The Montana State Bobcats season began with their first Week 0 game in program history, and what a start it was. In a game that seemed destined for a New Mexico victory, The Bobcats pulled off a stunning comeback, erasing a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the New Mexico Lobos 35-31.

The Bobcats' victory was a testament to their resilience and the explosive nature of their offense. Trailing 31-14 early in the third quarter, the Bobcats looked to be on the verge of a demoralizing defeat. But then, the Bobcats found their footing, scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

The Turning Point

The turning point in the game came when Adam Jones, a Missoula Sentinel grad, ripped off a 93-yard touchdown run to pull the Bobcats within 31-28 with 4:35 remaining. This explosive play was exactly what the Bobcats needed to inject some life into their offense. Jones' run was a highlight reel play that ignited the Bobcats and their fans.

The Bobcats' Ground Game

The Bobcats' offensive success was largely due to their running game, which was dominant throughout the game. They piled up 362 rushing yards and averaged 7.7 yards per attempt. Jones led the way with 167 yards on 17 carries, while Humphrey added 140 yards on 19 attempts. The Bobcats' rushing attack was a force to be reckoned with, and it ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.

A Defensive Stand

The Bobcats' defense also played a key role in their victory. They held New Mexico scoreless in the second half, and they were able to force turnovers at key moments. The defense was led by McCade O'Reilly, who was a stalwart from his linebacker spot, racking up 10 tackles (five solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss. He added a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry to his stat line as the Bobcats shut out New Mexico's offense in the second half.

A Poised Mellott

Tommy Mellott, the Bobcats' quarterback, had a strong performance. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 205 yards and two scores, and rushing for 30 yards and another TD. Mellott overcame two costly fumbles earlier in the game, and he showed poise and confidence in leading the Bobcats' game-winning drive.

What's Next

The Bobcats, who began the season ranked No. 4 in the Stats Perform FCS rankings, will be on the road again next week with a trip to Utah Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be available for streaming on ESPN+. They are looking to build on their momentum from their upset victory against New Mexico.

A Big Win for the Bobcats

The Bobcats' victory against the New Mexico Lobos was a major upset, and it was a sign that they are a team to be reckoned with in the FCS. Their offense was unstoppable, and their defense was strong. This game was a testament to their resilience and their ability to overcome adversity. The Bobcats are now 1-0 on the season, and they will look to continue their winning ways next week.