BOZEMAN — For the first time since 2001, Montana State football opened its football season with two road games. Both went to MSU — a thrilling 35-31 win over New Mexico and a 31-7 victory over Utah Tech.

That road schedule to kick off the Bobcats season has created a lot of anticipation for the team and the community. This Saturday, the Bobcats finally play in front of a home crowd in their annual Gold Rush game, as they host Maine of the FCS Coastal Athletic Association.

“The first of many sellouts, but the first one and having everyone in gold is really unique for our university, for our football program,” Montana State coach Brent Vigen said. “And while we’ve had good crowds in both places, both in Albuquerque and in St. George, to be in front of 20,000-plus that are all behind you, I think there’s a whole different energy that our guys are looking forward to.”

“Playing two games away definitely takes away those road-game nerves,” Montana State defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV said. “I definitely think big things are going to happen this Saturday. I think we play a lot better at home. That’s just what we’ve always done, and I think it’ll be a good show to watch.”

The defense didn’t allow a single first down in the first three quarters against Utah Tech last week and held New Mexico to zero offensive points in the second half of that game two weeks ago.

The disruption from the opposing offense is there, but the team has yet to record a single sack, so production has become a point of focus this week.

“I know we’re under pressure,” Vigen said. “I know those guys are tangibly looking to get some sacks, and that’s going to come in time. But I do think, when you look at these two games, and our performance up front, while not exactly flashy in any numbers, so to speak, we’ve made people feel uncomfortable.”

Montana State’s first two opponents had new coaching staffs, while Maine is already a third-year head coach in Jordan Stevens and has a solid returning core.

They also have one game under their belt this season: a 17-14 win over Colgate last week. That makes scouting a lot easier, but the Black Bears do have a new quarterback in Carter Peevy, who transferred from Mercer this year.

“We’re like, OK, they’ve got a game,” Vigen said. “We have a chance to see that. We can operate a little differently based on last year’s video than we would have otherwise.

“I know there’s a new quarterback. We’re looking at a game where he’s playing for Maine, and he’s got some talent, I think he can throw and he can run. So he would be the one guy where you look back on what he did at Mercer.”

The game is at 6:00 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium and will be broadcast on the MTN channel and ESPN+.