Thrilling Finish: Bobcats Narrowly Lose to SDSU in Heart-Pounding Showdown – Montana State University Athletics

Montana State faced a tough loss against South Dakota State, falling 30-24 in a nail-biting double overtime. The game decided by just a few inches left the Bobcats searching for their first win this season.

With 22,117 fans cheering them on, Montana State struck first in overtime. Adam Jones rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, putting the Bobcats ahead. But South Dakota State’s Chase Mason quickly equalized with a touchdown pass to Lofton O’Groske, making it 24-24.

In the second overtime, SDSU managed to score first with a 25-yard pass from Mason to Braydon Delahoyde. They tried a two-point conversion, but MSU’s Alec Eckert sacked Mason. This gave the Bobcats a chance to take the game, but their drive stalled at the 5-yard line after several plays.

The first quarter began with a field goal from South Dakota State’s Eli Stader. MSU responded in the second quarter when Justin Lamson, a quarterback from Stanford, ran for a 7-yard touchdown, giving them their first lead at 7-3. Lamson completed 18 out of 28 passes for 123 yards throughout the game.

Mason matched Lamson’s performance with 17 completions for 190 yards and also showed his agility with an 8-yard rushing touchdown that led SDSU to a 10-7 lead. The teams went into halftime tied at 10-10 after Myles Sansted kicked a 33-yard field goal for the Bobcats.

The third quarter saw no scoring. In the fourth, Mason connected with O’Groske for an 8-yard touchdown, putting the Jackrabbits ahead at 17-10. However, a strange turn of events saw SDSU punter Max Pelham mishandling a punt that ended up in the hands of MSU’s Seth Brock for a touchdown, tying the game again.

O’Groske had a standout performance, making 11 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. SD State totaled 297 yards, while MSU gathered 349 yards but struggled with two fumbles. Montana State’s defense was led by Cole Taylor, who tallied 13 tackles.

As both teams head into the next week, the pressure is on for the Bobcats to turn their season around when they face San Diego at home.

Expert Insight

According to a recent study by the NCAA, close games like this can impact a team’s momentum for the season. Teams that lose tightly contested matches often take weeks to regain their confidence. Mental toughness is crucial in college football, and coaching staff will need to focus on building that resilience.

Historical Context

It’s worth noting that Montana State hasn’t started a season 0-2 since 2017, but they’ve a history of bouncing back strong. In the past, teams have been known to rally together after close losses to refocus their efforts.

For further details on college football statistics and analysis, you can check the NCAA website here.

Moving forward, fans will be eager to see how the Bobcats adapt and respond in the coming matchups.

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