BOZEMAN, Mont. — Brayden Delahoyde’s first catch as a Jackrabbit was a memorable one as it helped SDSU secure a 30-24 double overtime victory against the Montana State Bobcats on Saturday night in Bozeman.
Jacks quarterback Chase Mason connected with Delahoyde on a 25-yard strike on the first play in the second overtime to put the ’Rabbits up by six.
The Jacks’ defense then secured the victory with a fourth-down stop inside the 5-yard line.
The Saturday night thriller lived up to its billing as a classic matchup between two highly-ranked teams, as SDSU came in ranked No. 2 in the nation against the third-ranked Bobcats.
The win pushes SDSU to 2-0 on the season, while Montatna State falls to 0-2.
Montana State tied the score at 17 on a botched Jackrabbit punt attempt with the Bobcats scoop and score and return of 13 yards.
The teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime period, with the Bobcats' Adam Jones scoring on a two-yard TD run.
The Jacks had the second possession and matched the Bobcats when Mason connected with Jayden Oliver on a three-yard touchdown pass to force the second overtime.
Lofton O’Groske was the leading receiver for the Jackrabbits with 11 catches for 139 yards
Julius Loughridge led the ’Rabbit rushing attack with 23 carries for 83 yards.
Mason made some plays with his leg as well, carrying the ball 14 times for 34 yards and one rushing touchdown.
The Jacks QB also had three touchdown throws.
The Jacks opened the game strongly with an 11-play 68-yard drive that ended with a 25-yard Eli Stader field goal.
A Justin Lamson touchdown run capped an 88-yard Bobcat possession that gave the Bobcats a 10-7 lead.
On the next Bobcat possession the Jacks defense came up strong with back to back sacks and a blocked punt gave the Jacrabbits the ball on the MSU 20.
The ’Rabbits took advantage of the miscue and Mason scored on an eight-yard touchdown, recaptured the lead at 10-7.
MSU managed a field goal as time ran out in the first half to knot the score at 10.
Both teams' stout defenses flexed their muscles in a scoreless third quarter.
SDSU grabbed the lead when Mason capped a 50-yard drive by tossing a TD pass to O’Groske.
SDSU held Montana State to 5 for 15 on third downs and forced two turnovers.
The Jackrabbits will host Drake University this coming Saturday at 6 p.m.
