Montana State Dominates in Second Round Victory Over UAlbany

Saturday, December 7

BOZEMAN

1 p.m.

Montana State University

10-3

UAlbany

9-4

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

UAlbany

Montana State

Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez

Montana State Dominates in Second Round Victory Over UAlbany

12/7/2019 5:10:00 PM | Football

Box Score

The Bobcats scored 47 consecutive points en route to a FCS Second Round win at Bobcat Stadium

By: Andrew Pedersen

BOZEMAN, Mont. – UAlbany gained the first lead of the game just over a minute into the FCS second round matchup at Bobcat Stadium. It was all Montana State after that.

The Bobcats reeled off 47 consecutive points en route to knocking the Great Danes out of the playoffs on Saturday, Dec. 7, by a 47-21 score. MSU awaits the winner of No. 4 Sacramento State/Austin Peay to see who it plays in the FCS quarterfinals next weekend.

UAlbany quarterback Jeff Undercuffler connected with senior receiver Juwan Green for a 58-yard touchdown reception to give the Great Danes the advantage at the 13:52 mark of the first quarter. Montana State responded on its opening drive. Senior Travis Jonsen rumbled down the field for a 47-yard rushing touchdown to tie the score at 7-7 not even three minutes into the contest.

Montana State's defense stiffened on the following Great Dane drive and its special teams gave the Bobcats the lead for good.

MSU forced a 3-and-out as Callahan O'Reilly completed a 3rd down tackle for loss. The ensuing UAlbany punt was blocked by Isaiah Ifanse and the ball rolled out of the end zone for a safety.

Both sides of the ball started to click for Montana State. Kevin Kassis hauled in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Tucker Rovig, Isaiah Ifanse ran for a 12-yard touchdown on an 85-yard drive, while Tristan Bailey connected on a 19-yard field goal to put the 'Cats up 26-7 at halftime. The MSU defense was boosted by two Damien Washington interceptions which halted drives by UAlbany.

Bobcat receiver Lance McCutcheon snagged two touchdown receptions of 49 and 42 yards during the third quarter as MSU went into the final 15 minutes up 40-7. A seven-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 3-yard touchdown run by Logan Jones put the Bobcats up 47-7 with 10:43 remaining in the game. The Great Danes scored two touchdowns in the contest's last nine minutes for the final margin.

Montana State outgained UAlbany 483-333, holding the Great Danes to just 60 yards on the ground. The Bobcats claimed a 28-19 edge in first downs and their defense combined for eight tackles for loss compared to the Great Danes' two.

Quarterback Tucker Rovig went 24-for-30 passing with 279 yards and three touchdowns through the air for the Bobcats. Jonsen led MSU's ball carriers with 85 yards rushing on six rushes. Kassis had 11 catches for 131 yards receiving, while McCutcheon's two touchdowns accounted for 91 yards. MSU's offensive line didn't allow a sack to the Albany defensive front.

The MSU defense meanwhile registered four sacks, with Bryce Sterk and Amandre Williams recording 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss apiece. Washington had a pass breakup to go along with his two interceptions, while Josh Hill led the 'Cats with six tackles.

Coy Steel highlighted MSU's special teams by returning four punts for 105 yards which included a punt return long of 41 yards.

Montana State improved to 10-3 overall, while UAlbany dropped to 9-5 overall. The Bobcats hit the 10-win mark for the first time since 2012 when MSU finished 11-2. That year was also the last time MSU advanced to the FCS quarterfinals.