BOZEMAN — Backup quarterback Jake Bleskin threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns to lead Montana State to a key 44-39 win over Idaho State on Saturday.
Bleskin, who is filling in for prolific starter Dakota Prukop, was informed last Sunday that he would start, but MSU didn’t announce that until just before the game.
“(Assistant) Coach (Tim) Cramsey told Jake to ‘get ready’ on Sunday and Jake said, ‘I’m already ready,'” MSU head coach Rob Ash said. “He really stayed locked in all year. He was always on point at practice and on Thursday he’s completed 100 percent of his passes.”
The Bengals (5-2, 7-4) came out hot scoring 30 first half points with touchdowns on their four drives, but MSU’s defense stiffened just before half to hold ISU to a field goal and the momentum carried over.
MSU (6-1, 8-3) forced turnovers on ISU’s first two possessions of the second half, while the Bobcat’ offense scored after each miscue to take a 37-30 lead.
Playing with backups at four of its six skill positions, MSU was still able to generate 568 total yards.
“The next guy up is always ready to go,” Bleskin said. “Around here the next guy up is pretty good.”
All six of MSU’s touchdowns were scored by players that weren’t starting when the season began. Anthony Knight led the way with three running scores, while fellow running back Chad Newell ran in another. True freshman receiver Mitchell Herbert caught Bleskin’s first touchdown pass and tailback Gunnar Brekke caught the other on a third-and-22 play from the ISU 24.
“We’ve got a stable of running backs,” Bleskin said, while noting starter Shawn Johnson is out.
The Bobcats still need to win against rival Montana next week to ensure a spot in the FCS playoff field.