Trash Talk Has New Meaning After Viral MSU Bobcat Football Moment

Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott gave fans more than just a football game to talk about during the national championship against North Dakota State. Right before halftime, in a moment that’s now gone viral, Mellott ran out of bounds on the Bison sideline and, without hesitation, tipped over one of their trash cans. Yes, you read that right.

Now, was this a psychological move to throw off the other team? Or maybe it was just a heat-of-the-moment stunt fueled by the adrenaline of a championship game. Either way, the act earned him a new nickname among football fans around the nation: “Tommy Trash Can.” Some are laughing it off as a prank, while others are shaking their fists in the air, calling it unsportsmanlike.

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Unfortunately, the trash can didn’t bring much luck to the Bobcats, who lost 35-32 to the Bison. After an amazing second half, the game was filled with highlights worthy of ESPN Sports Center. But, unfortunately, it was the "trash can incident," that has been the one moment of the game that everyone is talking about.

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Love it or hate it, this is the kind of story that fuels college football legends. In a sport where every moment is torn apart, it’s these unpredictable moments that stick with us. And let’s be honest, Montana State fans and Griz rivals alike now have something to argue about for seasons to come.

What has got to be upsetting for Tommy, is how quickly he went from being honored as the Walter Peyton FCS Player of the Year to being called "Trash Can Tommy" on national television and all across social media.

Still, as a Griz fan, I was impressed at the fight the Tommy and the Bobcats brought to the National Championship game. We can't wait for the 2025 Brawl of the Wild.