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Montana State Bobcats find offense just in time for conference play

Posted at 6:03 PM, Sep 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-17 16:59:56-04

BOZEMAN – The Montana State Bobcats averaged just 20 points per game in their first two contests of the season, but the offense seemed to hit its stride Saturday in a 47-24 win over Wagner College.

MSU gained 550 total yards, 218 of them from true freshman running back Isaiah Ifanse.

“Isaiah made some really nice runs,” said wide receiver Kevin Kassis. “That all came from the push from the O-line. If you can get the run game going, feel free to do whatever you want.”

In his first appearance in Bobcat Stadium, Tucker Rovig gave the Cats some stability at quarterback. Rovig finished 23-of-34 passing for 310 yards and three touchdowns, without throwing an interception. He did lose a fumble on the Cats’ opening offensive possession, but head coach Jeff Choate liked what he saw afterward.

“We drive right down the field and turn the ball over, but he responded the right way,” said Choate. “It wasn’t like he was going to hang his head and not go play well. He actually played better after that.”

Montana State’s defense also impressed after halftime, holding the Seahawks to just three points after giving up 21 in the first two quarters.

The Cats begin Big Sky Conference play next Saturday, as they travel to Portland State for a 3 p.m. (MT) kickoff.