extensive scrimmage, and we'll see how we come out on the other side."
Vigen has been impressed by his team's effort and focus in August. "We've marked ourselves by being very consistent and showing up each week with our very best," Vigen said. "I feel like how you practice models that. If you show up every day with the right intent and the right effort and attitude you have a chance to be a consistent team."
THROUGH THE PLAYERS' EYES: Here is a quick advance scouting report on Saturday's scrimmage from MSU's quarterbacks on each side of the ball – fifth-year senior caller Justin Lamson, and safety Caden Dowler, the defense's green dot designee.
From quarterback Justin Lamson: "I would say just trying to be as clean as possible, no (missed assignments), and just doing our (own) 1/11th. That's been our goal in every single scrimmage. When we do that, we do really well. So (we're) just trying to do our job and not trying to do too much, and if we have to make an adjustment mid-scrimmage, being able to go out and execute that like we would have to in real game."
From safety Caden Dowler: "Communication is number one. I think we've had some days where we communicate really well, and then some days where we don't. You can really tell on film when we're communicating well and when we're not. It's a tackling day, and we don't get many chances to tackle, so really making tackles, especially in space, is going to be huge. Capitalizing on our opportunities when we get them. And then third, just go have fun. Everyone needs to let it loose, get out there and tackle, and have fun."
WILLS INJURED: Senior defensive back Alec Wills suffered a season ending injury this week, MSU coach Brent Vigen announced Friday. Wills transferred from Penn over the summer and was in line for a spot in the team's cornerback rotation.
ONE QUICK QUOTE: "There are a lot of things that we'll continue to address, but ultimately we're ready to get going on our scrimmage for fall camp and really excited to see where this football team is at and where a lot of individuals are at."
-Brent Vigen on Saturday's scrimmage
COMING UP: Montana State stages a closed scrimmage on Saturday in Bobcat Stadium. The event is closed to the public.
#GoCatsGo
Players Mentioned
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
