Montana State with a dominate start beats Sam Houston

After weeks of not scoring above 30 points a game and their then starting quarterback Matthew McKay entering the transfer portal, Montana State lit up the scoreboard anyway possible. In his second career start, quarterback Tommy Mellott had a hand in five touchdowns helping lead the No. 8 Montana State Bobcats to a 41-19 victory over No. 1 Sam Houston.

With this victory, Montana State handed Sam Houston its first postseason loss at its stadium, as well as their first loss in 23 games. It is also the first time the top seed has not reached the semifinals since the FCS playoffs were expanded to 24 teams.

Montana State scored on its first drive of the game with a trick play similar to the philly special with wide receiver Willi Patterson throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Mellot. Later in the first quarter, the Bobcats took a 14-0 lead after an interception by Tre Webb which setup another Mellot-Patterson connection. Montana State would score 28 unanswered points before Sam Houston could even answer.

The Bobcats put on a well balanced performance along with the most points they have scored in two months and are now a game away from reach the national championships. They will need to be firing on all cylinders to beat a South Dakota State team that is coming off a 35-21 victory over Villanova.