Montana State Survives Cal Poly Rally, Wins 34-28 in Overtime

Saturday, October 5

San Luis Obispo, CA

6 p.m.

Montana State University

Cal Poly

Photo by: Garrett Becker

Montana State Survives Cal Poly Rally, Wins 34-28 in Overtime

10/5/2019 9:45:00 PM | Football

Box Score

The Bobcat defense held Cal Poly off the scoreboard on its lone overtime possession, then Travis Jonsen did the rest for the MSU offense as the Bobcats picked up a road victory versus the Mustangs

By: MSU Athletics Communications

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Jeff Choate isn't worried about style points.

"It doesn't matter by how much," Montana State's fourth-year head coach said after his team earned a 34-28 overtime win at Cal Poly on Saturday. "Just how many."

Travis Jonsen scampered in from 10 yards out to seal the win, after the Mustangs missed a field goal on their first overtime possession. But it was a miss set up by two tackles-for-loss by Bobcat defensive tackle Derek Marks.

"His demeanor belies it," Choate said, "but Derek is such a competitive kid. He rises to big occasions."

After falling behind 7-0 when Cal Poly engineered a 12-minute plus first quarter drive, the Bobcats built a 28-7 lead. A fourth-quarter turnover and shanked punt gave Cal Poly two short scoring drives, then the Mustangs tied the game late to force MSU's first overtime since a 2010 win at Idaho State.

The Bobcats outgained the Mustangs in total offense (376-340). Tucker Rovig threw for 163 yards on 12 of 24 passing, which included an interception and a second quarter touchdown pass to Kevin Kassis. Jonsen had 155 yards of total offense and two rushing touchdowns for MSU. Isaiah Ifanse made a return to the Bobcat backfield and rushed 10 times for 69 yards.

Callahan O'Reilly led Montana State's defense with 16 tackles. He was followed by Michael Jobman (13), Marks (11) and Troy Andersen (10). Marks had a team-high 3 tackles-for-loss while Amandre Williams added two. Jahque Alleyne had an interception for MSU and JoJo Henderson broke up two passes.

Montana State raised its record to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Sky play with the win. The 'Cats host Sacramento State at Bobcat Stadium for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 12, with kickoff set for 2 p.m.