Get Hyped for the Griz/Cat Game with 38 Years of Must-See Highlights

It might feel like yesterday, but the Montana Grizzlies’ last National Championship win was 23 years ago. And if you’re counting (we are), it’s been 29 years since the Griz first rocked those iconic copper and gold jerseys in 1995 after their National Championship victory. Ah, the good old days, when “Titanic” was breaking box office records and we all thought frosted tips were a good idea.

For Montanans, the Brawl of the Wild isn’t just a football game, it’s THE football game. Forget about regular season stats or which team has the better record; this showdown between the Griz and the Bobcats is what we live for. It’s the kind of game where players leave it all on the field like it’s their last chance to prove they were right to quit the wrestling team in high school.

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In the 123 meetings since this rivalry began, the Montana Grizzlies have dominated the series, leading 74-46. But don’t let the numbers fool you—the Bobcats have been clawing their way back and are hungry to keep their current winning streak alive in this year’s 123rd Brawl of the Wild.

Way back when the Big Sky Conference formed in 1963, Montana State came out swinging, with a nearly 17-6 win/loss ratio against the Griz. Plus, they’ve got two National Championships to boast about. But then, in 1986, the Griz said, “Hold my moose drool,” and went on a 16-year winning streak that Bobcat fans probably still complain about at Thanksgiving dinner. Think of it as the longest game of tug-o-war you’ve ever seen, except instead of a rope, it’s bragging rights for an entire state.

Looking at the last 38 years of this storied rivalry, it’s clear just how badly both teams want to take home that coveted “Great Divide Trophy.” It’s not just a trophy, it’s a yearlong excuse to rub the other team’s nose in the dirt (figuratively, of course).

So, as we gear up for this year’s clash, take a moment to relive some of the best hits, epic plays, and questionable calls from Griz/Cat matchups since 1986. Montana Sports has put together some awesome highlights, and it’s the perfect way to get hyped for another round of Montana’s ultimate brag-fest.