Totally agree EG. The Montana thing is definitely pretty unique when you compare it to other rivalries in other states.
For me it’s pretty easy. It’s sports and it’s entertainment. I won’t cheer for the griz in any game ever. Especially not in a championship game. The worst possible thing for Montana State athletics is the Griz winning a national championship. And vice versa.
That said, I’ve always maintained fans get a little wild when it comes to this rivalry. I have many friends who are griz fans and boosters. I have a healthy respect for UM athletics. I have no issue being realistic and saying when I think they’ll be really good. I don’t love it mind you, but the fact of the matter is griz football is almost always going to be good or very good. I think they’ll be a very good team this year and I think your schedule is very favorable this year and you’ll be in a position of a top seed. Recent history says that hosting the brawl this year will be very important. I’ll always think the cats have a shot to win; but I’d be very confident if I was a griz fan. Nothing wrong with that.
Long story short, I’ll always give my griz friends shit and will never pull for them in a game ever. But I’ll be in Missoula again this year like I am most years and I’ll have a great time like I always do. And if I see a griz fan with car trouble on my way to Missoula, I’ll be the first to pull over and assist because I’m not a douche and there are bigger things than football. But the idea that I should cheer for Montana teams cause they’re Montana teams is so backwards to me!
I do secretly support Montana kids getting a shot at the next level though. But that is more an FCS thing than a Montana thing. I wouldn’t mind at all seeing JB kill it with the Niners and show there is good talent at the FCS level.
