Injuries Force No. 1 Montana State to Debut New QB, Receiver vs. NAU

Key points

• Justin Lamson and Taco Dowler are out with injuries from the Central Connecticut State game.
• Patrick Duchien Jr. will make his first career start at quarterback.
• Freshman Carter Dahlke will start at receiver and punt returner.
• Montana State is 4-0 and has an 18-game winning streak.
• The game airs on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m. MT.

Background

Montana State enters this game as the FCS No. 1 team, having won 18 consecutive games since last season's national championship. Justin Lamson was the Most Outstanding Player in the 2025 FCS title game and started all 16 games last season. The Bobcats previously defeated Butler 51-24 and Central Connecticut State, where Duchien scored a rushing touchdown on his first touch.

How outlets are covering it

Skyline Sports and MontanaSports.com confirmed the injury news, noting Lamson's leg injury and Dowler's undisclosed injury. Montana State Athletics provided official confirmation, adding that running back Adam Jones is probable but may not start, with Colson Coon as the backup. NBC Montana focused on the broader context of the Big Sky Conference opener, noting NAU is 3-1. All sources agree on the starting lineup changes but differ in detail regarding the running back situation.

Why it matters

This is the first time Montana State has started a different quarterback since Justin Lamson's arrival in 2025. The game tests the depth of the FCS No. 1 team and marks the beginning of Big Sky Conference play. Duchien's performance will be a key indicator of the team's resilience without its top two offensive weapons.

What to watch

Montana State will face Idaho on October 2, followed by Eastern Washington on October 17. The recovery timelines for Lamson and Dowler are undetermined. The Bobcats will debut a new Under Armour Championship Collection uniform in this game.