Montana State Leverages GameStrat’s In-Game Video Replay for Better Adjustments

The Montana State Bobcats have been a dominant force in Division I FCS football since Brent Vigen took over as head coach in 2021. In just four seasons, Vigen has led the Bobcats to a 47-10 record (.825) and four consecutive playoff appearances. Coming off their strongest season yet, Montana State reached the FCS National Championship, narrowly falling to North Dakota State 35-32 in a gritty performance by MSU. With sustained success and a championship-contending roster, the Bobcats are positioned as one of the top programs in FCS football.

With in-game video technology approved for the first time at the NCAA level, the Big Sky Conference sought a conference-wide solution that would provide reliable, instant video replay on the sidelines. After meeting as a group, Big Sky coaches collectively decided to partner with GameStrat, ensuring that every team in the conference had access to the most efficient and dependable sideline replay system available.

After meeting as head coaches, it was pretty clear to us that GameStrat was going to be the best solution for the Big Sky Conference. I think it proved to be very efficient throughout the season.-Brent Vigen, Head Coach of the Montana State Bobcats

With GameStrat’s sideline replay system, Montana State was able to make adjustments faster than ever before. Instead of relying on verbal communication or waiting until halftime, the Bobcats could review plays instantly, giving coaches and players immediate feedback to refine their game plan in real time.

GameStrat's in-game video was huge for us. Allowing us to get that instant feedback in real time has been invaluable.

The speed and efficiency of GameStrat’s sideline video technology played a critical role in Montana State’s ability to make mid-game corrections. The Bobcats didn’t have to guess what went wrong—they could see it on the iPad in seconds and adjust accordingly.

The difference with using GameStrat is really hard to even quantify. Some of the answers we’re able to get now seconds after the play, in the past we were getting them later that night on the bus or plane ride home, or Sunday morning when you watched it back. So overall, it’s made a huge difference.

With GameStrat's in-game replay system on the sideline, Montana State’s coaching staff was able to correct mistakes immediately, ensuring that their players weren’t making the same errors for an entire half or game.

It’s very useful at halftime when we can recall a certain play at the click of a button & bring the guys together all at once. It really just speeds up that adjustment process.

With GameStrat’s sideline replay system, teams like Montana State have transformed how they approach in-game coaching and adjustments. The introduction of in-game video technology has fundamentally changed the efficiency and accuracy of coaching decisions, helping programs minimize mistakes and optimize their performance.

The precision at which we’re able to see alignments & technique and show a clear visual to our players just makes our job easier. It’s been a long time coming in college football, and we’re just thankful for the impact GameStrat had on our season this year.

Want to see how GameStrat’s sideline replay system can impact your program? Book a free demo today and see why championship-winning teams trust GameStrat for their in-game video replay needs.