PORTLAND, Ore. – Blayde Becksted and Everett Gilbert each scored a rushing touchdown as Montana State used a balanced offensive attack to post a 28-10 victory over Portland State on Saturday.
No one for Montana State had impressive individual statistics, but it hardly mattered as the Bobcats (6-3, 4-2 Big Sky) opted for the team approach in jumping out to a 28-0 first-half lead.
The Vikings (2-8, 1-6) struggled offensively. They used three quarterbacks who combined for 10 of 24 passing for 82 yards. One of the few bright spots was the scrambling of backup Connor Kavanaugh, who picked up 67 yards on 20 attempts.
Special teams also played a big role for Montana State. Dustin O’Connell blocked a Portland State punt in the end zone, and Tanner Ripley recovered it for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter. Cody Kempt’s 15-yard TD pass to Julius Lloyd accounted for the Bobcats’ first score.
Becksted added a 5-yard scoring run with 10 minutes left in the second quarter, and four minutes later Gilbert tacked on a 26-yard touchdown run.
Becksted finished with 54 yards rushing on 14 carries. Gilbert, a receiver, added 51 yards on the ground. Aaron Mason led Montana State with 57 yards on 21 attempts.
After picking up 239 yards of offense in the first half, the Bobcats played conservatively in the second half and compiled just 62 yards.
Portland State’s lone touchdown came late in the first half when Evans Okotcha ran 31 yards around the right end. Zach Brown added a field goal in the second half to give him a school record 16 on the season.