Montana State Defeats Stephen F. Austin to Reach FCS Semifinals

Montana State beat Stephen F. Austin 44-28 in the FCS quarterfinals on Saturday in Bozeman. The win sent Montana State to the national semifinals. The loss ended Stephen F. Austin’s season. The game drew strong attention because both teams arrived with long win streaks and strong offenses.

The matchup moved fast from the start. Montana State took control early and kept the pace high. According to ESPN, the Bobcats scored on most of their first-half drives, which set the tone for the night.

Montana State’s Offense Sets the Pace

Montana State moved the ball with ease. The team scored six times in the first half. Short drives and quick runs helped build a 24-0 lead. Adam Jones led the charge with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His runs kept the Bobcats ahead each time the Lumberjacks fought back.

Quarterback Justin Lamson added two touchdown passes. He also scored on a rushing play. Each score kept the pressure on Stephen F. Austin. According to AP News, Montana State held the ball for most of the game and controlled the pace from start to finish.

Stephen F. Austin tried to answer. The team scored before halftime on a late drive. They scored again in the third quarter on two runs by Jaylen Jenkins. But the gap was too big. Montana State always answered with points of its own.

How the Win Shapes the FCS Playoff Picture

The result pushed Montana State to 12-2. The team will face the winner of Montana vs. South Dakota in the semifinals. The Bobcats’ strong run game and long drives remain key strengths. Their defense also held firm when needed.

Stephen F. Austin ended its season at 11-3. The team also ended an eight-game winning streak. According to Fox Sports, they became only the second FCS team to score more than 17 points against Montana State this season. Their fast offense and strong finish showed why they won the Southland Conference.

The loss hurts, but the season marked major progress. The Lumberjacks posted big wins and stayed competitive against one of the best defenses in the country. Their playoff run showed they can contend on the national stage.

Montana State now enters the semifinals with momentum, confidence, and a proven offense. The win over Stephen F. Austin keeps the Bobcats in the hunt for the FCS title and strengthens their push toward a championship run.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Who won the Montana State vs Stephen F. Austin game?

Montana State won the game 44-28. The win came in the FCS quarterfinals. It sent Montana State to the national semifinals.

Q2: How many yards did Adam Jones rush for?

He rushed for 114 yards. He also scored two touchdowns. His runs helped Montana State keep control of the game.

Q3: What was Stephen F. Austin’s final record?

The team finished 11-3. They also had an eight-game win streak before the loss. They remained perfect in conference play.

Q4: Why was this game important?

The game decided who advanced to the FCS semifinals. It also matched two strong offenses. It showed how Montana State handles playoff pressure.

Q5: Who will Montana State face next?

Montana State will face the winner of Montana vs South Dakota. That game will decide the next opponent. The semifinal will determine who moves on to the FCS title game.