Bobcats down Bengals in triple-OT thriller

In a triple-overtime thriller, the Montana State Bobcats defeated the Idaho State Bengals 28-26 at the ICCU Dome in Pocatello, Idaho. Dane Steel's option pass to Rylen Schlepp secured the win in the final minute of the third overtime. Caden Dowler and Cole Taylor had earlier sealed a 26-all score by stopping a shovel pass. Mason Lindberg had forced a third overtime with a 29-yard field goal.

Myles Sansted then made 43-yard field goal to give Montana State a 26-23 lead in the second overtime. Lindberg tied the game with a field goal of his own, leading to additional two-point conversions until one team had an advantage. The Bobcats led 13-10 after a 27-yard Sansted field goal in the third quarter, but Carson Sudbury then gave the Bengals a 4-yard touchdown run.

Lindberg's 34-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter put the game at 20-all, prompting the Bobcats to force triple overtime. The Cats managed 123 rushing yards on 31 carries, while being outgained 410-332 overall. Justin Lamson, who completed 30 of 52 passes for 318 yards with one interception, and Lamson's 2-yard scoring run contributed to the Bobcats' victory.

Idaho State's defense, led by Jackson Irwin and Dekker Hagler, balanced the game throughout. The Bobcats, defending national champions, now face Northern Colorado next Saturday, while Idaho State travels to Missoula to play the Montana Grizzlies the same evening on ESPN2.