BOZEMAN – After a 12-0 regular season for the first time in program history and a clear Big Sky Conference title, top-seeded Montana State has refocused its attention on the FCS playoffs.

Montana State will face the University of Tennessee Martin in the second round of the playoffs. The Skyhawks defeated No. 16 seed New Hampshire 41-10 in the first round of the playoffs last week.

“A lot depends on being the top seed, but other than that one game in front of us, nothing is guaranteed,” Montana State coach Brent Vigen said. “I was really impressed with what Tennessee Martin was able to do on Saturday when he went to New Hampshire and beat a seeded team.”

“We obviously have more to play for than just the regular season because that’s all over,” Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott said. “None of this really matters. Going 12-0 might help you get to your seeding, but other than that nothing matters at that point, so win or go home and that’s what we’re all about.”

Montana State’s historic regular season is the start of the playoffs

UT Martin holds opposing offenses to an average of 85 rushing yards per game. This run defense will be put to the test as Montana State leads the country with an average of 318 yards per game.

“One way or another we have to establish ourselves on the running side,” Vigen said. “When they do things, when it’s a pure numbers situation that takes away the running game, we have to find ways to make plays in the passing game.”

These two teams last met in 2021, also in the second round of the playoffs, and the Bobcats won 26-7. It was also Mellott’s first career start.

“It’s hard to put into words a player’s first start, and especially in the playoffs… everything happened really quickly for me,” he said. “Ultimately, I’m happy to compete against them again. I think they have a lot of great players.”

“I think in the first game of 2021 no one really gave us a chance based on our performance at the time. I think we still have a chip on our shoulder and we’re excited for these guys to be able to compete in Bozeman and definitely go after them.”

The game begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bobcat Stadium. It will air on ESPN+.