BUTTE — Two top-15-ranked rivals will clash under the Alumni Coliseum lights Thursday, marking the Treasure State’s first collegiate football game to be played this season.

“The whole state is looking at us,” Montana Tech defensive lineman Anthony Okes said. “We’re the only game going on that night. It’s going to be amazing.

“Last year was awesome – the Copper Game. God, I think it’s going to be blown up here.”

A day shy of one year since Tech’s inexplicable comeback victory against No. 3 Georgetown (Kentucky), the No. 11 Orediggers host No. 5-ranked Montana Western. Not since Blake Thelen’s 31-yard go-ahead touchdown landed in Wyatt Alexander’s arms have the Orediggers beaten a top-five program following a 3-3 campaign against nationally-ranked competition.

Last season’s Copper G

See Full Page