BOZEMAN — For the second time this season, the Montana State and Idaho football teams met for a night game at Bobcat Stadium. Their previous clash occurred on October 12, with Montana State winning decisively, 38-7. Fast forward two months, and the Bobcats and Vandals faced off again in the FCS playoffs, this time with Montana State ranked No. 1 and boasting an impressive 13-0 record against Idaho's 10-3 mark.
The quarterfinal playoff game commenced at 7 p.m. on December 13, 2024, and was broadcast live on ESPN. Fans were buzzing as Montana State entered the contest as favorites by 14.5 points. A win for the Bobcats would propel them to the semifinals for the fourth time in five seasons, emphasizing their dominance within the FCS.
Idaho, who reached the quarters last season but fell short, has not advanced to the semifinals since 1993 after spending over two decades (1996-2017) playing at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. Montana State's October victory over the Vandals marked the third win for the Bobcats against Idaho in their last four outings.
Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals with strong performances; Montana State triumphed over UT Martin with a 49-17 score, demonstrating offensive prowess and defensive determination. Meanwhile, Idaho secured their spot with a solid 34-13 win against Lehigh at the Kibbie Dome. With both teams earning first-round byes, anticipation was high for this rematch.
Montana State led FCS teams this season with staggering averages of 41.3 points per game, alongside 496.5 total yards and 7.57 yards per play. They excelled particularly on the ground, boasting 6.89 rushing yards per attempt. Senior quarterback Tommy Mellott was instrumental, tallying 300 passing yards and tying his career-high with four touchdowns against UT Martin, where he completed 88% of his passes. He also rushed for 124 yards by halftime, underscoring his dual-threat capability.
Idaho, on the other hand, brought their own dynamic talents to the table. Defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby, the leader of the Big Sky Conference with 10.5 sacks this season, provided the Vandals with significant defensive muscle. The Vandals showcased their prowess with players like linebacker Jackson Eck and defensive back Andrew Marshall, both named to the all-conference first-team alongside several Bobcats.
Montana State faced its own challenges heading to the game, including injuries to key players. All-Big Sky fullback Rohan Jones and backup tight end Hunter Provience were both out due to injuries, with Jones missing his second consecutive game. Meanwhile, running back Scottre Humphrey’s status was uncertain, adding to the nail-biting pregame atmosphere.
Despite these hurdles, momentum seemed to favor the Bobcats, particularly considering their dominant home stats. Montana State had recorded the best performance historically at Bobcat Stadium, and their 5-1 home record against Idaho gave them confidence going forward.
Under the stadium lights, the first quarter kicked off with both teams trading possession aggressively. Montana State struck first with Mellott's 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rylan Schlepp, putting the Cats on the scoreboard. But Idaho responded quickly, with Jack Layne connecting with Jordan Dwyer for a 55-yard touchdown, ensuring the game was even at 7-7.
Montana State took control of the matchup with compelling drives, including Mellott running for significant yardage and Scottre Humphrey picking up tough yards on the ground. The Cats quickly established dominance, leading 31-10 by halftime thanks to impressive plays and strategic execution, including Mellott’s effective passing and running game.
The second half continued to favor the Bobcats, who capitalized on Idaho's turnovers, including Jon Johnson's interception, leading to Adam Jones' third touchdown run, making the score 45-10. The Vandals attempted to regain their footing but struggled against Montana State's high-powered offense. Layne attempted to rally his team, completing impressive passes but lacking the consistency needed against the relentless Bobcat defense.
Final moments of the game saw Idaho struggle to score, but they managed to obtain another touchdown from Dwyer. The game ended with Montana State dominating the scoreboard, 52-19, and advancing to the semifinals. The Bobcats’ combination of strategic offense and solid defense marked another step toward their goal of the championship.
The matchup not only highlighted Montana State's continuing ascent within college football but also marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams. With hopes of sustaining their perfect season, Montana State's performance solidified their repute as serious contenders for the title.