Photo by: Garrett Becker
BOBCAT GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #13: Tommy Mellott Leads MSU into Action at Sam Houston
12/11/2021 5:30:00 PM | Football
Mellott is first freshman to call signals for the Cats in a playoff game since DeNarius McGhee
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Tommy Mellott made his read, found a hole, and burst into the opening that awaited him.
That could describe any of his spectacular runs this season, or, zooming out, his mercurial rise from covering the opening kickoff of Montana State's first football game in nearly two years to starting quarterback in the FCS Quarterfinals. Mellott leads the Bobcats into action today against Sam Houston, the top-ranked in the nation and the top-seeded team in the tournament. Mellott became the first Bobcat in history to make his starting debut in the playoffs last week, leading the Cats to a home win over UT Martin.
And Mellott left his mark. The freshman from Butte gained 180 rushing yards, second-most in MSU's playoff history, and his 73-yard run is the program's longest in the post-season.
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The Bobcats will be without one important starter today. Cornerback Eric Zambrano is injured and not on the trip. James Campbell will start for the Bobcats at corner.
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Mellott's burst onto the scene early this season, but his recent success has vaulted him up MSU's freshman rushing chart. His 474 yards this season is fifth-most among Bobcat freshmen all-time. He trails two teammates - Isaiah Ifanse rushed for 1,025 in 2018, while Troy Andersen gained 515 in 2017. In between them, Chris Murray rushed for 860 in 2016 and Aaron Mason gained 645 in 2006.
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Montana State helped Sam Houston open Elliott T. Bowers Stadium back in 1986. The Bobcats lost 23-6 that night, and won the next year in Bozeman, 52-48. MSU returned to Huntsville and won 15-10 in 1989, then lost in Bozeman 26-23 in 1991. The two most recent meetings were Bearkats playoff wins in 2011 (49-13 in Huntsville) and 2012 (34-16 in Bozeman).
That could describe any of his spectacular runs this season, or, zooming out, his mercurial rise from covering the opening kickoff of Montana State's first football game in nearly two years to starting quarterback in the FCS Quarterfinals. Mellott leads the Bobcats into action today against Sam Houston, the top-ranked in the nation and the top-seeded team in the tournament. Mellott became the first Bobcat in history to make his starting debut in the playoffs last week, leading the Cats to a home win over UT Martin.
And Mellott left his mark. The freshman from Butte gained 180 rushing yards, second-most in MSU's playoff history, and his 73-yard run is the program's longest in the post-season.
* * * * *
The Bobcats will be without one important starter today. Cornerback Eric Zambrano is injured and not on the trip. James Campbell will start for the Bobcats at corner.
* * * * *
Mellott's burst onto the scene early this season, but his recent success has vaulted him up MSU's freshman rushing chart. His 474 yards this season is fifth-most among Bobcat freshmen all-time. He trails two teammates - Isaiah Ifanse rushed for 1,025 in 2018, while Troy Andersen gained 515 in 2017. In between them, Chris Murray rushed for 860 in 2016 and Aaron Mason gained 645 in 2006.
* * * * *
Montana State helped Sam Houston open Elliott T. Bowers Stadium back in 1986. The Bobcats lost 23-6 that night, and won the next year in Bozeman, 52-48. MSU returned to Huntsville and won 15-10 in 1989, then lost in Bozeman 26-23 in 1991. The two most recent meetings were Bearkats playoff wins in 2011 (49-13 in Huntsville) and 2012 (34-16 in Bozeman).
Players Mentioned
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