A Cross‑Country Rivalry Takes Shape
Montana State University and West Georgia University announced a home‑and‑home football series that will see the two programs meet in 2030 and 2031, marking the first time the Bobcats travel to Georgia and the Wolves step onto Montana soil.
The 2030 contest is slated for September 14 in Bozeman, where the Bobcats will open their season against the Wolves, a matchup that will be the first football game ever played by Montana State in the Peach State.
A year later, on September 6, 2031, the Wolves will host the Bobcats in Carrolton, Georgia, completing the two‑year agreement and giving both schools a chance to showcase their rising programs on a national stage.
A Brief History of West Georgia Football
West Georgia’s football program dates back to the mid‑20th century, operating as a two‑year team from 1946 to 1958 before being discontinued. The program was revived in 1981 as an NCAA Division III squad, climbed to Division II in 1983, and most recently earned a spot in the United Athletic Conference after transitioning to Division I FCS in 2024.
Both schools have navigated similar pathways over the past decade, moving from modest beginnings to the upper tiers of FCS competition. Their upcoming meetings are seen as a litmus test for the progress each has made, and they have generated considerable buzz among fans and alumni eager to see how the new rivalry will unfold.
The series also underscores a broader trend of mid‑major programs seeking meaningful non‑conference matchups that can boost recruiting, revenue, and visibility. As the 2030 and 2031 dates approach, stadiums in Bozeman and Carrolton are already preparing to welcome enthusiastic crowds for what promises to be a historic pair of games.