Montana State Strikes Early, Races Past Mustangs 61-7 - Montana State University Athletics

BOZEMAN, Mont. (Oct. 31, 2026) – Carter Dahlke returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and Montana State never looked back, cruising to a 61-7 win over Cal Poly in Bobcat Stadium on Saturday.

Citing special teams coach Marcus Monaco's scheme and a returnable kickoff, Dahlke said that from that point "it's just trusting the 10 guys blocking for you and then you can see the end zone."

Montana State's second kickoff return for a touchdown this season electrified Bobcat Stadium, and in the next few moments the even wilder. Taking over in front of the Sonny Holland End Zone at their own 25, the Mustangs committed two straight false start penalties, then on the third play from scrimmage an Anthony Grigsby pass was intercepted by Caden Dowler, his first of the season.

"It's cool being back," Dowler said of returning to the Bobcats two weeks ago after missing time with an injury. "Anytime you get to suit up with your brothers and go out there and play it's a fun time. So, however many interceptions I have, I'm going to have fun regardless."

Dowler's fun continued a few moments later. On Cal Poly's fourth play of the second quarter, Grigsby fired a pass that Dowler intercepted in Mustangs territory and returned to the Cal Poly 20. Dowler credited MSU's defensive scheme and coaching staff for the team's defensive effort.

"I think Coach Shep (Bryan Shepherd) does a really good job with us," Dowler said. "Our film study is really intensive and we go through all situations. He does a really good job of scheme us into those."

After Dowler's first interception, Justin Lamson scampered 20 yards for a touchdown to give the Bobcats a 14-0 lead. Montana State forced a punt on the ensuing Cal Poly possession, and MSU drove 82 yards for a touchdown. Lamson hit Dahlke in stride for a 40-yard touchdown and a 21-0 Bobcats lead. The Cats scored again late in the quarter for a 27-0 lead, marking the fourth-most points scored by the Cats in the first quarter.

The second quarter brought more of the same. The Cats scored early after a fourth-down stop in Mustangs territory to take a 34-0 lead. The ensuing possession produced Dowler's interception, and after MSU scored on the second play the Bobcats held a 41-0 lead. A one-yard Adam Jones run gave the Cats a 48-0 lead, the fourth-most points scored by MSU in a game's first half, and MSU entered the intermission leading 48-7.

"It was all three phases working together," Vigen said, and that continued through the rest of the afternoon. Dipping deep into the roster, the Bobcats scored a pair of third quarter touchdowns to ice the game, 61-7.

The Bobcats piled up 518 total yards on the afternoon, averaging 7.4 yards per play while gaining 27 first downs. MSU rushed for 285 yards and completed 23 of its 29 passes. The Cats also converted 10 of its 11 third down opportunities.

In addition to the three takeaways, Montana State limited Cal Poly to 258 total yards and 15 first downs. The Mustangs averaged 4.1 yards per play.

Dahlke turned in another brilliant performance. In addition to recording MSU's second kickoff return for a touchdown this season, he caught six passes for 103 yards. It was his fourth 100-yard receiving day in the last five games. Lamson was 15-19 passing for 177 yards with three touchdowns, while Patrick Duchien completed eight of his 10 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Jared White rushed for 69 yards, and Adam Jones 61.

Montana State raised its record to 8-1 with the win, 5-1 in Big Sky play. Cal Poly is 4-6, 3-4. Montana State visits Idaho State next Saturday in a showdown between two teams likely ranked in the FCS top 25.

#GoCatsGo

Players Mentioned

Carter Dahlke

Caden Dowler

Patrick Duchien

Adam Jones

Justin Lamson

Jared White

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