Idaho State fell to No. 3 Montana State, 28-26, after the Bobcats converted a two-point try in the third overtime at the ICCU Dome. The Bengals outgained Montana State and led 20-13 late in regulation, but the Bobcats tied the game and won the back-and-forth finish. Idaho State is now 6-4 overall and 3-4 in Big Sky play.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Montana State 28, Idaho State 26, after three overtimes.
  • Idaho State outgained Montana State 410-332 and held a 33:26-26:34 edge in time of possession.
  • Jordan Cooke completed 30 of 52 passes for 318 yards and ran for a touchdown.
  • Tommy Poe caught 9 passes for 100 yards; Mason Lindberg made 4 of 5 field goals.
Yes, But

The Bengals’ offense and defense produced enough to win: Idaho State gained more yards, converted half its third downs and held Montana State to 123 rushing yards. But missed chances—including a blocked 56-yard field goal at the end of regulation and the failed two-point try in the third overtime—left the Bengals short.

State of Play
  • Idaho State has lost its last five meetings with Montana State; its most recent win in the series came in 2018.
  • The Bengals head to Missoula next Saturday to face Montana.
What's Next

Idaho State plays Montana next Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in a game airing on ESPN2. Coach Cody Hawkins said the team must carry forward its confidence while correcting mistakes, especially in the red zone.

Bottom Line

Idaho State showed it can compete with an elite opponent, but that won’t count for much unless it turns promising drives and late-game chances into points and stops.