POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State Bengals fell to the #3 Montana State Bobcats 37-17 In the ICCU Dome Saturday afternoon.
Press Conference
Post-game, Michael Shulikov and Dekker Hagler addressed the media
They were followed by Head Coach Cody Hawkins.
How it Happened
The Bengals and Bobcats battled in the ICCU Dome.
The Idaho State Bengals welcomed the #3 team in the FCS to the ICCU Dome Saturday afternoon. With one of the best offenses in the FCS coming into the Dome, the Bengal defense stepped up and went toe to toe with the MSU run game.
On the Bobcats first drive of the game, Idaho State forced a punt after a third-down tackle by Jaden Bell and showed that they were ready for a fight with the Bobcats. After trading blows, the Bobcats took just a 3-0 into the 2nd.
In the 2nd, the Bobcats scored another 10 points and staring down a 17-0 deficit, The Bengals collected themselves and took the ball back with 4:30 left in the half.
Keoua Kahui started the Bengals off with a rush and a completed pass. Kobe Tracy then began chopping up the field with passes to Christian Fredericksen and Ian Duarte. After making it to the redzone, the Bengals found themselves in a fourth and goal situation.
Stepping up in the pocket, Tracy launched a high rocket to Michael Shulikov who leaped into the air and with amazing dexterity tapped his toes in the back of the endzone for the Bengal touchdown.
Idaho State had new life and went into the locker room down 10, 17-7.
The third was a defensive battle with both teams being held to 0 points.
The Bengals outgained the Bobcats 102-64 in the third and ended the quarter in the redzone.
ISU started the 4th with a made field goal by Gabe Panikowski to cut the Bobcat Lead to just 7 at 17-10.
Montana State showed their strength in the fourth and took advantage of some costly Bengal errors to score two quick touchdowns and put the game out of reach.
Idaho State didn't stop fighting though.
On a third and goal with four minutes left under immense pressure with Bobcats hanging off of his legs, Tracy fought off the MSU Rush and threw a dart to Jeff Weimer in the endzone to cut the lead to 31-17 MSU.
MSU had one final drive and with 00 on the clock, ran the ball into the endzone to give the game a final 37-17 score.
Next Up
Idaho State hits the road to take on the Cal Poly Mustangs in San Luis Obispo with kickoff at 6:00 PM MT.
