The 2018 FCS Playoffs are here and we've got game-by-game wrap ups.
[divider]COMPARE: Any Two FCS Players | Any Two FCS Teams[divider]
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Montana State 35Incarnate Word 14 |
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Next up: Montana State (8-4) at North Dakota State (11-0) Time/Date: Sat., Dec. 1 – 3 p.m. (ET) | TV: ESPN3 COMPARE: Montana State at North Dakota State |
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THE STANDOUTS
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Travis Jonsen, WR, Montana State — Scored two touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air and accounted for 102 of Montana State's 513 yards. Jonsen was much more than just a wide receiver in this contest. He took a multiple snaps for the Bobcats throughout the game. His multi-dimensional play helped boost the Cats over the Cardinals, and his tip-toe catch in the end zone was sensational.
OTHER STAT STANDOUTS:
Brayden Konkol, LB, MSU – 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 Int
Kody Edwards, WR, UIW – 4 receptions, 133 yds, 1 TD
Isaiah Ifanse, RB, MSU -30 carries, 171 yds (broke the MSU program record for freshman single season rushing yards this game)
Jawun Jiles, DB, UIW – 8 tackles, 2 TFL
Troy Andersen, QB, MSU – 164 yards passing, 84 rushing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD
Sean Brophy, QB, UIW – 313 yards passing, 2 TD passes
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THE TURNING POINT
The play that catapulted the Bobcats to victory happened at the beginning of the fourth quarter, when WR Travis Jonsen took a direct snap and ran the ball 19 yards for a touchdown making the contest a two-possession game.
Jonsen's touchdown run occurred immediately after a Montana State touchdown was called back after a penalty making it first and goal from the 19 yard-line. With the Cardinals defense being tough in the red zone for most of the competition it seemed as though the Cats were going to be forced to settle for another field goal, until Jonsen broke off a nice touchdown run.
After the touchdown, Montana State's Brayden Konkol forced a fumble on UIW's next drive. With the Cardinals deflated and the Bobcats with the momentum the game was essentially over.
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THE SKINNY
Turnovers were the story of the game on Saturday in Bozeman. Montana State forced three to Incarnate Word's one, and each of UIW's turnovers were costly for the Cardinals.
Truthfully, one of the biggest reasons for Montana State's success during their four-game win streak has been the turnover margin. In their last four contests the margin has been an incredible 11-3 favoring the Bobcats. When asked about the turnover wave Jeff Choate said "It seems like it's contagious." In Saturday's game Brayden Konkol was responsible for multiple takeaways, forcing a fumble, recovering a fumble and picking off a pass in the end zone. The junior linebacker was all over the place, and was a big part of MSU's victory.
The 35-14 final score looked a little tilted because of the turnovers. Overall, UIW did a good job picking apart MSU's secondary, although the Cats were missing two of their best cornerbacks, Jalen Cole and Tyrel Thomas. Sean Brophy's quick passes created some nice plays for UIW and didn't allow Montana State's strong defensive line enough time to pressure the quarterback. But even still, the Cardinals couldn't keep up with Montana State.
Per usual, the Bobcats' offense was slow to start, not really hitting stride until the second half, but when they did, as teams have seen before, they're tough to stop. During the second half, the Bobcats' runnning game really opened up. True freshman Isaiah Ifanse led the way on the ground with 171 total yards, 122 of which came in the second half. His aggressive running style was certainly on display Saturday, and his impact will be felt for years to come in Bozeman.
Once the Bobcats got rolling they continued to lean on the Cardinals, and it was obvious that UIW's defense was tired during the fourth quarter. Montana State's focus on conditioning and finishing games throughout the season was displayed Saturday afternoon and helped the Cats claim another victory. In addition, the Bobcats controlled the ball for a little over 41 of the 60 minutes in the game, there's no way an opposing team can climb their way out of that hole.
After their fourth straight win, it's clear the Bobcats are playing their best football of the season right now — the question is will it be enough to take down the defending champion, North Dakota State.
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THE QUOTE
"That was the message at halftime, fellas just keep pounding, keep doing what we do. Sooner or later those body blows turn into knockout shots and I think that was exactly what happened… Alright, they want us to throw the ball a little bit, we can do that. But bottom line is our DNA is going after you, and we are just going to stick to the plan." — Montana State Head Coach Jeff Choate
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PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK
The Bobcats have a tough draw, having to take on the North Dakota State Bison next week; a team that hasn't lost a game in 2018 and is the clear favorite to win the FCS title for a second straight year. The Bison's closest game this year came to South Dakota State where NDSU won 21-17, most the others have been blowouts (which may be an understatement). South Dakota State played the Bobcats early in the 2018 season and thumped them 45-14. Long story short, this game could get ugly.
The good news for the Cats is that they appear to be in a rhythm, and may get a few of their injured players back by Saturday's game. Unfortunately for Montana State, even if everyone was healthy they probably don't stand a chance against a powerhouse like NDSU, at least this year.
With a veteran lineup and a guy like Easton Stick at quarterback NDSU has the clear edge and after Saturday will most likely be one win closer to Frisco, TX.
