Montana State Dominates Stephen F. Austin to Reach FCS Semifinals
The Montana State Bobcats secured a decisive victory over Stephen F. Austin in the FCS playoffs, beating the Lumberjacks 44-28. This triumph on Friday night took place at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman. As the No. 2 seed, MSU moved forward in the playoffs and set up the possibility of facing their rivals, the Montana Grizzlies, in the semifinals.
Game Overview
Montana State demonstrated a strong performance, particularly in the first half, where they built a significant 24-point lead. Their defense, led by Kenneth Eiden IV, played a pivotal role in this success. Eiden recorded two forced fumbles, both recovered by MSU, and contributed to creating three turnovers that resulted in 21 points for the Bobcats.
Offensive Highlights
Quarterback Justin Lamson was outstanding, completing 20 of 26 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. His notable plays included touchdown passes to running back Adam Jones and Luvens Valcin. Jones also stood out with three touchdowns, combining both rushing and receiving scores, and accumulating 114 rushing yards on just nine carries.
- Justin Lamson: 20 completions, 246 yards, 3 TDs
- Adam Jones: 3 total touchdowns, 114 rushing yards
- Myles Sansted: 3 field goals, longest 47 yards
Defensive Standouts
Montana State’s defense proved effective throughout the game. Caden Dowler, who was named the Big Sky defensive player of the year, added to his impressive record by securing an interception, marking his fifth consecutive game with a pick. Dowler returned the interception 35 yards, highlighting his impact on the field.
Stephen F. Austin’s Challenges
Stephen F. Austin struggled to maintain momentum, unable to recover after falling behind early. Quarterback Sam Vidlak, who had previously been a standout player in the Southland Conference, completed 26 of 43 attempts for 242 yards, along with one touchdown and an interception. The Lumberjacks could not overcome the 24-0 deficit they faced midway through the third quarter.
Statistical Summary
| Team | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State | 246 | 227 | 0 |
| Stephen F. Austin | 242 | 83 | 3 |
Looking Ahead
This victory marks Montana State’s fourth semifinal appearance in five seasons. They have now won 12 consecutive games and will await the results of the matchup between Montana and South Dakota. Regardless of the outcome, the Bobcats will play at home, where they have an impressive playoff record.
Stephen F. Austin’s season concludes with a record of 11-3, ending their program-record 11-game winning streak. The Lumberjacks showcased resilience throughout the season but ultimately fell short in this critical playoff contest.
