There is proof that the Griz can beat the Cats, win the Big Sky, AND be National Champions. Just not in Bobby 2.0
If you look at historical results, the Griz are good in odd years and mediocre to slightly above mediocre in the even years.
2018 - 6-5 overall, 4-4 in conference, loss to Cats by 4 in Missoula
2019 - 10-4 overall, 6-2 in conference, loss to Cats by 34 in Bozeman
2020 - no season
2021 - 10-3 overall, 6-2 in conference, win over Cats by 19 in Missoula
2022 - 8-5 overall, 4-4 conference, loss to Cats by 34 in Bozeman
2023 - 13-2 overall, 7-1 in conference, win over Cats by 30 in Missoula
2024 - 9-5 overall, 5-3 in conference, loss to Cats by 23 in Bozeman
2025 - 13-2 overall, 7-1 in conference, loss to Cats by 3 in Missoula, loss to Cats by 25 in Bozeman.
If everything goes to historical results, the 2026 Griz will be 9-5 overall, 5-3 in conference, and lose to the Cats by 28 in Bozeman.