Adam Jones scores on Saturday behind a block from quarterback Justin Lamson.
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
Bobcats remain undefeated with strong second half
9/19/2026 4:55:00 PM | Football, General
Adam Jones rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns to help Montana State overcome a slow start to defeat visiting Central Connecticut State 35-30 Saturday afternoon.
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MSU, which has now won 18 consecutive games, trailed 7-0 early in the second quarter and as much as 21-7 early in the second half. But the nation's No. 1 ranked team rallied in the second half to come away with the victory in its final non-conference game. Big Sky Conference action begins next Saturday night when Northern Arizona comes to Bozeman.
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Trailing in the second quarter, MSU finally got on the scoreboard when backup quarterback Pat Duchien went untouched around the left end to tie the game at 7. The Blue Devils from the Northeast Conference went up 21-7 on a pass from Brett Griffis to Eli Daniels and then a 42-yard fumble return by Navon Mitchell.
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The Bobcats came roaring back. Justin Lamson hit Rocky Lencioni in the left flat to cut the deficit to 21-14. It was Lencioni's first score of the season. Lamson, who connected on 23 of 28 passes for 239 yards, then found Dane Steel deep across the middle for 31-yard score to tie the game at 21-21.
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Jones opened the fourth quarter with a 32-yard scoring jaunt to put the Bobcats ahead to stay, 28-21. A CCSU field goal trimmed the lead to 28-24 but Jones again reached the end zone on a 13-yard dash to put the game out of reach, 35-24. It was the first time this season a Bobcat has rushed for over 100 yards. A late score by CCSU accounted for final score.
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In addition to his rushing highlights, Jones also led all receivers with 92 yards through the air. Taco Dowler had a team-high seven catches to give him 153 in his career, good for third on the MSU all-time reception list, one more than Kevin Kasis. Tanner Bleskin is No.1 on the list with 193 catches. Dowler also moved to No. 3 in career receiving yardage with 2,091, moving past Chip Hobbs. Bleskin leads that list too with 2,816 yards.
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After trailing in total yards at halftime184 to 113, the Bobcats dominated the second half, finishing with an yardage edge of 413 to 355.
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CCSU from New Britian and with an enrollment of just under 10,000 students, dropped to 0-3. The Blue Devils first home game is Oct. 3 against Wagner and comes after a bye this week. Griffis had a fine game at quarterback, completing 18 of 30 passes for 228 yards and two scores. Davon Smith led the team with 92 yards on the ground.
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The Bobcats recorded four sacks against Griffis. Seth Brock got to him twice while Zach Crews and Zach Black got one each. Cole Taylor led all players with 11 tackles.
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After a rain-filled morning, the game was played in mostly dry conditions to the delight of the 21,557 in attendance.
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MSU, which has now won 18 consecutive games, trailed 7-0 early in the second quarter and as much as 21-7 early in the second half. But the nation's No. 1 ranked team rallied in the second half to come away with the victory in its final non-conference game. Big Sky Conference action begins next Saturday night when Northern Arizona comes to Bozeman.
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Trailing in the second quarter, MSU finally got on the scoreboard when backup quarterback Pat Duchien went untouched around the left end to tie the game at 7. The Blue Devils from the Northeast Conference went up 21-7 on a pass from Brett Griffis to Eli Daniels and then a 42-yard fumble return by Navon Mitchell.
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The Bobcats came roaring back. Justin Lamson hit Rocky Lencioni in the left flat to cut the deficit to 21-14. It was Lencioni's first score of the season. Lamson, who connected on 23 of 28 passes for 239 yards, then found Dane Steel deep across the middle for 31-yard score to tie the game at 21-21.
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Jones opened the fourth quarter with a 32-yard scoring jaunt to put the Bobcats ahead to stay, 28-21. A CCSU field goal trimmed the lead to 28-24 but Jones again reached the end zone on a 13-yard dash to put the game out of reach, 35-24. It was the first time this season a Bobcat has rushed for over 100 yards. A late score by CCSU accounted for final score.
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In addition to his rushing highlights, Jones also led all receivers with 92 yards through the air. Taco Dowler had a team-high seven catches to give him 153 in his career, good for third on the MSU all-time reception list, one more than Kevin Kasis. Tanner Bleskin is No.1 on the list with 193 catches. Dowler also moved to No. 3 in career receiving yardage with 2,091, moving past Chip Hobbs. Bleskin leads that list too with 2,816 yards.
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After trailing in total yards at halftime184 to 113, the Bobcats dominated the second half, finishing with an yardage edge of 413 to 355.
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CCSU from New Britian and with an enrollment of just under 10,000 students, dropped to 0-3. The Blue Devils first home game is Oct. 3 against Wagner and comes after a bye this week. Griffis had a fine game at quarterback, completing 18 of 30 passes for 228 yards and two scores. Davon Smith led the team with 92 yards on the ground.
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The Bobcats recorded four sacks against Griffis. Seth Brock got to him twice while Zach Crews and Zach Black got one each. Cole Taylor led all players with 11 tackles.
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After a rain-filled morning, the game was played in mostly dry conditions to the delight of the 21,557 in attendance.
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