MSU storms back in 4th quarter, shocks FBS New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Sophomore running back Scottre Humphrey scored with 10 seconds remaining to give Montana State University its first lead of the game Saturday as the Bobcats open the 2024 season with a 35-31 victory over New Mexico.

It's the Bobcats' first win over a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program since 2006. Humphrey's 4-yard touchdown capped off the comeback and a career-high 140 rushing yards, 114 in the first half, for the sophomore on 19 carries.

MSU had to overcome two 17-point deficits and offensive miscues, including one entering the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Tommy Mellott scored a 15-yard touchdown run on a broken play to make it 31-21 with 13:39 left.

It was also a career day for Sentinel alum and redshirt freshman running back Adam Jones. With the Bobcats' backs against the wall, Jones broke free for a 93-yard touchdown run to make it a three-point game with 4:35 remaining. It was the second-longest run in MSU history.

Jones led the Bobcats with a career-high 167 rushing yards. He and Humphrey combined for 307 of the MSU's 362 yards on the ground against the Lobo defense.

Montana State covered 182 yards on its final two scoring drives of the game and out-gained New Mexico 220-42 in the fourth quarter alone.

UNM had chances to put the game away in the second half after junior cornerback Noah Avinger ran in a 13-yard scoop-and-score touchdown to make it 31-14. This was the Lobos' second fumble recovery for a touchdown.

However, a pair of missed field goals couldn't extend their lead. Even though the New Mexico defense forced the MSU offense to two turnovers on downs in the second half, three total on the day, dropped third down catches by the Lobo offense late in the game kept Montana State alive.

New Mexico took a 17-0 lead in the first half, starting with a 41-yard scoop-and-score touchdown by junior safety Christian Elliss on the Bobcats' first drive of the 2024 season.

A 45-yard field goal by junior kicker Luke Drzewiecki, and a 12-yard touchdown catch for junior tight end Trace Bruckler from sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier gave the Lobos their largest lead.

Bobcats responded with a pair of touchdown passes from Mellott. He hit Gallatin alum and sophomore tight end Rylan Schlepp for a 5-yard score before finding senior wide receiver Ty McCullouch for a 17-yard touchdown on the next drive.

Mellott finished the game, completing 21 of 32 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 30 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

McCullouch was the leading Bobcat receiver with 7 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, including the third down catch to set up the game-winning touchdown.

Dampier took it himself for 24 yards to give New Mexico a 24-14 halftime lead. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown on three carries.

Montana State had 567 total yards, compared to New Mexico's 324 yards. The Bobcat offense was 6 for 12 on third down and 0 for 3 on fourth down, but the defense held the Lobos to 1 for 8 on third down.

MSU (1-0) heads back to the FCS level as it travels to Utah Tech on Saturday, Aug. 31 with kickoff at 8 p.m. The Bobcats began the 2023 season with a 63-20 victory over the Trailblazers in the Gold Rush game.