BOZEMAN — Montana State kept pace with Eastern Washington’s high-octane offense for about 10 minutes in MSU’s last game of September. But an errant option pitch in the red-zone forced the Bobcats to settle for a field goal, sparking a chain of mistakes that doomed them in a 34-17 home loss.
The second of those crucial mistakes came after a potentially game-swinging interception by MSU junior cornerback Greg “Munchie” Filer III. Montana State sophomore wide receiver Lance McCutcheon let a deep pass that would’ve netted a gain of more than 40 yards slip through his hands.
On Montana State’s second possession of the second half, the Bobcats had sputtered all but one possession. Idaho sat in man coverage on the perimeter, content to load the box to slow down battering ram quarterback Troy Andersen and MSU’s potent run game.
After an eight-yard Andersen rush that moved the ball to the MSU 46, the running back turned quarterback took a shot down the field for McCutcheon, who beat his defender and had nothing but daylight in front of him. Andersen overthrew the pass as he was taken to the turf by an Idaho rusher. The play drew a roughing the passer penalty.
The flag proved to be of no consequence. On the next play, Montana State head coach Jeff Choate told passing game coordinator Bob Cole to dial it up again.
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Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
