ROOT Sports and the Big Sky Conference announced Monday its broadcast schedule for the upcoming 2018 season, with a total of 10 games to be televised on the network. Idaho State will not appear on ROOT’s broadcasts for the upcoming season.

This marks the seventh year of a partnership between ROOT Sports and the Big Sky.

“The Big Sky’s partnership with ROOT Sports and DIRECTV has continued to increase our brand and exposure on a national level,” Big Sky Conference commissioner Andrea Williams said. “ROOT Sports produces award-winning broadcasts and the conference is excited to be a part of that every week.”

The first game of the season to be televised on ROOT Sports will be Sacramento State at Montana on Sept. 22. The Hornets posted their best record last season under Jody Sears, the 2017 Co-Big Sky Coach of the Year. The Griz return UM alum, Bobby Hauck, one of the winningest coaches in school history. He led the Grizzlies to three national championship appearances and seven straight Big Sky championships.

Eastern Washington and Montana State will make their season debut on ROOT Sports when the Eagles travel to Bozeman, Montana on Sept. 29. The Eagles tallied six league wins a year ago, while the Bobcats went 5-3.

The following week, Eastern Washington will host Southern Utah on Oct. 6. SUU earned the league’s automatic bid for the Football Championships Playoffs in 2017 and the No. 8 seed. The Thunderbirds were Co-Big Sky Champions, Demario Warren shared coach of the year honors for the conference, and Southern Utah was ranked in the final FCS polls.

Idaho returns to the Big Sky in 2018 as a full-time member and eligible to win the conference title. Led by Paul Petrino, the Vandals will play at Montana State on Oct. 13. Idaho last played football in the Big Sky in 1995.

Weber State will host Montana State on Oct. 20. The Wildcats recorded a school-record 11 wins and made it all the way to the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs. Weber State earned Co-Big Sky Champion honors and finished ranked No. 5 in the final FCS Polls, the highest ranking in school history.

The Vandals will visit Eastern Washington on Oct. 27, while the month of November will kick off with Montana at Southern Utah on Nov. 3, followed by Idaho hosting the Griz on the Nov. 10.

The broadcasts will conclude with a pair of games set to close out the regular season. Portland State will host Eastern Washington with the “Battle for the Dam Cup” on the line, while Montana will host Montana State in the 118th “Brawl of the Wild” on Nov. 17.

Game times will be announced at a later date.