# Shephard: Montana game is huge for Beavers > Oregon State's coach emphasizes the importance of Saturday's matchup against a top-ranked FCS team and calls on fans to pack the stadium. - Title: Shephard: Montana game is huge for Beavers | Shortify - Summary: Oregon State's coach emphasizes the importance of Saturday's matchup against a top-ranked FCS team and calls on fans to pack the stadium. Coach Shephard… - Keywords: oregon state, football, coach shephard, montana, fcs, reser stadium, beavers, grizzlies, college football, saturday game, sports, Shephard - Source: Oregon State Beavers On SI — https://si.com/college/oregon-state/football/coach-shephard-speaks-to-beaver-nation-it-s-a-huge-game-this-saturday-night - Published: 2026-09-16T03:21:19+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: oregon state, football, coach shephard, montana, fcs, reser stadium, beavers, grizzlies, college football, saturday game, sports ## Shephard addresses the media Oregon State's head coach spoke for half an hour Monday, emphasizing Saturday's game against FCS powerhouse Montana and discussing the run game and personnel decisions. ## Young talent playing well early Shephard praised his receivers as electric and highlighted the versatility of linebackers who are making smart decisions across different positions. > our receivers have been electric throughout the season so far ## Fill Reser Stadium this weekend Shephard directly appealed to fans to pack the stadium, noting that most students won't be back on campus until after Saturday's game on September 23. > I won't believe that we have our full team out there until we have the stands completely filled ## Running game needs improvement Oregon State managed only 55 yards on 19 carries against Texas Tech, following just 26 yards the week before, showing the rushing attack remains a work in progress. ## Spreading the ball around Shephard said the coaching staff is varying plays and involving more players in the game plan, waiting for a running back to get hot before committing to him. > we just gotta get one of them hot ## Blake Thompson showing promise Freshman defensive back Blake Thompson impressed in fourth-quarter drills with outstanding athletic skill and speed, though he's new to the cornerback position. > this kid is gonna be a big-time play maker for us early on ## Teaching Thompson the position Shephard is challenging cornerbacks coach Brumfield to teach Thompson how to play corner at a high level despite his limited experience at the position. > it's on him to teach Blake how to play the position of corner at a high level ## Montana is undefeated and ranked The Grizzlies come in three and zero on the season and ranked number two in the FCS Coaches Poll, making them a formidable opponent. ## Montana's balanced attack The Grizzlies have a running back with over 300 rushing yards and a quarterback throwing for over 250 yards per game, making them dangerous on both sides of the ball. > They got a running back who is over 300 yards rushing, quarterback throwing for over 250 yards a game ## Montana's aggressive defense The Grizzlies fly around on defense with multiple schemes and have tenacious linebackers, requiring Oregon State to be prepared for everything they bring. > On defense they fly around and they bring a lot of different scheme ## Beavers must execute on all fronts Shephard emphasized that Oregon State will need to perform well on both offense and defense to compete with Montana's well-rounded team. > So we're gonna have to do everything really well on our side of the ball ## Kickoff Saturday at eight p.m. Oregon State and Montana square off Saturday, September 19 with kickoff at eight p.m. Pacific Time on the USA Network. ## Key takeaway Coach Shephard views the Montana game as critical for Oregon State's season and is urging fans to create a full-capacity home environment.