Bobcats Claw Back to win 118th Brawl of the Wild

After the much anticipated hype this week, the 118th Brawl of the Wild kicked off in Missoula at Washington Grizzly Stadium Saturday. Aside from being the biggest college rivalry game in the state, a potential playoff berth was on the line for both teams, who each held a record of 6-4 ahead of the game. But it was the home team who quickly made their presence known early in the game. On the opening drive, the Grizzlies marched down the field and capped off the impressive 73-yard march with a Gabe Sulser touchdown. The Grizzlies followed up the score with another, this time a 1-yard run into the end zone by Adam Eastwood to jump out to a 14-0 lead. They’d score yet again on a two-play drive as Dalton Sneed connected with Samuel Akem for a 37 yard reception. With the two-point conversion good, the Griz had put up a 22-0 lead. Offensively, the Bobcats struggled in the first half, and were forced to punt five times before finally getting on the board at the end of the half, where Troy Andersen ran it in with just a few seconds left. The Cats trailed at the half 22-7, but came out hot in the second. After a scoreless third quarter, Montana State took advantage of a missed Montana field goal. The Cats responded with a 9-play, 87 yard march up the field, which resulted in another Andersen touchdown, The two-point conversion put the cats down 22-15, but in good standings for a comeback. Things continued to roll in favor of the blue and gold. The team came within three, and after recovering a fumble, took the lead with 2:19 left in the game. The Griz looked for a last-second miracle, but another forced fumble by Montana State’s Tucker Yates sealed the deal for the Bobcats, as they down Montana 29-25. Winning the Brawl of the Wild for the third straight year.  The Cats now move to 7-4 on the year. Andersen finished the game 15-of-24 passing, throwing for 158 yards. He also carried the ball 23 times for 107 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile the Griz fall to 6-5 overall. Quarterback Dalton Sneed went 22-34, throwing for 354 yards and two touchdowns.