From The Fringe…Don't ever take this game for granted. Cat-Griz is just too special

Of course, I’m only kidding. I know as well as anybody that, fans of the Montana State Bobcats and Montana Grizzlies aren’t getting along anytime soon, and especially not this week.

That’s just what this rivalry has come to. 

I admit, I don’t really like it that much anymore. I’ve written about it enough, so there’s no need to rehash why. 

But long story short, I just don’t see the need for people to actually hate each other over a football game, and I especially don’t see the need to hate college football players who you don’t even know, and most likely will never meet in your life.

It just all seems absurd to me.

But, the fact is, that’s what the rivalry between the Cats and Griz has become, at least between the fans in the state. 

Now obviously, I’m painting it with a broad brush, because not all fans feel that way. I have very close friends who love the Bobcats, and vice versa. I could Never hate any of them anyway, but I sure as hell wouldn’t hate anyone at all for cheering for a different football team.

And still, there is some pure hatred and vitriol when it comes to this rivalry, and my only hope is, that all of those who care so deeply about this game, can see past all that and realize just how good they we all have it.

I’m saying that as someone who will spend his first Cat-Griz weekend ever, outside of Montana’s borders.

This rivalry has, and will always be special. But, Saturday’s installment in Missoula is perhaps the biggest Cat-Griz game to ever be played.

Of course, have both schools had perhaps better teams, and better seasons? Yes. But, when you factor in everything at stake, and everything both programs have become, then, it’s apparent that, this is the single biggest game in the rivalries’ storied history.

Why?

First, there’s the Big Sky title. It can only be won by the winner of the game, and that’s a rare thing in the current Big Sky.

There’s the rankings and playoff implications, too. The winner of Saturday’s game will get homefield advantage through the FCS semifinals, and that, as we all now, is so huge.

Those factors alone make this game so, so huge.

But, when you pile on to all of that, the fact that rivalry is already at a point that it has never been before, when you add in the popularity of both teams right now, and the portalrity of college football in general, and the recruiting prestige and everything else that normally accompanies this game, then what do you have? The single-biggest meeting between the Cats and Griz ever.

Yup, Saturday’s game is massive. It will be electric, it will be intense and it will be a whole lot of fun for everybody involved. 

With everything at stake, it’s like Cat-Griz on super-steroids. And for the first time since I was watching the Havre Blue Ponies win the 2004 Class A state football championship, I won’t be in attendance. And it pains me to say that. It’s excruciating actually.

But that’s also why I’m suggesting that, while I won’t be able to talk anyone out of hating on each other this week, I can truly say, don’t let all that hostility stop you from actually enjoying what a truly amazing experience the Brawl of the Wild is. Don’t let all that anger cloud the bigger picture.

For years, folks have called the Cat-Griz game Montana’s Super Bowl. And yet, I respectfully disagree. That to me, has always sold Cat-Griz short.

No, for us, this game is bigger than that. It means more. It’s not just a game or a weekend, for so many of us, this rivalry, these two schools, and everything that goes with it, it’s a way of life, it’s part of our culture. It’s at least part, of who we are as Montanan’s. It means that much to us, and when it’s so deeply personal, when we care so much, yeah that’s a much, much bigger deal than any Super Bowl. It just is.

So, again. Please enjoy this weekend Montana. Enjoy it for me. Because, while I’m going to be enjoying the Brawl at my first-ever Alumni Watch Party, it’s not nearly the same thing. Not even close.

In other words, just make sure you all know how good we all have it with this rivalry. I know I sure do.