Generations assemble to celebrate homecoming / SPORTS

    This season, all fans sporting blue and gold have something to be proud of. The MSU Bobcats entered their homecoming game against Portland State University (PSU) with an indisputably impressive rap sheet. As of Sept. 30, the ‘Cats have upheld a 23-game winning streak in Bobcat Stadium, continually setting a for the longest home streak in MSU history. The mark also represents the longest active home streak in Division I football. It’s no wonder the Bobcats are first in the Big Sky Conference and ranked number two in the national Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) rankings. They are currently leading the Big Sky Conference in several offensive categories with an average of 44 points and 516.3 yards per game and triumphing over the conference with 324.8 rushing yards.

   With the fire of the commencing cannon and eager attendees, the game began with an air-heavy attack from the Bobcats — an atypical strategy for the team involving pass-focused play, with four out of the six opening plays being passes. This push was preceded by a quick score by the ‘Cats, with junior running back Julis Davis forcing his way across the line for a three-yard touchdown on third and goal. But with an errant snap the team missed the extra point — kicking off the game 6-0.

   Coming off their first touchdown, senior quarterback Sean Chambers completed 51 pass yards after going four for five on passing attempts on the opening drive. The momentum was strong, with a few minor setbacks for the ‘Cats as they pushed downfield.With 5:49 left in the first quarter, PSU’s quarterback, junior Dante Chachere, took off with the ball, otherwise known as a QB keeper, and blew past MSU's secondary for a 31-yard rushing touchdown. 

   In the last few minutes, sophomore wide receiver Aidan Garrigan stepped into the spotlight, making a catch in tight coverage for a much-needed third-down conversion. At this point in the game, the ‘Cats trailed  7-6. But, this did not panic the ‘Cats. “There is a relative confidence within this team. We stay with it, we trust one another, and we find a way,” Head Coach Brent Vigen said. 

   In the second quarter, right out of the gate, Chambers went up on a keeper for a gain of 29 yards. Wasting no time, Chambers completed a play-action pass to tight end senior and returning first-team All-Big Sky fullback Derryk Snell for a two-yard touchdown, putting MSU ahead with a 14-7 lead. 

   This was no surprise to Bobcat fans given Chambers’ incredible track record and Snell’s tenacious mentality. In his 15 career games, Chambers has accumulated 26 rushing touchdowns, with seven already this season, ranking sixth highest in school history in the category. Reflecting on their play, Snell said, “You want to do great things for your team, and it ultimately comes down to putting in the effort.”

   But PSU came back swinging, finding their way into ‘Cat territory — only for Chachere to cough up the ball on the third down. Swiftly, the ‘Cats picked up where they left off and marched 47 yards within three plays. Junior receiver Ty McCulloch made an incredible on-ground catch, which led the ‘Cats into the red zone, where they handed it off to junior kicker Brendan Hall for a 21-yard field goal. 

   As the Bobcats’ battle with targeting penalties this season — a play where an opponent aims at a player with forcible contact beyond a legal tackle or block — the team is losing valuable yards, points and momentum. A targeting call on linebacker senior Nolan Askelson helped PSU gain ground and keep the drive alive, leading to a 19-yard touchdown by Chachere. This gave the ‘Cats a slim three-point lead by halftime, 17-14.

   After a brilliant performance by the MSU Marching Band, the game began moderately slow after halftime but picked up fast when MSU began their drive from their own eight-yard marker. With impressive downfield blocking by wide receiver graduate student Clevan Thomas Jr., Chambers rushed for a show-stopping 88-yard touchdown.

    It was an incredible feat for Chambers, who now holds the distinction of having performed the third-longest rushing play in school history. This allowed the team to hold 24-14 over PSU until the end of the third quarter.

   Finishing off the final quarter strong, Chambers found Thomas Jr. in the endzone for a 20-yard touchdown. Senior defensive tackle Blake Hehl sacked Chachere moments later, bringing PSU three-and-out. 

   In the final few plays, PSU punched in a one-yard touchdown and ran a two-point conversion play instead of kicking a field goal for a final score of 38-22.

   Although the Bobcats secured the win, the path to get there wasn’t easy. “They are good players. They force you to do things a little better than what we did today,” Vigen said after the game. “We dealt with some stuff, we overcame some stuff, and we got the win. Each week provides its own test; on a day like today, you develop a little more character.” 

   All in all, Saturday was a well-deserved victory for the Bobcats as they continue to fire up a crowd of blue and gold. Cherish these moments, Bobcat fans. There are only a few home games left. “You just got to soak everything in,” Snell said.