BOZEMAN — Over the past two seasons, Montana State has had the second-best offense in the FCS. That stat reflects a dominant offense, and the group hopes the same standard it has maintained in recent history continues in 2024.

“They’ve dominated every year they’ve been together and they have such chemistry,” Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott said. “You know, it’s so impressive to see five guys over 300 pounds moving in sync. It’s really beautiful to see that on film.”

“We’ve relied on the offensive line since we’ve been here,” Montana State offensive coordinator Tyler Walker said during the first week of fall camp. “And I think, you know, (Justus) Perkin has played more snaps than anybody here.”

“And then we have Marcus (Wehr) and Conner (Moore), and with Cole (Sain) coming back and JT (Reed), we have some young guys. I think we’ll go as far as those guys take us.”

After Walker assessed the strength of the group during the first week of training camp, Sain has returned from injury. Both he and Reed, who missed last season with an injury, should start in the season opener against New Mexico, according to Montana State coach Brent Vigen.

However, Vigen also noted that Perkins sustained an injury during a practice game on August 10.

“I think the one that’s causing the most concern right now is Justus Perkins,” Vigen said. “(He) went out on Saturday. But that’s not the end of the season by any means. You know, this one is probably the most concerning one that’s been inflicted on us right now.”

“We’re keeping him happy,” Wehr explained how the team is supporting Perkins in his recovery. “We’re saying we’ve got him. He’s going to come back and be better than ever. You know, next guy up, but we really miss him.”

In late July, during the first week of training camp, Perkins explained what it means to maintain the standard this offensive line has set over the past few years.

“We’re the backbone of the team,” he said. “It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. So if you’re an offensive lineman, you want to maintain that standard.”

Last offseason, the group lost three key offensive players to the NCAA transfer portal. But as mentioned, a handful of veterans with plenty of playing experience and an established winning culture are also returning to the group.

“We lost some incredible players, but they didn’t want us to lick our wounds,” Perkins said. “They wanted us to move on, and I think that’s what we did in spring practice, winter practice and summer practice. We got guys in the film room and in the weight room.”

“I just think the way we go out and compete every year,” Wehr explained. “You know, no matter who’s leaving or who’s in. They always compete, and you know, the standard is the standard. And I think every guy upholds that.”

Both Perkins and Wehr were named dual team captains this week, making it the only position group this season to have two members receive that honor.

“It’s really cool to have two (offensive) linemen on the roster and it just shows how much respect the team has for us,” Wehr said.