MSU 2012 Football Season Opener Under the Lights

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — Montana State athletics director Peter Fields says the Bobcats 2012 season opener against Chadron State has been moved up to Thursday, Aug. 30, under the lights.

Fields says the home night game is believed to be the first in program history. He made the announcement Friday in Great Falls the Triangle Classic banquet, a dinner before the team's final spring scrimmage, which was held Saturday.

Coach Rob Ash says the atmosphere will be electric for both the fans and players while also leaving Labor Day weekend open for family activities.

MSU is coming off back-to-back Big Sky Conference co-championships and FCS playoff appearances.

MSU said its 2012 captains are: linebacker Jody Owens of Mesquite, Texas; defensive end Caleb Schreibeis of Billings, center Shaun Sampson of Helena and running back Tray Robinson of Euless, Texas.