Bobcats dominate Idaho – Montana State University Athletics

Brian Morse

Alex Eckert was the spark of the Bobcats defense against Idaho.

football
Oct 13, 2024 12:10 a.m

Montana State's offense controlled the football while the Bobcat defense shut down Idaho with a dominating performance between two top-10 teams in a Big Sky After Dark game broadcast from Bozeman on ESPN2 Saturday night.

With the 38-7 win in front of 21,907 fans, the Bobcats increased their record to 7-0 for the first time since 1978. At 3-0, they remained tied at the top of the Big Sky Conference.

On a stormy night that followed a warm fall day in the Gallatin Valley, Tommy Mellott was the pacesetter for the third-ranked Bobcats, who rushed for 360 yards and held the ball 15 minutes longer than the No. 7 Vandals. Mellott finished the season with a season-high 140 rushing yards Scottre Humphrey added 124. Overall, MSU gained 485 yards to Idaho's 267.

In addition to two touchdowns on the ground, Mellott also threw two scoring passes, one tossed Taco Dowler There were 34 yards covered in the first quarter and another 30 yards Rohan Jones in the third quarter from 11 yards out. The performance helped MSU take a 24-0 halftime lead. The end result was revenge for MSU's 24-21 loss in 2023 at Idaho. Mellott now has 14 touchdown passes this season and has yet to throw an interception.

The Bobcats were methodical in their offensive performance, averaging nearly 7 yards per game against an Idaho defense that was allowing just 93 yards per game on the ground early in the contest. The Vandals (4-3, 1-2) finally reached the end zone with less than a minute to play.

The Bobcats also scored a 34-yard field goal Myles Sansted just before halftime and a touchdown in the fourth quarter Adam Jones to complete your evaluation.

MSU did well on defense with an interception by Danny Uliulakepa and a fumble recovery by Rylan Ortt. Dru Polidorewho only played in his second game of the season due to injury, finished the game with five tackles, equaling Uliulakepa's team best. Paul Brott And Brody Grebe Each recorded a quarterback sack.

Next up for MSU this week is a trip to Portland State (1-5, 1-2), which got its first win of the season on Saturday at Idaho State. Idaho hosts Cal Poly (2-4, 1-2).