Strong Second Half Lifts Bobcats to Playoff Victory Over Cardinals

Saturday, November 24

BOZEMAN

1 p.m.

Montana State University

8-4 , 5-3

Incarnate Word (First Round)

6-5 , 6-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Incarnate Word

Montana State

Photo by: Garrett Becker

Strong Second Half Lifts Bobcats to Playoff Victory Over Cardinals

11/24/2018 5:07:00 PM | Football

Box Score

The Bobcats record over 500 yards of total offense and the defense makes critical plays to complete a home win in the FCS Playoffs

By: Andrew Pedersen

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Montana State University took the first lead of the game and never trailed as the Bobcats defeated the University of the Incarnate Word, 35-14, in the first round of the FCS Playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 24.

The Bobcats got the early momentum and never trailed in the contest.

Both teams went three-and-out on their opening drives, but MSU got the scoring started thanks to its special teams play. Freshman Nolan Askelson blocked UIW's first punt of the game and Bobcat sophomore Lance McCutcheon snagged the deflection out of the air. McCutcheon raced to the end zone untouched from 19 yards out to give the Bobcats a 7-0 lead just 4 minutes into the game.

UIW responded quickly. The Cardinals completed a six-play, 71-yard drive that was capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass to tie the matchup at 7 at the 8 minutes, 21-second mark of the first quarter.

MSU (8-4) and UIW (6-5) struggled to take grasp of the game following each team scoring for the first time. The Bobcats missed a field goal, punted twice and had a turnover on downs on four straight drives. The Cardinals fumbled and punted on consecutive drives. That's when MSU went on top and wouldn't relinquish the lead again.

Senior linebacker Grant Collins sacked UIW quarterback Sean Brophy in the end zone as he passed, but his attempt was called for intentional grounding and resulted in a safety for the Bobcats.

With the Montana State defense keeping the UIW offense at bay, the Bobcat offense began to capitalize.

Bobcat kicker Tristan Bailey connected on a 35-yard field goal with just over 3 minutes remaining, then the MSU had a drive go for 64 yards in under 2 minutes, which was finished off by a Troy Andersen 1-yard rushing touchdown to put the 'Cats up 18-7 before halftime.

The Cardinals came out firing to begin the second half. UIW received the ball and ran down the field, wrapping up a 66-yard drive over seven plays to cut the deficit to 18-14. From there, it was all Montana State.

The Bobcats rattled off 17 points on three straight possessions on the way to a home playoff victory. MSU's following drive after UIW's touchdown resulted in a field goal to put the Bobcats up a touchdown.

Montana State's defense clamped down.

Despite UIW making several big plays, two forced fumbles and an interception thwarted the Cardinals' offensive attack. Brayden Konkol ripped the ball out of a receiver's hands for one of the fumbles forced, then the Cardinals had a big pass play make its way into the MSU red zone, but Jahque Alleyne forced another fumble that the Bobcats recovered. Konkol intercepted a pass in the end zone on the Cardinals' final possession of the game.

Junior Travis Jonsen recorded two straight touchdowns to help propel the Bobcats to a 35-14 final score. Jonsen capped a 14-play, 93-yard drive with a 19-yard rushing touchdown. With under 11 minutes remaining, Andersen connected with Jonsen for a toe-tap 37-yard touchdown reception to put the game out of reach.

The Bobcats outgained the Cardinals in total offense (513-382) and registered a plus-three turnover margin. While the two teams combined for 22 penalties, MSU held an advantage in first downs (25-13) and controlled the time of possession with the Bobcats keeping the ball for over 41 minutes of play.

MSU's offense was led by Andersen who accounted for 164 yards on 12 of 19 passing. He also had 84 yards rushing to go along with two combined touchdowns. Kevin Kassis had a team-high 7 catches, while Jonsen had an MSU-best 76 yards receiving. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for 171 yards on 30 carries as he eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing barrier.

The Bobcat defense forced three forced fumble as Konkol, Alleyne and Derek Marks each recorded one. Michael Jobman led MSU with 10 tackles, while Greg Filer III and Konkol each had 5.

UIW's Sean Brophy went 22-for-35 passing and threw for 313 yards. Ra'Quanne Dickets ran for 63 yards and Kody Edwards had 133 yards receiving to serve as the Cardinals' statistical leaders.

The Bobcats advanced to the second round of the FCS Playoffs with their eighth victory of the season. MSU travels to Fargo, N.D., to face first-ranked North Dakota State at the Fargodome at 1 p.m. MST on Saturday, Dec. 1.