BOZEMAN, Mont. (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s hottest teams will clash in a neutral-site showdown when the Montana State Bobcats face the Illinois State Redbirds on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The game features a compelling contrast in momentum and style. Montana State (13-2) enters on a 10-game winning streak, last falling on Sept. 20. The Bobcats’ offense has been a juggernaut, averaging over 41 points per game during the streak, capped by a 48-23 rout of rival Montana on Dec. 20. Quarterback Justin Lamson leads a dynamic attack, having passed for 209 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 43 yards and two more scores in the win. Running back Adam Jones added 131 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Illinois State (12-4) has won five of its last six, including three straight road playoff victories to reach this stage. The Redbirds are battle-tested, with a 30-14 win at Villanova on Dec. 20 highlighting their resilient formula. Running back Victor Dawson gashed Villanova for 155 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse accounted for two scores. The Redbirds’ defense, led by linebacker Mason Kaplan’s disruptive play, has been key. Despite Illinois State’s impressive run, National Statistical’s game simulator projects a 38-26 victory for Montana State. Oddsmakers, however, have installed the Redbirds as a 10-point favorite. The over/under is set at 56.5 points. The matchup pits Montana State’s high-octane, balanced offense against an Illinois State team built on a powerful run game and opportunistic defense. The Bobcats will aim to exploit their offensive rhythm, while the Redbirds will look to control the clock with Dawson and manage the game with Rittenhouse. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Monday. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.