Wednesday War Room: Previewing Montana State

 

 

Dan Lanning, Montana State head coach Brent Vigen preview season opener

For the second straight year, Oregon opens its season against an FCS powerhouse — but this time, the stakes feel different. No. 7 Oregon hosts FCS No. 2 Montana State, a program that has reached the FCS semifinals in three of the last four years and brings back one of the most efficient rushing attacks in the country.

Dan Lanning set the tone Tuesday:

“We get to go play a football game against a really good opponent,” Lanning said. “Coach Vigen has done an unbelievable job with his team. They’ve competed for championships, and when you watch them play, you see why they’ve been so successful.”

Autzen Stadium expects a sellout crowd for the Ducks’ season opener, and for Oregon, the early challenge doubles as an opportunity to showcase its depth, maturity, and retooled identity on both sides of the ball.

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Oregon’s Offensive Evolution

The Ducks enter 2025 with plenty of new pieces on offense — but tight end Kenyon Sadiq insists the transition has been smoother than expected.

“From the start of fall camp to now, we’re a completely different offense,” Sadiq said. “A lot of young guys, a lot of transfers, and they’ve done a great job plugging in. Our chemistry has gotten really good with whoever’s on the field.”

Sadiq highlighted Oregon’s explosive upside, pointing to skill players like Gary Bryant Jr., Dakorien Moore, Kyler Kasper, Malik Benson, Dillon Gresham, Jeremiah McClellan and freshman Cooper Perry:

“There’s talent and explosive talent just about anywhere,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is the potential this offense has.”

Lanning hasn’t revealed much about play-calling adjustments under offensive coordinator Will Stein, but he emphasized one thing: execution and pace will dictate the Ducks’ rhythm against a Montana State defense that disguises looks and thrives on effort.

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The Kenyon Sadiq Factor

With veteran Terrance Ferguson gone, Sadiq steps into a starring role for Oregon’s tight end room alongside transfer Jamari Johnson and a now-healthy Roger Saleapaga.

“I’d say versatility,” Sadiq said when asked what makes this year’s group unique. “Whether it’s deep threats, run game, or short quick game — I think we can do it all.”

Expect Stein to leverage multiple-tight-end looks early to test Montana State’s interior — anchored by Paul Brott, a preseason All-American, and Kenneth Eiden IV, who led the Bobcats with nine sacks last season.

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Montana State’s Ground Attack

Montana State led the FCS in rushing last season, averaging 291.8 yards per game, and returns two dangerous backs in Adam Jones and Julius Davis.

Jones, the reigning Big Sky Freshman of the Year, ran for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. Davis, a Wisconsin transfer, provides an experienced change of pace.

The engine of the Bobcats’ offense, though, is quarterback Justin Lamson — a Stanford transfer Oregon knows well. In 2023, he started against the Ducks, completing 11-of-20 passes for 106 yards while rushing 22 times for just 32 yards in a 42–6 loss.

Lanning remembers Lamson’s mobility vividly:

“They’ve always been dangerous when it comes to quarterback run,” he said. “That’s something Justin has shown in his past — his ability to run — so that’s something we certainly have to prepare for.”

Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher echoed the concern:

“When you’ve got a quarterback who runs the ball a lot, it makes things challenging. You’ve got to account for him on every snap.”

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Oregon’s Defensive Identity

The Ducks were statistically a top-20 defense last season, but Boettcher believes they’re better now — deeper, faster, and more physical.

“We’ve grown tremendously,” Boettcher said. “Our defense does a really good job of getting the ball out, which is important. When you play with energy and effort, good things happen.”

Lanning agreed, pointing to stopping the run as Oregon’s top defensive pillar:

“They’ve outrushed their opponent in several of their wins. That’s a common denominator for them — when they outrush their opponent, they win the game. We have to do a great job of rushing more than they’re able to rush.”

Expect to see Oregon rotate liberally across the front seven, with A'Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Teitum Tuioti anchoring the defensive line while Boettcher leads a linebacker corps built to chase.

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Montana State’s Defensive Front

While the Bobcats lose four of their top six tacklers from 2024, their defensive front returns two elite interior pieces.

• Paul Brott (DT) — 6-3, 300 lbs | 49 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks
• Kenneth Eiden IV (DE) — 6-1, 250 lbs | 32 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 9.0 sacks

Brent Vigen called Brott “the anchor of the defense” and praised Eiden’s motor:

“Eiden’s led this team in tackles for loss and sacks a year ago. He’s relentless and disruptive.”

The matchup between Brott and Oregon’s retooled interior line — featuring Poncho Laloulu, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Matthew Bedford — could dictate early momentum.

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Keys to the Game

For Oregon

1. Start Fast — The Ducks opened slowly against Idaho last season. Kenyon Sadiq emphasized executing early to “create momentum and drive down the field.”
2. Control the Trenches — Montana State will test Oregon’s defensive front with relentless motion and multiple tight ends.
3. Exploit Explosives — Oregon’s WR corps is built for chunk plays. Expect Dante Moore to attack vertically.

For Montana State

1. Win on the Ground — The Bobcats averaged nearly 300 rushing yards last season.
2. Control Possession — Limiting Oregon’s possessions through sustained drives is critical.
3. Force Oregon to Play Left-Handed — If Brott and Eiden can generate early disruption, they can push Oregon into passing downs and potential mistakes.

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Final Thoughts

This is an intriguing opener — a heavyweight FBS-FCS clash between two programs with legitimate championship aspirations in their respective divisions.

“We’re ready to hit somebody else,” Lanning said. “It’s about us playing to our standard.”

Oregon’s depth, speed, and explosive talent make it the heavy favorite, but Montana State’s disciplined rushing attack offers an early test of physicality for a Ducks team eyeing the playoff.

Prediction: Oregon 42, Montana State 14