Montana Rallies to Defeat Idaho State in High-Scoring Affair
MISSOULA, Mont. – Montana overcame a 13-point deficit to secure a 42-38 victory over Idaho State Saturday night, remaining undefeated and solidifying their position as a top team in the Big Sky Conference. Keali’i Ah Yat threw for 350 yards, and Michael Wortham accounted for three touchdowns in the comeback win.
The Grizzlies (5-0, 2-0 Big Sky Conference), ranked No. 4 in the FCS coaches’ poll, demonstrated resilience against a potent Idaho State offence. The Bengals (2-4, 1-1) built a significant lead in the third quarter, but Montana’s explosive plays and Wortham’s versatility proved decisive. This victory extends Montana’s dominance in the series, winning 17 of the last 18 meetings against Idaho State, with the Bengals’ last win coming in 2003.
Idaho State initially surged ahead with a 3-yard touchdown run by Dason Brooks, extending their lead to 31-18. Montana responded with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ah Yat to Eli Gillman, narrowing the gap.After a 35-yard field goal by Ty Morrison, Idaho State regained a double-digit advantage when Jordan Cooke connected with Tsion Nunnally for a 22-yard touchdown, making it 38-28.
Montana ignited their comeback in the fourth quarter. Gillman scored on a 5-yard run, and Wortham capped the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run with 3:06 remaining. Wortham finished the game with six receptions for 124 yards, 41 rushing yards on seven carries, and two touchdowns. brooks Davis also contributed substantially with six receptions for 104 yards.
Ah Yat completed 23 of 40 passes for Montana, throwing one touchdown pass.He also connected with Josh Gale for a 16-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Cooke completed 33 of 54 passes for 421 yards and two touchdowns for Idaho State, but also threw an interception. Brooks scored two touchdowns for the Bengals, and carson Sudbury added another.
