Bobcats make statement with win over Central Arkansas

By E.J. Daws Explore Big Sky Staff Writer

BOZEMAN – The Montana State University football team put on an offensive show for the capacity crowd of nearly 18,000 fans packed into Bobcat Stadium on Sept. 13. Dakota Prukop, the Bobcats’ new starting quarterback, gained 379 yards in total offense and scored three touchdowns in the 43-33 win over Southland Conference powerhouse Central Arkansas.

MSU running back Anthony Knight added three touchdowns of his own as the Bobcats established dominance over the Bears through the first three quarters, racking up more than 500 yards in total team offense for the second straight game. The Bears rallied a fourth quarter comeback behind quarterback Ryan Howard, but the effort was too little, too late.

The Bobcats burst to an early and commanding 37-13 lead in front of the hometown crowd with a great balance of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. Prukop proved himself a playmaker once again with both his feet and his arm, earning him Big Sky Player of the Week honors.

With the convincing win, MSU moved to No.14 in the national FCS polls, and set the stage for this weekend’s Big Sky Conference showdown with the second-ranked Eastern Washington Eagles on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Bobcat Stadium.

Visit msubobcats.com/football for tickets and scheduling information.