bengals

Bobcats Come Up Short, Fall to Bengals

ISU Defensive Back Jayson Miller (4) pushes MSU wide receiver Kevin Kassis out of bounds during the Bobcats' football game against the Bengals in Holt Arena, Pocatello, Idaho On Oct. 27. The Bobcats fell to the Bengals 24-17. Photo by Brendan Kristiansen.

The Bobcats traveled to Pocatello, Idaho on Oct. 27 for another clash against the Idaho State Bengals. In search of another road victory, the Cats were ready for a fight in what Head Coach Jeff Choate called “a playoff elimination game.” Both teams came into the contest at 4-3, each looking for a signature conference win.

The Cats started the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown plunge by junior wide receiver Travis Jonsen. Following the touchdown, the wheels fell off for the Cats as they failed to score on any of their next eight drives while Idaho State raced out to a 24-7 lead. A fumble on a pass play by the Bengals in the fourth quarter gave the ball to the Cats in short field position, eventually leading to a 33-yard rumble by sophomore quarterback Troy Andersen. Another great defensive play by the Cats resulted in a second Bengals fumble. With good field position for a second straight drive, the Cats capitalized in the form of a 20-yard field goal by junior kicker Tristan Bailey.

Needing a touchdown to tie the game, the Bobcat defense forced a punt, giving the offense the ball late in the fourth quarter. Freshman running back Isaiah Ifanse took a handoff and sprinted for a 41-yard gain to move the Cats to the Bengals’ side of the field. MSU clawed their way to the Idaho State 16-yard line but that would be as close as they would get. On fourth down and 23, after penalties that pushed the Cats back, Andersen connected with sophomore wide receiver Lance McCutcheon, who muscled his way trying to gain as many yards as possible. In the end, his efforts came up just two yards short of the line to gain. The Bengals entered victory formation to end the game, beating the Bobcats 24-17.

Andersen led an impressive attack through the air and on the ground accounting for 279 yards of total offense. Ifanse added to an already outstanding freshman year accruing 120 yards through the trenches. The Cats return home after their road trip to face off against a tough Big Sky foe as they welcome Cal Poly to Bobcat Stadium on Nov. 3. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.