(Editor’s note: Montana State University press release)
BOZEMAN – Gage Gubrud threw for 311 yards and Sam McPherson ran for two touchdowns as fifth-ranked Eastern Washington defeated Montana State 34-17 on Saturday in Bozeman.
On EWU’s opening drive, Gubrud darted in from 3 yards out to give the Eagles an early lead. Just two plays later, MSU’s Troy Andersen swept around the right end for a 25-yard score and it looked like the game was going to be nothing but offense.
EWU (4-1 overall, 2-0 Big Sky) scored on McPherson’s first touchdown on its next possession while the Bobcats (3-2, 1-1) mustered a 31-yard field goal by Tristan Bailey, as the first quarter was winding down.
In the second quarter, the Eagles got a field goal from Roldan Alcobendas and a scoring run by Tamarick Pierce to make it 24-10 at halftime.
Another field goal by Alcobendas and a 57-yard scoring run by McPherson made it 34-10 in the third quarter. McPherson finished with 73 yards rushing on nine carries. Andersen closed out the scoring with a 1-yard run in the final period.
Andersen played most of the game at quarterback, accounting for 94 yards rushing while going 12 of 19 passing for 156 yards. Andersen also saw some spot action on defense at linebacker. Tucker Rovig completed four of seven passes for 49 yards. Willie Patterson topped the Bobcats with five catches for 51 yards.
MSU held the Eagles well below their average of 46 points a game, but the Eagles managed 490 total yards to MSU’s 360.
The Bobcats are idle this week before playing host to Idaho on Oct. 13 for Homecoming. EWU returns home to face Southern Utah next Saturday.
