Cats move on in FCS playoffs

The Montana State Bobcats have been in playoff mode since late October. One slip in their last three games would have meant no postseason for MSU. But on Saturday inside snowy Bobcat Stadium, the Cats weren’t just playing in the FCS playoffs, they were winning their first playoff game in six years.

Saturday in Bozeman, No. 23 MSU (8-4) rocked No. 24 Incarnate Word in the first round of the FCS playoffs. It was MSU’s first playoff game since 2014, and the victory sets up a trip to No. 1 North Dakota State this Saturday.

One of the biggest differences for MSU during its now four-game winning streak on the field has been the wave of turnovers that has hit Bozeman during the last month. In the last four games, the Bobcats have recovered seven fumbles, picked off three passes and blocked one punt.

"It seems like it's contagious that way," MSU Head Coach Jeff Choate said. "You just need to get a couple (turnovers) and pretty soon, guys start to believe. They start ripping the ball out or high-pointing it in the endzone. There's some good things going on right now and we need them to continue."

Facing a high-powered UIW offense — the Cardinals offense averaged the eighth most yards in the country going into the game today — MSU needed to prove they were up for the challenge.

The scoring opened on UIW's first drive. The play wasn't an explosive offensive touchdown like UIW has been accustomed to this season. Instead, the Bobcats defense forced the Cardinals offense to punt and freshman Nolan Askelson, making one of his first signature plays of his young career, made an explosive play.

The freshman blocked UIW's punt attempt and sophomore wide receiver Lance McCutcheon scooped and scored to start the scoring for MSU's playoff run.

MSU's defense disrupted the UIW attack all game long. The defense has routinely used turnovers to set the Bobcats offense up with advantageous field position to start drives.

Saturday was no exception. Safety Brayden Konkol continued his turnover forcing ways, forcing two late red-zone turnovers. The junior was beat up the middle of the field today, but recovered and forced a receiver to cough up the ball. That play by Konkol gave the Bobcats the ball back up 28-14 with a chance to ice the game.

"We feed off that, it's mandatory to score once they get a turnover," wide receiver Travis Jonsen said. "As soon as they get a turnover, everybody's mode changes to we're scoring and not taking anything else."

That's exactly what happened when MSU got the ball back. The Bobcats methodically moved the ball down the field, until they got to the UIW 37 and took a shot. Andersen launched the ball up the sideline to Jonsen who went up for a spectacular catch.

Jonsen was originally ruled out of bounds in the end zone for an incomplete pass. Upon further review, the call was reversed and the versatile athlete was rewarded with his second touchdown of the game, putting the Bobcats up for a final score of 35-14.

MSU will travel to the Fargo Dome this Saturday for a second-round playoff game with undefeated and defending national champion NDSU. Kickoff in Fargo is set for 1 p.m.