Garrett Becker

Tommy Mellot scores against UTM in 2021

football
12/07/2024 11:59:00 am

Bill Lamberty

MSU revisits Touchdown Tommy’s starting debut

BOZEMAN, Montana – The Bobcats face tonight’s playoff opener without a pair of offensive weapons, MSU head coach Brent Vigen announced Saturday.

Full-back Rohan Jones and run back Julius Davis Both suffered injuries last week that will cost them today’s game. They both had an impact on the Bobcats’ championship games in November, with Jones catching a touchdown pass in a win over the Grizzlies last week and Davis leading the Cats in a win at UC Davis.

Tight end Rylan Trail and run back Colson Coon Move up the depth chart with absences.

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UT Martin’s final visit to Bozeman proved to be memorable for Bobcat fans for many reasons, but most notable was the debut of Tommy Mellott as Montana State’s starting quarterback. The rookie was promoted to the postseason, and it didn’t take long for everyone to notice. Mellott scored the game’s first points on a one-yard run, but failed on what would become a scoop-and-score for a Skyhawks touchdown late in the first half. The Bobcats led 12-7 after three quarters.

Then everything changed.

On the third play of the fourth quarter, Mellott burst through the middle, spun toward the visitors’ sideline and showed the world his blistering speed. The result was an electrifying 73-yard touchdown run, and the game was never in doubt again.

Mellott finished with 180 rushing yards and Isaiah Ifanse added 176. Callahan O’Reilly’s 10 tackles galvanized the defense, and a week later the Cats defeated the undefeated No. 1-ranked Sam Houston Bearkats en route to a championship game run.

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It is not difficult to identify the decisive duel in today’s game. Montana State leads the FCS in rushing offense with 317.9 yards per game. The Skyhawks are allowing just 84.9 yards per game, fourth in the FCS.

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Montana State has scored in 43 of 48 quarters this season.

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The Bobcats have given up just 10 first-half points at Bobcat Stadium this season.

#GoCatsGo