Montana State University scored 21 straight points in the second half to overcome a 10-point deficit and defeat No. 22 Weber State University 38-33 on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Mont. The Bobcats' comeback victory secured their first-place standing in the Big Sky Conference, while the Wildcats saw their three-game winning streak end.
Wildcats Lead at Halftime
Weber State entered the intermission with a 27-17 lead after capitalizing on several Montana State errors and a significant special teams play. The Wildcats' scoring included a 21-yard field goal by David Dellenbach and a touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Nate Dahle to tight end Ammon Munyer. A pivotal moment occurred with 9:38 remaining in the second quarter when Weber State running back Dyson Parker returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, helping the Wildcats build their lead.
Bobcats Force Turnovers
The momentum shifted early in the third quarter when Montana State's Zac Crews recovered a fumble from Nate Dahle near midfield. This turnover led to a 49-yard drive capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Justin Lamson to Jordan Reed. Following that score, the Bobcats' defense forced two three-and-outs and a turnover from the Wildcats to maintain pressure throughout the half.
Second Half Rally
Montana State took the lead for good in the fourth quarter when Rocky Lencioni ran for a one-yard touchdown. The Bobcats extended their lead to 38-27 with 1:54 remaining in the game after Adam Jones scored on a 27-yard run. Although Weber State managed a late 11-yard touchdown pass from Dahle to Robert Young with only two seconds left on the clock, Montana State recovered the ensuing on-side kick to secure the win.
Dominant Ground Game
The Montana State offense was powered by a prolific rushing attack. Running back Jared White finished the game with 125 yards and a touchdown, including a 57-yard scoring run in the first quarter. Adam Jones also contributed significantly, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown, including a 27-yard score in the final period.
Lamson Leads Offense
Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson completed 23 of 35 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. His passing production was distributed among eight different wide receivers, with Dane Steel leading the team in receptions with six catches for 74 yards. Lamson also contributed 32 yards on the ground.
Season Outlook
With the victory, Montana State moves to a 7-1 overall record and 4-1 in Big Sky play. The Wildcats drop to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play. Weber State concludes the contest with 364 total yards, including 240 passing yards and 124 rushing yards. The Wildcats will face the University of California, Davis on Oct. 31 at Stewart Stadium.
Next Up
Montana State will look to continue its momentum as it prepares to host Cal Poly next Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Following the win, the Bobcats remain at the top of the Big Sky Conference standings.
