Montana State Bobcats Ride Second Quarter Wave In FCS Quarterfinal Win Over Idaho Vandals

The Montana State Bobcats rode a big second quarter to a 24-17 victory over the Idaho Vandals in the FCS quarterfinals on Friday night. The win sends the Bobcats to the semifinals, where they will face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The Vandals end their season with a 9-4 record.

A Tale of Two Quarters

The first quarter was all Vandals. Idaho took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in 12 plays, capped by a touchdown run by running back Logan Kendall. The Vandals defense then forced a three-and-out by the Bobcats, and Idaho added a field goal to take a 10-0 lead.

The Bobcats finally got on the board in the second quarter with a field goal by Tristan Bailey. But Idaho answered right back with a touchdown pass from quarterback Mason Petrino to wide receiver Hayden Hatten, giving the Vandals a 17-3 lead.

The Bobcats then went on a 21-0 run to take control of the game. Running back Isaiah Ifanse scored on a 1-yard run, and quarterback Tommy Mellott added a pair of touchdown passes, one to wide receiver Derick Nash and one to tight end Rylan Hale. The Bobcats took a 24-17 lead into halftime.

The Bobcats Defense Steps Up

The Bobcats defense was dominant in the second half, holding the Vandals to just 72 yards of offense. Idaho was able to drive deep into Montana State territory on their opening possession of the third quarter, but the Bobcats defense forced a field goal. The Vandals didn't cross midfield again until late in the fourth quarter.

The Bobcats defense also came up with a big play in the fourth quarter when cornerback Tyrel Thomas intercepted a pass from Petrino in the end zone. The Vandals had a chance to tie the game with a field goal late in the fourth quarter, but kicker David Ungerer missed wide left.

Conclusion

The Bobcats' victory was a tale of two halves. The Vandals dominated the first quarter, but the Bobcats took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back. The Bobcats defense was dominant in the second half, and the offense made just enough plays to win the game.

The Bobcats will now face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the FCS semifinals. The Jackrabbits are the No. 1 seed in the tournament and are coming off a 33-3 win over the Delaware Blue Hens. The game will be played on Friday, December 16th, at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN2.

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