BOZEMAN — Idaho’s return to the Big Sky Conference means the renewal of true rivalries with four neighboring football programs.
When the Vandals host Montana on November 10, the old enemies will battle for the Little Brown Stein for the 85th time, but the first time since 2003.
Eastern Washington and Idaho played annually between 1983 and 1999 but have only played twice since 2000.
Idaho State and Idaho are among the eight charter members of the Big Sky, playing every year from the founding of the league in 1963 and Idaho’s move up to the FBS following the 1995 season. UI and ISU played in 1997 and 1998 but not again until 2006. Before Saturday’s 62-28 beat down by the Bengals of the Vandals in Pocatello, the schools had not played since 2008.
While the Grizzlies, the Eagles and the Bengals all have rich history with Idaho, the Vandals might have more direct ties to Montana State than any other program in the league. The Vandals play their second traditional rival in a row Saturday with their first game in Bozeman against Montana State since 1995.
Choate, Gregorak, Redd interviews courtesy of Brooks Nuanez. Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.