BOZEMAN – Montana State’s injury depleted receiver corps received a much-needed injection of youth. The young Bobcats responded in a big way to the challenge, helping to turn back a game North Dakota unit in their 29-18 Big Sky win on Saturday.
Freshmen wide receivers Justin Paige, Mitchell Herbert and Jayshawn Gates gained 206 yards on 10 catches filling in for starters Brian Flotkoetter and Tanner Roderick.
The Bobcats (3-2, 1-0) got an interception return for a touchdown by freshman Khari Garcia early in the second quarter, Shawn Johnson scampered in from 16 yards and Mitchell caught his first collegiate touchdown pass as MSU built a 26-7 halftime lead.
“It’s a testament to our program and coach,” quarterback Dakota Prukop said of the freshman receiving trio. “We have a lot of faith in them, but I was really impressed.”
“We knew coming in that they would have to grow up fast,” MSU coach Rob Ash said. “They’ve had some snaps, but we were a little concerned about what would happen when they were thrust into this role.”
North Dakota (2-3, 0-1) was able to cut it to 11 on a late touchdown pass from Joe Mollberg to R.J. McGill and a two-point conversion, but they got no closer.
Prukop finished 17 for 24 passing for 267 yards and a touchdown and Johnson had 75 yards rushing on 15 carries. Gates added 85 receiving yards on three catches.
UND, which came in with the second-ranked defense in the Big Sky, held MSU’s offense to 329 yards after the Bobcats totaled over 500 for three straight games. MSU beat UND 63-20 last season and 55-10 in 2012.
“I was really happy with our defense,” UND coach Bubba Schweigert said. “We have a belief that we can stop people.”
Mollberg threw for over 200 yards for the first time this season, finishing 22 of 37 for 222 yards. Running back Kyle Norberg had 19 carries for 73 yards.