BUTTE — Fans of the Montana Tech-Montana Western football rivalry didn't have to wait long this season for the latest battle between the Bulldogs and Orediggers.

Fifth-ranked Western is set to take on No. 11 Tech at Bob Green Field in the annual Copper Game in what will be the season opener for both teams and the first college football game played in the Treasure State this season. Kickoff is set for Thursday at 6 p.m.

HEAR FROM THE BULLDOGS AND OREDIGGERS HERE: No. 5 Montana Western, No. 11 Montana Tech set to clash in season opener

"It's gonna be rowdy," said Tech grad student tight end Derek Pearse. "Gonna have tons of fans here. Can't wait."

With the Frontier Conference expanded and now split into East and West divisions, Thursday's game will go down as a non-conference game wit

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