Big Sky Now

Daily Inter Lake
Daily Inter Lake
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Get the latest news on Big Sky Conference football with our Hagadone Sports Network teams in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Hosted by Daily Inter Lake's sports reporter Luke Schmit. Explore more from the Daily Inter Lake’s podcast network! Keeping Score delivers a front row seat to northwest Montana sports.  News Now covers major stories making headlines in Montana, events to check out, and breaking news for the Flathead Valley and beyond. Deep Dive brings you in-depth stories from across our area. And Side Tracks shares the stories behind northwest Montana's local music, food, and arts culture.

  1. 6d ago

    Big Sky Football Week 0 Recap: Montana Grizzlies Survive Southern Utah, Cal Poly Stuns Idaho + Week 1 Preview & Picks

    Big Sky Conference football is back, and week zero delivered chaos. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every Big Sky result from week zero and preview the full week one slate. The Montana Grizzlies survived a scare from Southern Utah in Bobby Kennedy's coaching debut, needing a fourth quarter defensive stand to escape with the win. Cal Poly's Anthony Grigsby Jr. delivered a Friday night thriller against Idaho, Northern Arizona erased a 21-point deficit to shock Eastern Washington, and UC Davis had to claw back from a 21-point hole against Portland State just to survive. Idaho State opened 38-10 but lost star running back Jason Brooks for the season, Weber State outlasted Northern Colorado on a missed extra point, and Montana State handled Utah Tech 54-0.  Then the panel looks ahead to week one: Idaho travels to face No. 21 Utah just five days after their heartbreaker, Drake heads to Missoula to face the Grizzlies, Northern Arizona gets a measuring stick trip to Arizona, and Weber State meets Southern Utah in the only Big Sky-on-Big Sky matchup of the week. The show closes with the crew's weekly picks segment, where Jon Allen defends his early season lead. New this season! Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8 Chapters 0:00 - Intro 1:38 - Montana Grizzlies Survive Southern Utah Scare 8:01 - Cal Poly Stuns Idaho in Friday Night Thriller 10:34 - Northern Arizona Erases 21-Point Deficit to Beat Eastern Washington 15:10 - UC Davis Escapes Portland State Scare 18:46 - Idaho State Opens 38-10, Loses RB Jason Brooks for the Season 21:15 - Weber State Outlasts Northern Colorado on Missed Extra Point 23:18 - Montana State Blanks Utah Tech 54-0 23:56 - Week 1 Preview: Northern Iowa at Eastern Washington 26:14 - Week 1 Preview: Idaho at No. 21 Utah 28:55 - Week 1 Preview: Drake at Montana 32:56 - Week 1 Preview: Northern Arizona at Arizona 35:12 - Week 1 Preview: Weber State at Southern Utah 36:59 - Week 1 Preview: Idaho State at Utah State 38:23 - Week 1 Preview: South Dakota at Northern Colorado 39:21 - Week 1 Preview: Portland State at San Diego State 39:41 - Week 1 Preview: UC Davis at San Diego 40:01 - Week 1 Preview: Montana State vs Butler 40:16 - Week 1 Preview: Cal Poly at Central Washington 40:38 - Week 1 Preview: Utah Tech at BYU 41:26 - Week 1 Picks and Predictions: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more. Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Big Sky Football Week 0 Recap: Montana Grizzlies Survive Southern Utah, Cal Poly Stuns Idaho + Week 1 Preview & Picks

  2. Aug 27

    Big Sky Football Week 0 Predictions: Idaho-Cal Poly, Montana-Southern Utah & Every Matchup Picked

    Kickoff week is here. Big Sky Now host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke and Mike Maynard to preview every Big Sky Conference football matchup in week zero. The panel breaks down a nationally televised Idaho-Cal Poly opener, Eastern Washington's trip to Flagstaff against Northern Arizona, Southern Utah's first Big Sky test at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Montana State's week zero tune-up against Utah Tech, UC Davis on the road at Portland State, Idaho State's home opener against VMI, and Weber State's first game under new head coach Eric Care at Northern Colorado. The show also reads two fan comments from YouTube and closes with the panel's full slate of week zero picks. New this season! Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro  01:32 - Idaho vs Cal Poly Preview 04:19 - Fan Mailbag: Is Idaho Underrated? 06:13 - Eastern Washington vs Northern Arizona Preview 09:38 - Southern Utah vs Montana Preview 14:07 - Montana State vs Utah Tech Preview 16:40 - UC Davis vs Portland State Preview 18:20 - Cade Penick Named Washington State's Starting QB 18:50 - Idaho State vs VMI Preview 22:19 - Fan Mailbag: Idaho State's Playoff Case 23:10 - Weber State vs Northern Colorado Preview 25:35 - Week Zero Pick 'Em 30:16 - Closing Thoughts  Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more. Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Big Sky Football Week 0 Predictions: Idaho-Cal Poly, Montana-Southern Utah & Every Matchup Picked

  3. Aug 20

    2026 Big Sky Conference Football Preview: Can Anyone Stop Montana State?

    Big Sky Now returns with our full 2026 Big Sky Conference football season preview! Host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke and Mike Maynard to break down all twelve teams, from defending national champion Montana State to newcomers Utah Tech and Southern Utah. The panel digs into Montana State's roster after their national title run, Bobby Kennedy's first season leading Montana, health questions for Idaho's Joshua Wood, Idaho State's "prove it" year with Jordan Cook, Eastern Washington's search for consistency under Nate Bell, UC Davis's wide-open quarterback battle, Northern Arizona's Ty Pennington as a breakout candidate, new-coach storylines at Weber State and Portland State, and where Utah Tech and Southern Utah fit as first-year Big Sky members. The show closes with each analyst's preseason offensive and defensive MVP picks and their pick to win the conference championship. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:33 - Panel Check-In & Offseason Catch-Up 06:38 - Big Sky Conference 2026 Overview: New Teams & Coaches 07:18 - Montana State Bobcats Preview 12:56 - Montana Grizzlies Preview 18:16 - Idaho Vandals Preview 20:07 - Idaho State Bengals Preview 23:29 - Eastern Washington Eagles Preview 27:56 - UC Davis Aggies Preview 29:38 - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Preview 31:34 - Utah Tech & Southern Utah: The New Additions 33:37 - Cal Poly Mustangs Preview 34:17 - Weber State Wildcats Preview 37:26 - Eastern Washington & Conference-Wide Storylines 39:10 - Preseason MVP & Big Sky Champion Picks 45:15 - Closing Thoughts Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    2026 Big Sky Conference Football Preview: Can Anyone Stop Montana State?

  4. Jul 31

    Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: QB Pennington, LB Ammon & Coach Wright on Building Team Chemistry

    While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. Luke talks with starting quarterback Ty Pennington, linebacker Ammon Allen and head coach Brian Wright about improving on last year's numbers, building offense-defense chemistry, and what it takes to turn the page on a tough 2025 season. Northern Arizona's QB Pennington threw for over 3,000 yards last season. He says the focus this year isn't the stat line - it's efficiency and putting the offense in the end zone regardless of what the defense knows is coming. LB Ammon Allen talks about the bond growing between the offense and defense this offseason, calling it a necessity for a team with championship aspirations, while sharing what he does to unwind in Flagstaff between hiking, journaling and ceramics. Head coach Wright discusses building resiliency after a difficult 2025 season, the excitement of playing in front of Lumberjack fans at home, and how the team's leadership group and captain vote have shaped the culture heading into fall camp. Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: QB Pennington, LB Ammon & Coach Wright on Building Team Chemistry

  5. Jul 30

    Montana Grizzlies: New Head Coach Bobby Kennedy, Eli Gilman, & Peyton Wing

    While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. New head coach Bobby Kennedy, running back Eli Gilman and linebacker Peyton Wing talk about the transition to a new era of Grizzly football, in-state recruiting, and life in Missoula. Montana's new head coach opens up about stepping into the top job after years as an assistant, crediting mentors from Bill McCartney to Mack Brown for shaping his belief that in-state recruiting has to be the foundation of the program. Coach Kennedy talks candidly about the learning curve of managing an entire program instead of a single position group, and what it felt like to be embraced by Griz fans across the state during his spring tour.  Running back Eli Gilman reflects on his final season in Missoula, playing alongside his brother, and the deep connection he's built with his returning quarterback. Linebacker Peyton Wing, now in year two, talks about settling into his role, the interceptions that defined last season, and what he loves about life in Missoula outside of football - from fly fishing to floating the river. Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Montana Grizzlies: New Head Coach Bobby Kennedy, Eli Gilman, & Peyton Wing

  6. Jul 30

    Montana State Bobcats: Inside the National Championship Hangover with Dowler Brothers & Coach Vigen

    Host Luke Schmit went to the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day in Spokane, Washington. Luke got a chance to sit down with Bobcat standouts Caden and Taco Dowler and head coach Brent Vigen fresh off Montana State's national championship season, talking legacy, loyalty and what it takes to defend a title. Caden and Taco Dowler talk about what it means to represent the state that raised them, and why the in-state pipeline keeps producing impact players for the Bobcats. They open up about resisting transfer portal money to stay loyal to a program and a community, and how one of them built a seasoning brand on the side while staying grounded in Bozeman. Both players talk candidly about the surreal aftermath of winning a national championship - the nonstop phone notifications, a same-day surgery, and the slow process of coming down from that high. MSU Head Coach Vigen reflects on what the title meant for the Big Sky's national standing and what it takes to chase it again, while the Dowler brothers describe the pressure and joy of being recognized everywhere they go in a state where everybody knows your name. Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Montana State Bobcats: Inside the National Championship Hangover with Dowler Brothers & Coach Vigen

  7. Jul 29

    Big Sky Conference Media Day: Takeaways from Spokane

    The Big Sky football season is almost here, and our crew is breaking down everything they learned from the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day in Spokane, Washington. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake Sports Editor Fritz Neighbor, Coeur d'Alene Press Sports Editor Mark Nelke and Columbia Basin Herald Sports Reporter Mike Maynard after a full day of interviews with coaches and players from across the conference. The panel discusses Montana's new era under Bobby Hauck's successor, Montana State's continued dominance, Idaho's offseason improvements, Eastern Washington's optimism, Idaho State's potential as a dark horse, Portland State's new coaching staff, Northern Arizona's expectations and what the additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech could mean for the conference. The group also shares behind-the-scenes impressions from conversations with Brent Vigen, Bobby Hauck's successor, Aaron Best, Jason Eck's replacement, Cody Hawkins and other coaches while discussing quarterback battles, transfer portal additions, offensive line depth, preseason favorites, breakout players and early-season games that could shape the Big Sky title race. Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Big Sky Conference Media Day: Takeaways from Spokane

  8. Feb 6

    Bobby Hauck Retires: What’s Next for Montana Football and the Big Sky?

    Bobby Hauck has officially retired as head coach of Montana football, and on this episode of Big Sky Now, the Daily Inter Lake panel breaks down what it means for the Griz, the Big Sky Conference, and the future of FCS football. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake's sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen to unpack the timing and nuance behind Hauck’s decision — from his growing frustration with the transfer portal and NIL era to the ripple effects of signing day, recruiting cycles, and roster stability. The panel reflects on Hauck’s legacy as the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history, his two tenures in Missoula, and why this retirement felt sudden — yet inevitable. The discussion also turns to Bobby Kennedy stepping in as Montana’s next head coach, how the Griz are positioned heading into spring ball, and what this change could mean for player retention and competitiveness in 2026. Plus, the crew touches on Big Sky offseason storylines, returning quarterback-receiver duos across the state, and the growing national footprint of Big Sky players at the professional level. Read Fritz's article about Coach Hauck's retirement on dailyinterlake.com. Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Bobby Hauck Retires: What’s Next for Montana Football and the Big Sky?
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About

Get the latest news on Big Sky Conference football with our Hagadone Sports Network teams in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Hosted by Daily Inter Lake's sports reporter Luke Schmit. Explore more from the Daily Inter Lake’s podcast network! Keeping Score delivers a front row seat to northwest Montana sports.  News Now covers major stories making headlines in Montana, events to check out, and breaking news for the Flathead Valley and beyond. Deep Dive brings you in-depth stories from across our area. And Side Tracks shares the stories behind northwest Montana's local music, food, and arts culture.

Information

  • Channel
    Daily Inter Lake
  • Creator
    Hagadone Sports Team
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Big Sky Now
  • Show Website
    Big Sky Now

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