Big Sky Humans Sweep the Day
Sam Houston State (4-0) eeked out a hard earned road victory over Youngstown State. The Bearkats scored a go ahead 28 yard field goal by Melvin Moody in the closing moment. Moody also kicked 3 other field goals and added 2 PAT’s to lift the Bearkats over the Penguins. The key play in the winning drive was QB William Richard finding an open Scott Herman for a 3rd down conversion early in the drive
Northern Arizona (4-0) won a nail biter over the South Carolina State Bulldogs, with an overtime win
in Spartanburg by a score of 30-24. After having a seven point lead in the locker room, the Lumberjacks had to fight back, as Donald Soto found Timothy Hagan in the end zone early in the 4th quarter to tie the score. In overtime, the special teams took over as a blocked field goal attempt kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in overtime. Anthony Ziegler made a spectacular 15 yard reception in the end zone to close out the game for an NAU victory.
Portland State (3-1) relied heavily on their offense to down Florida International, much to the delight of the home Viking fans. Portland State jumped out to a 24-6 halftime lead and fended off a 3rd quarter challenge to march to victory. Peter Davis passed for 5 scores, finding 3 different receivers and RB Wesley James scampered to a 59 yd rushing touchdown.
Junior RB Michael Smith found the end zone 3 times on the ground as Texas State (4-0) steamrolled Jackson State 55-0. The Bobcat defense smothered the Tiger offense, limiting them to 142 total yards and intercepting 3 passes. Douglas Hines efficiently managed the Bobcat offense, going 30-41 for 314 and two scores.
Montana State (2-2) got a reprieve in their difficult non-conference schedule and took care of business against Howard University in a 47-0 pasting of the Bison on the road. The Bobcats had a balanced attack, led by RB Joseph Davis’ 172 total yards. Freshman Edward Barajas helped to keep Howard out of the end zone, by registering 8 tackles, with 3 for losses.
St. Mary’s (4-0) jumped out to an early lead over William & Mary, and let off the gas late to defeat the Tribe 54-10. Joseph Dukes collected 8 receptions for 128 yards and a score, and the Gael defense forced 3 Tribe turnovers. The Gaels also were very effective, going over 50% on 3rd down conversions.
Weber State (2-2) came out of the gates a bit flat, but had the game easily in hand. A late score by Missouri State made the scoreboard look better. Richard Boucher scored 65 yard TD early in the 3rd quarter to get the Wildcats out to a 28-13 lead. After a last minute score and two point conversion, the Bears were able to close the gap to 35-27, but the special teams could not recover the onside kick and it was victory formation from there and a Gatorade bath for jt73walsh.
Cal Poly’s (3-0) featured a balanced and potent offense to coast to victory over Savannah State 65-19 in San Luis Obispo. The Thomas Cooley show continued as he rushed for 223 yards for 3 TD’s and caught 6 balls for 100 yards. QB Michael Childress found WR Micheal Davis in the end zone twice. DL Bruce Sloan led the Mustang defense with 9 tackles, 1 sack and 3 TFL.
Tomorrow’s key games: East Tennessee State (3-1) at Montana State (2-2), Coastal Carolina (3-1) at Weber State (2-2), Cal Poly (4-0) at Texas Southern (4-0), St. Mary’s (4-0) at Southwest Missouri State (3-1), Sam Houston State (4-0) at Nicholls State (4-0), Texas State (4-0) at Florida International (1-3) and Alabama A&M (3-1) at Northern Arizona (4-0)
