NAU vs. Montana State Statistics (PDF)

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Third-ranked Montana State entered the game with the Big Sky's top defense but the Bobcat offense led the way to a 41-24 victory on Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.

"We got pushed out of our game," said Head Coach Jerome Souers. "Montana State did a great job. Offensively and defensively we need to be more of who we are naturally. Today they put us out of that position."

Montana State totaled 524 yards in offense led by the 247 passing yards of quarterback DeNarius McGhee, who finished the game 18-for-22 with three touchdowns.

"He made some key throws when we pressured him early," said Souers.

Montana State took control of the game with three scores in the first 16 minutes of the contest and did not punt in the game, building a 28-10 lead at the half. The Bobcats opened the second half with an 80-yard drive to extend the lead to 34-10.

The Lumberjacks stayed in the game via the big play in the second half.

Sophomore Anders Battle cut the deficit with 60-yard interception for a touchdown in the third quarter against McGhee in the third quarter. The Bobcats marched back down the field but were stopped on a fake field goal, keeping the Lumberjacks alive. Three plays later, quarterback Cary Grossart hit Khalil Paden in back of the MSU secondary for a catch and run for 79 yards.

"Our kids have not given up," said Souers. "It is frustrating. We have had a lot of mistakes made by inexperienced players. The turnovers were not an issue today. We did not do a good enough job getting off blocks and they bottled up our run game."

Grossart, who was 6-for-14 in the first half, finished 10-for-20 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Paden had a career-high 150 yards on five catches. The Bobcats held the NAU rushing game in check with Zach Bauman and Giovannie Dixon combining for just 57 yards.

The Lumberjacks opened the game with a strong drive, marching down the field to put the first points on the board. Grossart hit Dejzon Walker on a 31-yard pass on the right sideline that just eluded a MSU defender and allowed Walker to scamper into the end zone for his second touchdown of the season.

MSU answered right back three plays later on a 46-yard pass from McGhee to Tanner Bleskin. The Bobcats scored again on their second possession, taking advantage of a pass interference call on third down that setup the 11-yard pass from McGhee to Elvis Akpla.

NAU returns home to host Montana for Homecoming next Saturday at the Walkup Skydome. Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. and tickets are still available online and at the Central Ticket Office.