BOZEMAN, Mont. — In a thrilling clash of two top teams in the FCS, Tommy Mellott played a significant role in leading Montana State to a decisive 38-7 victory over Idaho on Saturday night, marking another impressive performance in the Big Sky Conference.
Montana State is now 7-0 this season, with a 3-0 record in the Big Sky, and this is their best start since the 1978 season when they won their first seven games.
Mellott showcased his skills with an impressive performance, completing 11 of his 15 passes for 121 yards, while also contributing significantly on the ground with 11 carries for 140 yards. His standout play came early in the game when he dashed for a 65-yard touchdown run, scoring with 5:34 left in the first quarter and igniting the Bobcats’ offense.
Idaho, ranked No. 8 with a record of 4-3 and 1-2 in the conference, struggled to establish any rhythm early on, going three-and-out on consecutive drives. A crucial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by Idaho’s defense allowed Montana State to maintain possession, leading to Mellott’s 34-yard touchdown pass to Taco Dowler, which extended the lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
As the game progressed, Mellott added a 7-yard touchdown run just before halftime, and Myles Sansted contributed with a 34-yard field goal as time expired, bringing the score to 24-0 at halftime.
The second half saw Mellott throw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Rohan Jones, part of a five-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took just over two minutes. Montana State continued to dominate as Adam Jones added a 4-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, pushing the score to 38-0.
In an effort to shake things up, Idaho replaced starting quarterback Nick Josifek, who was sacked early in the game, with Jack Wagner. Wagner managed to complete 11 of 23 passes for 134 yards, throwing one touchdown along with one interception.
The Vandals’ offense finally made its mark late in the game, with Deshaun Buchanan rushing for 49 yards on nine carries, concluding with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Wagner to bring the final score to 38-7.
The victory solidifies Montana State’s position as a formidable team in their conference, showcasing a powerful blend of rushing and passing attacks under Mellott’s leadership.